WHAT I WORE #03

When colourless outfits become my uniform

After the trip to Lisbon, I realised I’ve been impatiently waiting for longer days filled with sunshine and flowering trees with colours, an element I spot missing in my daily outfits yet also one that I am reluctant to convince myself wearing more of lately. Having the in-between season to blame, deciding what to wear to work has also transformed excitement to a daily chore. Standing in front of the wardrobe, pulling clothes together hoping to create different inspiring outfits every day, is exhausting and unrealistic when work takes up five days a week. In this past month, I reckon some type of a recognisable uniform and repetition helps — Same pieces, repeated style, matching fabric, dress tone on tone, wear less/no accessories and trainers — all for the sake of shortening your time frowning in front of the mirror before leaving for work!

I’ll start by praising black as the unsung hero:

On the first week, I’ve worn my favourite look in March: A handmade blazer from Onka (Hong Kong), embroidered Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, Loewe balloon trousers and a pair of Church’s loafers to add some whiteness to the look.

If I am to wear this outfit again outside work, it would be completed with a Thom Browne's style in mind - whimsical beanie plus a box-shaped handbag!

Here’s the same blazer with trousers in matching fabric:

In an all black outfit, fabrics matter and I tend to love a good matching one. In this case it’s wool. Wearing here: Onka handmade blazer, Uniqlo wool jumper, Stranger Room trousers, Salomon trainers and my crochet flower charm.

Same top, trainers and crochet flower charm. Different everything:

It’s still head to toe black, yet I felt smartly chic wearing my Theory Men’s blazer, Uniqlo wool jumper, vintage Mondi trousers and Salomon trainers. Classic twist? I love this crochet flower charm.

Sometimes I dress up a little. (Still) with the same trainers:

Well… I should have worn pointy flats to show more skin in this look but my feet was screaming otherwise hence the same repeated pair of Salomon. Wearing here: WIWF vintage scarf, old Zara tweed jacket and Cos trousers.

Or I dress down, styling the same silver ring:

Rarely I wear skirts to work but perhaps I should. Wearing here: Cos oversized t-shirt, Pollygems customised necklace, Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi knit skirt, Muji socks and Patrick trainers

There were also days when the same striped trousers are loved…

(Left) Uniqlo Men’s blazer, Calvin Klein turtleneck top, Pollygems customised necklace, Joc striped trousers, Onitsuka Tiger trainers. (Right) RNC knit vest, Cos t-shirt, Joc striped trousers, Vans Vault suede trainers.

And loved again…

Can anyone tell I’m playing a double shirt game here? There’s a sheer black one underneath and the standing collar is key! Wearing here: Everything listed above.

When the top and blazer combination gets boring, white shirt is a great companion —

My trick — adding a shirt as middle layer to create depth (especially) in a monotone outfit. Here I used a white shirt to add crispness that echoes with my flapping knife jeans. Wearing here: Calvin Klein turtleneck top, Uniqlo Men’s shirt and blazer, old jeans and Patrick trainers.

Same greyish tone, same jeans, similar vibes:

Same same but different. Combining various “daddy’s” shades of grey together with little details like zips and prints add the fun to basic smart casual looks. POV: Have you noticed my echoing shirt and shoes pick on the right? I love it.

At last, a more interesting fit outside work —

An all white assemble brings such energy to the weekend even when I continue leaning towards a tone on tone fit! Wearing: Vintage inspired crochet lace hat, Beams Boy heavy cotton blazer, old white jeans, Celine loafers and All Day Long Project tote bag

Safe to say this is the saviour to my look above.

Thanks for tuning in! I’ll see you again in April.

Chris

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Catch up on my previous posts:

WHAT I WORE #02

WHAT I WORE #01

Shopping Addendum: Lisbon Edition