For reference #01

Looks I’m saving, notes and links vol. 1 - cold and working from home

This series is my attempt to make my scrolling useful by sharing with you the looks I’m saving for future reference, notes on what I like about them and a few links. Occasionally, I might share how I tried to recreate a look that inspired me.

Think of these as a collection of ideas for real-life dressing.

I find most of my inspiration for getting dressed on Instagram and (now) Substack. Am I ever “influenced”? Sure. But I try to be mindful of not buying everything I see and like. Mostly, I find the practice of having references helpful for knowing how to put together similar pieces I have in my closet and narrowing down my shopping list.

I’ll share a few links here as that’s something I would want if I were looking for a particular piece—though I always suggest sleeping on things first to avoid buying something you don’t need. More than anything, what I hope you get from these are some good ideas, not the urge to shop more.

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Ideas for when you’re working from home and still always cold (that’s me):

1. Saved this look from @monikh because I already owned similar pieces: an orange crewneck knit and black trousers. Seems simple enough, but I would’ve never thought to put orange with black (I’m guessing it works better when the shade leans a little more red.)

   

   Photo: @monikh

   I usually pair this sweater with jeans, but wearing it with black trousers feels a little more business casual.

   

   I’ve loved this H&M sweater with the vented cuffs for two years now and it’s held up well (I use a fabric shaver for pilling.)

   It’s so hard to find knits in this colour right now (everything is neutrals), but maybe you have something similar? A few options: Madewell, COS and an orangey-red version. My black trousers I’ve mentioned before, or there’s this pair (size down) my friend Amanda has recommended to me.

2. I’m always layering these days, not just to stay warm but because I also like the look of a white shirt peeking from underneath a sweater. Makes wearing basics a lot less boring.

   

   Photo: @jacquelineyschiu

   Similar options: A black cashmere sweater, or I would do an oversized one like this, too + white tee + jeans (or these) + that designer belt.

3. Another layering concept I’m into: a turtleneck/mock neck and v-neck sweater.

   

   Photo: @makenna_alyse

   I bought this mock neck top last month and love it. Grey v-necks are everywhere, and you can find one at every price point if you don’t have one already (high and low). Also, I’ve been thinking way too much about the barrel pant silhouette, and these in particular.

4. I’m obsessed with this take on layering from @sincerelyjules. The turtleneck underneath the striped polo sweater looks so cool and unexpected. I would definitely wear this.

   

   Photo: @sincerelyjules

   Her sweater is COS, but there’s limited sizing left. I found this striped Mango version that seems like a good alternative + turtleneck (or this one) + earrings (I have these, love them) + belt.

5. Another pair of pants I can’t stop thinking about (and have saved on my shopping list) are these Donni Rib Kick Flares in Espresso. Made of cotton, modal and spandex, they seem comfy and cozy while looking more elevated than regular lounge pants. I feel like they’re the kind of all-day pants that would take you comfortably from working at home to running errands to picking up the kids to going out for dinner.

   

   Photo: @donni

   The pants in the Espresso colour are versatile enough to work with any of the orange/red/black/grey/striped tops above. I also love the idea of pairing it with a navy blue chunky knit or sporty sweater.

   More for reference

   

   @mariefhm

   

   @ariellecharnas

   

   @kelseymerritt

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   *This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I provide suggestions for only the things I love and would wear.

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