Building from scratch: Pink t-shirt | L’Agence skirt | Slingbacks
Where To Start When You’re Building Your Wardrobe From Scratch🤍
Our hearts are with you Los Angeles, much love from the So Susie team xxx
Several days ago, a sweet friend reached out to me to share that she had lost everything in the horrific Palisades fire. She asked me for some guidance on wardrobe essentials and where to start rebuilding, because she had no clothes left to wear. As I learned a long time ago, this little fashion journey goes way beyond the clothes. On the surface, clothes may seem unimportant — but I know, after years of helping dear friends and clients, it’s way more than that. And, if I’m able to help, I’m honored to give back in any way I can.
Today’s post is a starting place for building a wardrobe from scratch. I spent many days thinking about it, and I’ve tried to recommend affordable options as well as the usual things I typically share. I’ll also be making donations to several organizations on the list below. And additionally, all proceeds made from this post be donated to victims of the LA fires.
With love, Susie xx
Places to donate:
GoFundMe’s Dedicated Fire Relief
1. Start with these wardrobe essentials …
Loving reminder … this is a board for inspiration and you can easily make substitutions
Jackets: Frank & Eileen Belfast | Crop trench | Puffer jacket | Miramar denim jacket | Rag & Bone Slade blazer
Layering pieces: ATM tee | Button up shirt | Stripe tee | Camel sweatshirt hoodie | Cashmere crew sweater | Stripe cardigan
Bottoms: White jeans | Blue jeans | Denim dress | Pink sweatshirt and skirt | Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Vince leggings
Accessories: Pink scarf | Leopard bag | Naghedi tote | Sunglasses | Heart earrings | LA bb hat | Scrunchies
Shoes: Ballet flats | Loafers | Samba sneakers | Havaianas | Leopard slingback
2. Every outfit begins with the right bottom piece: let’s start with denim
I recommend a medium blue wash in either a crop ankle like this Mother Hustler, or a long length style like the Frame Le Slim Palazzo or Mother Weekender. These are tried and true fits that work for almost everyone. You might consider a white or écru pair like these from J.Crew or these from Mother. And if you like black bottoms, then grab a Mother Hustler (my most-worn jeans in my closet) or this long length pair from Frame.
If you’re 5’4″ and under, get petite jeans – either Lil Mother or Frame Le Pixie, in the above fits – available here and here
Black pants that are versatile and easy to wear
Vince makes the best ones, and between this crop legging crop legging that’s more like a pant (size up) or this ankle flare, you’ll be covered. If you want a longer length, look at this.
3. Then you need to add a few tops
A button up shirt is really versatile, and I highly recommend the Frank & Eileen one in this fit. I suggest white or blue or black, and from there, you can add a stripe — but it’s not necessary. For affordable options, look at this or this from J.Crew.
Here’s are some t-shirt options — you only need a few
Get a basic white like this ATM one or this Frame one. For an affordable option, look at this one
Since LA is warm, I’d suggest a tank like this or this
Stripes are another easy way to complete outfits, look at this Frame one on sale or this
A cashmere crew can be layered over a white tee, or over your shoulders kind of like a scarf — this is the best one
4. Pick a jacket or two
This knit jacket by Frank & Eileen is amazing, and if you want an affordable option, look at this Quince one
A lightweight sweater puffer is another staple, and the Moncler one is really good. But, you have to see this Quince one that looks almost identical
The Rag & Bone Slade blazer is a lightweight wool jacket that acts like a blazer but feels like a sweater. I saw this one at Quince for a fraction of the price, but I haven’t tried it. I have tried the ponte version though!
In warmer temps, I wear a denim jacket pretty much every day. This one by Rag & Bone is like a sweatshirt, and of course, you can always go with a basic like this J.Crew one
5. Re-stock your bras and undies
Short sleeve pajamas, long sleeve version | Hair ties | Papinelle robe | Slippers | Wacoal Softly Styled bra | Wacoal Back Appeal bra | Artizia socks | Chantelle Soft Stretch Panties and Thongs
Pajamas – These by Nordstrom are super comfortable and well-priced. If you prefer long sleeves, here’s the same version
Bras – Best-sellers for every day include: Chantelle Norah, Back Appeal and Perfect Primer
Panties – The Chantelle soft-stretch come in lots of styles, and they’re comfortable and super soft. If you like thongs, the Natori ones are the best
Slippers – I love my Emu ones, and you can’t go wrong with UGG’s like these
Robes – I’d suggest this silk one since it’s easy to pack, but for something more practical, look at this one
Active essentials for running errands or working out
lululemon Align pants | Vuori wide leg pants | lululemon Hold Tight short sleeve | Long sleeve | Nike sneakers | Hat | lululemon Tennis skirt | Sports bra | Aritzia crewneck sweatshirt | lululemon Scuba hoodie
Pants – I’d suggest the Align lululemon pant (it’s really a legging) or the long length flare pant, or this wide-leg Vuori one which feels more updated than the infamous joggers
Tops/Sweatshirts – Hands down the Hold Tight in short or long sleeve are the best. They’re more of a layering piece since they’re tight, but they’ll keep you super warm. I layer mine under sweaters. You might want a cozy sweatshirt and this lululemon Scuba hoodie is an all time fave
Tennis/pickleball attire – Skirts are perfect for warmer weather (especially if you don’t like shorts) and I wear my favorite lululemon one doing errands – also take a look at this
Vuori favorites – look at this wide-leg pant and this cozy crew
Everyday sneakers – these Nikes come in several colors, and if you need a crisp white pair these ones by Sam Edelman are on sale for $45 and so good (more sizes here)
Thank you for reading, Susie xx
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