Coastal grandmother. Quiet Luxury. Blah blah. How many times can we coin simple, good clothes into something new for hashtag value!? And then make us feel like we are feeding into a trend, when really we are just wearing a great khaki shirt dress or perfect tan satin jacket (see below :)) So I would just like to say, IT’S OK TO LIKE NEUTRALS! I have made the executive decision to not feel like a Basic B when I want the tan or cream or black version of something. And it doesn’t have to be more than that. It can just be that they are great and wearable pieces and they don’t need a Tik Tok explainer. Whew! Glad I got that off my chest.
Fittingly, today’s newsletter is a partnership with Vince, masters of the beige but not boring wardrobe. As a stickler for shapes and layers fitting proportionally just so, Vince is a brand I refer to quite a bit. They anticipate changes in the fashion silhouette extremely well. And on the opposite end of the spectrum, it’s brand that is confident in its identity and color palette. We sort of know what we’re going to get with Vince, making it an easy place to shop, but there’s often an element of pleasant surprise, too. It’s not boring! So today, five pieces from their newest spring drop that are easy to wear, blend into an outfit seamlessly and still give off style in what else… Neutrals!!!
The Creamy Midi Skirt
You got a sneak peek of this skirt two weeks ago in our Armani jacket letter. It’s been such a great piece to play with over the past few weeks when we had that tease of early Spring weather in NYC. The not quite white and the straight but not tight silhouette make this a joy to throw on. I don’t get as fearful with off white as I do with a stark white for some reason! And the loose but not bohemian shape works with boots and loafers and heels and Birkenstocks! She might not be for running out to the acupuncturist but she’s definitely an office and weekend-plans-where-you-actually-have-to-ditch-your-sweats hero. I’m wearing a size 2, for reference.
The Silky Oversized Bomber
I have a weakness for khaki jackets. I have too many! And they’re all just a little different…so much for my great start to the year of closest editing. It’s a category I don’t dare edit in my closet. This newest one, a perfectly drapey, silky, cover-my-bum coaches jacket is totally IT! The layer that makes everything else luxe and cool and casual and dressed all at once. It’s a showstopper! Without screaming, naturally. Wear it instead of a blazer, or that sweater you’ve worn everyday for the past two months. Pair her with jeans. With your favorite vintage Prada. With the pants that have changed our lives! I’m wearing a size small.
The Wispy Shirt Dress
Dresses are hard for me (too few styling options!), but I know they are essential to a lot of you. And I think I found one that works for all of us. I love a long shirt dress. Short shirt dresses make us look like we forgot our pants. Yikes! Anyway, a long shirt dress is lovely, if you can find one in juuuuuust the right fabric. It can’t be too bulky, or stiff. Or too sheer, like most cotton varieties. This one hits all the notes. It’s made from a nylon-y material that feels perfect for the style. What I mean by this is that silk would be too flimsy, cotton too crunchy. It has a hint of techi-ness making it less “classic". The shape flows well when closed and buttoned all the way. And it opens up to layer as a top or a jacket. I even kept it creased as a nod to Mrs. Prada. :) I’m wearing a size XS.
The Twin Set
Swan fever!!!!!! Give me skirt suits. Twin sets. Button earrings! This little duo (really two things) has blessed us in an incredible shade of khaki with a hint of green…in a Benjamin Moore way that only makes sense if you’ve been staring way too long. Something about the prim-ness in this sort of new age color palette feels rebellious. It adds a point of interest in a way that a simple crewneck does not, without screaming “look I know styling tricks!” It can be a scarf or a belt. It can be worn as a top, buttoned all the way up and tucked in. Or it can give a little texture to your standard jeans and blazer uniform. What can’t she do!? I’m wearing a size Small in both.
A Sort of Slouchy, Not Too Tight, Not Falling Off Tank
And finally, number five. I was just going to call this “The Perfect Tank” but then I thought, we aren’t basic! :) This tank is so great though, really! And don’t worry, it also comes in khaki. But the black was so good I had to veer (just a little) from our theme. This tank is not too thin, so it can be worn on its own but is also the perfect cut to layer while still being seen. It’s bouncy, super soft, opaque. And most importantly, it is simultaneously slouchy and slightly narrow. Meaning, I get the look without having to worry about it falling off my shoulders! My biggest issue with anything in more of a scoop shape is that it just doesn’t stay up. Or it’s cut so wide it shows my bra, ugh. I love her! I’ve been wearing her for a few weeks under button downs (too cold to wear a button down next to your skin in the winter…which we will be addressing next week!), blazers and even sweaters where you can’t see her. She’s just a great little tank. I’m wearing an XS.
Now go enjoy the khaki in your closet. You’re anything but basic.
Yours TRULY,
Becky
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Your delightful California montage made my day. Thanks Becky! xo
Speaking of twin sets, what neutral and large, spacious patterned pant sets for summer are we anticipating? I do live in California, so breathability (cotton, linen, tencel) with sleeves is my framework.