The 12 Most Worn Items in my Closet...
...at the moment.
Hi everyone! It’s Friday evening, and my kids are drawing and watching TV while I’m sitting at my dining room table, finishing this post. It’s been in my drafts for weeks, something I tend to do way too often. As a matter of fact, between my blog and this substack, I have about 7-8 posts in my drafts at the moment. I get an idea in my head, type it into a draft, and then occasionally, usually 1 out of 3 times, it will get published when I feel inspired and motivated.
This one made the cut, a topic I’m always enthusiastic to speak about. As much as I love to shop and try new things, I have my all-star items that get so much wear and love. Some are older, and some are purchases from this year, but nonetheless, here are my current all-stars:
Wolford Colorado Bodysuit
The above is an older photo, but my love for the bodysuit remains the same. If I had to pinpoint the most worn clothing item in my closet, it would be my black Wolford bodysuit. I'm going on year 6 or 7, if not longer, of wearing it all fall and winter. I've tried a handful of the other turtleneck bodysuit versions and quite frankly, none compare to that impeccable Wolford material. Unfortunately, they've raised their prices over the years, but I'd still pay full price for it, knowing what I know now.
If you're not a bodysuit fan, I'd skip this, but if you are, it’s kind of a must. It washes well, and the material never loses its quality, even after doing so. I've also mistakenly thrown it in the dryer a handful of times, and thankfully, it survived without any concerning issues. I do try to hang dry whenever I remember. At this point, I’ve accumulated several colors, but the black is my MVP.
Sizing: Runs TTS. I wear a medium and it is very stretchy.
Theory Skirt
When I first got this skirt, I knew it would be a great addition to my wardrobe, but I didn’t expect so many of my outfits to revolve around it. I appreciate that it’s short, but not too short. I’ve learned that on my frame and body type, I look better with a little leg showing since I carry more weight in my upper body. A short skirt balances things out for me, and this one feels simultaneously fun without being too juvenile.
Sizing: I could have taken a 4 as Theory can run a little large, but I went with a 6. There’s a little room and I like how it sits on my hips. I’ve been pairing it with a belt, which cinches the waist just a little. More sizes here.
Khaite Bambi Belt
Out of all of the belts that I own, the Khaite Bambi belt is the one I reach for the most. It’s the perfect in-between of being slightly understated but with a bit of pizzazz. Kind of how I’d like to think of my style these days.
The quality is superb (as it should be for the price), and while I own a lot of belts, the Bambi goes well with jeans, trousers, and belts more than others.
For what it’s worth, I don’t consider myself in the same Khaite chokehold that many fashion peeps are, but I particularly love the belts. After wearing the Bambi a lot, I wanted to add a belt with silver hardware and went with the Julius style.
Sizing: Mine is the smaller of the two sizes. It fits, but I wish I got the larger size and added holes.
Khaite Dallas boots
While we’re on the topic of Khaite, these boots are one of the three Khaite items that I own (the other are the above two belts). I got them last year and wore them way more than I expected, especially given their slight Western flair, a style I don’t typically identify with. They’re beautiful in person, give my outfits visual interest, and, most importantly, are crazy comfortable. The other day, I walked 15,000 steps in them, and my feet were in great shape. I’m going on year two, and they’ve proven to be one of my most stylish closet workhorses.
Sézane White Button Down
I own a lot of white button-downs: traditional, cropped, silky, linen, oversized, and a newer bodysuit version (which I love for its specific purposes), but the one I find myself reaching for the most is this one from Sézane. It’s relaxed and slightly oversized, without being too oversized.
Sizing: I find the brand to run small in general. I like to size up in everything, including this shirt which I take a 6 in. I find that this white tends to run a little larger than the striped styles, and in those, I take an 8.
Marc Fisher Loafers
I really wanted a pair of black loafers, but I didn’t feel comfortable shelling out Saint Laurent(the other style I was eyeing) dough on a pair. I didn’t think that the high price tag could be justified by how much I wore (or didn’t wear) them, and typically, that’s how I justify my spendy items. I took a chance on these and was pleasantly surprised by a) how comfortable they are and b) how well they would scratch the loafer itch. Quite frankly, I’m very content with these and have no desire to upgrade to the designer pair, at least not yet.
Sizing: I find these run true to size. I’m usually an 8.5, a 39 in European sizing, and I got these in a 39.
Varley Double Soft Set
When the thought of putting on jeans feels like a form of torture, but you still want to feel like you have your shit together. I’m a big fan of Varley, but it’s their double soft collection that is, in fact, exceptionally soft and at the top of the list for me. I’ve worn mine many times since purchasing, and the quality is a 10/10. I wear the relaxed pants with the zip-up, which is sold out in many sizes, but I'm also a fan of the newer half-zip.
Emme Parsons Stretch Boots
The latest addition to this list, but one I couldn’t possibly leave out. I first spotted these boots on Shopbop and immediately added them to my cart to try them in person. I loved the combination of the slimmer square toe with the 3.25” heel height. They reminded me a little of the Celine Madame boots I could never get my hands on, but more classic in style. As soon as I tried them on, I knew they were a winner. The leather is soft and buttery, and considering the heel height, they are very comfortable.
A week after purchasing them, they were the main pair of boots I reached for, and I found them getting softer and more comfortable with each wear.
Two weeks later, I found myself online at 11 PM ordering the brown. They’re both so good.
A fun little backstory: I met Emma Parsons at Leandra Medines substack event. As we were introducing ourselves, when she said her name out loud, I thought, “Oh! I have a pair of her sandals! How cool is that?”
Knowing I’m supporting a small, female-owned business makes me happier.
Sézane Brut Denim
I know I’m not the only one that goes through phases of being so fixated on one particular item, and in my case, it’s these Sézane jeans. I was trying to pinpoint what I love about them so much, and I think it’s the fact that they remind me of an updated 90s style. Not too skinny, not too wide, and a great shade of medium blue. I can picture Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy or even Princess Diana wearing them.
Sizing: they run very small. I sized up two sizes.
Other Denim
A couple of weeks ago, I did a major denim purge and got rid of any pair that I no longer wore. I didn’t want to have “options” that weren’t actually an option but just there to take up space. The remaining pairs all serve their purpose, but the top three (at this current moment) that I’ve been wearing more than any:
AGOLDE Riley when I’m looking for a black slim pair. I love them with almost all footwear, but they look especially great with a pair of boots.
Citizens of Humanity Annina when I want a trouser style denim, that look so good slightly dressed up.
Sizing: The Riley and CoH run TTS. The Sezane run small, I’d size up 1-2 sizes. I personally went up 2 sizes, but could have done 1 for a more fitted look. If you’re hippy or have a booty, I’d go u 2 sizes.
Bottega Veneta Wallace Bag
The Wallace is a newer addition to my handbag collection, but is it too soon to talk about how quickly it has become a favorite? I have a longer post on my blog, but in short, it’s just so easy to wear. The adjustable strap is crazy convenient, and it fits way more than I expected it to. At this moment, I’ve been reaching for it more than the small Jodie, but that’s because it’s new and exciting. I do love both and can envision other Bottega bags in my future like a knot clutch or something in chocolate brown.
Parachute Cotton Cloud Robe
I couldn’t end this without including one of the most worn items ever. I use my Parachute Cotton Cloud robe daily and recommend it to anyone who will listen. I’m also a big fan of their waffle robe, but if you wear bracelets that can snag (I rarely take mine off), I’d skip the waffle. I believe Parachute has a Black Friday sale every year, so maybe wait until then before buying anything. It makes for such a great gift, IMO.
Sizing: TTS, but size up if you want roomier. I wear a M or a L.
How about you? What are the most worn pieces in your closet at the moment? Please share!
Love your style and your newsletter! My most worn items in my closet are; the theory skirt, Zara over sized jackets, Anina jeans, Toteme twisted seam jeans in a darker blue and black, Vince sweater, nili loten Henley white cotton, white baggy agolde jeans, white t shirts from James Peres, ATM, WSly and flat shoes!!! New balance, golden goose, adidas gazelles or manolo blahnik or gianvitto Rossi heels! And the belt - the khaite Bambi belt.
Loved this newsletter!! Love the Max shirt and have been eyeing that Wolford bodysuit forever... I know if you are wearing these items on repeat they are true closet heroes