LE CATCH

Keeping things simple is my current modus operandi--but, sometimes it can be harder than it looks! What makes things easier: NOT your average basics. London-based photographer Lizzy Hadfield, pictured here, is fluent in the finest fundamentals--she knows where to source the best t-shirts (Uniqlo), jeans (Levi's, Weekday), sneakers (Veja, above), and trousers (Reformation, Pixie Market, Cos)--and how to put them together, so she looks far from basic. For fall, she's updating her weekly rotation with brand new staples like these Everlane chinos, this green pinstripe Alex Mill shirt (last pic), these Vince wide-leg pants (below), these high-rise Levi's jeans (or these from Amo, without holes, which I prefer), this Weekday denim shirt jacket, these cropped H&M pants, and this made-for-layering And Other Stories tank top. Check out these pics for the comprehensive tutorial.

Photos: Lizzy Hadfield

$35, gap

This $35 tie-front top just might be the greatest steal of the season! Other stealthy scores from The Gap: these Carpenter Jeans, this denim shirt jacket, and this new-length jean skirt!

1. Gap blouse, $35, gap.com
2. Edwin jeans, $189, shopbop.com
3. Isabel Marant blazer, $1215, netaporter.com
4. Balenciaga canvas bucket bag, $875, netaporter.com
5. Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint in Poppy, $28, goop.com
6. Tory Burch loafers, $328, shopbop.com

The last time I wore leather shorts was many moons ago (2012, to be exact), when they were all the rage. Although I felt like they were a little bit out of my style league, I was able to pull them off, toned down with elegant flats and a simple t-shirt. Now, I'm happy to report that I'm doing it again, despite Covid's slouchy-dressing dictates! I found the perfect pair in Topshop's butter-leather shorts. They're more like culottes with a knee-length hem, which makes them sophisticated yet laid-back, plus they're amazingly versatile: WFH-friendly as well as venture-proof. I teamed them with another Topshop score: a $95 do-it-all black double-breasted blazer (that will go over any dress, blouse, sweater, or even nothing!). If it sounds like I went on a Topshop bender, well, yes, I did: I also scooped up the chic duster coat (to wear over everything!), the super cute collared blouse, below, and the cozy reversible vest (ideal for transitional weather). Bring it all on, because I'm ready!

These last lazy days of August have me milking my most summery dresses, and from the look of things, I'm not the only one. Some of the standouts I've spotted recently: the Odile Jacobs print dress, immediately below (also last pic!), the striped La Ligne dress, and the Zara (second down). My dress, above, is a past-season Zimmermann (similar here and another iteration on sale here), and I also have these in the hopper from Topshop, Ulla Johnson and Rotate.

Maybe it was the steep drop in humidity this morning that made it feel several degrees closer to autumn. Or just that fall is actually blowing in the New York air. Whatever the case may be, I'm stocking up on some fall-ready, on-sale pieces including the obsession-worthy Slvrlake jeans, above, at Shopbop's end-of-season sale. (PS: there are TONS of other great go-to jeans on offer by Reformation, Goldsign, Boyish, Mother, and AGOLDE.) Also right-now desirable: this wear-with-everything Bassike blouse, this striking Ronny Kobo dress, these Nili Lotan pleated trousers, these Sam Edelman sandals, this Paige double-breasted blazer (wear with nothing underneath!), and these Loeffler Randall sneakers. Check it all out here!

A classic striped shirt never looks old, but these days, the older-looking and more oversized the shirt is, the better! These pics inspire me to shirt up for an up-to-date effect. Any of these by Treasure & Bond, Frank & Eileen, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, H&M, and Topshop.

Deep into this late summer, when my Sunday habit becomes my Monday lewk, I'm relying on my most hard-working and perhaps overly-comfortable clothes. And today I'm looking to these Vogue editors for additional style inspo, specifically their easygoing pants that work both on and off duty. These trousers by Faithfull the Brand, Rag & Bone, and James Perse are up my alley! Also this Asos dress, this ruffled Mango blouse, this stunning The Line by K halterneck (I'd wear with flip flops) and this wrap Isabel Marant t-shirt. Let's get on with Monday, shall we?

Photos: Vogue

My new executive assistant job to my distance-learning children this fall--i.e., scheduling Zoom calls, making photocopies of worksheets, spread-sheeting deadlines and breakout pods, etc.--will require some cuteness! Look good to feel good, right? Counterbalance the menial and mundane? Yes and yes! To the rescue: the puff-sleeve H&M top, above, the new-cut wide-leg Closed jeans, below (also LOVE these by Isabel Marant Etoile!), the striped Anthropologie sweater set, below, the Ben Amun never-take-off gold-link bracelet (below), and the do-it-all Vince shirt dress. And for the hard-earned vacation time down the road? This nicely-priced designer-looking Paravel suitcase (last pic)!

When I spotted this cute painted canvas bag on the beach in Malibu, I assumed it was a Gucci (it being Malibu and all) but I was wrong. Like several hundred dollars wrong! It's actually a limited edition Brighton bag that was issued back in 2019--but now available on Ebay for around $40! I bought one, of course, as well as one for my mom. It's super roomy, durable and totally Gucci-good. Other random finds, which have ushered in a zillion Instagram DM's is my woven hat and embroidered blouse (last pic). I scored the hat on Amazon for $12 and the vintage top from this Etsy seller, which has loads of goodies (this and this, this and this) ! You're welcome!

Given 2020's curveball track record, it's hard to predict what this fall will be like--except that will be unlike any other. But these pics taken last week in Copenhagen are at least giving me a glimpse of what my fashion future will look like. It will involve some sleek wide-leg leather shorts (Topshop, Divine Heritage, Ganni, and Frankie Shop), and, if not leather, then just louche long ones ( this and this), easy shirt-dresses (this and this), cozy sweater vests (H&M, Isabel Marant Etoile, We11Done) and big polos (above), oversized shirts and blazers (yes, yes and yes!). Can't believe summer is winding down!

Photos: British Vogue