Uniform Concept 007: Finding a Formula

Building your uniform by creating a fall-back outfit formula.

Welcome back! I took last week off after a very busy April. The past two weeks I have been thinking about my current uniform and what I truly have been leaning on the most. I realized it is actually a very simple formula that includes a cropped pant, mix of slightly flared, wide, and straight leg- all of which I think is universally flattering, a button-down shirt, and another element, whether it is a jacket, sweater tied, or directional accessories. Somehow this hasn’t felt repetitive, I didn’t even realize I was wearing these specific pieces on repeat so much. Between the textures, variations on silhouettes, hints of color and stripes, and accessories every outfit has felt quite fresh. But most importantly it has been super easy to throw on and I feel good in it. 

It’s always good to reflect a bit, spend some time in your closet to think about the pieces you wear when you have 3 minutes to get dressed and how to build on those pieces with fresh ideas. Your go-to items are really the foundation of building a distinct uniform for yourself. 

Here are 7 iterations on my current go to formula: 

Crop Kick Flare with Color Variations

Subtleness makes this outfit interesting. The variations in colors- light tan shoes with chocolate brown bag, cream to break up the navy and black. The oversized sleeves and the kick flare balance out the proportions. I always like the way the High Sport’s pant texture pairs with cotton poplin, makes it less sporty. I highly recommend listening to Alyssa, the High Sport Founder, chat with my friend Lauren on her podcast Fashion People. She describes modern sportswear and building a wardrobe of everyday quality pieces perfectly. 

Pheobe Philo Shirt sold out but love it in choc brown, Sold Out NYC navy which is very similar here, High Sport Pants, Jamie Haller Loafer, love these ones too, Pheobe Philo bag, love this Loewe one too, old Rosetta Getty sweater, this is a great one.

Sportswear with Updated Classics

This outfit was reminding me of Celine Fall 2016- one of my favorite collections ever. I love the mix of sportswear with updates on classics. I love the khaki, black and butter yellow color combo. Also important to note, I bought these leggings from The Row at least 6 years ago and still wear them all the time. Great purchase. 

Toteme Barn Jacket, The Row Leggings, old Toteme button down- similar here, Metier bag, old A Emery Sandals, similar here

A Set with Grounding Accessories

Nothing is easier than a set. After testing quite a few from different brands I found this one to be the easiest to wear (in a very casual way). I like the cut on the pants, a little wide leg. The fabric is a bit stiffer which I like because it holds its shape. The quality for value is pretty good! I unexpectedly splurged on this Pheobe Philo bag recently and it was the bag I didn’t know I needed. It's butter soft, lightweight, and sits perfectly crossbody to be cool. I love the deep chocolate brown color.

RicherPoorer Shirt, Richer Poorer Pant, Pheobe Philo bag- link to Loewe one here again!, A Emery sandal

Lux Pieces Dressed Down

I was influenced. I saw a photo of Sarah Staudinger in these keds collab with her brand and bought them (the pic was in her stories or else I would link- it was very cute). I have been wearing them with items that are slightly more dressed up, so it feels less expected. These Leset pants are the best- I wear them all the time in both tan and navy. They are sold down but a new grey pair is very cute and some sizes available here and here. Also love these from Maria Mcmanus. 

Attersee Jacket, Leset Pants, Metier Bag, Keds x Staud shoes

Menswear but Make it Relaxed

The Leset pants again. This time I was more relaxed with a menswear button down and yellow sandals. More on those here in case you missed the Sandal Guide two weeks ago. 

Kule Button Down, Leset Pants, old Amanu sandals, but love these Toteme yellow sandals

A Jacket as the Outfit

This barn jacket is the outfit, which makes getting dressed when wearing it very easy. I love it buttoned up at the top to show the nice cut of the leather collar. The yellow Metier bag (I think I got in 2018? has made me so happy ever since- its back in stock!) and tan sandals tie it all together. 

Toteme Barn Jacket, Sold Out NYC shirt, Metier Bag, Toteme Pants, Toteme Sandals

Satin Details with Feminine Accessories

The formula also works for evening! The pants in satin, I love the subtle flare on these, with a shoe and bag in textures that read more night. 

Toteme Blazer, Attersee pants, Chanel Bag -love this bag as an alternative- on sale!, old Gabriela Hearst sandal- love this satin style.

Two other great cropped slightly flared pants that I need to mention- this trouser from Maria McManus is so good and this more legging like style from Frances de Lourd. 

See you next week! 

xo

ali