The other day I spent a few hours meandering around SoHo, hunting for the perfect something, anything—that elusive score just waiting for me in plain sight. When I came back to the apartment, shopping bags in tow, my sister was perched on the sofa, ready for the big reveal. I pulled out my prize, below: a perfectly-fitting pair of winter-white jeans. She blinked. “That’s it?” she asked, confused, a little crestfallen, as if I’d just pulled out, I don't know, a pair of dirty socks. Her reaction stuck with me though (however, it should be said that the satin-y finish elevates these white jeans, just saying, more sizes here!). So lately, I’ve been on a mission to find denim that’s anything but a shrug—pieces that make my sister say that’s super cute--along with their low-key extras. Let's start with Mother Denim's chaps-like jeans, the buttoned-waistband, the corduroy trimmed, and the crazy fringe. Also good: the Roxanne Assoulin chain belt, above, the B-Low The Belt crystal waist-cincher (last pic), these belted Alex Mill jeans, and these embroidered Farm Rio.
wrap it up
Dramatic fall layering, all wrapped up.
- Lioness asymmetrical shirt, $100, shopbop.com
- Citizens of Humanity jeans, $470, mytheresa.com
- Zara scarf jacket, $199, zara.com
- B-Low The Belt leather belt, $172, b-lowthebelt.com
- Proenza Schouler leather clutch, $1190, netaporter.com
- Larroude leather jazz shoe, $203, larroude.com
it's a cinch
These pics are Wazing us straight on to the beltway, because, clearly, a little cinch goes a long way. Think shortcut to right-now style. If you don't already have the iconic studded Khaite belt, above, you can score a less expensive derivative like this Madewell (which I have!), this Dehanche, this Aureum and this Good American. I also love the idea of belting a coat with this tie-it-on thin option and an oversized Cos blazer with a Celine statment (last pic).
Photos: Caroline Lin, Lu Hough
the belt way
My sister's former studio manager turned me onto Madewell's Skinny Western belt, which looks almost identical to the OG and all-the-rage Khaite. Now, Madewell is making even more even spot-on ones, like the studded (also an exact dupe!) version, above. They're so good, I might be inclined to pile them all on and be totally on trend.
first row
The Row's most coveted Fall 2024 shoe is not due in stores for months, but that doesn't mean I can't start working its perforated-chic vibe right now.
1. H&M cashmere sweater, $149, hm.com
2. Aje denim shorts, $325, netaporter.com
3. Jennifer Zeuner hoops, $110, shopbop.com
4. Dehanche belt, $290, netaporter.com
5. The Row twill tote, $1290, mytheresa.com
6. Jeffrey Campbell leather flats, $194, nordstrom.com
belt bound
A belt looped through jeans that already fit perfectly is very much in style. Particularly trendy are the recognizable designer belts (Celine, The Row, Khaite), which, however, I've been reluctant to invest in, despite the fact that it's an outfit-polishing accessory I wear every single day. Instead, I'm bound to Nili Lotan's gold-buckle leather belt, above, which goes with literally all my jeans and trousers and cinches coats and jackets, too. It's a must!
pinstripe point
Pinstripes get some added pep from an asymmetrical hemline and a corset belt.
1. Front Row Shop pinstripe shirtdress, $56, frontrowshop.com
2. Cornelia Webb earrings, $170, netaporter.com
3. Alexander McQueen belt, $945, netaporter.com
4. Salar mini bag, $350, shopbop.com
5. Zara boots, $119, zara.com
loop de loop
Inspired by Louis Vuitton's highly coveted (and totally sold out!) tie-the-knot belt, above and below, I'd like to whittle my waist and add a right-this-minute flourish to an outfit by twisting one of my own skinny belts into a neat, new-looking loop--or even better, tying on one of these pre-knotted agony-free leather belts such as this B-Low The Belt, this Asos, or this Topshop.
cinched in
French Vogue's Emmanuelle Alt (above and below) led the charge at the recent Paris couture shows with a belted jacket. Of course, others immediately followed suit, as evidenced below. How does one get this Gallic-cool look under one's belt? With oversize jackets like this Etoile Isabel Marant (pictured above), this tweed Warehouse and this sleek Mango paired with narrow, vintage-looking belts that literally pull it all together such as this and this. Voila!
Photos: Adam Katz Sinding, Tommy Ton
belting out
Unlike me, Moda Operandi creative director Taylor Tomasi Hill is an equal opportunity employer of accessories, utilizing everything from jewelry to bags to sunglasses to chic outfit-making effect. But what's particularly noteworthy is her allegiance to belts (as demonstrated in the pics above and below)--an accessory that's usually an afterthought in my book. Clearly, I am going to have to rectify this and I may just start by adding some of these versatile waist-cinchers from McQ Alexander McQueen (very TTH-edgy), Club Monaco (studded and double wrap), Asos (for slinky dresses), and BCBG (Alaia-ish, but under $100!) to my styling arsenal.
Photos: Streetfsn.com, Vogue, Candace Lake, Pinterest































