What’s the ‘Hero Piece’ in Your Closet?
I love asking someone about a piece of clothing and hearing about what is obviously a “hero piece” in their wardrobe. Their eyes light up as they extoll the virtues of a shoe or sweater they can’t live without. Below, six women share hero pieces they reach for again and again…
Above: Irene Kim
Occupation: Stylist and creator of In Moda Veritas
Lives in: Paris
“I consider a grey sweater a foundational wardrobe piece because it’s so functional and versatile. I wear this sweater to dress up sweatpants, dress down evening dresses, and everything in between! I got this sweater made of 100% wool at COS five years ago and have easily worn it over 100 times. COS has styles like this every fall/winter.” (Similar here and here.)
Ayana Lage
Occupation: Writer
Lives in: Tampa, Florida
“Shopping for pants always feels like a daunting task to me, especially after having two children. I tried so many brands, including expensive ones, before finding these jeans at a shockingly affordable price point. The waist hits at the perfect spot, and they aren’t too long for my 5’2” frame. (I ordered the petite version.)”
Jenna Ingalls
Occupation: University fundraiser
Lives in: Oakland, California
“I’ve had this trench for three years, and I love the thoughtful details. As someone who sews a lot of my own clothes, I appreciate the bias-bound seams, the pocket loops that keep the pockets from flapping around, and the quality of the fabric. It’s sewn to last. Universal Standard makes it in my size, and pretty much everyone else’s: it comes in 00-40!”
Cheryl Sparks [Here’s her week of outfits!]
Occupation: retired/volunteer/grandmother/New Englander
Lives in: Rhode Island
“The Dôen Sebastiane skirt is light and airy, the detail in the pintuck pleating makes it just a bit elevated and it’s an easy piece to wear very casually or dress up. (And by dress up I clearly mean my New England version of dress up.)” (Similar here.)
Claudette Hrapski [Here’s her week of outfits!]
Occupation: CoJ partnerships director
Lives in: Brooklyn
“I’ve always liked the look of clogs, but wooden ones don’t seem practical for my day-to-day: walking around the city, often wobbling on cobblestones, and always being on my feet. I’d heard forever that nurses, hairdressers, and chefs swore by these non-wooden Dansko ones, but it wasn’t until I spotted a cool Gen Z girl in my neighborhood wearing them that I bit the bullet and bought a green pair. They work year-round (with or without socks), and they’re are comfortable with just the right amount of give. They’ve earned a permanent spot by my front door.”
Joanna Goddard
Occupation: Cup of Jo and Big Salad Founder
Lives in: Brooklyn
“One of my giddiest days of the year is when I pull out my white jeans in the spring. I know that ahead of me are five months of park picnics, stoop hangs, and playground adventures. These AYR ones have a great fit — slightly cropped, slightly barrel legged, and very comfy. Similar pairs here and here, depending on budget.”
What is the hero piece in your closet? Let’s chat in the comments!
P.S. More women share their ‘hero’ pieces, and a bunch of fashion do or don’ts.
Comments
148 commentsOh I love this question. Each summer I have found a new big ole button down to add to my collection—last year it was a vintage ll bean men’s one in kind of an indigo color with a textured fabric that I love so much. This year, would love to thrift a good, easy, silk (or silk ish, ha) tank top for dressier dinners in summer. Like a silk shell maybe? I’ve been trying not to be too specific with thrifting because I almost feel like it curses the search though!
Where are Irene’s navy pants from in the top center photo?
I’ve asked Alex Ronan — stay tuned! x
Hi Kate! Here is the pair that Irene is wearing: https://go.shopmy.us/p-55460498
love these!! Irene, where are your flats from, if you don’t mind me asking!
I’m quite certain (because I subscribe to Irene’s Substack) they’re these: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-us/shop/product/aeyde/shoes/ballet-flats/uma-leather-mary-jane-flats/1647597310349071
Haha I think Ingrid’s got you ;).
Hero that still the look is always a chloe Susanna boots! Made the whole look no matter what! And a daily hero is a A&Fitch t-shirt with pocket ☺️
This post is compelling me to *finally* dip my toes into the Quince world… so as a 5’4″, 170ish (L, XL) person, I would love to know any specific pieces that people recommend. Pants for work? Sweaters? Tops? thanks in advance for any recommendations :)
I love their tank tops, basic t shirts, and their cashmere is so affordable too. I have the fitted raglan cashmere sweater (sized up for a comfier look) and every time I wear it I get so many compliments. It was under $100 and I’m about to invest in some more colors.
I had a store credit and purchased two pairs of the wide-leg jeans and I love them. One pair is cranberry and the other dark denim. They fit well and can be dressed up or down. They were my most complimented items of clothing this winter.
Quince is fast fashion, despite their claims about sustainability. They spend a ton on advertising and I fell for the influencer marketing but ended up sending back both items because the quality was awful. Lots of other options out there including second hand/vintage.
I got the cotton fishermen’s sweater 4 years ago and it’s still in my weekly rotation. It’s washed and held up SO WELL. I also have a couple of the linen dresses and cotton tank tops. I wear an XL and am in-between straight / plus size in most brands. Quince XL’s feel pretty forgiving…size down if you’re on the fence.
OMG I’d love to know where all of Jenna’s shoes are from! Soooo good!
The loafers are Sevilla Smith. The other two are from Beklina. Love them so much!
Black barrel jean that goes with every shoe I have- stiletto, flat, gym shoe, Ugg. I have worn to take my mom to chemo, on date night, errands, shows. I have been wearing them an embarrassing amount. They are a minor miracle. They just went on sale. Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Barrel Ankle Jean in washed black.
It turns out that I have a style icon: Cheryl Sparks!I saw the skirt and thought I would love it, it’s so me. I then went over o her week of outfits and found other beautiful clothes too, like the gauzy white blouse. Oh my, I would love to rummage through her wardrobe for delightful items to borrow.
Jackets: ivory denim trucker jacket from the Gap, probably $17 on sale and worn a million times over dresses, skirts, jeans, and shorts. When it’s colder, I have an olive suede jacket from J. Crew circa 2000, when they made some small editions of a few styles in quality materials. It has a simple, straight cut, patch pockets, and a small collar and it never goes out of style. My newest go-to pieces are Madewell’s denim full skirts. I have them in dark blue and black, and they have pockets and are perfect in every way.
So fun reading everyone’s replies! My black Calvin Klein wool car coat is a PERFECT coat, probably 25 years old, and still looks practically new. I love all of my jcrew Point Sur jeans (from years ago when they sold that line, not the newer odd ones). My white Club C Reeboks always work, and my black Ralph Lauren Chelsea boots (also from the wool coat era, snagged from a random sale rack) still look great.
So interesting to hear everyone’s go-to items! I have a navy Lands End Scoopneck short sleeve shirt that is probably my most worn item. It’s got a perfect fit and is easy to layer or wear alone. It’s fits in at work work with slacks and a sweater/cardigan. It makes jeans or camp shorts looks a little dressy. Pairs great with a maxi skirt or short skirt. It shows just the right amount of chest for a necklace and a hint of cleavage. I should really get a second one. My Kork-Ease sandals are similarly perfect: comfortable, easy, and can go with a dressy outfit or complete a casual outfit. I can wear them at the lake, to a wedding, and a day of sightseeing. Sadly, they don’t have them right now. They are like Anya, but with the toe strap going across all the toes, not just the big toe. If they come back, I’ll definitely need to buy another!
Same here, two almost identical robes that I treasure (both black, because I’m boring like that). When one is in the wash, the other one is ready :)
Ayana! The pants are great, but please tell us about that adorable plaid shirt!
It’s the Rujuta Sheth Mira Top in Multi Chex
Yay Jenna! She’s a celebrity on sewing instagram, fun to see her here too!!
I got so excited to see her face here!
My sister and I both a couple pairs of what we call “the pants.” They are lightweight barrel leg pants from Old Navy (“High-Waisted SleekTech Barrel Ankle Pants”) and they have been sold out of them now for months. Truly, they’re magical pants. They’re comfy and cute and can be dressed up or down. Somehow they work on both of us, even though I’m long-waisted and short-legged and she is just the opposite. If they ever come back, I’m buying five pairs!
Bexie – I hope you see this. They’re back – and on sale! I just bought a few pairs. Thanks for the recommendation :)
I have shouted to the rooftops about these pants but in the cargo fit instead of the bagel leg. I travel in them, I do school drop off in them, they never stretch out, they never wrinkle. I have them in two colors. They are magic.
Bexie is the coolest name I’ve seen in a long time!
BLESS THIS FEED! I’ve been eyeing these pants ever since I bought a pair last summer and LIVED in them all year. Just bought a pair in every color. THANK YOU Coleen!!
Oh my god, you guys are the best! Thank for you letting me know!
Got these pants and they are wonderful thank you for sharing
I’ve pretty much given up wearing bras. I have a few very soft pullover styles I wear – but I mostly wear Nikibiki tanks under a long or short sleeve button up. These tanks last forever and keep me from bouncing all over the place. And I’m much more comfortable!
woah, Ayana, from your photos I thought you were 5’8″! those jeans are indeed doing you some favors, but you’re also carrying your height so beautifully. I’m a shortie too, and it’s not like being tall is better, but…. I guess it’s more a sense of confidence. statuesque-ness. love it.
Love Jenna’s outfits (and style)! Thanks for sharing, this is a fun post.
Need the details on Ayana’s colorful checkered top! So cute!
Here ya go! https://rujutasheth.com/products/mira-top-multi-chex
I purchased my hero item inspired by a cup of Jo post. It is a white maxi skirt and I always feel great in it, I can wear it in so many different ways and lately I love it with big tops. No more dressing to look smaller for me. I can also wear it with boots and tights on cool days. So thank you cup of Jo! Another recent discovery is sizing up jeans! Game changer! I was stuck in a buy them tight and small advice from 90s. No longer! They look better on me too. I recently bought some low price ones from Sportsgirl and love them so much, including a pair with flowers printed on them.
so nice to see Ayana here! i used to follow her on instagram but deleted the app so no longer see her updates (and totally agree about old navy jeans being kind and affordable post- babies!) my closet hero piece currently- white/navy nike killshots bought per joanna’s recommendation 5+yrs ago. they look good with almost everything
I think Jenna’s wardrobe speaks to me most, but everyone looks phenomenal in their hero pieces! I definitely have a few of my own – like this blazer-style yellow 1960s cardigan that’s been collecting compliments for years. Lately, though? I’ve been thinking about what I pair with those indispensable pieces. I’m slowly revamping my wardrobe with petite clothing, after years of thinking that normal sizes are “good enough”. My fellow shorties – are you the same, I wonder? It takes a bit more effort, usually, to seek it out, but I’m looking better, and most importantly, have greater range of motion. Everyone deserves clothing that fits!
Same, but it’s finally buying Tall dresses after years of not liking the way dresses fit because the waist always hits too high. I’m on the shorter end of what’s considered tall but no one told my torso!
Yes! As a fellow shortie, I’ve started sifting through online and brick and mortar stores for shorter button downs (my clothing heroes) after years (decades!) of wearing “regular” length tops that make me feel stumpy. Shorter pants are much easier to find, thanks to cropped styles and clothing brands that are starting to wake up to the fact that women’s legs aren’t all the same length, but shorter, non boxy tops are not so abundant. Clothes need to fit us, not the other way around!
For many years I’ve treated myself to a couple of cashmere pullovers — usually navy, black, or gray — on Black Friday. My closet now has a collection of these sweaters which I wear pretty much every day from October through April. The oldest ones pair with sweatpants, and the newer ones work for almost any occasion. Long live the navy blue cashmere sweater!
Yes! I love a cashmere sweater and particularly a navy blue cashmere sweater! Pair it with a navy blue silk skirt, jeans, patterned pants, etc. If you live by a Monkee’s (boutiques mostly in the SE) they will usually do 50% off everything on Black Friday and I buy my White and Warren cashmere sweaters then! I have a beautiful pale blue and an off white mock neck short sleeve that makes me feel like a 1940s movie star.
My Eileen Fisher 3/4 length, black, alpaca and wool coat. It is so perfect, much warmer than the weight suggest, works for dress business meetings or jeans and sneakers. I bought mine on eBay many years ago and it is so good that my daughter, my sister and two friends have all purchased the same coat.
I am apparently in my Eileen Fisher era- would love to know more about this coat! Does it have a button front?
1. in the past two years since my twin boys started daycare and I was required to remove my shoes before entering their room: enter, Kizik tennis shoes, specifically this style: https://kizik.com/products/womens-siena-pristine-warm-taupe. I have since purchased three pairs for different seasonal colors and am obsessed. I walk the mile to/from daycare daily in them and they are my most comfortable shoe for everything, and truly SO EASY to put on and off. 2. Fitted jean jackets used to be my hero piece, but they are feeling a bit dated now? I used to through mine on over every summer dress. What’s a girl in 2026 to do?
Wear it anyway! It’s your personal style and you know you look great in it! Baggy clothes will go away in a few years and you’ll be back on trend.
These shoes are new to me, but genius!
I don’t think a Jean jacket can look anything but great. I esp love over a sun dress. It’s what I wore last weekend to an outdoor bday party.
Dansko girl too! After breaking both feet I had to give up heels. Dansko has the best clog boots w a sturdy heel. I have 5 pairs. Also adore my Hoff trainers.
I have two: 1-my black cotton cardi from LL Bean…in NM we need layers this time of year because we often have all 4 seasons in a day 2-my purple fleece “hangover pants” from Horney Toad before they morphed into Toad&Co. They are about 20 years old and I wear them 80% of the year as my cozy, after work clothes. I will be devastated when they finally wear out.
I have 2: my green Gola sneakers and my vintage Bill Blass denim jacket. I can be wearing literally anything and as long as I’m wearing one of those pieces too, I feel SO COOL. I’ve worn through 3 pairs of Golas and I just keep buying them.
Ugh, I had a pair of golas last me 10+ years. I wore them until the incredibly bitter, deteriorating end. My ebay replacement pairs where never as good!! I gave away 1/3 of them and kept a highlighter green and pastel rainbow just in case they suddenly become perfect
I love my golas too! I have a purple pair and a leopard print pair. the leopard take the most basic outfit up a notch.
I have these black JCrew pants I bought years ago and not only have they lasted over the years, but they’ve become my all-purpose pants that work in almost every situation. They’re made of dressier fabric but don’t wrinkle, have an elastic band, pockets and are washable. Literally, I’ve packed these on every trip I’ve been on, stateside or abroad. They’ve been used in all four seasons, been dressed up with heels, boots and a nice dress top or dressed down with a tee, sweatshirt and tennis shoes. They are my own version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants because they’ve worked when my weight fluctuates (elastic waist band for the win!).
Cool weather: Uniqlo heat tech layering turtlenecks. The perfect thin layer under sweaters or a big shirt. Warm weather: Uniqlo wide-leg linen pants. They will hem them which is great for me because I’m 5’2.
My hero piece was also a grey wool COS sweater!! Somehow this winter I tragically shrunk it, but the silver lining is that it now fits my 13 year old son perfectly, drop shoulders, balloon sleeves and all. He’s adopted it as his own hero piece and I get to compliment him on his great taste every time he wears it.
Is it fine if my hero pieces are warm, cozy and comforting, but not particularly stylish? Coz HELLO jogger pants and sweaters. I do own stylish pieces, but boy oh boy do I love the comfy I’ve-just-been-hugged factor.
When I see someone dressed as you’ve described (comfy), I always think, “they are cooler than fashion, deeper than appearances. ” they just seem like an intriguing, non conforming, give no you know whats person.
Sasha, your comment made me smile! What a lovely compliment and way you have for lifting others up!
Need the details on Alison’s jeans!
Here they are! Alison says she get’s the petite sizing :) https://gap.igs4ds.net/B5z51B
Dansko Becka ankle boots for cold seasons. Teva Hurricane or Ampsole sandals for warm weather. Thrifted GAP jean jacket. Sweatshirt with my favorite singer’s loveliest album printed on it. Quilted Vera Bradley fanny pack in olive. Columbia fleeces for dog walking and pretty much everything not summer. My grandma’s vintage squash blossom necklace makes anything I wear ‘fancy’. (Except maybe the fleeces)
My hero piece is my Alex Mill Britt Work Jacket in denim. I wear it everyday in the spring and fall, and it’s great for work because of the big pockets. It’s also my main piece I bring when I travel. I was recently at a local political event, and when I got back to my seat my Britt Jacket was missing! I was DEVASTATED. They didn’t have a lost and found and no one had seen it. I emailed the event organizer, and one week later they emailed me back to say they had found it! It was mistakenly taken by my neighbor who then, upon noticing it wasn’t hers, email the event organizer. Lesson learned, never let the jacket out of my sight.
My work house items are the No-Yank Tanks from Duluth Trading Company. They work under low-neck tops and dresses, and as an extra layer under sweaters. They come in a full range of sizes and lots of colors. They don’t creep up and they’re generously cut. They last forever.
Cheryl- I want to be you when I grow up. You’re amazing.
Joanna, I thought your Jean skirt would be your ‘hero piece’ /wardrobe staple this time of year ?!?! Haha
Hahahaha I have a lot of staples!! The white jeans, the jean skirt, my new balances, black loafers, pink ballet flats, rain jacket, babaa sweater — when I lobe something I wear it to DEATH.
Joanna, can you share where your black loafers are from?
Yes! They were a gift from Jamie Haller — very splurgy but very very good. Xoxo
I have been searching all the resale sites for a replacement for my beloved Everlane navy striped long sleeve tee for over a year now. It was perfect! I wore it until it was basically in shreds and still have it tucked in a drawer.
This sounds like something I would do! I recently found a loft puff sleeve striped shirt on poshmark that I loved so much! Keep waiting!! You might find your shirt again!
Cheers to all of our beloved shreddy clothes!
Download the Gem app and set up a morning alert email! It’s how I’m passively searching for a Banana Republic dress I regret not buying.
Thank you for the wider age range on this piece.
Yes, yes, yes!!!
Love this idea! Right now my hero clothing is all from the Gap, purchased on sales and using the card discounts. I love their cotton roll neck sweaters that are not dropped shoulder (hard to find!) and their soft side leg jeans.
I love this…all the outfits are amazing. My hero item: the Mary Jane flats from Margeaux. Super comfortable and go with everything. I also live in trench coats and barn jackets with jeans.
Yes, Chris. I love Margaux flats, period. I reach for the three pairs I own over anything else.
Gap Big Shirts (I own 6) and Quince cotton crew sweaters (I currently have 3 but I have bought 5–lost one in Portugal and my daughter stole one;)
My oversized long black Uniqlo sherpa coat. It’s been with me through pregnancy, was roomy enough for babywearing, is somehow the perfect warmth for fall, winter, AND spring (in Canada, nonetheless), works with casual clothes and dresses up nicely, and I have gotten many compliments on it. And it has pockets large enough that I can fit my phone/keys/wallet and even a diaper and a few wipes. Oh man.. I didn’t realize how in love with this coat I was until right now.
1) A lightweight gray cotton cardigan (current favorite is Uniqlo UV cardigan) 2) Dansko Brenna clogs in Tan. I wear these 90% of days year round (I need another pair but the tan ones currently out of stock everywhere, WAHH) 3) Toad & Co Chakka pants for summertime. So fun & flowy!
Love this — everyone looks fun and chic, and sometimes the outfits are so different that it takes me a moment to find the common piece. Feels just right for the day before Earth Day, too.
I have a gorgeous Columbia fleece that I have loved wearing in the it’s too warm for coat but too cold for a jacket season’s. All my clothes are secondhand, so two of my hero pieces are footwear, I got a pair of Salewa mountain trainers for 35gbp, they were nearly new and the camping shop down the road stocks them for 260gbp. Best buy ever. My second best buy was a pair of approach shoes by the north face which I think I paid 28gbp for and they were basically new, too. I love them. I also have two gorgeous knitted jumpers that I love,one is a statement winter jumper that is in browns and burnt oranges, the sleeves are huge and my bestie spends dinners trying to stop me dipping them into my food. The other is a chunky pink jumper that I just love the cosy fit.
Ooh, love this topic. Want to restructure my wardrobe and this could be a good way to approach it! Also, do you have any tips for keeping white jeans white??
I use tide pens and also add extra detergent to spots before putting them in the wash. so far, so good! would love to hear other people’s tips too :)
I try to wash them as little as possible. So sometimes that means I just spot treat one stain with OxiClean spray and then rinse only that area instead of washing the pair in the washing machine. I also keep more than one pair in the rotation but that’s because white jeans are my summer hero!
I someone who wears white jeans year round- I kind of like when they get a little “lived in”. Random spots here and there and the white just a bit less crisp. Kind of like white converse when they get a bit of scuffs. I don’t treat them so precious and throw them in the wash with whatever is in there- crazy, I know!
This question is a little too TMI, but if any group can handle it, it’s this one. How do you wear white jeans in perimenopause? Things are unpredictable, there are leaks no matter what I try or how many back ups products I use. I would just never trust white jeans at this time in my life.
Everlane’s Boxy Sweater in Everyday Cotton has been a staple for YEARS in my wardrobe. I have it in 3 different colors. It’s always the perfect weight for Bay Area weather, looks cute over a button-up oxford or on its own with a pair of jean shorts. And it’s easy to layer under a jacket. Quality is good and you can just toss them in the washing machine. It gets packed on pretty much every trip I go on, whether work or vacation, any season.
Your comment made me remember — I met my sister’s friend in San Francisco this past month, and she has SIX of the Quince European Swing Dresses, in black and different colors! She said she wears them allllll the time. https://goto.quince.com/KBJoae
I’m the same way with Marine Layer’s lexi rib fit and flare dress. I own it in 5 colors. The fabric is somehow both light and heavy (but breathable) at the same time so I can wear it in cool spring and fall weather with a jacket and on its own in the summer heat. I dress them up and down all the time (with a Jean jacket, leather jacket, or even suit jacket), and they wash and dry like new. This link is old, but they come out with new colors all the time: https://www.marinelayer.com/products/lexi-rib-fit-and-flare-midi-dress-black?srsltid=AfmBOorrOJFBN5PQuC6cR0C4-hp4bygA6JL_3aUu_S8AOHlWFJqnPlBg
I have two of these in different colors and wear the heck out of them!
Thank you Joanna for the Quince dress recommendation! The thrift gods were kind and one will be on its way to me soon. Looking forward to breezy summer afternoons!
Babaa cardigan and bryr clogs! Never let me down.
Yes to Bryr clogs! The best!
A black, cotton, scoop neck tank is my closet’s workhorse. I actually own three because I am so dependent on having one available at all times. In winter, it’s a first layer piece under cozy sweaters, in fall it works under blazers and hoodies, in summer it can stand alone with a pair of denim shorts or a flowy skirt, and in spring it’s perfect under a lightweight cardigan or jean jacket. I don’t know how I’d wear half of my wardrobe without it.
Birkenstocks and black sweaters. May I never be without them.
Linen shirts from Zara all day every day May-September.
This Z Supply denim jacket/shirt – I ALWAYS get compliments…I wear it over yoga pants, jumpsuits, bodysuits…it’s slouchy yet flattering! https://zsupplyclothing.com/products/all-day-knit-denim-jacket
Anyone have any hero items for pregnancy? I am six months along but look eight months along (short torso, 4th kid problems) and every single item (from jackets to underwear to shoes) feels like it has a grudge against me. My hero item is currently black Old Navy full panel maternity work pants (the Stevie) but I can only get one or two days of wear out of them before an adorable child rubs a yogurt covered hand on my rear and I need some options!
Do you like sundresses? They expand to whatever size you need!
I currently live in a rotation of Storq overalls and Free People Hot Shot onesie (both of which you can find used on Poshmark). I am a petite woman heavily pregnant with my second and i am constantly smeared with toddler yogurt/hummus/snot.
Old Navy elastic waist linen pants (non maternity, I wore the larger of my two usual sizes) carried me through months 6-9! I threw them in the wash and dryer, they’re inexpensive,I had black, navy, and striped.
Beyond Yoga maternity leggings!! I bought them in two colors and lived in them through my pregnancy!
Thank you all!
Pink blush maternity romper was my go to. My second child ended up being 10 lbs and it was covid so comfort was top of the list. They have a few different styles but here’s one that looks similar- and I have an overall looking one too. They are soft and stretch and look a little more presentable then by husbands flannel pj pants https://www.pinkblushmaternity.com/products/pinkblush-olive-green-short-sleeve-maternity-jumpsuit
Splurge Alert – I bought a Nooworks magic suit when I was 18 weeks pregnant and it fit for a long time during pregnancy and then was also my go – to breastfeeding / post partum item. It’s a wild pattern, so covered sticky hand prints
The black Maeve Collette maternity pants from Anthropologie! I rented mine from Nuuly and just kept renting them every single month. I recommend Nuuly in general for pregnancy and post partum if it’s in your budget. It was so nice to get new clothes as my size shifted without the waste of buying things I would grow out of so soon. Similarly I am always a devoted thrifter and went often while pregnant for new oversized dresses and such.
Jenna, you are an inspiration! I would love to try sewing a skirt or a swingy top. I learned in home ec many years ago and always think I should pull out my sewing machine and give it a go!
Thanks so much! I am firmly in favor of pulling out your sewing machine and seeing what happens. Sewing is the best!
Do it! I started sewing a couple of years ago and it has been the most fulfilling hobby I’ve every had (and I’ve tried them all, ha!).
I’m also curious about sewing/embroidery and would love a post on how to get started on these “old fashioned” hobbies!
I adore my rothy’s loafers. The original rounded toe version, not the longer almond toe style as I feel they make my feet look bigger. In a tan cheetah print (they’ve discontinued but I can often find on poshmark) they go with looks organized around black, jeans or navy, which tend to be the anchor colors for most of my outfits.
My thrifted heros for summer are an oversized button-up shirt (as shade or an evening layer) and whatever sundress calls to me (no overthinking or overspending needed). What’s on people’s thrift list for summer?
I found some dark navy Carhart’s and a 90s mid-calf skirt in the $5 bin! I’m ready for yard work and heatwaves!
No great thrift stores in my area but my Poshmark saves are are mainly silk shell tops, Eileen Fisher lantern pants and lightweight cotton cardigans, I think mostly from Land’s End!
I thrifted a denim chore jacket with huge pockets (big enough for a book !!) that is perfect for anything. Recently I thrifted two corduroy skirts that I’m excited to wear all summer!! I got lucky because I went to a store that didn’t have dressing rooms but I took my best guess on sizing and both skirts fit perfectly! A thrift miracle
I looooove an oversized button up for spring and summer. Thanks for this reminder that they exist haha. I’ve been in a rut of just wearing sweaters. I don’t have a thrift list, but my To-Sew list includes: a couple of cotton tanks with princess seams (flattering but not tight), linen wide leg trousers, hopefully a cute crop top to go with said trousers, and a sun hat.
Love this question, Sarah! I just thrifted a Banana Republic chambray shirt that will be a perfect easy layer for summer, and a black linen collared v-neck tunic or short dress that I plan to shorten for a workwear top. Still on my list is a midi skirt.
I just checked off a bunch of summer items to thrift, including: * Button up linen shirt * Eileen Fisher sleeveless jumpsuit * EF culottes * Track jacket for layering, thanks to a CoJ post awhile back Looking forward to seeing what else is on people’s lists!
Great Q! Summer thrift wishlist: – Long black sleeveless sundress cut from linen (got ultra lucky this very afternoon and found one at my local thrift shop!100% silk!?! The goddess / gods of thrift were smiling down upon me today)! Once I add pockets to my new frock it will be in heavy rotation this coming warm season. – looking for a light blue 100% cotton button down – I’ve been on the hunt for the right pair of denim overalls that work on my pear shaped 5’8” frame (longggggg torso) – forever trying on loafers and other “little shoes” in the men’s section to compliment my long, narrow size 10.5 feet! My hero piece: toss up between an oldie pair of black denim Eddie Bauer high waisted mum-jeans that always feel great on and one of my Babaà sweaters (cotton or wool, season depending). A black linen shell tank from Gillian Stevens and matching linen trousers is always a good idea.
Mine are a pair of Old Navy linen shorts. They are burnt umber with big patch pockets. So comfortable, cool, and somehow the color goes with so much. Plus, large pockets! I’m always on the look for another pair. I’ve picked up other ON linen shorts, but none have matched that particular style. I also recently got a Madewell v-neck tee that immediately became a favorite. It’s raisin and looks blah on the hanger but lovely on. And it looks good with my Columbia flannel shirt, in a purple plaid, which is one of my favorite winter items that is also the perfect summer morning/evening layer.
A chambray/jean button down shirt. J. crew makes a great one (garçon classic fit!). It’s perfect worn tied in front with a dress or a skirt or tucked into pants. You can wear it as a layer to throw on or off depending on your temp levels! HERO!
Yes this is it for me too!!!
Biggest ditto! I wear my husbands hand me down oversized one as a beach coverup, and I have three others in various washes for around the waist, or easy layer as the sun dips, or especially for the moments the Canadian tuxedo mood strikes (which is at least weekly for me:)
This is my hero item as well. Mine is a chambray shirt from Uniqlo that is perfectly lived in and goes with everything!
I have two things, both of which are on my body RIGHT NOW: 1. sleeveless linen blouses from Uniqlo. They do not make these anymore and I am angry. Luckily, I have three and linen is indestructible. Please someone from Uniqlo read this, the top women’s website on the internet (probably, right??) and bring back my shirt! I want it in pink! and 2., the Quince “100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan,” which I have in two colors and wear constantly. Many of my friends have bought it and agree that it is perfect. When I don’t know what to wear, I wear jeans, one of my linen blouses, my cardigan, and a colorful bandana. Literally wearing it now!
Doc Martens makes a pair of boots that look exactly like Blundstones for half the price. I’ve had mine for seven yeras and have probably walked, no joke, over 10,000 miles in them and they have no wear or tear!
YES! They are amazing and also so comfortable. I bought mine during the pandemic for all of the outside time we were having. They’ve hiked through mud, walked through sand, gotten wet in the rain, and most of all… faired well on the subway.
I got lightly used Blundstones on Poshmark for a really good price—they had lots of you don’t want to pay full price.
My track pants (mine are from Lacoste from a couple years back) – they are a mid-weight so I can wear them all of the time – in winter with leggings underneath and a big sweater to walk my dogs and in warmer months I wear them with tees or a button down denim shirt (and they go with sneakers or birkenstocks or flipflops) – really you can’t go wrong and they are so cozy and are slightly more polished so to speak (at least in my opinion) than sweats so I feel better wearing them out all day running errands or meeting a friend for coffee etc…
Last year I got a cardigan shaped like a bomber jacket. It’s glorious – cozy, intentional, and just fashiony enough.
I was gifted the Good and Gravel Marram Jacket – Yuba for my birthday last year and wear it constantly! A true hero! My other heroes: Big Bid Press Carpenter Jeans Le Bonne Shoppe Zoe Cotton Sweater Noble Collared Shirt Since having two babies, my body has gone through a roller coaster of changes. My wardrobe has gotten smaller, but I have tried to invest in only pieces I will wear on repeat and that work with body changes. These are my favs.
The Noble button down shirt has been on my wishlist forever!
I used to love clothes but don’t feel like I’ve been truly happy once in a piece of clothing since having my first kid six years ago. My connection to style and my body seem totally off / foreign to me. I’ve bought a lot of stuff, returned a lot of stuff…nothing feels right
I’ve been finding a lot of women on Instagram (Lauren Owens/mamaindenim especially comes to mind) talking about how to make getting dressed be fun and joyful. Lauren specifically also makes outfit formulas which for me either takes the work of decision making off my plate or shows some gaps in my wardrobe. She also shows a lot of example outfits on so many body types!
I feel exactly the same, although I’m at the opposite end of the spectrum in that it’s not post baby, but menopause. Namely that I feel a bit like one of those balloon animals where someone squeezed the rest of me into my boobs. They’re enormous and I’m pretty petite everywhere else, so I’ve been living in over size Doen sweaters, everlane sweatshirts and oversize oxfords. If anyone has any tips, please advise! I miss loving to get dressed.
I feel exactly the same!! Since turning 40 last year, I can no longer lose the 5-10 extra lbs around my middle no matter what I do (intermittent fasting, running, peloton). I’m pretty sure I have to start lifting weights/building muscle. Anyway, nothing fits me the same anymore and I have no idea what to put on my body! Comfort dressing speaks to me the most, but I’ll catch a glimpse of myself in a window or something and think yikes!! I used to sort of giggle at those shows that helped older women put outfits together – how do they not know what works best for their body?? – but now I would kill to be on one!
I am fairly newly medically disabled and wear clothes mostly for comfort. It can be exhausting for me to even get dressed sometimes. I’ve found if you have a nice jacket on, no one notices if you’re just wearing sweatpants and maybe not a bra. (At least they pretend not to notice) I’ve had a few hero jackets in my lifetime but I tend to stick to a single or double breasted wool coat, or trench.
100% on the nice jacket. I find a bright pair of socks often confuses people into thinking my outfit is deliberate. Honestly, who would wear cherry red socks by accident? So the saggy sweatpants must be a totally nonchalant fashion moment.
I love both these tips!
Also medically disabled, totally agree on the jackets and and also long coats and sweaters in general. Also, I try to buy matching loungewear ‘sets’ that are on the looser, flowier side and they can look a little bit dressy or intentional while still feeling like and serving the function of pyjamas.
I love this series – thanks for bringing it back! Seeing multiple ways to style once piece is always my favorite inspiration!
My Carhartt duck brown overalls. Pockets! They stretch. Just a tank under and rolled up a bit in the summer. Long underwear and a hoodie or wool sweater in winter. Durable, comfy, oblivious to fashion.
Great article! I love my cute black pants. They’re like a Little Black Dress in my wardrobe! So versitile. Dress up or down perfectly.
Uniqlo Supima cotton T-shirt in white. It’s a thick cotton (but not too heavy) with a nice hand feel. The collar lays smooth. It’s nice enough to wear under a blazer for work but also looks great with jeans. Like many Uniqlo items, size down. Even then, the fit is slightly off the body.