From the Editor
Growing older, I’ve found the distinction between my clothes in “town” (aka Manhattan) and my clothes at home in the “country” (aka the much less populated suburb of Long Island where we live) to be more defined than in the past. Gone are the days when I’d wear polo shirts and boat shoes into Manhattan (though, to be fair, those were standard “town” wear in Washington, D.C., especially my neighborhood.) I also never wore black, outside of my little black dresses (#navyornothing). Now, things have changed. I feel like I need to dress up a little, to live up to the best things about Manhattan. I also feel that, as an adult, a wife and mother, and the director of a nonprofit, I need to step out of my former uniform and live up to the person I am now.
One variation of my city uniform: Cardigan (c/o), tee, trousers, shoes, watch (c/o; 20% off with FEWERBETTER20), sunglasses, scarf (c/o)
But I am a creature of habit who definitely prefers a uniform, so I’ve pulled together my own “city uniform.” I feel comfortable and confident, which cuts down on daily stress, and I always know what to wear, which is crucial on days when I go from mom-life to nonprofit-director-life, the transition occurring at the train station.
While a uniform seems simple, arriving at it was actually more complicated than I’d thought. I had to take in several factors:
It has to be practical. Commuting on the LIRR, the subway, and the walk to my office, then the whole process in reverse, means that an outfit that is easy to move in is essential.
It has to involve layers. Especially at this time of year, the weather is so changeable–cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon, and occasionally freezing in my office. Layers are crucial to staying comfortable throughout the day.
It has to fit in. As
and I discussed in her What’s in Your Closet? interview, you can always tell a New Yorker from a tourist. I’m a native New Yorker (born in the East Village), and while we don’t live in the city any longer, I still consider myself a New Yorker (and always will!) Fitting in is, frankly, a lot safer, and it’s also a lot easier to maneuver through the train/subway/walk commute when you don’t look like a tourist. (Plus, you get better service when you go out to eat if it isn’t so obvious that you’re not local!)Everything has to fit together. This goes hand-in-hand with point two above. If I remove a layer from my outfit (for instance, my tweed jacket), the rest of the outfit has to look like an outfit, and not just as though I shed the jacket. I like to pack a scarf to tie a monochromatic outfit together if I have to shed my jacket.
My actual uniform is so simple compared to all the criteria I have! I try to keep my core items monochromatic (in the fall, I love a simple slim pants and turtleneck combination, particularly in black) with a piece in color to tie it together (Points Two and Four). I favor a lady jacket or a great cardigan for this layer (with a cardigan, I only button the middle buttons.) I also love a scarf!
I wear comfortable but simple shoes (Points One and Three). I favor my Belgians, ballet flats, or Stubbs. These are great for walking but are still elegant (I abhor the sneakers-for-commuting look.)
I use a practical bag (a large Longchamp Le Pliage in black, which can fit everything for the day, or the Jane bag from Parker Thatch). I also bring outerwear if it’s cold, either my Barbour or my trench coat.
But more than the practicality of this outfit, what I love most about my city uniform is how it makes me feel. It’s elegant, chic (even if I do say so myself) and it feels like me. In the end, that’s what a uniform should be: the physical manifestation of your personality. Something that when someone sees it, they’ll instantly say “that’s Sarah.”
The Make-It-Your-Own Edit
Inspired by my favorite piece of style advice, I’m pulling together four easy ways to make your uniform your own.
Add a signature scent: Olfactory memories are some of the strongest, and I’ve always loved the idea of having my own signature scent. I used to wear Chanel 19, but in recent years found myself drawn to Eternity, which I’d always worn in the evenings, and Little Flower, which was a gift from the creator. I love the process of determining your signature scent, and I strongly recommend that each one of you try it!
Monogram it! I’m really not a fan of slapping your monogram on anything you own, but a tasteful and discreet monogram is a subtle way to add personality to your outfit. My favorite monogram is the one pictured below, on my Barbour Beaufort—I had it done about twelve years ago when I lived in a great house in D.C. where the Barbour was our house jacket. It was easy to ensure I always grabbed the right one from our coatrack. And you know it’s good advice when Veronica Beard, one of the most stylish women I know, also has her field jacket monogrammed!
Add a distinct color or pattern: A uniform does not—and should not—be boring! One of my staple pieces is this lady jacket, which has been released in a series of stunning colors and patterns. Mine, as seen below, has serve me so well over the years because it sets my outfit apart while still following the guidelines of my city uniform.
Outfit details: Ann Mashburn jacket, tee, jeans, shoes, watch (c/o; 20% off with FEWERBETTER20), sunglasses, bag
Poise: The chicest accessory is being comfortable in your own skin! As Muriel Spark wrote in The Girls of Slender Means, “Poise is perfect balance, an equanimity of body and mind, complete composure whatever the social scene. Elegant dress, immaculate grooming, and perfect deportment all contribute to the attainment of self-confidence.” This is the crucial component to every single successful outfit, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
Five Things
What I’m reading, wearing, and loving.
I’m the executive director of a Manhattan-based historical society for my day job, and I was so pleased to be quoted in this BBC article this week!
On a work note, I’m embracing being back to commuting in our office, and while some days see me in jeans and a tee (renovating and unpacking is messy!), others find me in more formal attire. For upcoming meetings, I’m pairing my favorite vintage pleat-front skirt (a nearly-identical one from Ann Mashburn here) with my new Sarah Flint kitten heels, a gift from the brand.
I’ve been busy picking up furnishings for our new office, and as we have (or at least will have!) a little kitchen, I’m turning to my new favorite kitchen brand, Material, to stock our space! The team there has been kind enough to share a code (SARAHMATERIAL) for 20% off your purchase! Their cutting boards have been a big hit in my kitchen—they’re a great size, don’t slip easily, and wash and dry very quickly.
Thrilled that The English Sports Shop (one of my favorite Bermudian institutions) has brought back their ribbon belt! I have a very vintage one from my mother, pictured above, that I absolutely love. Can’t wait to plan another trip and pick up a new one. (If you’re heading to Bermuda, you can find my comprehensive guide here.)
I’m living in these chinos for all those events that crowd the beginning of the school year. They are as comfortable as jeans, but add a little more care and polish to my outfit. Highly recommend—I bought in three colors. You can see one pair on me here.
Discount Codes
I have a number of great discount codes available to you! Here they are…
15% off non-sale items with FEWER15
My pick: great denim! I particularly love these jeans.
15% off your purchase with SF-FEWER&BETTER-15
My pick: the beautiful handmade Italian shoes!
20% off your purchase with FEWERBETTER20
My pick: the Harriet watch (full review here)
20% off your purchase with SARAHMATERIAL
My pick: the salt sphere and cutting boards: kitchen basics that work really, really well and look great too.
20% off non-sale items with SARAH20
My pick: any of her beautiful scarves!
10% off your purchase with SARAHC
My pick: Personalized engraved stationery
$100 off your purchase with FEWERBETTER100
My pick: the Southport overcoat! Every wool coat Liz makes is 100% made in America, from the wool to the finished product.
15% off with SARAHC15
My pick: the Kylie bag, one of the most versatile pieces in my closet! (Read more here)
Have you ever tried Ann Mashburn’s buckle shoe? I have so many pairs in different colors and I find them easy to break in and perfect for walking long distances. I wear them everywhere- and have worn one pair for two weeks straight in Italy. They look so polished but are comfortable.