This week, Mitch and I started to organize my closet to make room for what he’ll eventually need and want to move into the space as it becomes our apartment. Not only did it highlight that there were plenty of space-saving solutions we could use (like storing sweaters in bins under the bed), but it also brought to light some very deep-rooted insecurities about my wardrobe.
I’ve kept a number of things over the years that didn’t serve me— whether because I no longer wore certain items, because I’d taken them as hand-me-downs, or because I had bought them and ultimately realized that they weren’t what I was looking for in the first place and instead tried to quickly fill a hole that I should have thought more carefully about.
I’m lucky to have his support as I start seriously considering the pieces that come into my wardrobe, and the timing aligned perfectly with the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-inspired autumn capsule I put together! After reading Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, I was overwhelmed by the emotion and fear that CBK experienced when she would leave her shared apartment with JFK, Jr., bracing herself to face the onslaught of photographers and paparazzi that stood outside their front door. Yohji Yamamoto was one of her favorite designers, and had been famously quoted in the 90s saying, “I make clothing like armor. My clothing protects you from unwelcome eyes.” I think that was something that CBK intentionally sought out in the pieces she wore.
While I don’t necessarily think that I need armor to go about my day-to-day life, there’s something to be said about knowing the pieces you’re wearing will help you take on the world with confidence and candor. To have pieces that make you shine, that you wear instead of them wearing you.
90s minimalism won’t resonate with everyone, but I’ve been thinking a lot about what I tend to gravitate towards and come back to. That tends to be simple lines, classic silhouettes, and neutral colors. While some of these colors are not typical “True Autumn” colors— see my color analysis journey here— I love black for the fall and winter, and think it’s still a great choice for my wardrobe!
When I add pieces into my wardrobe moving forward, I want to be mindful of their quality and longevity. Could I pass it down to a granddaughter? And I’m thinking about how it makes me feel. Would I be proud to wear this item today? While not all of these items are immediately feasible, there are things I’ve added to my “find secondhand” list, or onto my dream wish-list to save up for. Personal style is a long-game; it takes time to find what is a worthy purchase to be made and allowed into your wardrobe, and takes time to find what is worthy to stay.
- Stirrup leggings, LESET 2. Everyday pink lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury 3. Tortoise headband, Lele Sadoughi 4. Classic trench coat, Mango 5. Oval sunglasses, Les Specs 6. Leopard cardigan, J.Crew 7. Vanilla Antique perfume, Byredo 8. Black leather ankle boots, Michael Kors 9. Low-profile white sneakers, Adidas 10. Plaid-print midi skirt, Zara
- Boiled wool skirt, COS 2. Black leather belt, B-Low 3. Plaid blazer, Aligne 4. Tortoise claw clip, Machete 5. Double-loop earrings, Heaven Mayhem 6. Brown wool turtleneck, Róhe 7. Burgundy clutch, Savette 8. Leather wide-leg pants, 7 for All Mankind 9. Amber candle, Diptyque 10. Black leather loafers, Flattered
- Black suede kitten mules, Reformation 2. Brown leather tote bag, Massimo Dutti 3. White tee, Hanes 4. Cotton and satin t-shirt dress, Rosetta Getty 5. Camel wool midi skirt, House of Bruar 6. Straight leg denim, Agolde 7. Beige and brown cashmere scarf, Hermès 8. Brown leather watch, Cartier 9. Houndstooth newsboy cap, Ruslan Baginskiy 10. Snakeskin slingbacks, J. Crew
- Brown leather crossbody, J. Crew 2. Leopard-print trench coat, Theory 3. Black long-line vest, Babaton 4. Halter-neck silk blouse, Anine Bing 5. High-waist wide leg pants, GAP 6. Red nail polish, Chanel 7. Chestnut cashmere pashmina, Aman Essentials 8. Perfect 90s brown lipstick, Chanel 9. Black leather sandals, AYEDE 10. Canvas tote bag, L.L. Bean
- Vintage scarf, Yohji Yamamoto 2. Black leather shoulder bag, St. Agni 3. Pearl drop earrings, Ana Luisa 4. Black and white satin dress, & Other Stories 5. Camel cashmere sweater, Everlane 6. High waisted straight jeans, Storm Label 7. Oblong vintage-style sunglasses, Amazon 8. Classic white button down, Nili Lotan 9. Cashmere socks, Jenni Kayne 10. Knee-high leather boots, Valentino
