Legend has it, the perfect white tee can changes lives.
I say this with only the slightest bit of tongue-in-cheek delivery, as myself (and many others) can attest, finding that perfect off-duty item—be it the perfect white tee—is like experiencing the world’s most luxurious mattress. Your life will never be the same. Similarly, that favorite sweatshirt, a treasured pair of slacks, the leggings you want to live in…the list goes on for creations to covet. And within each one of these wonders runs a current of commonality, the thread that ties them all together: superior comfort.
If you’re like me, then you very well know that comfort drives the majority of all wardrobe decisions when off the clock (and heck, even on the clock, for that matter). This time of year, with high season at its peak, my personal comfort is derived from any piece that’s breathable enough to keep me cool in my non-air-conditioned apartment (or out about town, running from one errand to the next). That’s where the ever-classic white tee comes into play. Intrinsically comfortable with its soft fabrication, clean lines, and easy shape, it’s the one building block that transcends seasons (looking just as chic solo as it does layered under a sturdy leather jacket!) and exudes off-duty ease without even trying.
Now take those qualities and amplify them to unprecedented levels and what do you have? A wardrobe staple that elevates the everyday beyond measure. Here, I’ve rounded up 5 minimal-chic white tee styles that will help you blend in, yet also stand out—consider them your blank canvas for drawing up your own distinctive off-duty look.
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As a positively reluctant gym goer partial to business casual, my workout wardrobe (or should I say athleisure wardrobe) certainly leaves much to be desired. Often left high-and-dry (no pun intended!) more times than I care to admit, the performance pants of yesteryear that comprise my fitness drawer are certainly nothing to write home about. But now, as a freshly minted fashion writer, I can’t afford to leave any sartorial stone unturned any longer (or forgo the gym for that matter—after all, summer’s right around the corner!). Which is why, with a little help from my friends at Google, I’ve taken to the web to scour its furthest reaches in order to bring you my personal lens on the most functional and stylish activewear gems out there today. Without further ado, the 6 brands to help you power your way through.
1. P.E. Nation
Hailing from the land down under, Australian label P.E. Nation—a favorite of It-girls worldwide—has claimed a spot in the world of coveted sportswear thanks to its eye-catching offering of body-sculpting pieces fit for any workout imaginable. Its spirited, 70’s-tinged sensibility, imbued with graphic appeal, embodies the very definition of downtown cool. We’ll be channeling their “tomboy meets city girl” aesthetic whenever possible, thank you.
To the gym or simply to brunch? Keep them guessing when you don ADAY: the New York-based technical clothing brand equipped with a transeasonal collection of mix-and-match pieces versatile enough for any woman-on-the-go. Each piece of ADAY’s stylish collection is crafted in high-tech fabric, imparting an enduring quality that looks as good as it feels. What’s more, the brand’s less-is-more approach to design lends a much-needed eco-friendly touch. Transitioning from barre to brunch has never looked chicer (or more sustainable!).
The laidback spirit of California meets the dynamic energy of Brazil in each of Koral’s perfectly engineered pieces. All those who value both form and fashion will warmly embrace the flattering silhouettes that Koral continues to churn out season after season. Punctuated by contemporary design elements galore (think mesh and faux leather), Koral is every fashion girl’s athleisure dream.
Rooted in a palette of whimsical florals and playful prints, another Australian favorite, The Upside, is leading the way for of-the-moment athleisure. A fresh sensibility marries high-tech craftsmanship to elevate every key piece in one’s workout wardrobe. Spotted on celebs such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Bella Hadid and the like, it’s the model off-duty look reimagined.
On the cutting edge of innovative sportswear lies LNDR—a (you guessed it!) London-based brand that’s disrupting the industry in more ways than one. A must-have for the minimally-minded, the brand is raising the bar with its exclusive collection of streamlined weather-proof jackets and temperature-regulating sports bras, leggings and shorts. Marked by its high-compression, yet breathable construction, LNDR is the second-skin you didn’t think you needed in your life.
If you prefer to keep your workout look more understated, then you’ll love Beyond Yoga. Owing to its sophisticated, muted color palette, this luxury athleisure brand has become a mainstay in the closets of classically-conscious fashionistas everywhere. Yoga-inspired and performance driven, Beyond Yoga combines soft, durable fabric with a hint of high fashion, delivering in both style and functionality.
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In a time of crisis, the response from the influencer community is a tale of two cities. One collective is determined to change the narrative.
Written by Sarah Morrison
It started with a simple, and yet revealing question of the times: ‘Do you know anyone who needs Personal Protective Equipment?’ read a WhatsApp message to Serena Goh, a digital content creator based in London.
Goh suspected the answer to her father’s question was yes; after all, the 35-year-old fashion influencer, having risen to prominence by the success of her blog, The Spicy Stiletto, knew her network’s value to be vast.
Boasting over 250,000 followers on her Instagram page and close to 140,000 followers on her blog’s Facebook page, Goh swings in the big leagues where successful digital brands are concerned. Commonly called “macro-influencers,” these content creators are defined by their followings of up to 300,000—followings that more often than not, engage with these creators at extraordinary rates.
But now, plagued by an unrelenting pandemic like so many others, Goh saw the question of PPE as something of a personal call to action.
As a resident of New York City, the current epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States, Urbano knew, perhaps better than most, the outbreak’s path of devastation—the rising case numbers, the abandoned storefronts, the overwhelmed healthcare systems—to be very real.
But perhaps what was most telling for Urbano, was the personal account of the crisis through the eyes of his own mother—a nurse practitioner fighting on the frontline in a hospital in New Jersey.
“I’m fine after working last night. So many codes. Hospital is chaotic. I’m ordering my own PPE. Respirator, masks, face shield, hazmat suit, everyone is doing the same thing for our own protection because hospitals are running low on these supplies,” said Urbano’s mother in a text to Urbano, later shared with Goh. “So many are getting sick and dying even nurses. One nurse in another unit died yesterday of COVID. [She] was only in her 50s.”
It was at this moment that Goh and Urbano felt the human cost of the crisis to be more palpable than ever. Following their conversation, Goh and Urbano realized they had to act.
What resulted was the launch of the pair’s charity organization, known as The Mask Fund. Its mission? To deliver Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, to the frontline.
“[In the early days of the launch] Anthony and I probably had more FaceTime calls in a week than in the entirety of our friendship, in say, I don’t know, seven years,” said Goh.
For several weeks, Goh and Urbano searched the globe for suppliers of N95 masks, sending countless of emails per day to multiple manufacturers for contracts, and enlisting the help of other non-profit organizations, like RETI Center and Last Mile NYC, to distribute their supply.
According to The Mask Fund’s GoFundMe page created on March 31, the organization set an initial fundraising goal of $50,000. As of April 26, just four weeks later, The Mask Fund had already raised close to $20,000; the entirety of which will go directly towards protecting healthcare workers stationed in the nation’s hardest-hit hospitals.
“After our first week, with the help of your generous donations and the help of @reit_center and @lastmile_nyc volunteers, we were able to place our first order of N95 masks, writes Goh in a recent Instagram post on her personal page. “The shipment arrived in New York last week and over the weekend, volunteers such as @troprouge and @mcarthurjoseph successfully delivered the first shipment to healthcare heroes through New York and New Jersey.”
Today, The Mask Fund’s core team, write Goh and Urbano, is comprised of a “community of creatives” with a mission to “make a difference for healthcare professionals fighting an invisible war on the frontline.”
A difference arguably, is needed now, perhaps more than ever.
Now, Goh and Urbano’s response to the crisis, although not unique, is a move content creators would be foolish not to pay heed to. In an industry crowded by countless players all under the watchful eye of their followers, the bones of their personal brands are, fundamentally, considered fragile—even in the best of times. Now, in the era of COVID-19, with the actions of public figures more magnified than ever, many influencers have quickly seen their images being called into question.
In a recent article published by WIRED, author Flora Tsapovsky details the controversy surrounding mega-influencers like Arielle Charnas, who “found herself facing backlash after it seemed her status helped get her a COVID-19 test.” Just eight days after testing positive for the illness, and then announcing the news to her following of 1.3 million, Charnas “found her influence further diminished when she and her family headed to the Hamptons.”
The very next day, according to an article published by TheNew York Times, Charnas “posted a photo of herself and her daughter strolling around the neighborhood.” When people reacted negatively, Charnas turned off commenting on the post.
Although Charnas offered a lengthy apology on Instagram, it seemed many of her followers were not moved. Following the post made on April 2, Charnas took a break from Instagram, going silent for over three weeks until this past weekend, when she updated her fans on her time away “to reflect and be with family.”
Then, there are other prominent names, like 27-year-old entrepreneur Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What, Bernstein’s personal style platform of over 2.4 million followers, who are making a case for sensitivity over self-interest. While Bernstein has certainly not shied away from her native, “outfit of the day” content strategy, the influencer has also shown a remarkable display of responsibility in response to the current crisis.
“Over the past two months, I’ve been so inspired by my community – your stories, your commitment to helping one another, and to giving back,” writes Bernstein in the post. “Because of you, we’ve been able to make a tangible difference … All this started as a response to COVID-19 but it won’t end once the pandemic is over.”
As of May 3, just two days after the post, Bernstein had already seen 100,000 views on the post and thousands of followers to We Gave What’s newly created Instagram page. This engagement metric, an exceptional one to all those with marketing savvy, is also something of a digital barometer; a barometer marking the significant shifts in both influencer and consumer behavior in the era of COVID-19.
Bringing levity to her community in a time of crisis, Ferraro captions her post for the campaign, saying, “I know being stuck at home is hard, but right now we have to remind ourselves that it’s ok if we’re overeating or under-showering … For the sake of everyone, especially our healthcare workers, we just have to #StayHome.”
It’s evident that Ferraro’s acts of advocacy, and Goh, Urbano and Bernstein’s call for charity, is perhaps the greatest lesson the next generation of digital influencers could ever ask for. Challenged by crisis that threatens to upend their very presence, these creative thought leaders are bolstering their platform for a purpose well beyond the material, making the case for a more authentic—and nimble—influencer voice. And now, at an unprecedented scale, they just might influence the way we view all their place in the world.
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It’s a love affair for the ages. Body positivity and the very clothes we wear on our own back.
In today’s indignant times, what with rousing movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up, this enduring love affair, particularly among women, couldn’t be more apparent.
Emboldened by the courage, confidence, and declaration of a new collective voice led by their own ilk, women all over the world are charting a new course, this time, to challenge long-held notions surrounding their bodies and the motivations behind their clothing of choice.
Evidently, women are witnessing said notions being uprooted before their very eyes: entrenched, traditional motivations of dressing that have long defined the concept of modern femininity are shifting and setting a new movement in motion. Case in point? Dressing for the male gaze. Now, women are paving the way for a new way of thinking to enter the fray. Dressing for themselves.
Call it the antidote to the often harsh realities that are intrinsic to being female in this day and age. Women are breaking out of the mold, quite literally, that seeks to flaunt, and instead, are making a softer statement, embracing fashions that embody less of the va-va-voom appeal, and more of the au naturale allure—safe in the knowledge that their confidence is rooted in their own body positivity, and not in their outfits, nor—the approval of men.
Adding to this wave, is both the entertainment and fashion industry’s commitment to shining new light on female-led movements such as #MeToo and Time’s Up.
Think back a couple years ago, when we saw celebrities showering themselves in all black attire at the 2018 Golden Globes to honor Time’s Up, and designers, like Prabal Gurung, peddling poignant slogans (“Our Minds, Our Bodies, Our Powers, “Nevertheless, She Persisted”) etched in his capsule pieces shown at New York Fashion Week. Each one of these actions, as small as they may seem, are unequivocally raising the female voice higher by underscoring the very depths of said voice’s incredible power. It’s clear influential people worldwide are using fashion as a platform to advocate against critical issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination (among others) in spades. And, it’s working.
As we pivot from a place that sits tight in the traditional, to one that embraces the new wave of female empowerment, we can’t help but be drawn to fashions that not only portray body positivity, but also, invite a sense of inclusivity and authenticity. Enter: the bralette.
What was once a style of choice of personal triumph for women in the 1960’s and 70’s is now, coming full circle, triumphing as the catalyst for moving the needle forward for women in the political fashion climate of today.
Adding to that sentiment is the idea that the bralette, in more ways than one, represents the manifestation of the female voice—serving as the vehicle to voice grievances and declarations, or express aspirations and affirmations. Dyett also quotes Carlie Quezada, a Detroit-based lingerie boutique owner, who considers the bralette to be “a statement of modern femininity”.
And anyone who’s anyone is wearing one. From Bella Hadid, to Beyonce, to Priyanka Chopra, celebrities spanning the globe are getting on board, losing the restriction of traditional bras in favor of slipping into an insouciant looser number.
Lacking the underwire found in the alternative, the bralette is decidedly no-fuss, opening its arms to women of any shape, size, lifestyle, what have you. Gaping cups and slipping straps? Hardly. Soft and malleable fabrication reigns supreme. Like a second skin, its innate low-flung shape is a refreshing break away from the often artificially high, rounded and swelled shape that a wired bra can create. And in the way of variety, nothing else comes close. Shoppers have seen an influx of variations that swing from the lacey, barely-there look, to more modest styles that are even cami-like.
What’s more, it can be worn a million and one ways. Toss over a white tee, discreetly layer under a silk blouse or slip dress, or style under a bomber jacket—any which way, it’s hard to get it wrong, it seems.
Alas, it’s certainly clear this is one style that’s here to stay, and make a resounding cultural impact while at it. So go ahead, resolve to relinquish a little of the va-va-voom, if only for modern femininity’s sake, and find liberation in a nonchalant little nothing of your own.
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This is the second part of an ongoing series that takes a closer look at the lives and careers of top tastemakers in the fashion industry. Aimee Croysdill, stylist to stars like Laura Haddock and Daniel Radcliffe, knows a thing or two about piecing together a red carpet-worthy look. Recently, I had the pleasure of earning Croysdill’s ear to get to know the woman behind Britain’s most striking sartorial vision.
Sarah: Did you always want to be a stylist growing up?
Aimee: I desperately wanted to be a dancer, a ballet dancer. I did it from 3-22. It’s amazing how much dancing has shaped my career as a stylist. I learnt so much about how you move your body, how dressing works for all shapes, the way to pose, the way to stand. I’m forever thankful for the discipline ballet dance has given me.
Sarah: Who were your earliest style inspirations?
Aimee: My ballet teacher was and is. She was always immaculate; the way she held her head, her posture, everything was so perfectly put together. Having someone to look up to during your most formative years, who’s known you since a little girl, is hugely inspiring. Ballet teachers have this mystique about them, makes you realise style isn’t just about the clothes you wear. She was so strict with how we tied our ballet shoes, our hair. It gave me a real insight into the discipline of certain forms of art and how it transpires into how I do my work.
Sarah: Is there a roadmap to success as a stylist?
Aimee: I don’t necessarily think there’s a formula. Each week is completely different, different clients, all these twists and turns. My journey started off, I was actually at university, and celebrity styling wasn’t quite as worldly publicised as a career path so it hadn’t even crossed my mind. A friend needed some help with the art department on a film and here is where I met the costume designers who worked with Rihanna at the time. When the film finished they asked me to come work with them in between lectures and handing in dissertations. And that’s how it started. After awhile I started getting my own clients and it just evolved from there.
@aimeecroysdill
Sarah: How do you go about styling a new client? What questions do you like to ask them?
Aimee: Styling is a really collaborative process. It is all about bringing out their personality and their unique style qualities. I really like to get to know a person before I style them. It’s important to have a face-to-face conversation and get a feel for what makes them feel confident. Do they like a feminine aesthetic or a stronger, more masculine one? If they go for feminine, do they like frills or soft fabric? Tailoring or simple, clean lines? Do they want to have a fashion moment or stay more understated? Those sorts of questions set the tone and then we get deeper into it. That’s normally how it goes.
Sarah: Have you ever had any styling moments that went awry?
Aimee: You know it’s so funny because I get asked this question a lot. I genuinely think my brain is wired to forget (laughs). There was one occasion where I was steaming a dress an hour before the client had to get dressed and leave. As you may know, we use samples so the garments could’ve been worn on a photo shoot prior to using. All of a sudden it began to emit this awful smell. The steam was heating up what probably was sweat from the dress having been worn before. All I could think was, there’s no way my client can wear this so I secretly started to wash it in the hotel sink then got all spare hands on deck with hair dryers to dry it in time (the client had no idea!).
Sarah: The top 3 looks you’re most proud of?
Aimee: This is really hard. But I think the first is my client Laura Haddock, who wore Giambattista Valli couture to the premiere of Transformers in China. I also loved Sally Hawkins for the Oscars in 2014 where we did an exclusive Valentino couture look. We had the same tailor who flew from the atelier in Milan to London then met us in LA. Sally’s dress was completely encrusted in gold thread, pearls and crystallization…it was so heavy! Another would be Dina Asher-Smith at The British Fashion Awards last year. We styled her in a Dilara Findikoglu dress, which was this off-the-shoulder big baby blue puffball design.
Laura Haddock in Giambattista Valli, 2017 (Source: Getty Images)Sally Hawkins in Valentino Couture, 2014 (Source: Getty Images)Dina Asher-Smith in Dilara Findikoglu, 2018 (Source: Getty Images)
Sarah: Do you have any red-carpet style hacks up your sleeve?
Aimee: If I did, I would put my tailor in my pocket everywhere I go. The tailoring is super super important. I think that’s my go-to trick, my tailor. I’ve worked with this amazing woman named Bernie for the last 7-8 years. My clients and I trust her, she’s honest and doesn’t miss a trick. It’s nice to have a second opinion in the room that can look at the finite details and see how a dress can transform from great to flawless. Also, having a needle threaded and ready to go to just in case anything needs nipping is important. As are underpinnings and tape for quick fixes.
S: How do you go about discovering new designers?
Aimee: There’s a website called Tagwalk, and it’s basically like a Google Search engine but for fashion. You can type in a colour or description and it shows you every dress on the catwalk that matches that brief. It also supports new designers so it’s a great research tool too. Tagwalk was launched by a fashion assistant, Alexandra Van Houtte, who was so fed up with spending hours searching for specifics like ‘red dresses’ and decided, there’s got to be a better way than scrolling through hours of catwalk shows to find every red dress from that season. It’s a really great site, even if you don’t work in fashion.
Sarah: Lastly, what advice would you give to women (or men) looking to break into the styling profession?
Aimee: Timing is so important. You can’t guess when is the right timing. I always say to aspiring stylists: if you email one day and you don’t get a response, keep emailing that same person. I had one girl email me repeatedly. Then, one day her third email popped up at the top of my inbox just when I was really under it and needed more hands. She came in the next day and we’ve worked together a few times now. I always say: just persevere. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again, and one day, everything will just fall into place.
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The garlands were grand, the festive attire, plentiful, and to be truthful, we’ve never met a champagne toast we didn’t like.
Holiday season, you never fail to impress.
Now while the seasonal cheer was a sight to behold, for those adventuresses among us, we look ahead to another treasured tradition; this time, at an altitude much higher than that of your typical Christmas tree.
Enter: Mountain time.
Between slaloming the slopes, to reveling in post-piste frivolity, rounding out the perfect wardrobe is half the fun (and the battle) of conquering any one alpine excursion.
And with every ripe adventure comes an equally ripe opportunity to take one’s style to entirely new heights, too. Here, I’ve put together your fail-safe guide to forging ahead both on the powder and off—because even the slopes deserve their moment of style.
Destination: Mountain Time
Travel day means comfort above all, and a no-fuss sweater is a must for any trek. This cashmere number from AllSaints is a classic for its super soft feel and thoughtful design that stands out from the pack.
Siddons Cashmere Blend Sweater by AllSaints, $198, available at allsaints.com
These buttery-soft skinnies by MOTHER are as good as they come for their fitted, yet stretchy fit that holds up forever. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect pair—no questions asked.
Your favorite slipper, but make it fashion. These love-forever flats from Birdie’s are a must-have for their extra cushioning that truly feels like walking on a cloud. And that plush design? Double-win.
The Starling in Black Velvet by Birdie’s, $95, available at birdies.com
A blanket you can wear in public. This take-anywhere travel wrap by White + Warren is worth investing in for its sumptuous cashmere fabrication that just begs to be cozied up to.
Cashmere Travel Wrap by White + Warren, $315, available at whiteandwarren.com
Peak-to-Après, Perfected
This powder day, turn heads for more reasons than one with the help of this high-impact puffer from ADD Down. Crafted from a mid-weight technical weave, it’s not only warm, but it knocks it out of the park with aesthetics, too. I mean, just look at that gloss!
Hooded Down Jacket by ADD Down, $506, available at shopbop.com
Fashion and function is the ethos of Spyder, and this jumpsuit pant is a definitive case in point. With its stretchy, sleek fit, zipping downhill or over to après has never looked easier (or chicer, we might add!).
Strutt Softshell Bib Pant by Spyder, $299, available at utahskis.com
Incredibly warm in pure cashmere, this wintertime essential by Cuyana is made even better for its clean lines and muted tone. Slip under your helmet for a day’s work, and then make a quiet style statement après-ski.
Cashmere Beanie by Cuyana, $95, available at cuyana.com
Earn your stripes (and then your après) by donning this ultra-cool colorblocked staple from Alp-N-Rock. Whether on-mountain or off, your warmth is guaranteed thanks to its heavyweight construction and a snug fit throughout.
The Slalom Sweater in Heather Grey by Alp-N-Rock, $228, available at alpnrock.com
Frozen toes, you’ve met your match. Made of sweat-wicking and insulating merino wool, these slope-ready socks by Bombas are a total shoo-in for warmth that won’t quit.
Women’s Merino Wool Calf Socks by Bombas, $18, available at bombas.com
Date-Night Done Right
A rich merlot color gives this universally-flattering silhouette a decidedly sensual feel. Pair with a cozy wrap coat (like this one by Hobbs London) for date-night style in a cinch.
Julie Dress by Reformation, $118, available at shopbop.com
Instant-luxe. Croc-embossed, and with just the right height, these knee-high stunners by Free People promise to be your after-hours go-to.
Grayson Tall Boot in Black Croc by Free People, $298, available at freepeople.com
Snowed-In, For The Win
Honor your favorite snow-capped destination with a statement-making sweater from Ellsworth and Ivey. Its clean, minimalist design certainly speaks for itself (now, if only all souvenirs could look this chic).
Women’s Aspen Sweater by Ellsworth and Ivey, $128, available at ellsworthandivey.com
Snowed in? Lounge away with Lunya’s Pocket Legging and never look back. With its smooth, double-layered waistband and fine weave, it’s the hero piece every off-duty adventuress deserves.
Siro Pocket Legging by Lunya, $98, available at lunya.co
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The evergreens are adorned, the Carolers are chomping at the bit, and the mulled wine, well, let’s just say it’s beginning to flow a lot like water. The signs are all there: the holiday season is alive and well and, without question, we’re relishing every minute of it.
By now your social calendar is likely brimming with buzzy gatherings galore (what’s not to love?), which means your after-hours wardrobe is surely seeing a lot more mileage than usual.
And with more mileage comes a new consideration: the wardrobe update. A new take. Instant-elevation (save for the soirée). Which begs the question, why not achieve that next-level refresh by adding a brand-new selection into the rotation?
Whether black-tie is in order for your next outing, or simply, a beloved smart-casual sensibility, these 12 swoon-worthy picks may very well land you the honor of best-dressed before the year’s end. So go ahead, take a good gander and then (maybe) thank me a bit later.
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If you happen to be an East Coast dweller like myself, then chances are high that winter wardrobing has sprung to mind quicker than a New York Minute. Mother Nature, often a prickly friend, has evidently, foregone the autumnal act in favor of its bone-chillingly cold counterpart (freezing much?), which leaves us cranking up the heat at any possible opportunity. The temps we come to expect not now, but most appropriately in the early days of the calendar year are indeed the returning visitor we didn’t quite ask for, but here’s hoping a short visit, at least!
Now while classic wax jackets, sweater coats, and the sheer magic of lightweight layering still play the part in navigating those sporadic warm fronts that float by, the gripping quality in the air that’s increasingly common means we’re going to need options—warmer options—and sooner rather than later.
Which brings me to the topic at hand: outerwear. The finishing polish, so to speak. The right selection of which can anchor any outfit with warm refinement that still, impressively, goes easy on the wallet. Flirting between high street and down-to-earth luxury, the greatest hits of the outerwear world are classic for their timeless quality, sure, but most importantly, for their well-justified price; one that doesn’t completely water eyes, going further with our dollar and, in our individual style.
As a few select brands can proudly boast themselves, contrary to the naysayers, warmth, style, and (relative) affordability can indeed be achieved; in fact, they’re surprisingly within close reach. Here, I’ve rounded up 7 chic, yet very well-priced coat brands that are perfect fodder for conquering whatever the winter chill has in store now, later, and, in the many years to come.
1. Ba&sh
If there ever was a tangible representation of chic Parisian winter style, Ba&sh is most definitely it. Borrowing from the City of Lights’ polished, yet effortless sensibility, Ba&sh’s outerwear line is irresistible for its versatile offering of designs that can dress up or down with ease, and fabrications that just beg to be touched (thanks, virgin wool). It’s a no-brainer, this is one aesthetic you’ll want on heavy rotation all season long.
Club Monaco stands up season after season for its commitment to refined silhouettes that are thoughtfully designed for ease and modern appeal. Never neglecting on the details, their tailored coats, often marked by warming hues and fits that flatter just right, are the staples worth wearing over and over again.
No one brand does statement style quite like & Other Stories. And we will never tire of it—frankly. It steals the show for its bevy of dramatic silhouettes that break away from the expected, yet don’t necessarily overwhelm. What’s more to love? The versatile colorways play well with pretty much everything in our closets.
The everyday, made luxe: that’s Mackage. Incredibly easy for its grab-and-go range of silhouettes, and elevated for its high-performance materials, Mackage is swiftly becoming the new holy grail for every fashion girl around. As for the pretty penny the price begets? Surely worth its weight in the endless looks you’ll steal wearing any one of their incredibly flattering silhouettes—no questions asked.
Massimo Dutti knows a thing or two about sophisticated dressing on a budget. Take, for example, their impeccably designed (and reasonably priced) puffer jackets, to start. Incredibly warm white duck down filling marries decidedly chic designs, like lamination and richly hued palettes to offer a “step above” sensibility that’s hard to pass up.
Canadian-label Aritzia owes much of its success to its closely-curated line of elevated essentials, found most consistently in its beloved Wilfred collection. The outerwear is no exception: the Wilfred collection is one to watch each year for its interesting plays on texture, color, and pattern, bringing a cool twist that doesn’t overwhelm its wearer. Unexpected interest at its finest.
If you’re determined to achieve the same unmistakable comfort of your favorite lived-in sweater, look no further than Cuyana. Throw-on-and-go is Cuyana’s silhouette speciality, as is its ability to look as good (and warm!) as it feels. Needless to say, this one is the easy choice for leveling up in your work-to-weekend circuit.
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You heard us correctly. This fall season, we’re taking cues from the superb curation that is Shopbop.com and asking you and your best sis to show us what #OurSundayBest means to you on Instagram. In return, to each winner, we’ll send a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com your way.
With the November chill taking hold, chic top layers in cozy fabrics and season-right colors (here’s to those camel and emerald remixes!) that coordinate like clockwork is a look that’s too chic not to get behind.
Case in point? Shopbop’s latest Fall Favorites collection.
Easy knitwear and classic suiting designs like plaid and houndstooth dominate the collection, lending us plenty of ways to put our own spin on an enduring fall sensibility.
Eager to create your own Fall Favorite look? Here are the 4 easy steps for entering on Instagram:
Put on your very best fall outfit
Grab an equally stylish friend
Upload a picture of you & your friendto Instagram, tagging @oursundaybestblog in the photo
Make sure you are following @oursundaybestblog on Instagram
So phone a friend, gather up a chic ensemble, and start snapping, for you only have until 11/18 before the contest closes. For the Official Rules, head to our Instagram page.
Our Sunday Best Weekly
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Originally published on April 15, 2019 by Sarah Morrison
This season, take a page out of your nearest GQ magazine and turn to a chic, borrowed-from-the-boys look to close your next deal. With a few quick styling tricks, subscribing to a menswear-inspired playbook can easily elevate the standard 9-to-5 look from everyday to extraordinary. Reach for these 5 essentials and you’ll not only become the envy of all, but you’ll nail the pitch too.
1. The White Button-Down
A foolproof option for 9-to-5 and beyond, a crisp, white button down has the power to transform any outfit. This version by Misha Nonoo takes a cue from menswear with its longer hem and cuffs, which can be worn tucked under a black blazer for a prim and proper look, or styled simply on its own. Throw a lace camisole underneath for a feminine finish.
Put your best foot forward with the help of a classic tailored pant—made feminine with a slim fit and a slightly cropped, flared cut at the ankles. Juxtapose the piece with an oversized dinner jacket to achieve the perfectly balanced, borrowed-from-the-boys look.
Wrap yourself in a luxe tuxedo jacket to channel old world charm in your next board meeting. This elegant piece from L’Agence, both feminine and sharp, is bound to be on heavy rotation in your closet year-round. Add interest by pairing with pinstriped trousers, and infuse some contrast by donning a silk blouse underneath.
A surefire way to add instant cool to your weekday ensemble? The answer lies in these sleek boyish oxfords. These go-anywhere kicks are upgraded with a laceless d’Orsay cut for a feminine take on the classic menswear silhouette. Slip on a pair for a little more pep in your step as you make your way down those city streets.
As essential as the LBD, every woman’s wardrobe deserves a statement-making power watch. Make yours pop by layering over a long-sleeved sweater, or have it speak for itself a la the piece in the photograph above.
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Our Sunday Best, Straight to your feed. Follow us on social today!
OUR SUNDAY BEST 