019: boy outfits #6

flip-flops, shorts + primary colours

May 09, 2026

Creating this roundup is reminding me why I started my Substack in the first place. I haven’t felt like my full self much this year, at least in a work/creative sense. I’ve existed in a state where putting anything out in the world has felt forced and stale, not to mention embarrassing when things don’t feel authentic. For whatever reason, compiling these looks for you guys has provided me with much anticipated motivation to keep creating, and more importantly sharing. All of today’s looks feel very much like me, nothing fussy or over-styled (at least in my eyes), just some intuitive outfits that I’ve felt my best in lately.

I love when I’m reading a newsletter that feels true to the writer, rather than another copy and paste of what everyone else on the internet is wearing. I hope that this can be one of those newsletters for you too. I want to create a space that can provide more context behind getting dressed, where we can mutually gain inspiration in one way or another.

Outfits:

I always come back to the combination of denim shirts and cargo pants — it’s an outfit formula that I without a doubt repeat multiple times each season. I’ve realized that I’m starting to collect cargos in the same way I do jeans. When I find a perfect pair they come home with me, even if my friends have argued that they’re “too similar” to what I already have.
*Insert Andy Sachs learning about the difference between teal belts here*
I’ve definitely mentioned the ones you see below in previous outfit roundups. They’re one of the oldest pieces I own, that I didn’t purchase pre-owned, from All Saints a decade ago. Another piece I’ll probably never part with is my Balenciaga Arena Bag, like a City Bag, but in a crossbody style that suits me better, from VSP Consignment. As for the denim shirt, it’s borrowed from my boyfriend and styled with two of my current obsessions: Jimmy Fairly’s Belmont frames and COS leather loafers.
I’ve been waiting all year long to wear my brushed suede Marsell flats on the pavement! They have the silhouette of a grandpa’s house slipper, with a grey brushed suede that gives them a subtle edge. I also wait for summer to wear short sleeve button-ups, it’s not a hard rule of mine, just a pattern I’ve noticed over the years. Maybe it’s because I wrecked my previous favourite CDG Homme short sleeve shirt with too may coffee stains, which led to it’s donation. With it’s absence, I’ve now replaced it with a new version by Auralee, and they make some of the best shirting on the market in my opinion (I will try my hardest not to leave any stains on this one.) Also here’s my red Octobre Éditions hat and Uniqlo Barrel Jeans.
Shorts are my least favourite thing to purchase… I took a chance ordering this pair by Yoko Sakamoto from Neighbour’s online store, and could not be happier with the fit! I usually style my shorts with a scrunched sock and a shoe, but I liked the ultra casual feeling of these navy Havaianas with a baggy blue thrifted tee.
I was lazing around home last Friday in the same Uniqlo jeans (mentioned earlier), and a black Dries tee before my obligations in the evening. I thrifted this vintage leather sportswear jacket which has proven to act as an outfit in a pinch, many times, with these affordable leather loafers that I won’t stop recommending for summer!
So this is essentially the same outfit as above… swapped out one Uniqlo Barrel pant for another, and my COS loafers for these Lemaire Vibram slippers.
I have a current fixation with primary colours. Scrolling Everybody World’s lookbook provided me with ample colour inspiration, and I left with the red Apartment pants among an incredible palette of items in my cart. With that said, a bright pant is a bit out of my comfort zone, so a simple Dries white tee and classic Saint Laurent frames felt like the right balance.
These might be the most low effort jeans I own! What I mean is that I almost always size up in my pants to achieve the perfect slouch — it’s rare that I won’t need to take them to the tailor or wear a belt, but these are perfect in the leg with my TTS in the waist. Some other everyday items I’m wearing include: Uniqlo Supima Cotton Tee, Aritzia zip-up that I’m often wearing under my jackets these days for a more relaxed vibe, Plasticana mules, a vintage Abercrombie plaid and a borrowed suede jacket.
I received this washed black polo as part of my Everybody World order, and it uniquely has four buttons and a very flattering crop. Jeans are vintage Levi’s 510s and my Margiela Sprinter sneakers, that I’m still thrilled I bought in this green.
I’ve definitely brought up this sweater before and plan to eventually collect it in a variety of colours; Guest in Residence’s Allday Crewneck is my ideal fit and weight, and honestly I wear it all year around. I wasn’t entirely sure about the red-orange and brown pairing when I was getting dressed, but feel free to let me know your thoughts. Anyways. I am sure about these linen pants from Banana Republic.
An easy summer suit, that got a head start at a spring dinner party earlier last month — Pants, Jacket, Shoes, and Lemaire’s harmonica necklace.