Concept 012: Dressing Down a Dressed-Up Piece
Building your uniform through a new take on effortless dressing
This started with a simple goal: I wanted to be more casual. But the reality is I love my clothes and they are mostly a little more dressed up. I started playing around with my favorite dressed-up pieces and styling to make them more casual, and effortless. It’s always an easy solve to pair things with T-shirt or jeans but I don’t wear tons of tees or jeans so I was excited for a little challenge.
When I think about who does this best, it’s Phoebe Philo. The way she contrasts a tailored fit trouser with a slouchy sweater or styles with flat shoes. Sometimes she’ll cinch something around the waist of oversized, structured pieces and it all feels so easy, even when the individual pieces aren’t. Her approach is intentional without being fussy.
Trying to channel these thoughts into my re-styling of my favorite crisp button-down, satin pant, pleated skirt, classic trouser and fluid dress. Pairing each item with pieces that are casual and create that effortless feel.
Button-Down
Most people think of a button-down as a dressed-up piece, unless paired with denim ala Ina Garten. I generally wear button-downs to make an outfit more tailored, dressed up. This one from The Row is short-sleeved (so a little more casual to start) but the fabric is crisp, and a brushed cotton to create a smooth refined finish -it’s a little serious.
To make it feel more relaxed, I left the top and bottom buttons undone and paired it with a drawstring pant that pools a bit at the bottom. I also wore my favorite round-toe ballet flat instead of a pointed toe (a small detail, but it changes the overall look), and slouchy bag that is an throw on, hands-free option. This outfit would also be great with a long-sleeve button-down too and just roll up the sleeves.
Pleated Skirt
This pleated wool Prada skirt is dressy but almost more of a statement piece. I like pairing it back by leaning into the sportiness of it with this Jenni Kayne thin-knit polo and The Row velcro sandals. The oversized tote felt necessary. Something about throwing on a big bag makes an outfit makes it immediately feel everyday (you likely are carry your days worth of stuff with you). Phoebe Philo does this a lot too, and it always works.
Classic Trousers
These Phoebe Philo trousers (sold out but love these Toteme ones) are tailored and heavy in a way that feels more evening, which is how I usually wear them. To make them more relaxed for every day, I paired with simple cotton tank and swapped a belt for a chocolate brown cashmere sweater tied around my waist. Suede always makes things more casual - so I paired here with Metier suede bag and A.Emery sandals . The textures and fabric are really what downplay the dressiness of these trousers; a silk tank, leather belt and sandal would give this outfit an entirely different tone.
Satin Pant
These pants are pretty dressy- the are old Joseph. They’re satin, high-waisted, and have a lot of structure around the waist. I love the way they fit. This slouchy A.Emery shirt hangs in a relaxed way that makes it all a bit more casual. Again, I wore round-toe ballet flats to really downplay the seriousness of the pant.
Dress
I don’t wear dresses often, but I do love the idea of making them feel everyday and effortless. The flat sandals with a contrast tone sole and the Metier suede bag, again, make this instantly very casual. I think easy hair and makeup also make things feel effortless. A simple braid and minimal makeup downplay the formality of wearing a dress.
See you next week after my deep dive into the Perfect White Tee.
xo
ali
P.S. If you live or happen to be in LA April 22 or 23 Attersee is holding their seasonal trunk show. It’s the perfect kind of private way to shop. Email rsvp@shopattersee.com to make an appointment.
CLICK!
so excited for next week on the perfect white tee, yes, yes, yes