You Need A Uniform

A guide to always looking effortlessly chic

People always ask me “how do you always look so put together?”. I usually reply back with a shrug and a smile, “I don’t know, I literally wear the same thing everyday.” In reality, that’s not a lie…I literally wear the same thing everyday, or at least something very similar. The chicest people I know have created some sort of uniform for themselves that’s reliable and can usually take them from day-to-night seamlessly.

I’ve never been a fussy person when it comes to my clothes, and since living in NYC, I’ve always prioritized function and comfort when getting dressed. Because of this, I found a uniform that works for me. It’s still extremely chic (or least I think so), and I always feel confident and put together no matter where the day takes me. Knowing your style and what works for your lifestyle is the most important key to developing a personal uniform and will save you a ton of time while getting dressed.

The Formula

1. Start with your base - If you know me, I live in a white t-shirt. It’s the hardest working item in my wardrobe, and I’ve never met a white t-shirt that I didn’t like (well, that’s a lie…I’m actually really picky about my tees). My current fave is the Luxury Touch Tee from Banana Republic. They’re weighty, soft and most importantly, the neckline doesn’t stretch out (which is super important for layering. A white tee can easily be elevated when dressed up with trousers and a jacket, or dressed down layered under a knit or paired with jeans. It’s the most important part of my uniform and anchors my outfit.

2. Now, it’s time for pants - I live in and for a tailored trouser, preferably one that’s fitted at the waist and roomy in the leg and thigh for a comfy fit. I hate feeling restricted in my clothes, so sometimes denim can feel too tight or stiff for me. I’ve found that the perfect pair of trousers can be as comfortable as wearing sweats, but the great thing is that they always look so sharp when paired with that basic tee. My go-to pair are the COS Relaxed Wool Wide-Leg Pants (which I currently have in 4 colors. They’re literally perfect).

3. Throw on a jacket - I have 2 closets solely for coats and jackets…no lie. I love outerwear so much because a great jacket can truly transform your outfit. Living in this part of the of the country means that we wear coats and jackets half of the year, so it’s imperative that I have as many options as possible to get me and all of my personalities throughout the year stylishly. Everything from a casual denim jacket or dramatic floor grazing tailored coat, to an oversized leather trench, some sort of outerwear is an essential part of my daily uniform (of course this also depends on weather. When it’s boiling hot or freezing cold, adjust accordingly). Here’s a couple outerwear pieces that I picked up recently: The Frankie Shop Jane Coat, Ducie Aggie Leather Coat, Barbour Acorn Waxed Jacket

4. Slip on a comfy shoe - I walk a lot, so comfortable footwear is super important for my uniform. I’ve been wearing loafers for as long as I can remember, so I love how they look styled with jeans or with tailored trousers. They elevate my more casual outfits and I feel very put together while wearing them. Warning though: not all loafers are created equal. Finding the right pair is going to take some work, so I recommend trying on pairs from different brands to find what works best for you. I love The Soft Loafers from The Row, but if you want the look for less, Flattered and Massimo Dutti have great options. I know loafers aren’t practical for every occasion, so in those instances, I reach for my Leather Slip Ons from Vans or something similar.

6. Lastly, it’s time to accessorize - Accessories are the best way to showcase your personality. Whether it’s a perfectly curated jewelry stack, your favorite pair Phoebe Philo shades or that vintage Hermes bag you found in a consignment shop in Paris, this is where you can have fun and make that uniform distinctly you. The way we dress and the accessories we wear allows us to tell the world who we are without even speaking.

Conclusion

Though personal style is… personal and uniquely our own, I think it’s important to always put your best foot forward when you’re presenting yourself to the world. On some of my darkest days, just taking the time to put on an outfit that makes me feel confident and happy made me feel somewhat better in that moment. Ultimately, dress for yourself and find what works for you, and for me, my uniform is something that makes me feel like my best self daily.

As one of my favorite creators Simply Kura says: When you look good, you feel good.

I 100% believe that.