“I had no idea how to dress casually until I moved to California,” says Kelsey Keith, who previously lived in NYC for a decade. “I still wear all black to school pick-up, so it’s not like the New Yorker has left the building, but now I also own a pair of hiking shoes.” Kelsey, the creative director of MillerKnoll, also writes one of our favorite design Substacks. Here, the Berkeley resident shares five outfits she wore in a week, plus secondhand shopping tips…
Shirt: Banana Republic (available on resale sites.) Skirt: “ancient Zara.”
“I usually only turn to mall brands for basics, but Banana Republic has gotten really good recently. I love this shirt — it’s well-made, and the ripstop material is nice. Their pull-on black pants are also perfect. I try not to buy new pieces very often, but there are several other things on their site I’ve got my eye on.”
Necklace: similar. Bracelet: “designed by midcentury designer Fran Hosken, available through the Hosken Archive.”
“During college, I studied abroad in Paris. While there, I made my way to Venice, then took a 24-hour ferry to Greece — I had a deck ticket. But Greece is amazing, so however you can get there works. I bought this Bees of Malia pendant on that trip. It’s a replica of a relic dated to 1650 B.C.”
Cardigan: Agnes B., “bought secondhand.” Pants: Banana Republic. Clogs: Rothy’s, “these are my house slippers, and they’re nuts comfortable.”
“If something costs more than I want to pay, I’ll try to find it on a resale site. I use Gem to set an alert in my size so that I get an email if they come up for sale. I’m very, very patient. Gem alerts are also a great way to get clarity on an item’s average price on the secondhand market.”
Rings: “Engagement ring by Lola Brooks, wedding bands by J. Hannah, antique quilt band ring from Oko in Portland.”
“Before we got engaged, my husband and I looked at options together and narrowed it down, and then he made the final choice. My engagement ring is from Lola Brooks, and I think it looks like a galaxy.”
Shirt: vintage Benetton, “screamin’ deal, maybe $30, never worn.” Jeans: DL1961. Belt: “my mom’s,” similar. Bangle: “Taxco silver, bought in Mexico City.” Necklace: Tiffany & Co.
“Part of the reason why texture is so interesting is that the craft is evident. With a thick wool sweater or a delicately embroidered shirt, you can see the material and the construction. If I’m dressing in one color, there’s usually a textural shift in what I’m wearing.”
Shoes: Stoffa.
“On a given week, 10 pieces of clothing will end up piled on a chair, and I’ll swap things in or out. I don’t like to be precious with clothing. I’m looking for stuff that’s well-made and will hold up to a lot of wear.”
Sweatshirt: Hey Gang. Skirt: KasMaria. Socks: Le Bon Shoppe.
“Claire McCardell was a mid-century American fashion designer, who pioneered things like pockets in women’s clothing, even though male designers didn’t understand why women would need them. [She also made zippers easy to reach because a woman ‘may live alone and like it, but you may regret it if you wrench your arm trying to zip a back zipper into place.’] This new book about her is amazing. Everyone should read it.”
Shoes: Clarks.
“If your feet hurt, you won’t enjoy yourself, no matter what else is going on. Wallabies, an old-man classic, are extremely comfortable. They go with everything because they’re kind of anti-fashion. Whenever I need a new-to-me pair, I’ll find them on a resale site like eBay — a good tip for classics, if you know your size!”
Sweatshirt: Rachel Comey, “all over resale—set an alert on Gem. Pants: Le Bon Shoppe. Ring: “borrowed from my five-year-old daughter.” Sunglasses: Illesteva. Pouch: Dr. Max’s. Socks: Target, similar. Sneakers: Merrell Wildwood Aerosport.
“Living in California, surrounded by nature, you end up being pretty outdoorsy by default, and because you’re always doing outdoor things, you dress casually. Merrell needs to bring back these Wildwood Aerosports immediately.”
“My youngest child is now out of diapers, so I don’t have to schlep everything everywhere. Sometimes I’m like, I’m only taking what fits in a little pouch!”
“I spent many years as a design editor, and I apply that mindset to clothes, too. I’m ruthless about making sure I only have things that I really like to wear. That’s the trick for me.”
Thanks so much for sharing, Kelsey!
P.S. More women share their weeks of outfits, including a sewing enthusiast who loves clowncore, a New England grandmother with popped collars, and a Toronto professor wearing a pink power suit.
(Photos by María del Río for Cup of Jo.)
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