003: maybe all you need is one really great shirt

one shirt, seven easy outfits

As I enter the second half of my twenties, I feel confident that I’ve finally found my personal sense of style. I’m secure with what I like, and I definitely have a good idea of what doesn’t work for me. I’ve participated in many trends and made MANY mistakes so far, but that’s the whole point, no? You can’t find yourself or your style without cringing at yourself a little bit (or a lot in my case). Some mistakes I’ve made time and time again are over-consuming and partaking in the wrong trends, ones that never actually resonated with me. I’m sick of having pieces for a year or less and already feeling fatigued or regretful. All this to say, I’ve entered an era of less is more when it comes to consuming (still very much a work in progress). I’m buying less but buying better.

Last week I made my first purchase from The Row, where I found my version of the perfect button-up shirt. A slitghtly oversized shirt is one of my wardrobe essentials— something that I consistently reach for and layer with, no matter the season. Hence why splurging a bit on this one made sense for me. At this point, I’m only really looking to add “forever pieces” into my closet when shopping. If I don’t think I’ll have it for at least the next 5+ years or until I wear it out, then it’s not coming home with me.

Let’s make this clear though! Not to say you have to spend a lot of money to curate a closet you’re proud of, in fact often times I’ve found it to have the opposite effect. For example, buying a designer item just because it has the right tag instead of identifying what you actually appreciate about the piece. A twelve-dollar shirt from the thrift-store that fits perfectly, is better any day than a three-hundred dollar version that doesn’t. That’s exactly how you end up with a closet full of items with tags still on a year later. If you’re hesitating before you even take it home, it’s probably not for you.

When deciding if I should keep the shirt in question, I needed to ensure it was versatile and fit naturally with existing pieces in my closet— something that I haven’t always considered so thoughtfully. I’ve kept lots of pieces over the years that I loved in theory, but never ended up wearing since I had nothing to wear with them. In my experience, I can more easily convince myself to acquire things I don’t really need during sale season or when thrifting/buying second-hand with lower-prices. It’s tempting to consume more just because you can. This is a habit I’m now consciously practicing, to not over-consume even if the prices are right (or if they’re not lol). Anyways, just a few thoughts on my journey to only owning/buying pieces that I truly love and wear.

Now, I’ve documented my process for you (aka testing outfits with what I already own). Hopefully you can use this as motivation to make more with what you have, or perhaps find some outfit inspiration.

ALSO — these are screenshots from my coordinating reel, so let’s just pretend the blurry vibe is intentional, okay? Let’s get into it!

Outfits:

This was my initial styling instinct, very me, my uniform lately really: The Row Red Miller Shirt, my favourite pair of Saint Laurent Denim, the Uniqlo U Tee TikTok constantly asks me about, if you read my previous post you won’t be shocked by the jean and Havainas combo, I’m wearing an old braided leather belt from Stussy but I found this beautiful Anderson’s belt or a more affordable (still leather) alternative from Simons, and my vintage Carrera frames from London but these Ray-Bans look almost identical.

For housekeeping, pieces worn multiple times in this list (my button-up for example) won’t be rementioned, mostly so I don’t annoy tf out of you :) Let’s continue with the next outfit, a very summery (but loungey) look, something I’d wear in the Hamptons if I went there lol: my sock-shoes are infact called the Hampton Strolls and I’m honestly obsessed with them, the shorts are old Jil Sander but these Laneus shorts are very close and this striped pair by Mark Kenly Domino Tan are a fun variation, the Polo Ralph Lauren Cashmere Knits are perfect around your shoulders on cool summer nights, and I found tons on The RealReal for a fraction of the retail price, finally my Miu Miu-esque glasses are by Morgenthal Frederics.

Something about this colour combo really did it for me: I thrifted these Oscar de la Renta Menswear trousers for a steal, I found these Gucci trousers for under $200 CAD, this pair from The Frankie Shop or this The Row version, I got my vintage Prada loafers in Paris earlier this year, I found this almost exact pair and many similar vintage Prada options here, as for the leather jacket, don’t hate me it’s also vintage but here’s a reasonable option for a new leather jacket.

This one is simple: my best summer short from lounging to the beach to sitting on a patio, and my Sperry boat shoes (very comfy once you break them in)!

I’m sorry for bringing up fall already, but here’s one look I’ll be wearing in a few months from now: Chimi 05 sunglasses, my Dries sneakers I would grab the snake-print if I didn’t already own a pair, they finally got my COS jeans back in-stock, and my trustee Rodeo bag.

Elevated resort look?: These Séfr trousers have been a staple since I purchased last summer, they also come in brown which I’m now heavily considering, after spending the entirety of last year searching for my perfect pair of black sunglasses I found these by Saint Laurent in Paris, also in my opinion this is the best tank top out there.

To be honest, I already knew it was a keeper by this point, but here’s one last look which might be my fav: I swapped out the previous trousers for my go-tos from Aritzia, besides the price of course, the reason I haven’t pulled the trigger on The Row Soft Loafer is because of my vintage Guccis (sorry), I also think Marsèll loafers are an investment you can’t go wrong with.

Thanks for joining me this week! It’s turning out to be an every Monday type of thing, so to hold myself accountable, I’ll see you next Monday (I hope).

Ciaooo :)

x

Sam