Sunday Snack: Wardrobe Essentials/The Building Blocks

I don't love to think of clothes in terms of "essentials" but it does help to have a little reset.

My best buddy Emily and her family were visiting last week, and while she and I have a ton in common when it comes to our taste, she’s much more of a minimalist than I. She was kind of passively shopping over our vacation together, and whereas I window shop for special pieces, she had her antennae up for essentials: a black blazer, black flats, flat boots, etc.

I write and think a lot about the joy of dressing and expressing oneself through clothing, and eschewing the kind of quiet luxury that feels stifling (and is on basically ever “out” list I saw over NY…this is a topic I’ll tackle another time), one does still need a few quality neutral building blocks to get started.

As its a new year, I’m going to start off here - with the kind of shopping list Emily had. After all, it can’t be all neon tinsel Dries wedges all the time, even though they’re currently on sale.

BLACK BLAZER

I just did a blazer post, but here are a few more super basic versions at a few price points.

1: If you need a super basic (in a neutral way) single breasted black blazer that’s neither oversized nor fitted, and comes in petite, classic, and tall sizing from 00-24, and is under $300….here it is. This one has a bit of stretch so that it moves with you, and can be dressed up or down. It’s a sort of perfect blank canvas. J.Crew, $248

2: Here’s more or less the same thing, but double breasted (slightly more tomboyish), and slightly more oversized. It comes in sizes 00-20, and is very slinky and wearable. It’s a kind of cooler take on the idea, and is under $400. MM LaFleur, $395

3: This one from Cos is also great - it’s a little more fashiony, with peaked lapels, and front-welt pockets trimmed in leather. It’s neutral but still very special. Cos, $390

4: This one is mega special - it’s a stretch twill and double breasted, from Maria McManus, who makes everything as sustainably as possible. It is gorgeous in person, and is a very worthwhile investment from the kindest, most thoughtful designer. Maria McManus, $1,490

5: Here’s one on sale, in a light virgin wool. It has a slim cut, but is longline and tomboyish. It looks great buttoned and unbuttoned. Max Mara, $1,295

6: And finally, this Brentwood blazer from The Row is a great option for something more cropped and fitted, or for someone petite. It’s a classic single-breasted option with bracelet-length sleeves, and is beyond gorgeous. The Row, $1,352

WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

1: These pleat-front trousers are slinky, slouchy, and under $100. They come in black, taupe, and navy pinstripe, and fit like a dream. American Eagle, $97

2: If you want something sportier, these from Universal Standard are black with a tonal black stripe down the side. They come in sizes 00-40. Universal Standard, $145

1: These are the coordinating trousers to the MM LaFleur blazer - they’re sold out in black at the moment (though I imagine they’ll be restocked soon), and are a nice slinky crepe. They also come in tan, brown, and gray, and are an excellent classic. MM LaFleur, $325

2: This is the pair I have, they’re usually sold out in black suiting, but are currently in-stock! A great high-waist pant with excellent drape. I wear these all the time. Kallmeyer, $495

1: These are pretty different from the others - they’re a more casual cotton with an elastic waist, but they’re so, so, cool, comfortable, and on sale. Dries van Noten, $577

2: And finally, the coolest ever - menswear-inspired pants in navy pinstripe. They fit like men’s pants fit a woman, but minus the diaper booty, empty penis pouch situation that comes from actually wearing a man’s pants. Co Collection, $795

EVERYDAY FLATS (not loafers)

A non-sneaker non-statement shoe for wearing everyday when you need to look a little polished but not too. Of course, these Chanel black flats still get my heart and my vote, but here are a few others.

1: The simplest, most classic, feminine ballet flat ever - with a lightly cushioned sole - under $250, in a million colors, and offered in normal, wide, and narrow - this is kind of a no-brainer. Margaux, $235

2: Ok so these are a little fancier than basic, but I love them. The toe is kind of square-ish elongated and very pretty. You can also replace this ribbon with more or less whatever you want to personalize them. Loeffler Randall, $295

3: Another pretty classic ballet flat, but with a short vamp, and a squared off toe. Kind of like a flattened pointe shoe - they’re an interesting take on a very familiar thing. Aeyde, $345

4: These are suuuuuuuper cool and interesting! They’re Jamie Haller, and look great with jeans. I loooove the covered heel. Jamie Haller, $576

5: And finally, the daintiest, prettiest, most well made thing of all time - these are exquisite! Almond-toed, gorgeous little perfect perfect flats. Manolo Blahnik, $795

FLAT BOOTS

1: As simple as it gets - these flat ankle boots have a pointed toe and curved heel that gives them a hint of cowboy boot vibe. Madewell, $188

2: These are the black boots I have and wear - they have treads on the sole so they’re good in weather, but are patent, so they don’t look SO utilitarian. The combination is better IRL than it sounds - they’re also super super comfortable. Sezane, $260

3: I love this pair from Rachel Comey too - they’re mega flat, and the leather is super soft. They’re very pointy, so maybe not the best for those of us (me) with large feet, but they’re gorgeous with jeans, trousers, and skirts. Rachel Comey, $525

1: These from Toteme are mega popular - they have a pretty square toe, and most of the shaft (lol, shaft) is elastic, so they fit tight against your calf - which makes them a great boot for wear under pants. Toteme, $890

2: The dreamiest riding boots, and on sale! These are shiny and tidy and gorgeous. True classics. There are also a lot of sizes left. Jil Sander, $1,520

3: Ok, so these aren’t neutral or basic, but I love the idea of wearing them as though they were. They’re Miu Miu, and they’re so insane, and such a look, but Miu Miu shows them always with mega preppy skirts and dresses and they’re just so fucking good. I’m dying for them. Miu Miu, $2,550

MAKEUPPY THINGS

A few things I’ve tried and love for makeup bag staples…

1: A really lovely tinted lip oil, it feels moisturizing but not overly slippery. It has a sheer tint and a light minty flavor - I also like dabbing it on the apples of my cheeks. Rare Beauty, $22

2: This is a great tinted SPF that also has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and comes in a wide range of colors. It gives a very dewy, glowy finish with a good amount of coverage. Ilia, $48

3: This is my all time favorite tinted SPF, the coverage is much more sheer, but it doesn’t come in as wide a range of colors. It has vitamin C and niacinamide as well, and makes my skin look suuuuuper glowy and healthy. Iris & Romeo, $50

4: If I’m wearing mascara (which I don’t usually because I use this eyelash serum to grow mine extra long and dark - yes it really works but you have to stick with it) I like this one. It has a very thin formula so it’s not clumpy or overly noticeable, but makes my eyelashes look very long and feathery. Benefit, $29

5: I looooooove this little ball of a blush thing from Merit - it comes in a ton of colors, but I like this one (in Persimmon) best. It’s an orangey red that’s a nice mix of a tan and a burn color. Merit, $30

6: And finally, an excellent lip balm. One of the very very best I’ve ever used. Ilia, $24

SWEATSHIRTS

These are sweatshirts to wear more like shirts - not like, to exercise or whatever.

1: A super affordable sweatshirt with some heft - I love how simple and clean this one is, which means it will pair nicely with more formal trousers and skirts, but that it has a real vintage athletic feel. American Eagle, $35

2: This is my current go-to, it has the v-stitching on the neckline, and the fit is A+. I wear it all the time, with everything. Richer Poorer, $76

3: Another personal favorite, this one is more baggy and slinky than the others. It’s super comfortable and fits like a men’s sweater. Donni, $184

4: Ok this is the last one in heavy rotation for me. It has more weight, and is also more cropped and fitted than the others. It’s the most designed of all of them, if that makes sense. It’s very flattering and has a super satisfying heft. It’s also usually sold out but is currently in stock. Jamie Haller, $275

UNDERWEAR

Ok, I’m out of space so I won’t include photos, but it’s a nice idea to start the year with fresh undies, right? I’m a connoisseur of comfy undies and my current favorites are these from EBY - they are seamless, but the inside edges have like a velvet piping, so comfy (I also like this bra of theirs)- and these from Negative - insanely soft, they’re a treat to wear. I’ve also heard great things about these, but have never tried them myself. I also love these cotton ones from Oddobody, and they’re kind of sexy. For thongs, I prefer Commando’s seamless ones. If I’m going thong it’s because I don’t want VPL, so anything other than seamless is stupid.

That was a lot!

Your friend, forever & for real,

Laurel