We are, yet again, trying to go about life as normal when it’s anything but, carrying the weight of a world plagued with tragedy and violence. I am going to continue writing this newsletter because we still have to get dressed in the morning, but I understand if you don’t feel much like talking clothes right now. Go hug your people. If you are feeling helpless, and are able to give money to the crisis happening in Israel and Palestine, this article lists some vetted organizations helping civilians on the ground.
On Monday morning of last week, I walked through New York’s Moynihan Train Hall and boarded the 2158 to Boston with one large rolling suitcase, a wheeled carry-on, a backpack, and a large tote. I was wearing jeans, a baseball cap, a long black coat, my favorite everyday jewelry, and a sweatshirt tied around my neck like a scarf. These things together make up my standard “recipe” for traveling, whenever I am headed out of town for work and staying away for more than three weeks. This time, I’ll be gone for three months.
I’m aware that, for many people, going somewhere for a month or longer is probably pretty rare. But! After years of traveling for long stretches (for shows in other cities), packing has fallen into a sort of rhythm for me, and I think some of my packing “rules” hold true no matter how long the trip. I always wear my heaviest layers, as well as any jewelry I’m bringing that’s likely to get tangled in a bag. I always bring a baseball cap. I never bring more than four bags total, and at four, one has to be a backpack. Bucket bag goes inside the backpack, and the Russian doll of that maneuver keeps me from squashing my nice purse. AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.
Of course, these rules extend to what goes inside the suitcase: things that are super versatile, and things that are special. And, crucially, a few heavy hitters that are both. So, this week, I’d like to give a shout out to just a few of the hero items that I often bring on the road and demonstrate their versatility via, you guessed it, some ‘fits.
Lezzdoit.
THE NOMINEES
Meet the heroes! These four items pretty much stay in the packing rotation, regardless of season. (The only swap I’d make for summertime is the boots, and I’d sub those out for a fancy-ish pair of sandals, like the TKEES I wore in this issue.) For me, these four items have a couple things in common: (1) they are super flexible in both a casual and a dressy setting, and (2) they have enough visual interest as stand-alone pieces to elevate them above a plain-Jane basic. (Sorry Jane!)
AND NOW: Some Looks! My thoughts on what makes the thing so versatile! And, hopefully, some sparks of inspo for you, for the next time you’re hitting the road yourself.
1.) The Coziest Big Black Sweater
The Deets:
I found this sweater at 10 Ft. Single by Stella Dallas in Williamsburg, which is still a bit of a hidden gem among the Williamsburg thrift scene, IMO. Men’s section.
I love it. It’s a bit big, but that makes it feel really easy/nonchalant to me, and I like that a shirt layered underneath peeks out a little bit at the top.
Why It’s Versatile:
Black always works. IDK, I love color, but it’s the New York rule! A sweater like this one has the same function as a sweatshirt (I am literally wearing it with sweatpants on the couch right now), but is a heavy enough knit that I can pair it with nice jewelry for a dressy-casual moment— like a meeting, or dinner with my in-laws. In all occasions it’s giving cozy Nora Ephron vibes and WE STAN.
2.) A Cropped, Ribbed Tee
The Deets:
It’s so basic! But I find when I’m working with limited options (i.e. one suitcase of clothes), having flexible foundation pieces allows me to have more fun with whatever goes on top. (I always allow myself a couple of wild-card items when I pack—life is for living!)
I have a few cropped tees like this one, and without fail one of them makes it into my suitcase every time I travel. I like a slightly thinner weight for layering, but I think a thicker version/more structure is good for formal-leaning outfits.
Why It’s Versatile:
The ribbing makes this tee slightly more dressy than a solid shirt, which is a big part of why it works well with a nicer pair of pants or a skirt. I like the crop for where it hits when paired with a high-waisted pant— but I don’t mind a little bit of visible skin. If that’s not your ministry, I think a full length, slightly fitted, thick-weight or ribbed shirt (or bodysuit!) would be similarly versatile.
3.) Dressy, Sassy Boots
The Deets:
OKAY these boots. They were a magical freebie, because the maker shipped my friend the wrong size for her order. They sent her another pair in the correct size, and these ones became a closet staple for me! (Thanks Jules!)
Why They’re Versatile:
A lot of boots would fit in this category. The defining characteristics— the structured toe, the slim ankle, and the narrow cut— all work well in a more formal setting. I like a boot instead of a flat here (and WOW flats have really come back with a vengeance!) as an insurance policy against inclement weather (I’m not using suitcase real estate for rain boots). And I personally love that these boots have a bit of character, as opposed to, say, a classic black, because they feel more special when I want to dress them up. I love an “unexpected” neutral: leopard print, stripes, items with texture. Also in this category: things that don’t go with anything, thus go with everything—like the color orange! Maybe this is material for a more in-depth discussion in a future newsletter, but the thesis is: there’s no reason why your “basics” have to be basic. Something bold can also be versatile, with the added bonus of really punching up an outfit every time you wear it.
4.) A Really Classic Sneaker
The Deets:
They’re just good kicks! Thee Nike Cortez.
Why They’re Versatile:
OKAY I PROMISE this is not an ad for Nike. I love the Cortez, but I think what makes them work with everything is that they are so classic. I think an off-white high top Converse could work in the same way, if that’s more your speed. Same with a white Air Force 1. It’s that classic quality—the bit of cool factor that comes with age—that separates these shoes from other sneaks and makes them so wearable, IMO. Rounding out the theme of things-in-my-closet-that-can-bend-both-dressy-and-casual, I think you can get away with wearing sneakers to a nicer event if they’re great sneakers. Case in point:
I wore this to a film premiere! And the vibes were correct. Cortez for the win.
And that’s it my friends! Those are my current packing all stars. What are yours? Am I missing something? Let’s trade notes!
Costume Change is a styling newsletter (vs. a shopping newsletter). Many posts will not include clothing “credits”— but I’m happy to share info in the comments about specific items, just HMU.
Any links to clothing/shoes, etc. that do appear in my writing are purely my honest to goodness recommendations. If we (ever) enter spon-con territory, those recs will be clearly marked as such. Thanks for reading, and reminder to keep those comments kind!
Just here to say that I love 10 ft Single and I really look forward to these emails every Monday :)