How One Vogue Editor Embraced the Classics This Week
As we continue to navigate these ever-changing times, in season two of What I Wore This Week, one Vogue editor shares their outfits—both on Zoom and IRL—from the previous week.
From mid-March through early September, my work-from-home outfits consisted of some variation of an oversized T-shirt, leggings, and a sports bra—a seemingly standard fashion formula for those of us lucky enough to have been quarantined at home over the last few months. This less-than-glamorous sartorial turn was not the result of a style rut, per se, but rather a subconscious (okay, it was pretty intentional) response to many mornings spent agonizing over what to wear to work. Not caring about how I looked or what trend I needed to adhere to was relieving, and something about putting together a full look just didn’t feel right. For nearly six months, my floral dresses, frilled blouses, and lace-up boots have been sitting untouched in the back of my closet.
As is the case with most quarantine-appropriate activities—watercolor painting, baking, putting together puzzles—my aversion to real clothes began to grow old after a while. In September, with the promise of fall on the horizon and a hint of back-to-school nostalgia, I made a promise to myself that I would start dressing up again. With that, I also decided that I wanted to switch up my style overall. B.C. (Before Coronavirus) I was a major fan of seasonal and trend-driven dressing. This included bright florals in the warmer months and heavier fabrics mixed with prairie-core vibes in the fall and winter. But the tumult of quarantine left me yearning for structure and, therefore, a new wardrobe that was less about bold patterns and rich fabrics and more minimalistic and streamlined.
When getting dressed earlier this fall, I began to rely heavily on classic staples. These were pieces that I already owned and items that could carry me through the coming season without too many styling variations. I took to wearing rigid jeans, a Breton striped shirt, loafers, and simple button-down shirts. Now, I’m still wearing these chic, easy ensembles, but I’ve realized that making the switch has proven to be more difficult than anticipated, especially during sale season. But while I still love a good vibrant print or playful embellishment, these classics that I’ve adopted into my everyday-style repertoire will definitely remain on heavy rotation for months to come.
Below, here’s a week’s worth of classic dressing.
Monday
All good days start with coffee and a walk, and today, I did just that. With a high of 39 degrees and nary a cloud in the sky, Monday called for a classic combo of a navy turtleneck and rigid jeans. I am a sucker for a comfy camel coat too, and on a crisp day like today, I was happy to cuddle up inside.
Tuesday
I had a full schedule of Zoom meetings today and did not have the time or the motivation to get dressed head-to-toe. Truth be told, I did not leave my apartment. The beauty of Zoom is that one does not have to choose between being well-dressed and comfortable at the same time. No one on my plethora of calls had an inkling that I was wearing leggings and slippers with my white tailored shirt. Gold hoops gave my waist-up outfit an added element of professionalism.
Wednesday
My brother’s birthday is coming up quickly and, questionably, in the midst of a busy week, I decided that today was the perfect day to do some gift shopping for him. Nothing is more classic than a black puffer and, for my outing, I whipped it out in honor of the year’s first snow. I also wore this striped shirt, which I throw on at least once a week and consider it to be a true staple in my wardrobe. And while these flats are great walking shoes, they were not the best choice considering the snow that day, but they matched my mask perfectly, so that was a win.
Thursday
For dinner with friends, I skewed a bit trendier with this ’70s-esque outfit. Old habits die hard, I guess! My mom actually beaded this baguette bag for me, and her amazing handiwork gave this classic accessory an updated twist. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
Friday
The old adage says no white after Labor Day, but whoever made that up clearly never met Vogue’s own Tonne Goodman. The white jean is Goodman’s wardrobe staple, and I took a page out of her book for a Friday trip to the office. Paired with a white T-shirt, oversized blazer, and my trusty penny loafers, I was out the door looking classic as can be.
