My Wardrobe Essentials
Part two of my wardrobe series: my wardrobe essentials! Another highly requested post…
My style is built upon classic, neutral pieces that I wear throughout the year and can easily be mixed together. After doing a big closet cleanout last year, I was able to clearly see what I wear the most, what I am drawn to and what was missing from my closet.
I spent a lot of time searching for my foundational pieces and feel like I’ve finally found my favorites. It’s so nice to have pieces I love and can continually turn to! And, having a simple foundation makes it easier for me to mix in accessories and special pieces, like white eyelet tops or floral dresses.
I hope this post is helpful for those of you trying to refine your personal style or looking to add more classic pieces to your current wardrobe.
TEES
Even though they are such a basic item, good tees can be so hard to find! Everyone is looking for something a little bit different in theirs, but for me, I look for either a loose cut or a ribbed tee. I like them to be long enough to tuck into high-waisted jeans and not constantly come untucked. I also always buy crewnecks—I’ve never been a big fan of v-necks, although I have purchased a few scoopnecks. My favorite everyday tee is this Jenni Kayne one (I have it in white and cream and it holds up beautifully) and this linen tee (I have multiples since it’s so affordable—just don’t dry it!). And my favorite long-sleeve is this ribbed one, which is great on its own or layered under sweaters.
DENIM
It should come as no surprise that my style is rooted in denim! I’ve really pared back my jean collection to my absolute favorites that I wear constantly and a few special pairs. My favorite brands for denim are Everlane, AGOLDE, & Other Stories, Goldsign and Madewell. My hands-down go-to pair are these. I wear them almost every day. They fit like a great vintage jean & the medium blue wash is perfection—and you truly can’t beat the pricepoint! I love the AGOLDE Pinch Waist jean and the Remy Straight jean.
I also love ivory/ecru jeans and my favorite pair is actually from Topshop, which I found on a whim. They are extremely soft and feel like you’re wearing pajamas! Madewell also has this great color called ‘Cloud lining’ which comes in a few different fits depending on your style. My other favorite affordable denim source is & Other Stories. They always have an amazing fit and come in great washes.
This pair is next on my wishlist!
SWEATERS
Sweaters make up a huge part of my wardrobe—after packing, I feel like I have at least 8 boxes labeled sweaters, ha! I wear them year round and have been slowly transitioning out cheaper sweaters and replacing them with higher quality, longer lasting pieces. I recently got two cashmere sweaters from Jenni Kayne and I am truly obsessed with the softness and quality of them. The colors are so beautiful and classic—I know I’ll have these for a very long time! (Use code ALEX20 for 20% off at Jenni Kayne). My other go to sweater spots are Everlane and & Other Stories. The Everlane Alpaca Sweater is one of my faves—I have it in two colors and am eyeing others.
TOPS
The majority of the tops in my closet are some form of a white top—lots of eyelet blouses & white button downs. I find them all over the place and some of my favorites are from Doen, & Other Stories, Everlane and a few vintages ones I’ve found on trips. This white button down is my absolute favorite—I have two of them that I rotate through. Last fall & winter I got very into slim turtlenecks and these ones from Cos are the perfect basic with an amazing fit.
OUTERWEAR
I have a slight addiction to outerwear and love adding new styles each year. I gravitate toward classic styles in slightly oversized silhouettes so I can easily wear them over anything. I’ve been living in the Everlane Denim Chore Jacket—it’s perfect for in-between weather and I love the big pockets for carrying my phone, mask, keys, etc. I’ve been wanting a houndstooth coat and tried to buy this coat last year and missed it. I’m excited they brought it back this year—it’s the perfect easy coat for my first LA winter. Blazers are relatively new territory for me; I got this wool blazer last year and love that it feels more substantial. I also love the fit & patterns in Everlane’s Oversized Blazers.
shoes
When it comes to shoes, I am all about comfort and functionality. Living in NYC, my shoes had to be super comfortable and able to withstand lots of walking around. I have a few pairs of sneakers that I rotate through and for fall, I love a classic slim Chelsea boot. I invested in a pair of Gucci loafers a couple years ago and love pairing them with jeans and an oversized sweater.
ACCESSORIES
Like the rest of my wardrobe, my accessories are pretty neutral and classic, but I do sometimes bring in fun patterns like gingham. I really love the functionality of crossbody bags and my woven leather bag from Loeffler Randall has been a year-round favorite. I also got a burgundy Celine Trio for my 30th birthday and love how timeless it is. All of my sunglasses are prescription and Warby Parker is my go to for all things eyewear. This pair is next on my wishlist—I love the classic wayfarer vibe of them.
