Lately I’ve been thinking about the concept of uniforms: having failsafe outfit combinations for whatever plans come our way. I can definitely say that I myself have some very specific formulas I follow for certain occasions, from working at home, to date night, to the office. I thought it might be fun to share those uniforms here, and perhaps I’ll turn this into a semi-regular series if there’s interest! So without further ado…
Working from Home
Nine times out of ten, when I’m working from home at this time of year, I’ll be wearing some sort of knit with a pair of comfy jeans. Just add loafers and a light jacket if I have to run out. I really prioritize getting myself dressed when I work from home, but I also value comfort, and I feel like this combination strikes the perfect balance of put-together but comfy. A cardigan with a white T underneath looks especially good on Zoom meetings, but feels like wearing a sweatshirt. What more could you ask for?
This knit is from a Vancouver boutique called Neighbour, and is part of their in-house knitwear line. Jeans are the Joni jeans from Aritzia, and loafers are my trust GH Bass Weejuns.
Running Errands
Comfort and ease always come first when I’ve got an afternoon of errands to accomplish. Jeans and a knit are again the base for this look. When I know I’ll be walking a lot I always fall back on a pair of sneakers, and while I wouldn’t describe myself as a sneakers person, I do love this corduroy pair. Being hands-free is also essential; I’m often lugging tote bags with me and otherwise need my hands to be free, so holding a bag isn’t something I want to be doing. Enter: the Barbour and crossbody bag combo. Truthfully, the Barbour has so many pockets that a bag isn’t even necessary, so it’s the perfect jacket for days where I don’t want any fuss.
Jeans are the Cos Arch jeans which I’ve got in a couple washes. Sneakers are an old colourway from Stepney Workers Club. Jacket is Barbour and bag is vintage Coach.
Day at the Office
I’m quite lucky that my office environment is on the casual side, but I still like to dress the part and infuse my personality into my looks. Sometimes I’ll do jeans but more often than not, I’m wearing trousers and a top, plus a shoe that’s chosen based on the day’s weather. Before it gets too cold I’ll be wearing a trench, and in the depths of winter I’ll be wearing a wool coat. Just a more elevated/corporate version of my day-to-day style!
Blouse is from Dôen and I’ve been absolutely living in it this season. Trousers are old from Nothing Written and trench is old Remain Birger Christensen. Mary Janes are Sézane and bag is Dragon Diffusion.
Date Night
Certainly not a weekly occasion but something we love to do at least once per month. We typically keep things pretty casual, but me being me, I like to dress up a tiny bit. Straight leg jeans are always a failsafe for me, plus some kind of top (weather dependent, but in this case I’m wearing a charcoal cashmere T), a dressier jacket, and fun accessories that I don’t wear everyday to make things feel more special.
Jacket is secondhand Acne Studios via VSP Consignment. Jeans are the aforementioned Cos Arch jeans in an indigo wash. Mary Janes are Sézane and bag is the APC Grace Baguette.
Weekend Coffee Run
Weekends are for keeping it casual, particularly in the morning when I haven’t had my coffee yet. Occasionally I love to start my Saturdays with a long walk to a coffee shop further afield, treat myself to a drink, and then enjoy it on the walk home. It feels like a triple whammy between fresh air, a good amount of steps, and caffeine, but it means I like to keep things comfy. Again, denim and a knit will form the base (it is November after all). A light jacket on top, with comfortable boots and a crossbody bag to round things out. Easy, comfortable, but still looks chic and put-together.
Wearing a lambswool crewneck from Uniqlo (sized up twice), with the same Cos Arch jeans. Jacket is from Lavenham, boots are Vagabond, and bag is vintage Coach again.
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