The Ultimate Get The Look?

Mrs. Prada wearing so many ideas I could explode. Why does it work? And is it even possible to recreate?

eseniyaa

A post shared by Eseniya (@eseniyaa)

This picture of Miuccia Prada resurfaced last week and I CANNOT stop thinking about it. There are so many ideas in this outfit, yet she looks so easy breezy, so unruffled. So casual. So dressed! I’m so gaga over it, this week we are breaking down the look: why each piece compliments each other, why the proportions matter, and how to get it head to toe (but not from Prada because lets get real, we still need to eat! And after much research, I don’t actually think this skirt was even produced in this length, just made for her!)

Lets start with the overall mishmash of this outfit. There is a coat, there is a white cotton (summer!) skirt, there is a brown belt, black tights, silver shoes, a basket bag! Dangly earrings! There is so much, yet look how not messy she looks. It is case in point that a clean “minimal” look is less about less stuff than it is about finding the right balance to not make a splashy statement. For example, on their own with jeans, any one of her accessories would be a statement. Together they are quiet.

Lets dissect the pieces shall we?

A big grey overcoat

The oversized-ness of her coat (its longer than the skirt) adds a menswear feel to the whole thing. It also wraps it all up, sheltering the summery skirt underneath and balancing out its non-seasonality. Her’s has a big collar, so therefore, we are going for a big collar too.

An enveloping, collared grey coat.

A White Cotton Skirt

If you haven’t read Rachel Tashjian’s recent interview with Mrs. Prada about the pleated skirt, please take a minute to do so! It talks about the “usual-ness” of the skirt and how she made it special. It has a ripped hem and is worn low on the waist. Literally cut out of its uniform context! The knitwear, big coat and TIGHTS make it look totally appropriate for winter. Without these other elements, it might seem silly.

Now, you knew this was coming…when you get the skirt, cut off the hem! Sharp scissors. You can do it!!

A white skirt ripe for chopping!

Your Winter Layers

Hot tip coming in. These are the only two things you really need for winter. It’s all about coats, boots and bottoms during the cold months meaning your sweater is where you should let your style fall away. With a white t-shirt peeking out, you frame your face and give a little hint of sportiness, taking the fancy down a notch.

I have found that a not-so-heavy-sweater that fits semi-close to the body will keep you as warm as (if not warmer than) something chunky and oversized. And even better, you won’t have to fuss in your coat sleeves. Essential. My go-tos:

Uniqlo Men’s merino (size medium for the right slouchiness) and when it gets colder, Everlane cashmere which I have no qualms about washing in the machine (on gentle, hang dry). And a shockingly white cotton crewneck t-shirt. A pricey option. And buy the lot option.

Strappy Silver Sandals

Ok this is important. Prada styling needs a literal lift. I know, its annoying, but the result is worth it. I had the HONOR of interviewing Judith Thurman for WSJ about a year ago and she talked a lot about how the Prada line needs a heel. I hadn’t thought about it that closely before, but now I can’t unsee it. The heel is what takes this and many conservative-in-theory Prada pieces out of parochial school headmistress territory and into fashion. Add silver to the mix and all of a sudden the utilitarian wools and cottons on top feel exciting. And we’re not finished. Add the most opaque black tights you can find, and we’re ready for a Thursday morning!

Strappy, metallic, heeled sandals. Editors note: When going the tights route, always wear a style that has an ankle strap or at least a crossover near the top of the foot. For some reason, you just need this to cut the opacity. Also, tights will make your shoes slippery, so it helps hold you in! Some other great options from The Real Real too!

A Quirky Net Bag

In the summer, basket-y, net-y bags are a dime a dozen. In the winter, it makes you look again. But it just goes to show there are no rules when you are trying to create something new and interesting in fashion. So go ahead, wear it til January.

This is an old Staud style. But I found it on Rent the Runway! Maybe more fun to test out than actually buy anyway. Here is the Miu Miu one Mrs. Prada is carrying. <3

All The Bits And Bobs

Ok, I lied. There are six points this week. But we really need to talk about it ALL.

A non-descript brown men’s belt creates the yin to the yang. A dressy but barely there baroque pearl doesn’t go with the mens-style belt or metallic shoes (therefore goes with both) and black tights with a sandal will always be something I just love. Can’t really explain that one. But anyway, you barely noticed these pieces right? Yet they are essential to the finished ensemble!

Emme Parsons belt, Mateo danglies, Falke tights

And if you’re STILL reading, a sneak peek into a future cold weather newsletter: I’m so giddy about this picture, we are going to use it again to dig even deeper into the theme of extending your summer wardrobe into winter. So subscribe subscribe subscribe if you haven’t already! And stay tuned. :)

Until then, you’ll see me around the neighborhood in my best attempt at recreating the above in things pulled from my closet.

How did I do? Happy to say I didn’t purchase one thing to put this together. Which makes me think you have some, if not all of these elements already too! Happy hunting (your own closet!)

Yours TRULY,

Becky

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