Just a few months ago, I moved from New York to L.A. The move itself was easy, but the challenging part came into play when my clothes got held up in storage. I had brought some essentials with me to the West Coast, but the majority of my wardrobe was packed away in boxes somewhere across the country. Not exactly what I’d planned. Instead of running out to buy a new wardrobe, I decided to try and make the pieces I already had work.
My style is streamlined and minimal, so I’m a big proponent of finding versatile pieces that can work with a number of different outfits. Over the month I weighed heavily on standbys like mid-rise Levi’s, a well-cut T-shirt, and pointed-toe mules. But, I also mixed in on-trend items like a pink satin top and a black vinyl miniskirt. I also made sure to mix in some accessories like statement earrings, a metal handle bag, and a wide belt that helped me transform my basics.
In the end, I didn’t hate my simplified wardrobe. In fact, I liked it. With fewer options, it made getting dressed every day easier, and it allowed me to stick to a sort of “uniform.” Now that the rest of my clothes have arrived and the boxes are unpacked, I’m planning to downsize and resell the things I don’t love. Instead, I’ll be investing in new closet essentials and cool investment pieces I’ll love years from now.
Ahead, see the 15 items I wore for a month straight, along with some of my favorite outfits from the last 30 days.
Shop the outfit: Topshop Unique Silk Wrap Top ($185); Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans ($98); The Row Coco Suede Mules ($795); Egrey Leather Belt ($183); Modern Weavings Pendulum Earrings ($145).
Adding a waist-cinching wide belt and statement earrings make this outfit feel cool.
Shop the outfit: Zara Striped Tunic ($100); Adam Lippes Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($95); Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans ($98); Schutz Tae Slides ($170); Saint Laurent Charlotte Messenger Bag ($1690).
One of my favorite new styling tricks is layering a T-shirt under a tucked in, open button-down top.
Shop the post: Étoile Isabel Marant Janey Checked Linen Blazer ($530); Splendid Turtleneck ($70); Topshop Black Vinyl Mini Skirt ($51); Schutz Tae Slides ($170); Saint Laurent Charlotte Messenger Bag ($1690).
The key to wearing a miniskirt is to pair the daring style with understated pieces like a turtleneck, blazer, and flat mules.
Shop the outfit: Mango Decorative Buckle Dress ($100); Ramy Brook Maria Pant ($345); Schutz Tae Slides ($170); Saint Laurent Charlotte Messenger Bag ($1690).
I love wearing this dress with heels and leaving it just at that, but layer a pair of pants underneath and it completely transforms the look.
Shop the outfit: Adam Lippes Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($95); Ramy Brook Maria Pant ($345); The Row Coco Suede Mules ($795); Egrey Leather Belt ($183); Saint Laurent Charlotte Messenger Bag ($1690).
Break up a white-on-white outfit with a wide belt and cool accessories.
Shop the post: Topshop Unique Silk Wrap Top ($185); Adam Lippes Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($95); Topshop Black Vinyl Mini Skirt ($51); The Row Coco Suede Mules ($795); Modern Weavings Pendulum Earrings ($145).
In my opinion, pink paired with black and white is always a cool combo.
Shop the outfit: Zara Striped Tunic ($100); Ramy Brook Maria Pant ($345); Simon Miller Bonsai Bag ($390); Schutz Tae Slides ($170); Egrey Leather Belt ($183); Modern Weavings Pendulum Earrings ($145).
When wearing an oversize top, I like to layer a wide belt over it to give some shape.
SHOP THE 15 ITEMS
This oversize style looks cool belted.
This style also comes in black and navy.
This mini bucket bag is big enough to fit the essentials.
Casual and comfortable, you’ll never want to take these off.
The perfect thing to throw over a T-shirt and jeans.
A quick trick to transform an outfit is wearing a waist-cinching belt.
Pieces finished in satin instantly make an outfit look more elevated.
Try this with a turtleneck.
A versatile shoe that can go from day to night.
Nothing beats a well-cut T-shirt.
Try out the statement earring trend with this striking pair.
Wear this on its own, or transform the look by layering jeans underneath.
Perfect to throw over your shoulder.
A versatile piece that can be worn with jeans or layered underneath a dress.
Classic and timeless.
Next, read about the $20 sunglasses this editor can’t stop wearing.