Mixing Textures For Visual Interest

One time I wore nothing but cotton, and I swear I felt like a napkin. Toss on a suede jacket, or a ribbed knit under a denim jacket, and suddenly people notice—just a little. Not a big deal, but it’s there.

Mixing textures is one of those things I do without thinking. Leather jacket (not pants, I’m not that brave) with a linen shirt, maybe corduroy if it’s cold. Wool hat, synthetic scarf—nobody notices unless they get really close.

Here’s my mental list, but I always forget something:

• Velvet with denim (not as weird as it sounds)
• Cotton tees under wool
• Sneakers with tweed pants
• Ribbed knits under smooth coats
• Synthetics, but only if you can’t tell

Pet hair is a nightmare with corduroy, by the way. Leather is bad too. Just saying.

Choosing Versatile Pieces Over Trendy Items

I bought a glittery belt for a party—nobody wore belts. Now it lives in a drawer. Most days, I grab black trousers or a trench coat, which felt boring until I got a striped tee and now I wear it all the time.

Buying “versatile” stuff seems boring, but nobody remembers what you wore yesterday. Suddenly, three things make five outfits. I can’t stand the term “capsule wardrobe,” but it’s basically that.

Quick rundown, then vs. now:

• Old me: Bright jackets, never worn
• Now: One neutral bomber, black boots, white shirt
• Trendy: One-shoulder crop top (wore once, hated it)
• Versatile: Crewneck sweater (wore four times this week, whatever)

You can’t predict what’s going to be out next—pants change shape faster than I do laundry. Versatile stuff at least buys you time. The glittery belt? Maybe it’ll hold up my curtains.

Shoes That Instantly Update Your Look

Everyone’s wearing white sneakers still. They’re fine, but loafers and kitten heels are suddenly everywhere. Swapping shoes messes with your whole vibe, sometimes in a good way, sometimes…not.

Why Kitten Heels Are Back

I used to think kitten heels were for people who said “pumps” and wore brooches. Now they’re everywhere, which is weird because weren’t we all complaining about foot pain last year? My friend’s mom had leopard ones—looked odd, but also kind of cool. Designers like Prada keep putting them on models with leggings and jeans, and I almost want to call them “cute.”

It’s the comfort, honestly. Nobody wants to limp around all day. Some brands stick rubber on the bottom so you don’t sound like you’re tap dancing in the office. Kitten heels dodge the “office shoe” look, especially in weird colors. Chunky or pointy toe? Depends on what Instagram ad follows me that week.

Modern Loafers For Everyday Wear

Penny loafers were a joke until suddenly, they’re everywhere. G.H. Bass, Gucci, you name it. Wider toe boxes (bless), actual arch support—these things matter. Patent loafers look formal, matte ones look chill with socks, and suddenly “school uniform” isn’t an insult.

People throw loafers on with everything: big pants, jeans, pleated skirts. My neighbor wears them with patterned tights and I have no idea if that’s “fashion” or just her mood. It works, though. Cheap pairs squeak, which is hilarious in quiet meetings.

Quick Table: Styles That Work

I tried slippers out of laziness, but ended up back in loafers with a gold chain. My boss said I had a “hushed professional vibe.” No idea what that means, but at least nobody asked about my kitten heels.

Outerwear That Refreshes Any Wardrobe

Outerwear always ends up crammed somewhere in my closet, under a mess of shirts I don’t even like, until suddenly I’m late and need to look like an actual adult. Then I’m digging for a jacket that’s probably in the trunk of my car or maybe at my ex’s place? Who knows. The right coat does, like, almost all the work, and somehow I never have the one I want.

Modern Takes On The Classic Trench Coat

Trench coats—everyone’s got an opinion. Lately, people chop the length, or swap the usual camel for these oddball colors—sage green? Sort of grayish-black? Some are so oversized I could probably sneak snacks into a movie and no one would notice. The belts hang so low they’re brushing my shoes. I watched a guy almost trip on his, but he looked cool, so maybe it’s worth it.

My friend layered a cropped trench over cargo joggers—she looked like she was about to paint a mural, not go to brunch. The whole vibe is half “I work in an office,” half “I forgot what day it is.” I don’t really get it, but I’m into it. Storm flaps are everywhere, and I still have to Google “gabardine” every fall. Camel’s still around, but the wild details are where it’s at now.

Table: Fun Trench Tweaks