038: Autumn/Winter In My Wardrobe
Playing dress up (adult version)
Getting dressed nowadays happens in the early hours of the weekdays when survival mode kicks in, and my main priority becomes putting together an outfit that gets me out the door. I no longer have enough time to indulge in the youthful act of playing dress-up and experimenting with my clothes. Because of this, I don’t have the intimate relationship with my wardrobe that I’d like, so I decided to take time this weekend to recreate my own version of the shopping scene from the movie "Wild Child" (if you know, you know). This exercise excited me because it allowed me to push past my default settings and pair items I wouldn’t normally think to combine. I experimented with color and texture, and now I have a few more pairings ready for those moments when my brain is too tired and it’s too dark outside to think beyond “Clothes. on. now.”
For a few months now, I’ve noticed a shift in my desires regarding getting dressed, which crystallized as I sifted through my wardrobe. My usual attraction to tight and pointy pieces has shifted to a more realistic need for chill items. With practicality entering the mix, I resonate with the need for comfort in my day-to-day wear. This shift shows in the silhouettes I choose; they have become much more oversized and relaxed, falling effortlessly with intention. The addition of "chill" as an adjective when getting dressed allows me to create outfits that feel like I just threw something on, making looking amazing simply an afterthought.
This new realisation is most present in my all-black tailored look that is classic in it being a blazer, tailored trousers, and loafers combination, but the wide leg silhouette of the trousers bringing in that chill vibe. The asymmetric button detailing of the blazer then adds an edge to the classic piece, finishing off the look. A similar theme is seen in my outfit, where I played with neutral tones to create a skirt and jacket outfit with more of a punch. The socks with the shoes bring in the chill to offset the more classic skirt silhouette, and the edge is seen with the strong shoulders and details in the jacket as well as the asymmetric heeled pump.
I had a lot of fun playing with contrasts in this outfit, especially since I usually avoid black and white combinations. The stark difference between the two tones often intimidates me, but experimenting with how to blend them resulted in one of my favorite outfits. The thin black belt created a sense of cohesion throughout the look, while the cream and black pumps provided a seamless connection between the two colors, achieving a perfectly casual chic vibe.
I love a casual outfit that defies expectations. At its core, this look features a pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt, but it’s the details that truly elevate it. The wide-leg sweatpants, made from a shiny material, add a polished touch, while the leather blazer introduces a tailored element that balances the relaxed baseball cap and the trousers. The tabi toe of the Maison Margiela shoes adds a unique twist to the simple ballet flat, enhancing the overall look. This outfit is versatile enough to wear to the airport and comfortable enough to transition seamlessly into a day at work.
This last look was all about having fun. The silhouette of the Jil Sander coat is so feminine and babydoll-like that I wanted to add an edgier element to make it feel more like me. The electric pink, exaggerated pointed-toe Balenciaga mules were perfect for this, and the socks brought a relaxed vibe to the overall look, making it easy to transition from day to night.
I want to do this more often to push past the mental limits of my wardrobe and get more out of what I own. This approach allows me to maximize the use of my clothes sustainably, showing that we don’t always need to consume more to create exciting outfits. Plus, it’s simply fun!
Hope you have a lovely week and speak soon!
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I *love* how much variety is in these looks, there truly is so much potential in our wardrobes when we make the time to play!!
I love these combos you put together! I'm in the same rut currently and I'm hoping your inspiration will push me to make some unexpected combinations of my own