I have been crafting this issue since the launch of the writing in black and white newsletter because — as evidenced by my fashion collection essay that will hit shelves in Fall, 2025 — I feel what we wear matters.
Great essay, the hysteria over shopping has become out of control, trends imo have become toxic tools to sell more clothes. I’m an alum of Calvin as well in the late 80s in collection design. There, at that time a deep appreciation for the clothes and beauty of the materials was central to all we did. It was much more subtle, resulting in clothes that still look good today. We all have to curb our consumption for the sake of the planet. No better place to start than our closets.
I also worked for Carolina Herrera. She often repeated outfits and was always the epitome of chic.
I love your design background — and I couldn’t agree more about Calvin Collection clothes that still look good today. I still have several items, which I cherish.
"But it’s as Diana Vreeland once quipped, it’s not about the dress you wear, it’s about the life you lead in the dress.” Thank you for this reminder; having the right fitting clothes is an important part of getting dressed, but it doesn't end there. What we do in those clothes should not be overlooked! 🦋
Such an excellent article, Christine, thank you. I'm not a minimalist, and I'm definitely not a uniform dresser - I shop secondhand for 95% of closet items, and my goals are always the same: to wear clothes that fill me with delight and glee, that feel like me (whoever I am that day/week/month/year!), and that are the best quality I can find.
Even within those parameters, I do have uniforms...of sorts. Like DVF, I love "Jammy dresses" (dresses that are as comfortable as pajamas but look fabulous no matter what - never actual pajamas, shudder), I love "bookending" a cool skirt or pair of trousers with a colourful top/jacket and funky shoes in the same colourway. I love basics that show off my collections of vintage jewelry (I'm partial to Brutalist and 1950s copper).
It is always about how I feel in the clothes, even over how I look in them (fuck the male gaze). If I feel powerful, strong, confident, sexy, playful, artsy...then I'm happy.
Minimalist tendencies not required — sounds like you have the perfect approach to fashion for you; feeling powerful, strong, confident and the like are all we can ask for. Thank you for sharing!
This!!! So relatable with the change in what feels authentic in our personal style as we age … and caring less about what’s on trend, lesser about what’s viewed as “sexy” and even lesser about what others think about our style! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Ooh loved this, Christine. "Whether you call it a uniform, capsule collection or simply the essentials, there is luxury in paring back. Less chaos in the closet affords more creativity and abundance in your life." YES! 🙌 (And these books look wonderful!! I keep meaning to add Diane Keaton's to my wish list (doing so now!).
À few years ago I fell for the minimalist capsule wardrobe aesthetic. And not in an “ OMG I LOVE IT” sort of way but more of a “I’m a grown up and need to dress like one.” And I bought lots of black and neutrals and became horribly bored.
Great piece, Christine, and timely as I was packing a weekend bag and adding the same Nili Lotan high waist, wide leg jeans that I’ve worn 3x this week with various blazers (#uniform). I love having pieces that just always make me feel like me- quality, “sure thing”pieces that I know will always work. I’ve really pared back over the last several years, and it just makes life easier, no style sacrifice required!
Hi Christine,
Great essay, the hysteria over shopping has become out of control, trends imo have become toxic tools to sell more clothes. I’m an alum of Calvin as well in the late 80s in collection design. There, at that time a deep appreciation for the clothes and beauty of the materials was central to all we did. It was much more subtle, resulting in clothes that still look good today. We all have to curb our consumption for the sake of the planet. No better place to start than our closets.
I also worked for Carolina Herrera. She often repeated outfits and was always the epitome of chic.
I love your design background — and I couldn’t agree more about Calvin Collection clothes that still look good today. I still have several items, which I cherish.
"But it’s as Diana Vreeland once quipped, it’s not about the dress you wear, it’s about the life you lead in the dress.” Thank you for this reminder; having the right fitting clothes is an important part of getting dressed, but it doesn't end there. What we do in those clothes should not be overlooked! 🦋
Amen!
Such an excellent article, Christine, thank you. I'm not a minimalist, and I'm definitely not a uniform dresser - I shop secondhand for 95% of closet items, and my goals are always the same: to wear clothes that fill me with delight and glee, that feel like me (whoever I am that day/week/month/year!), and that are the best quality I can find.
Even within those parameters, I do have uniforms...of sorts. Like DVF, I love "Jammy dresses" (dresses that are as comfortable as pajamas but look fabulous no matter what - never actual pajamas, shudder), I love "bookending" a cool skirt or pair of trousers with a colourful top/jacket and funky shoes in the same colourway. I love basics that show off my collections of vintage jewelry (I'm partial to Brutalist and 1950s copper).
It is always about how I feel in the clothes, even over how I look in them (fuck the male gaze). If I feel powerful, strong, confident, sexy, playful, artsy...then I'm happy.
Minimalist tendencies not required — sounds like you have the perfect approach to fashion for you; feeling powerful, strong, confident and the like are all we can ask for. Thank you for sharing!
"You don't need a lot of choices--you need the right choices" YES
I feel so much better about wearing the same black pants 4 days in a row.
Go for it! I thought of you and your black turtlenecks while writing this.
This!!! So relatable with the change in what feels authentic in our personal style as we age … and caring less about what’s on trend, lesser about what’s viewed as “sexy” and even lesser about what others think about our style! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you, Meg — your perspective means so much to me.
Ooh loved this, Christine. "Whether you call it a uniform, capsule collection or simply the essentials, there is luxury in paring back. Less chaos in the closet affords more creativity and abundance in your life." YES! 🙌 (And these books look wonderful!! I keep meaning to add Diane Keaton's to my wish list (doing so now!).
Maybe Santa will bring the book!!
🎅🤭
Oops not done. I’ve since brought in more color again and I’m much happier with my wardrobe.
We definitely need to wear what brings us joy — and it’s often trial and error to settle in on it. So glad you found the sweet spot.
À few years ago I fell for the minimalist capsule wardrobe aesthetic. And not in an “ OMG I LOVE IT” sort of way but more of a “I’m a grown up and need to dress like one.” And I bought lots of black and neutrals and became horribly bored.
Great piece, Christine, and timely as I was packing a weekend bag and adding the same Nili Lotan high waist, wide leg jeans that I’ve worn 3x this week with various blazers (#uniform). I love having pieces that just always make me feel like me- quality, “sure thing”pieces that I know will always work. I’ve really pared back over the last several years, and it just makes life easier, no style sacrifice required!
Thank you, Dina — Anything Nili Lotan is worth wearing on repeat!! Have a wonderful weekend away. xx
I want all these books under my tree this year. 💙
Hope Santa is listening! xx
Always a pleasure to read you.
So grateful for you, Laura.