Here’s a fun winter outfit formula that came about as I was playing in my closet - trying things on for no rhyme or reason.
I find that this is really the best time to explore your closet & play - when there is no end goal, no place to be.
When we get dressed to go somewhere, there are layers of pressure & judgement added to our psyche - who will be there? what are they wearing? do I want to stand out? blend in? take a risk? how will I be perceived? etc etc.
All very limiting, albeit human thoughts that we experience as creatives who express ourselves through our clothes & how we style them. Although I aim to work through these feelings with my clients (& myself) to get us to a place of utmost confidence, we still have off days.
That’s why I find the most liberating styling moments to be when I am just brainstorming. When I reach for the things that might look like absolute shit because there is no time waisted. When I combine pieces from isolated wardrobe environments such as my silk pajamas and thick winter gear.
& that’s what we’re getting into today. But before we jump to it, I encourage you to carve out some time in your week, whether it’s 15 minutes or 2 hours, to have some playtime- regain a sense of possibility and wonderment for the pieces you already have.
If you truly find styling to be a form of artistry, of self expression, & of joy - allow playing in your closet to become apart of your lived routines.
The formula:
Ok so this formula again was a product of playing & sifting - I found myself in various combinations of “home clothes” and “outside clothes” & came to realize a combo that resonated with my chic-mom-dropping-child-off-at-school vibe, so naturally I ran with it.
That being said - this formula is supposed to look a bit off, like I just rolled out of bed & threw on my effortlessly curated everyday pieces over my pjs.
It follows:
1 pajama article, the silkier/ more wrinkled/ more intimate the better (think more silk tops/ linen pants than heather grey cotton sweatpants)
Something leather
Something layered
Something wool
The reason this works for this time of year is because a) silk/satin is already pretty “socially acceptable attire” in the winter, I.e satin holiday suits, silk jewel-toned maxi dresses, satin sling-backs etc.. So we’re really just taking that into the post-holiday season in a more personal, less community driven way.
But my favorite part is the wrinkles (if you are the type to hang or neatly fold your pj sets we are not the same) - this is really what gives it this unexpected feeling that leaves you curious as to whether or not this outfit was a deliberate choice or a circumstance of what was laid on my bedroom chair from the day prior.
The formula is a guide but not a rule, if you are light-handed on the leather component, compensate by adding another layer (see above).
If you are leather & wool forward, use a seasonal-neutral layer like a cotton button up. & please don’t forget to play with linen!!! The unsung hero of winter layering.
Break up your layers! Sprinkle some on the top, some on the bottom.
It’s all about balancing these components in a way that allows the pieces to co-exist & harmonize. This is a subtle, soft, chic way to introduce contrast into your day-to-day.
This one is so “i’m going to work hungover” and I happen to love it.
And I think you pretty much get it by now. It’s a little messy, definitely playful, yet sophisticated all at once.
Maybe this is for you, maybe it’s not - either way is totally fine. The point here is that there is plentyyyyyy of styling opportunity existing in your closet right now. And it’s just sitting at home waiting to be discovered in new ways.
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