If it seems like everyone is in Europe at the moment, that’s because they probably are. Between weddings, summer vacations, and all of the fashion-related events, every other Instagram story on my feed is from a friend/work acquaintance currently in France, Italy, Greece, or some combination thereof. Chances are that’s also on your agenda over the next month or two, so this week’s newsletter comes in from a reader. She’s spending seven days in Paris for a work trip and needs a little help. I’ll let her tell you in her own words:
Hi Diana!
I’m going to Paris for a week and I need some help. There will be a couple of nice dinners and ideally all outfits are sneakers friendly, as I’m planning to wear either my Nike silver Vomeros or these white and blue Tom Sachs. I also may pack a pair of ballet flats.
I love the idea of layering and mixing items and my style is classic with a twist. The words I gravitate towards are classic, chic, comfortable, and unexpected. I never want to be more or “cute” and I love a oooh where’d you get that comment. That said, comfort is key! I’d like to take your recommendations and start rebuilding my wardrobe — great quality, foundation pieces that I will keep “forever”. It’s time to donate all those promote event tees and my 20+ black hoodies.
Things I like like rarely align with my budget. I'm also a IRL, visual person so I have a hard time gauging size and fit. Online shopping feels super overwhelming! But brands that I love and wish I owned more of include Sacai, Tibi, Toteme, Rachel Comey, and Dear Frances.
My current capsule wardrobe consists of high-waisted Levi’s with a top and sneakers or wide-legged trousers with a (long) crop top. I also love a simple dress as well as a good leopard print — I consider that to be my version of a neutral or a pop against my basic looks. I’m also into simple gold jewelry. The one thing I’m on the hunt for is a white or navy shirt dress. It should be chic but flowy and covers my knees, ideally under $400 and features interesting details like pleats.
As someone who also spends 90% her time in either flat sandals or sneakers, this ask is, once again, right up my alley. I also deeply relate to the fact that you prefer to shop IRL rather than online. Despite what it may seem like, I buy most of my clothes in stores and not online, mainly because I too, get overwhelmed at times! Perhaps it’s also the need for instant gratification? Either way, the narrower selection at a store coupled with the ability to try on pieces makes it much easier for me to impulsively buy something. Something about the last few steps of entering in my credit card while on my phone is just enough time for me to reconsider and abandon cart.
But the entire point of this newsletter is to not get overwhelmed and abandon your cart in a fit of frustration so let’s get into it.
First up, finding an interesting shirtdress under $400 is tricky but not impossible. I’m going to assume you want something in the Sacai vibe so here are a few that hit that note:
I’m not sure how tall you are but if you’re under 5’5”, this dress will definitely hit you at the knees. Made from a mix of cotton and polyester, it’ll flow and drape well. I love the waist detail — it’s unusual but very very comfortable. I think the dress would look SO good with your choice in sneakers.
I know this is a little more than you wanted to spend but it's a very good price for Loewe. The exaggerated cuffs and seam detailing are interesting details but it’s still pretty minimal and sleek. A caveat: you might be too warm considering summer in Paris can get toasty.
Breezy and simple, this Wales Bonner number might not have ton of pleating but it’d be pretty chic with sneakers because it’s so minimal. I also like the bit of crochet detailing at the waist — it’s appropriately summery without being too boho.
This is another piece that has gathering around the entire body, creating a billowy back. The price hits under your budget without being too cheap plus it falls at your knees or lower so this might be your best option.
I suspect that this is probably exactly (or at least VERY close) to what you’re looking for. If you’re willing to up your budget, this patchwork Sacai number is really special and will match all your sneakers SO well.
Now, let’s move on to the rest of what you need for this work trip to Paris. Given that you want something a capsule wardrobe where you can mix and match, I think it’s better to get a few super affordable basics from the likes of Aritizia, CO, Uniqlo and then a few statement pieces that are a little pricier, so you don’t feel too drab. Also, I’m factoring in the weather in Paris during the summer — given how hot it’s been over the years and the general lack of air conditioning, there will be plenty of sweat-friendly options.
Let’s dive into the basics first, I don’t think you need too many of these to put together good outfits.
Dissh is an Australian brand that’s well-priced — on par with the likes of Zara and COS. My move would be to mix their simpler styles into your wardrobe because then no one can really tell. A few that I like:
Black linen is my favorite in the summer — it doesn’t show wrinkles as much as white linen and it feels seasonal (at least to me). But if you’re not into black, this also comes in off-white and white. I love the idea that you can wear the vest and maxi skirt together or break them up with your other pieces. The best part is that the skirt has an elastic waist. Also, something about the long length really works on short girls as I find that my Sacai maxi give me the illusion of being taller, even if I wear them with ballet flats.
These tanks are also a good option to get in a few colors, tuck into a skirt and you’re ready to go.
I have a cropped tank from Aritizia that’s made from the same fabric and I can attest that it’s incredibly soft, smooth, and overall flattering. Get a few bodysuits to tuck into trousers and skirts, it creates a much cleaner line, even if you’re lazy like me and prefer to wear them unsnapped. Trust me, you really can’t tell.
This reminds me of that Tôteme strapless top, albeit a lot cheaper. I love the way it’s styled with black trousers as a fun warm weather evening look. It’d be great with ballet flats for a nice dinner.
Now let’s get to the fun part, the flashier stuff that really makes an outfit. I know you said you like a lot of basics but let’s go a little beyond your comfort zone with some pieces that have a more distinctive POV.
Ashlyn is such a cool label — the founder is Korean and she’s based in NYC. The pieces feel incredibly elevated and it’s what I envision the lovechild of Sacai and Khaite to look like. The way this skirt is designed to appear inside out is such an amazing detail. I can easily picture this with a tank and sneakers or with ballet flats for a nice dinner out. Also, you can take an extra 15% off, so it’ll be just under $500 retail.
This is a pretty good price for a very classic Sacai skirt that would look quite nice with either of your sneakers. You could do a poplin shirt on top, to keep it a bit more dressy or add a tee if you want it to be more casual. It also comes in shades of khaki, which might be better with the Tom Sachs Nikes.
This tee is SO fun and such a statement, even if you’re wearing it with high-waisted loose jeans or a simple pleated skirt. It might be too much but I also feel like it’s not a big leap from Sacai to Noir. Consider this a push out of your comfort zone.
I love a stretchy maxi dress and I usually size up so it’s not as body conscious but still has a bit of cling. It’s the best way to do lazy dressing! What keeps it from being boring are the details here like the white piping and cutout at the shoulder.
Since you mentioned leopard print, this silky top would be a fun purchase to mix into things — it’s great over jeans here but I’d wear it over a high-waisted skirt with the bottom button undone. It’s sorta like a fucked up take on Mrs. Prada’s uniform.
I debated adding this Ganni option in but that leopard skirt meme really was about that silky one that was everywhere a few year ago. This cotton poplin version has more heft and shape, plus it’s pretty cheap. Tuck a tee into it, add those Tom Sachs sneakers, and you can run around for work easily. I also like how it’s styled with Mary Jane flats here so that it’s comfortable but pulled together.
This Simone Rocha has been in my Net-a-Porter cart for some time right now, because I have a credit to use. I love the visible zipper and exaggerated garters that hang from the bottom to give it a sense of movement. Before you think it’s too much, I find that layered over a black skirt or pants, it melts into the bottoms and is a subtle touch of drama.
Finally, in the interest of length, let’s wrap it up with some gold jewelry. Like I mentioned in my last newsletter, I hate spending a ton on accessories and I truly love a Zara/Mango/Amazon moment so here are a few pieces I’m into. They’re all earrings because I find necklaces or bracelets should be items that have sentimental value of some sort.
Silver’s making a comeback and unfortunately, I personally look terrible in the metal — I’m more warm toned. But I think these are a nice way to wear the trend since it’s mixed in with gold.
They’re kinda lumpy and weird, which is why I was drawn to them. My rule with cheap jewelry is the more bizarre they look, the more expensive they appear.
Mismatched earrings always feel cooler than a matching set to me — the more haphazard everything is, the more I’m drawn to them. These are basically the same price as fast fashion earrings so I don’t feel too bad if lose one, or destroy them.
These are definitely on the more expensive side, violating my own rule about inexpensive jewelry but Completedworks is a brand that does really beautiful, sculptural jewelry. If you’re looking to spend a bit extra, these would be a versatile investment.
To end this newsletter, a pair of Panconesi earrings that are a cool spin on hoop earrings. He does some truly incredible, conceptual jewelry (with prices to match) but these are a manageable on sale and retain his signature swirly details.
Hopefully this will inspire you to get a few things for your Paris trip! And if anyone else has a shopping question, as always, shoot me an email.
Until Wednesday, which will be a bit of a hodgepodge of summertime related finds (in honor of the summer equinox!) that span home, accessories, beauty, and whatever else pops into my brain.
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Love! Ordered half this list, can't wait to try.
Justine Clenquet FTW