Happy Wednesday! I hope you’re having a stellar day.
My regular more-in-depth Wednesday post will be happening tomorrow … and I’ve teamed up with Aritzia for something awesome! I’m still geeking out about it like a fangirl. Can’t wait to share it with you.
Anyway … today’s outfit. Black jeans + black leather moto jacket. It’s my fall uniform 2.0. (Here’s my fall uniform 1.0 in case you missed it.)
Anushka — the brilliant blogger behind Into-Mind — first introduced me to the concept of a uniform. At first, I thought, “A uniform? Like wearing the same thing over and over again? Won’t I get tired of that?” But it turns out, I didn’t.
Because a uniform isn’t as uniform-y as it sounds.
It’s just an outfit recipe that you can always fall back on. It can be a starting point if you’re feeling lost — a place to play a little and test out possibilities.
I still have days where I just can’t figure out what I want to wear. On those days, it sure is nice to have a uniform.
What’s your uniform?
Jacket: Zara (similar)
Top: Madewell
Jeans: Gap (similar)
Shoes: Aldo
Bag: Madewell (similar)
Glasses: Warby Parker
Bangles: Madewell
And! Friday is the last day to submit an application to be a guest blogger on Unfancy. Have hesitations about applying? Apply anyway. Because the very things you’re hesitating about are probably the very things that will help people.
And one more thing! Anushka created a really amazing closet detox cheat sheet. If you’re having a hard time making final decisions when cleaning out your closet — you’ll LOVE it!
xo
Uniform -YES! Mine’s jeans, flowy tank, and a cardi. Paired with slip-ons or Chucks for a casual look or chunky heels or ankle boots for a bit more dressed up version. On warmer days I’ll trade out the jeans for a casual skirt. ;)
Looking forward to what you have in store for us mañana!
Cardigans are a big part of my uniform, but I am struggling to find some new options. What are some of your favorites right now? I am living in a thermal one from Splendid but try not to wear the literal same thing every day :)
My uniform: right-above-the-knee pencil skirt + little blazer + ballet flats, and I’m done & out the door, no-think. For night I swap out the flats for heels and the day-bag for a clutch, done & gone.
I use GoodReads & get their quote-of-the-day every day; today’s quote is apropos, even in this context:
“The more you leave out, the more you highlight what you leave in: Henry Green.
Even in his lifetime Henry Green (born October 29, 1905-December 13, 1973)) was not widely read, but his contemporaries like W.H. Auden and Eudora Welty admired him enormously. The Paris Review called him a “writer’s writer’s writer.” “
I love that quote, Glenda! Thank you for sharing. (And love your uniform too — so simple and chic.) :) xo Caroline
Thanks! and thank YOU for your great blog!
Girl, I’m all about the uniform! Love a good, soft, high-quality t-shirt with loafers or desert booties and some nice jewelry. I also LIVE by button-downs – they’re really ideal for every occassion.
My husband loves button down blouses…thinks women look best in long sleeves. He used to be a buyer for a department store, so he has an eye. I’m on the lookout for fabric with some stretch/give, so it feels more comfortable to this knit tee specialist…ahem.
Pretty much the same thing you’re wearing here, except my jeans are dark blue and my jacket is camel! (I’m kind of weird about wearing all black, I just never feel me). And when I need to do some walking, I opt for sneakers instead. I haven’t worn my heels much lately (read: in the last year and a half or so), so I feel like I actually got worse at wearing heels all day *sigh
Uh, SUPER excited about your collaboration with Aritizia! You totally deserve it!
Into Mind has been one of the greatest resources (besides you of course!) in curbing my closet and paring it down. I’ve only recently discovered my uniform, but since doing so, it has helped me decide on things in the store and if I should/shouldn’t pull the trigger on an item I’m hem-hawing on.
I have the hardest time reading her posts! Does anyone have a top 5 or so of Into Mind’s posts?
I am a uniform girl all the way. I always favor dark denim on the bottom and a t-shirt on top, then I bring in all the style through shoes and scarves.
Quick question about the guest blogger spots. do you want a style post written specifically for the application or is it ok to send you style posts we’ve done on our personal blogs already?
Thanks!
Hi Stephanie! You can send something you’ve done in the past — just make sure it reflects your current style + voice. :) xo Caroline
I just have to say that your blog has inspired me to re-evaluate my style and to try to minimize rather than buy impulsively. I rather have fewer items that I love and wear all the time. I’m not sure I’m ready to try the whole capsule thing, but I have started cleaning out my closet. Have to start somewhere right? Now to make a comfy uniform…
http://xfallenmoon.blogspot.com/
Wondering when you will start posting about your winter wardrobe? I have a girls shopping trip in November and am planning on getting some winter pieces. I would love to see what you have in store for winter before then!
Hi Corey! I’ll planning to start posting about it right after Thanksgiving…but I’ll try to throw in a sneak peek before then for ya. :) xo Caroline
My go-to uniform is the dress/jacket combo. You can change up the shoes and handbag to suit the occasion or season and add/subtract whatever jewelry or scarf or hat you want to complete the look. By the way, I just had my eye on that Madewell clutch yesterday. Love it!
My current uniform is jeans, my beloved olive green tee, and a sweater. Shhh…don’t tell, but I wore it FOUR days last week.
I love the leather jacket! Excited to see what you’re doing with Aritzia…I actually wasn’t too familiar with them before reading your blog. I noticed that a lot of your items were from them so when I passed by this weekend I popped in, and found so many nice things! I’m definitely a new Aritzia fan. As for a uniform of mine, it definitely would be skinny jeans, flats..and probably my Everlane u-neck tee that I wear way too often!
Hi Caroline –
I can’t wait to see what you’ve got going on with Aritzia! I have been spending a lot of time on their site window shopping. Quick question for you — I know they have several different brands, but how do you find their sizing? I typically wear an XS in Gap, Express, Banana Republic, etc. but I find with some of these newer-to-me brands (e.g., Zara), I feel more comfortable in a S.
Hi Karen! To me, Zara runs pretty small, so I agree with you on sizing up for their stuff. For Aritzia, however, I’ve found that their stuff runs true to size. I typically hang out in the XS range with Aritzia (which is regular for me just about anywhere). However, if an item is designed to have an oversized fit, I usually grab an XXS to offset it. Hope this helps a little! xo Caroline
That’s super helpful, thanks so much Caroline!
On a side note — you always make your clothes look so good I’ve had to consciously stop myself from replicating your entire wardrobe! I did buy this Stockholm shirt and love it. I’ve got the Dex cardigan with tags still on now and am trying to decide whether it’s me or not. It’s definitely Caroline, but is it Karen? Thanks for sharing all your awesome photos and wardrobe-related thoughts :)
Oh, and I forgot to post about my uniform. I’m wearing it today and feeling totally myself in it: black Paige skinnies, black ankle boots, white Express Portofino shirt, and Mossimo black-white marled zip-up blazer (yes, I find I have the best luck with Target blazers for some reason, lol).
I found their sizing to be pretty true to size–in J.Crew/Madewell I go between XS and XXS depending on the style, but in Aritzia XS or 0 has worked for me across the board. It’s nice to know there is an XXS if I need it, though! One thing about Aritzia I found is there is quite a range in price/quality of materials, like some things are more Zara prices and some things are more Club Monaco! But, that is the difference between a polyester dress and a silk one I guess… of course I went home with the pricier options :)
I love the idea of a uniform! I just recently discovered mine and it has made shopping so much easier! It is currently some variation of skinny jeans, a loose-fitting top, and flats. Super practical for a mom and forgiving with my 1-month postpartum belly ;)
That is my uniform as well. I don’t have children yet but it’s still super flattering and comfortable without being sloppy. Congrats on your new baby! – K
Thank you! And yes, flattering and comfortable are my top priorities, with comfort at the top of the list :)
Since my days in Catholic schools I have ALWAYS done uniforms. Every needs at least two or three. Is is a great idea to share with everyone!
I’m excited for your collab with Aritzia!! That’s fantastic and exciting news! I have a few uniforms that I rotate and they are so helpful to have in the wings when I can’t decide what to wear or I’m just too tired. They’re generally pretty simple and comfortable, but they make me feel confident. One is a lighter wash skinny jean, some old leather knee high boots, striped tee and a chunky grey cardigan. The other is black motorcycle boots, black jeans and grey v-neck sweater. Easy and comfortable. I love this uniform you’re wearing!
The uniform question of your Capsule Wardrobe Planner was actually the first time I had ever really considered that, and I found it so helpful! I had never given it any thought prior to that.
Thinking on it, I realized like you if I’m stumped for the day I go with all black and top it off with my blazer or moto jacket. The blazer makes the outfit professional, or the moto jacket makes it casual. I also really love tailored button down shirts and blouses, so that’s something else I’ll usually reach for if I have no idea what to wear. It always looks polished whether I need to be professional or casual. For that I just change my shoes to determine the tone of the outfit.
I guess in a way my love of the color black makes me a cliche New Yorker. Haha.
Great detox cheat sheet! Thanks for sharing the link!
You are OFFICIALLY my new style icon ;D
My fall uniform is a loose sweater, jeans and booties. I’ve always had a go-to look each season, but haven’t considered it when shopping- I’m planning on incorporating that idea in my future capsules, it will help de-stress the few shopping trips I do have.
I really appreciate your blog as a whole. It’s not too bogged down with advertisements and your thoughts are always very positive and relate to all lifestyles and fashion styles. I love the simplicity of your space here.
Thanks for letting me follow!
I hadn’t considered my go-to clothes as uniforms, but I suppose they are: dresses, sweaters and boots. When I’m feeling casual I go for a t-shirt dress, when I want to dress things up I typically pick an Anthro option. I live in boots and booties because heels don’t work for me, but you can go dressy or casual there too. I was once in an audience for Stacy London (formerly of “What Not to Wear”) and she actually complimented me on my outfit (an Anthro dress and cardi, of course) and described it as “modern Bohemian.” I was so giddy I virtually flew away after that. The compliment was amazing, but in a way having someone like her label my (unconscious) style was cooler still. It gave me a starting place, some perspective on my wardrobe.
Love your style and your blog, too!
Debbie
Ooh, I’d be swooning too :) Nice!!
I was swooning, but sweating. A little truth: I live in Southern California, so along with my Anthro dress and cardi (both carefully planned, of course) I was wearing, well, flip- flops. Ahem. I was sitting in the audience so thankfully she never saw my feet! Looking back, this may have been the reason I started gravitating toward boots!
That’s a very cool story :)
I have just graduated from yoga pants all the time to my fall capsule so it’s hard to say if I have a uniform per se, but when I don’t feel inspired to wear a particular thing, I always grab my jeans or corduroys, a long sleeve tee, and my trusty grey cardigan. I have a very casual life most days so this makes me feel polished enough to go out, but is functional enough for me to do stuff like volunteer in my preschooler’s class for lunch/recess duty :)
Love your bag!
Sophia // sophiebysophia.blogspot.com
The original post said due November 1st, so are they due tomorrow or Saturday?!
Thanks!!
Hi Katrina! Saturday. :) I misspoke here — oops!. :) xo Caroline
Thanks for sharing! I think the uniform is a great idea, since you don’t have to wear it every day. I like to think of it as a fall back solution, when you’re in a hurry or don’t know what to wear.
My fall/winter uniform are definetly knit dresses worn with black leggings and boots. So easy to combine and no need to worry if the length of your pants fit the highth of your shoe’s heels. Plus if the weather gets really bad, you don’t have the problem of the ends of your jeans getting wet on the street.
Anushka’s blog is really amazing. In fact I found yours just because she wrote about you. Now I’m a frequent reader of both of your blogs.
Love this post! I think we definitely all have a go to uniform when we can’t figure out what to wear. Mine’s similar to your’s – my favorite booties, jeans, and a front tucked blouse or tank with a blazer if its chilly.
P.s. I really love the capsule wardrobe concept, I find myself with so many clothes I’m only going to wear once and not enough pieces that are easy to style. You do it well, so keep on and thanks for the inspiration!