We have been enormously lucky with the weather in Seattle. We had the highest Summer temperatures on record in July and August, and the start of September is as mild as can be. The crisp Fall air has arrived, and I need a topper in the mornings and evenings. I also need to keep my feet cozy with booties or flat oxfords. But the days are sunny and warm at the moment, which means that a long sleeved shirt layered with a camisole is a comfortable option for up top. It’s a novelty for me to leave off my topper so frequently, and I’m loving it.
This outfit is an example of my casual late Summer and Early Autumn uniform. It combines a roomy long-sleeved shirt tucked into boyfriend jeans with belt, booties, and a satchel or clutch. In hotter weather I substituted the booties for ankle strap pumps or loafers. For cooler days I add a moto jacket or fluid one-button blazer. This type of outfit can take me almost anywhere. From working with casual clients, running errands, and going out with friends, to relaxed suppers out at night, and working from home. It’s a versatile and very comfortable combination with a very high happiness factor.
I wear white boyfriend jeans a lot more than blue boyfriend jeans because they look dressier and more crisp, and are light in colour, all of which is a better match for my style persona. My go-to white jeans for two years straight have been the Catherine’s by KUT from the Kloth, which I wear roomier than the model. Surprisingly, they fit and are better quality than the numerous pairs of premium white boyfriend jeans I’ve tried over the years. I love the thickness of the white denim, their length, and lack of rips and tears. I have three pairs of exactly the same pair of white boyfriend jeans which are in constant rotation. They have become my wardrobe essential that I wear year round. Few bottoms make me as happy as a great pair of white jeans. You can call me White Jeans Girl.
Here are two fluid shirts styled with exactly the same support act so that you get a sense of the versatility. The first is a slate blue chambray button-down with white trim that was a birthday present from a friend earlier this year. A cool slate blue is normally a bit blah on me, but the white trim livens up the blue and makes it more flattering. The plaid shirt from BB Dakota is brand new and has already been worn three times. I wanted to add a second plaid shirt to my wardrobe because I believe the item has lots of styling potential. I was after a tartan pattern that was rich with white so that the visual effect wasn’t too dark. This one fit the bill, and I’m thrilled with the fit and cozy texture of the flannel.
I have to wear a belt with boyfriend jeans so that they don’t fall down. That’s why I tuck my shirts, which also gives the outfits structure, adds polish to a casual look, and makes the belt more visible from the back, showcasing three closely spaced belt loops. In this case I’m wearing an old studded cognac belt that coincidentally matches my new cognac booties. Matching a belt with footwear is a classic pairing that does a great job of pulling together an outfit. Adding cognac accents to my wardrobe was the first thing on my Fall shopping list, so mission accomplished on that front.
Oh, where do I begin with my biggest splurge of the year, these Prada boots. They are the most beautifully made boots I’ve had the pleasure of wearing. They have an ultra refined equestrian vibe — a look close to my heart — and are a true Modern Classic. Simple, current and with a high longevity factor. The heel height is ideal for my fussy feet, and the shade of brown sufficiently warm and rich. I’ve already worn these booties quite a bit, and my heart goes pitter patter each time I fit them on. They go the distance in terms of style and comfort. I’ve rolled the jeans to showcase the booties.
I love bags more than shoes, so my handbags normally make more of a statement than my footwear. But for these outfits I wanted the shirts and the booties to take centre stage. So I chose a simple, bone white clutch. My specs, watch and wedding ring are all I need in the jewellery department.
The pieces in this outfit formula are quite masculine. The cuts emphasize the straightness of my body, and my haircut is boyish too. My lack of bling jewellery and nail polish are the non-girly cherry on top. Yet I feel very feminine in this combination, which I think has to do with the softness of the colours and the power of lipstick. White jeans are also prettier than faded blue jeans, and there isn’t a hard edge to my style.
I like both outfits equally. The blue is more striking and classic, while the plaid is a little more relaxed and fashionable. Both looks are ultra simple and easy to put together. I will wear the blue and white shirt version when we pick up Inge from the airport today, because she loves a cool slate blue. We are ridiculously excited to have Inge as our guest at the Cox Castle!
