One thing I always disliked when I was an editor, was when a designer or PR told me, “We started the brand because we couldn’t find the perfect X. So we made it! But with a ~twist~.”
Inevitably, the “twist” was always an ugly exposed zipper attempt at edgyness, or fussy cutouts, or puff sleeves, or hideous buttons. If you’re out to make the perfect thing, make it perfect and leave it the fuck alone. No twist! No sassy branding, no logo, just set it down and walk away.
This is kind of the guiding principle in this little exercise I’m embarking upon. First it was THE PANTS, the hunt for the Platonic ideal menswear-inspired trouser. Then, I asked y’all what you’d like the perfect version of. I got A TON of requests, so I’m going to do a few of these - this group were the most requested, next week I’ll get into some more specific asks. Anyway, here are my takes on the best options at different price points of some of the most sought-after items. But also, keep in mind, this is all filtered through my very specific style lens - which is this - so not a lot of color, not a lot of flare, a lot of BDE.
The perfect menswear-inspired shirt.
My all-time favorite for knocking around AND dressing up. I get them in size Large or XL and wear them with denim, to the beach, to play with my kids, anywhere one might otherwise wear a t-shirt, I wear this. I’m not that much of a t-shirt gal TBH. I machine wash these and they get softer and softer. HOWEVER, with a proper steam they look as crisp and polished as can be. This one does it all and is as without a twist as it gets.
2. AYR, $135
Typically I prefer poplin to oxford, but I make an exception for this shirt. I love the large and slightly off-center pocket, the longer, billowy back, and that it’s slightly heavier weight than poplin (given that it’s Oxford) but it’s not hot. I always get asked where mine is from when I wear this one.
3. Danielle for Comme Si, $295
Ok, this is a sexy shirt. It has a hidden snap mid-way between two of the lower buttons so you can wear it unbuttoned low but honestly that’s too low for me. It’s crisp and sleek, it’s polished and grown-up. I bought mine in black and I treasure it. This is not one I’d wear to the playground.
And here, the holy grail (without going into Charvet or the like) - Maria McManus makes a divine button down. I love the slightly dropped shoulder, the cocoon-shaped back, and the higher notches on the side - which make it easier to tuck in the front and leave out in the back. The cuffs are gorgeous. The finish is gorgeous. The buttons are gorgeous, it’s incredibly luxurious, and sustainable.
A mid-weight (LA-weight) coat.
1. Mango, $90
All of these are mid-weight options, but the main thing I’ve learned about outerwear since living in LA is that when you’re always getting into and out of your car you don’t want something long/that will get stuck in your car door. So most are hip-length. I love this classic bomber, that it’s kind of sporty but not really. It’s like a dressy bomber! Picture it with slouchy pleat-front trousers, or with a swingy dress like this and little heels. Good with both - right?
2. COS, $250
Honestly, Cos is the best. This coat is chic and compelling. It has a rounded, cocoon shape, and is made of recycled wool, and is under $300. It also comes in gray and is a real treasure.
3. RAEY, $387
My LA coat is similar to this - hip-length, mid-weight, slouchy, with big pockets and round shoulders. I can see this leaning boho with more ~LA~ styling, but I prefer to envision it pretty sharp, with straight jeans, a roll neck sweater, and New Balances.
4. AYR, $695
Behold! The classic of all classics! A camel wrap coat! Chiiiiiiiiic.
This one really ticks all the boxes. It’s special, it has a built-in scarf, you don’t have to take it off when you get in the car, it’s just so good.
A grown-up, basic, menswear-inspired belt.
1. J.Crew, $50
Clean, clean, clean! This one also comes in dark brown and gold finish. The kind of belt that will make you look more pulled together, but won’t say anything, which I like.
2. J.Crew, $70
Another classic, but this one speaks. Preppy, classic, this one is actually a men’s belt, it’s giving me late 80s Connecticut finance guy off duty in a good way. A good woven belt gets better and better, and then when your kids start getting cool themselves, they’ll want to borrow it because it’s perfectly worn in.
This is the belt I wear every day. It’s extra-long, so you can either wrap it again through your belt loops, or do a fun little tie with it so it hangs down. It’s very clean and classic. I actually have this one in brown AND black. Very preppy.
4. Khaite, $380
Ok, not menswear-inspired but fucking cool. Imagine with a tissue turtleneck, a blue silk stripe blouse unbuttoned and tucked in to THE PANTS, and then this belt. Hot bitch 101.
A wear everywhere bag.
1. Hereu, $362
What a dreamy bag - I’m sure the messaging about it is summer, given the canvas, but I think this is SO chic in winter. Picture it with a large navy coat, huge gray scarf, dark denim, boots, etc etc. Just so beautiful.
I looooove Wandler. Super interesting shapes that, again, aren’t tricky or too novel, and are highly functional. The quality is amazing, and the colors are perfect.
In my opinion, the Old Céline Twisted Cabas is the most perfect bag. Ever. I wear mine everywhere, it by far gets the most use out of any accessory I own. It fits my laptop, is great for travel, and looks good (obviously). You can find a lot more pre-owned ones here.
Savette makes the most beautiful bags! Very subtle, not obviously branded - perfectly made, gorgeous finishes, everything everything everything, they are heaven.
Cropped flared pants.
1. Mango, $23
These are currently on sale, and are massively affordable. They also come in black. I like how clean they are - totally no frills, very, very minimal but in a poppy color.
2. Vince, $295
I wore these a lot while I was pregnant, and they’re excellent. The material is sleek, but holds its shape, and they have a very pleasing flare. These would be great with sneakers and a giant hoodie, or with little pointy flats and an oversized button down.
Ok, so these have a twist, BUT they’re just so good. And because they’re a neutral color, if you wear them like no big deal yeah my pants are wearing a skirt then it’s no big deal. They are so chic, and they’re on sale. I put them in this letter too because I love them so much.
The holy grail kick flare pant. I get so many questions about these, and I know they’re an investment, but they are completely unique. The knit is dense, but not hot, they suck you in but not in an obvious or uncomfortable way, you can do anything in them. I wore mine on an overnight flight to Paris from Los Angeles, SLEPT IN THEM on the flight, arrived in Paris, dropped off my bags, DID NOT CHANGE, and went straight into a full day of appointments, and I looked great. Zero rumples, no weird stretched out spots, they looked so crisp even after all that. They are perfect.
There we are!
I love you, your friend,
Laurel
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Thank you!