Christmas in July
shopping "out of season" and 15 cold weather wardrobe staples under $100
There is something about the last three months of the year that just stress me the fuck out.
They are my favorite, by far, compared to the other seasons and holidays of the year, but the world spins juuust a little too fast come October. My brain swirly and twirly with ideas of crafts, parties and jovial shenanigans can’t seem to keep up with the momentum of social engagements, food, drinks, movies, activities, and rampant consumerism.
Which is why this year I have vowed to get my shit together early! It may be 107 outside, but inside it’s a crispy cool holiday wonderland of crafts and most importantly, secondhand shopping.
The general public loves to complain about stores pushing holiday stuff in July, but the reality is the smart shopper knows to buy up the good stuff before everyone else rushes to it come October. For years, Mike mocked me for buying ornaments in August, until he discovered just how empty the holiday section of the store is when the clock chimes November 1st.
And while this is all very based on a capitalistic urge to consume buy buy buy buy, it does have its perks. The early bird gets the deal! Be the early bird!
This also tends to be the case with seasonal dressing. Bulky coats, sweaters, and boots often take up space stores and sellers need for new things. Shopping for winter items in the summer (and vice versa) is often the best way to find deals on unique pieces that become more in demand as the seasons change. It may feel silly to look for wool sweaters in July, but come October, those same sweaters will likely be priced higher or harder to find.
So, today let’s embrace that sexy, cool weather fantasy! Here are some of my favorite laidback fall/winter street style inspiration and “core” secondhand finds under $100 that make great building blocks in creating a timeless closet ecosystem. When comparing popular fast fashion brands like Zara, Mango, Cos, and H&M, many of them price their winter pieces well over $100 without the integrity of materials or construction to back the price tag. I encourage you, as you assess the essential “needs” of your wardrobe, to consider buying a better quality, preloved piece!!
I’ve chosen these specific street style outfits because I feel they’re a great base for creating looks that speak to your personal style. I’m not about to dissect the overhype of “quiet luxury” blah blah “minimal dressing” blah - again it goes back to “fashion” vs. “style.” Throw out the rule books, the trends, the “must haves” and find what you gravitate towards. I think all of the ensembles below are the perfect starting point in trying something on, finding what you like about it, and adding your own personal touch. I’ve added a few “luxury” accessories/garments (all under $250) for each category that speak to something I would personally add to the outfits shown to make it “my own.”
The Leather Coat/Jacket
For me, a leather coat and/or jacket is a #1 wardrobe staple.
Deep in the Madewell/J. Crew world at 23, I was desperate to get my hands on the iconic classic Madewell moto jacket. It was excluded from our employee discount and I didn’t luck out until someone returned a damaged one that I was able to buy it at an insanely discounted price. I wore it probably 300 days out of the year, for years. I still have it, and while it needs a trip to the leather repair store, it remains a favorite in my closet.
Suede, while tricky to take care of (get a suede brush!), makes any outfit an ~*outfit*~, if you know what I mean. She’s cool, she’s edgy, she’s textured, she maybe has a fringe. Suede jackets literally make the simplest of outfits (sweatpants! jeans and a tee! a silk gown!) look really fucking cool.
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I’m imagining the silk dress with the distressed motorcycle jacket (#5) or the long tan suede trench (#3) and I feel very excited about it.
The Wool Coat / Trench Shape
Another forever classic is the long wool coat/ the trench coat shape. They’re universally flattering on every body type (but like, fuck flattering btw, just wear what feels good), instantly stylish, and practical for any cooler month of the year.
I recommend sizing up or going oversized so you can comfortably fit a sweater/turtleneck/thicker layer underneath and feel like you have room in the arms.
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Take a page from the Alexa Chung meets Pride and Prejudice book and pair a long wool coat with a long dress and motorcycle boots (there are so many well priced motorcycle boots on TRR.) I love a mix of masc-meets-femme-meets-1800s romance novel.
The Blazer
While I’ve personally never felt particularly passionate about blazers, I like that modern trends have evolved from them feeling overly preppy/uber sophisticated and leaned into a funky, David Byrne kind of vibe. This is another shape I would encourage to be oversized for layering purposes and general coolness.
I am particularly obsessed with the idea of taking a tuxedo jacket (I’ve even been looking at traditional tails) and pairing it down with a thick cable knit. (Someone please buy #3 - it looks so good!)
The Faux Fur Coat
Fur.
Oh, fur. A controversial topic with lots of opinions and feels and chronically online rhetoric. I am (obvi) staunchly anti-fur, let the record show, but I do have mixed, often mushy all over the place feels about vintage fur that will forever be floating around our planet. For the sake of this newsletter and my mushy all over the place feels about vintage fur, I’ve selected a few faux fur pieces from the 70s and 80s that are also looking for a new place to call home. (I will mention, however, that there are a lot of mint condition real fur jackets and coats under $200 on eBay.)
If you live in a frigid winter climate, a long (vintage/faux) fur coat will come in handy year after year and is an instant outfit on the laziest, coldest, most un-motivating days.
Jumpsuit and sneakers and long coat = socially acceptable pajamas and wearable blanket.
Well, there ya have it. Here’s hoping this has inspired you to prepare, because winter, is in fact, coming.
Let this be a reminder to consider a closet edit and start making a list of forever pieces you’re looking to invest in. Looking for something in particular? Need help styling something? My inbox is always open — or leave a comment on this post.
I’ll be back Friday with this month’s installment of “The Dump.”
Until next time,
xo,
G
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