Where do you find new ideas to hone your style? If you need cute outfit ideas or want examples of how to maximize your wardrobe or you’re just looking for pretty pictures where do you look?
I still save images on Pinterest but it’s not my favorite for finding new ideas. Like those who mourn old Tumblr, I miss Pinterest before it was overrun with ads. Instagram is not it either, although plenty of creative people are still sharing good content there. I cannot get into TikTok because who needs more distractions? Not me! Thankfully there is style content on Substack that resonates.
While waiting in line for a coffee at my favorite bakery this morning, I saw a woman wearing a black dress, an oversized denim shirt, and black dad sandals. She looked so cute. Who knew all I need for outfit inspiration is to stay off my phone and notice people?
I didn’t want to stare so I tried to take quick notes and figured out she might be wearing a fit and flare style dress underneath, which I have in black. I also have black Birkenstock Arizona sandals that have a similar vibe as the back strap dad sandals. I have two denim shirts but they are languishing in my closet because I can’t get excited about wearing either.
Coincidentally I had pulled the shirts out recently because I was thinking of donating one and reselling the other. They are good denim shirts but aren’t the right shirts. One is an Isabel Marant top I’ve had for about 10 years. It’s perfectly faded and soft but it’s shrunk over the years. Even when I bought it I thought I should have sized up but it was the only one left in the shop and I really wanted it. It’s looking a little worse for wear these days and the last few times I’ve put it on, I didn’t feel good in it so back on the hanger it goes.
My other denim shirt is the Sezane Tomboy shirt in a dark wash. It’s a classic style that should go with everything but I’ve probably worn it twice. It’s a slimmer cut and I want something that feels more like a roomy overshirt with dropped shoulders and a lighter wash.
The woman in the cute outfit had the ideal denim topper that was oversized but not overwhelming, cut longer so it looked like a shirt and not a jacket, and made of slightly thicker material so it had structure. All the qualities I’m looking for in a denim shirt. I’m trying to figure out how to scratch this shopping itch without buying something new. But it’s fun to look so here are some of my favorites.
My favorite is this one from Apiece Apart called the Pia Oversized Shaket (shirt jacket). I don’t think anyone has to spend almost $400, although I like the details like the silver snap buttons and it’s made out of 100% regenerative cotton.
Agolde has a similar style for $228. The only detail I question is the extra long sleeves. It’s made of 75% organic cotton and 25% Lyocell so I imagine it feels soft without a break-in period.
Nordstrom’s BP line has a light wash version that’s 100% cotton and $65. It also has snap buttons and chest pockets like the two examples. I’m curious if it’s as good as it appears online because that price is a steal.
For now, I’ll put together a version of the dress, chunky sandals, and denim shirt without buying anything new. Sometimes I’ll obsess about something and then get it out of my system. If I’m still thinking about it a month down the line and I haven’t worn my denim shirts, I’ll know it’s time to let those go and keep an eye out for a secondhand find. Maybe I’ll get lucky!