Clothes That Never Betray Me
What I Wear When I Hate Everything Else
Every once in a while- I hate everything in my closet. It’s often hormonal and always deranged, because I have great clothes. I’ve been collecting and editing for decades. Exquisite vintage. A pile of perfect white tees. More underwear than days of the month (it was research! RIP TEN).
Nonetheless, there are spells when I cannot, for the life of me, make a look that doesn’t feel like a muppet wearing another muppet’s clothes. It’s all wrong. ALL OF IT.
In such dire times (clothing dysmorphia is an identity crisis), I quiet the noise and rely on the items that never betray me. The ones that say, I’m fine:
Cashmere V Neck Sweater: to me, this is the perfect sweater. This men’s one is also great and I’m a fan of this chunky alternative.
White or Graphic tee: I find my best tee shirts at Scout in LA. And I always return to these heavy weight solid ones I track down on Ebay.
Luxury Polo: sometimes my biggest splurges seem like the biggest nothings, but I end up loving them longer than everything else. Size up for a roomier fit and snag this one on The Real Real while you can! Or here’s a more reasonable version.
Timeless jeans: essential obviously. And I keep styles that range in size, when I’m hormonal I don’t want to feel my pants.
Elegant everyday trouser: polished but easy enough for a tee or sweatshirt, I gravitate towards this shape.
A comfy pant I live in these- again, I size up. Some of my best looks start with sweatpants (Scout ♾️). I’m also into sweat shorts right now.
Everything-goes shoe: these un-prissy ballet flats or my favorite Venetian slippers never trigger me.
A smart shoe: these are my favorite all-weather, walking shoes- I recently splurged on this collab pair. And I ride for these chic orthos.
Essential flip flops: sometimes a flip flop is the only shoe that will do. ‘90s perfection. Here’s a good dupe of a popular one that will save you $540.
An easy bag: I like a refined tote (or a mesh one) so I can carry a water bottle, book, or my computer. But this is probably my most versatile and beloved bag.
Baseball cap: shyness coverage, I love this one (but never in New York).
Honorable mentions: a stand-out coat (covers my underlying condition), a soft denim button down (eternally good with jeans).
These faithful pieces make sense when nothing else does. And when my more self-assured style returns, they anchor my bolder looks. Keep them close!
x, Daphne
On The Doing Well Membership - In GUIDANCE:
My winter wardrobe essentials, with a styling video and links to each piece.
You might be asking yourself, who is this person?
You had me at the babaa v neck. Agree with it all!
I loved reading this! It's so interesting to see which pieces never let people down. For me, it's a timeless pair of jeans as well. When in doubt, I reach for my black vintage Levi's and it's always a good move.