I had an assignment in college that began as a burden and ended up being one of the most thought-provoking experiences of my life. Studying Anthropology, I was required to take a number of cultural anthropology courses despite a focus in archaeology. One of my professors set us an assignment—to keep track of everything we wore for a month. We had to create a spreadsheet and write how/where we acquired what we wore, how much we spent, where it was made, how often we wore the items, what we were doing when we wore that outfit—and at the end of the month, submit an analysis of our style, our shopping patterns, and what our clothing said about us. I’ve never been able to get dressed the same way again.
This assignment shaped a good deal of my life. Instead of applying anthropological thinking to other cultures, I started thinking about my own life and culture through that lens. Why do we dress the way we do? Why is there such pressure on our culture to constantly be consuming, to be searching for the next thing, to feel like we’re missing out if we don’t have the latest fashions? Why does a sale seem to equal a compulsion to purchase something, because otherwise we’re missing out? (Hint: 99% of the time, we’re not–and that’s why the item is on sale to begin with!)
So this is why I write this particular column (and a previous one, “What Do I Really Wear?”) I’m fascinated by the why of it all. In this column, I share three favorite outfits from the previous week, what I wore, and why I chose them. I hope you find this process interesting just as I do!
Back to school! and coffee with a friend
Ann Mashburn Shetland sweater (10-ish years old, and I hope they bring it back!) / Tee (c/o; 15% off with FEWER15) / Watch (c/o; 20% off with FEWERBETTER20) / Jeans / Belgian Shoes
Why am I wearing this outfit?
We’ve had a burst of chilly early-fall mornings here, which is truly making me SO happy, particularly as I wore this outfit for the first day of school drop-off. I’ve needed a light layer, and as my sweater collection has slim pickings for cotton sweaters (how, I don’t know), I turned to my lightest wool sweater: this Ann Mashburn Shetland sweater. It’s easily 10 years old and it’s a true workhorse, one that’s only become better with age. This sweater is so great for many reasons, but particularly because it’s knitted off-gauge so it’s nice and breezy. Unfortunately I tore a hole in the sleeve a year or so ago that’s not too noticable (though it’s starting to unravel), so a new one is in my future while this one is sent to my reweaver.
I turned to other wardrobe staples to complete this outfit. There’s nothing simpler than jeans and a white tee for base pieces, and I paired my black watch band with my brown Belgians with black trim. It was a nice way to tie it all together.
Working from home and the bus run
By. Merryn sweater / Tee (c/o; 15% off with FEWER15) / Watch (c/o; 20% off with FEWERBETTER20) / Jeans (similar) / Bluchers
Why am I wearing this outfit?
Our house is usually always at least 10 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature—great in summer, OK in the fall, not great in winter—so even though this day turned out fairly warm, I was quite chilly for most of it. This sweater is one of my favorites for fall and winter: the cashmere is truly some of the best I’ve ever owned (and I know my cashmere!) Hopefully if enough people ask my friend Merryn for this sweater she’ll start making knitwear again ;) I feel so passionate about quality in my wardrobe and this piece is one that longtime readers know I wear incessantly because it is just that good.
The rest of my outfit was pretty basic, but I’m so happy to add bluchers into my wardrobe again. They’re a great staple (that’s seriously on-trend now—you can see the same pair in the latest Kule campaign) that go with so many casual outfits. I wore these to run down to the bus stop to break them in, but this pair has been great right out of the box! The insole is padded and that’s made them as comfortable as sneakers (but infinitely chicer—I really cannot STAND the sneakers/non-athletic-wear thing that’s been going on for years. This is my personal opinion, and if you like the sneakers/real clothes look, then you do you! Style is 100% about what YOU like and not what others like).
First day back in the office!
Bag / Wallet / Pouch (c/o: love this for keeping my totes organized! The bright patterns are easy to see within my bag)
Ann Mashburn cardigan (c/o) / Tee / Sunglasses / Watch (c/o; 20% off with FEWERBETTER20) / Jeans / Gold studs
Why am I wearing this outfit?
I was SO thrilled to go back into the office after a long summer with limited trips to Manhattan—our new office has been under renovation and is almost (knock on wood) complete. It was another perfect early fall day, so light layers were required. As I wrote on Instagram, this cardigan is made from the perfect cotton/silk blend, making it lightweight enough to wear all day—including in the sun for an al fresco celebratory lunch at one of my favorite places on the UWS (I’m pulling together a guide to share!)
I wore jeans because we were moving boxes and picking up cleaning supplies, but otherwise I’m trying to shift back into my “city uniform,” which doesn’t necessarily involve denim. I’m grateful that my non-public-facing work doesn’t require a strict uniform, but I do enjoy “dressing,” so I’m looking forward to getting everything cleaned up in our office and getting to work.
What have you been wearing this week?
I think about Merryn’s sweaters and popovers almost every day. I so hope she makes clothes again!
Love the bluchers - thanks for the suggestion. I did not love the faux boat shoes (aren’t they really a moc?) that have been making the rounds but these feel much more substantial.