the practical dresser
Photographer: Maya Viliger
How I dress:
Step 1: Occasion
Step 1: Occasion
Step 2: Weather
Step 3: Comfort
Most of the time, as I get dressed, I have nothing. No ray of light moment when style icons flit through my head and I immediately think of a mood to channel. I know what I love of course, but a lot of it is deeply ingrained reflex.
So these days, it's whatever jeans I'm feeling that day (slouchier, skinnier), pick a top according to the weather (t-shirt, button-down, pullover), and ballet flats or loafers, or sneakers. My new desert boots have also added a bit of spin.
Bag of choice: my large grey YSL tote or, more so, my navy Longchamp messenger bag - so much to lug around, and all the better if I do it hands-free, since I take trains and buses.
I've neglected most of my other bags for months now. I also feel my desire for a small purse waning slightly (only slightly), because I can see how I'll use it only once, twice a week.
My dresses have also fluttered in my closet, unworn, because jeans just work better for work.
I'm enjoying my practical dressing phase, all thanks to my relaxed dress code for work.
Over time, I have formed my own little set of rules for practical dressing:
- Buy no-nonsense, low-maintenance fabrics. Hardy materials like cotton and linen and washed silk are fuss-free choices. And they are all luxurious in their own way.
- Buy good quality accessories that aren't precious. I don't own anything I'm worried about tucking under a chair (so long as it's not a bathroom, and it's dry). Awesome bags and shoes speak volumes - essential if you're a basic dresser.
- Cut, cut, cut. Important for anyone, but I'm a basic dresser and not playing artfully with layers, so whatever I have on needs to stand on its own. Simple things with maximum impact.
- If I'm tugging and fiddling even before I leave the house, I change.
- Wear what I feel like wearing, not what I think I should be wearing. Even if it means I'm wearing the same thing over and over again.
- Buy what I'll wear on a Tuesday afternoon, not a Saturday night. All the pretty special occasion things just never get worn - a couple of pieces are enough.
- My friend says I have a siege mentality - I'm happiest when kitted out in things I will be comfortable in if I'm going to be trapped wearing them for the next 36 hours. I think it's something ingrained in me ever since my family and I were stuck in some random airport FOREVER with no luggage because of a missed flight.
- I get my hair trimmed regularly - good hair is obvious when you dress simply, and it's easier to handle in the mornings.
- You can skip/shorten the make-up routine if you take care of your skin (eat well, sleep more).
- Flat shoes over heels. Always.
Comments
also flats rule!
X
hannah-rose: I agree, I do feel a little shabby, even rude, sometimes, for looking so casual. But then looking at the girls on Turned Out always make me feel better. We're not alone in loving grey sweatshirts and slouchy t-shirts!
The past six months or so reading all these inspiring blogs has made such a difference to me. I've given up makeup (except for a smudge of eyeliner or brow pencil) and I obsessively check fabric labels. Your blog has contributed to this greatly, so thankyou.
Elena from www.likeabirkin.blogspot.com
http://millyfellintothewardrobe.blogspot.com/
For years whenever I think of getting anything the first question was if it needed to be drycleaned and if it did I usually do not get it. Getting older now I think about having to iron shirts but I still can't give up the nonchalance of the Steven Alan shirts.
Nice write up!
especially agree with your rule about awesome and well made accessories anchoring the look. a superbly crafted and timeless bag or pair of shoes will always be both the foundation and the elevating factor!
Kate: Thanks, I'm really glad to be able to interact with like-minded bloggers and readers as well - it's a great outlet for me, seeing as many of friends don't understand how I feel about clothes.
Lindsay K: I love her hair too; for about two seconds I wanted long hair. I think it's also a matter of appreciating what we already have - something I get obsessed with "better " versions of what I have, when I was pretty happy with it in the first place.
Elena: Glad you agree :)
R A: I agree! The girls I admire, no matter what they are wearing, are ones who look completely at ease.
Stephanie: I have so many of those moments, especially since I like to sleep in.
Aissa: Like what you said on your blog about short shorts, if I can't wear it on the subway or bus, it doesn't make sense to buy it!
Pret a Porter P: I'm so obsessed with the weather when it comes to clothes!
Fashion Tidbits: Really! I don't own any heels, and borrow from my sister if I really need to look for formal, and for job interviews. I had a pair but I gave them to her because I never wore them.
Milly: I do that all the time. I will put something on, have breakfast, and decide to wear something else, for no clear reason.
Nanashi: Thanks! It's something I've always tried to keep in mind, but the actual phrase I took from Lucky magazine! Shld have mentioned that. I hate dry-cleaning things also, and avoid them.
Joy: Thanks!
miss sophie: And good bags are really things you can use for a long long time too, so I can justify spending more on them than I do on other clothing.
Ginta: Exactly! This is why I don't wear dresses as much.