My 2024 Fashion Audit
Playing dress up has always been a part of my definition of fun. At the ripe age of two, I allegedly began insisting on picking out my own clothes, refusing to be dressed by anyone but myself. I’d march around the house in all my accessories and feel like the coolest girl in the world, or break into my Mom’s closet to try on her shoes with a far-off glimpse of the day they’d fit. Fashion has always been a part of my identity, an avenue for expression, a passion and outlet.
In clothes I can’t help but see a story waiting to be told, and through my outfits I get a glimpse of the kind of woman I want to be. When cultivated with intention, fashion is an artful way of existing in the world. Fashion to me is an expression of ethos, and I embrace all of the details and symbolism wholeheartedly. So that being said, let’s get into my fashion audit of 2024.
#1: Vintage is King
I feel grateful to say that the best pieces in my closet are vintage – pieces that have proven themselves timeless and evergreen. Vintage pieces are the impossible thing to covet, unable to be replicated and so preciously unique.
Considering the amount of waste and environmental pollution fast fashion creates, we have more of a reason to be shopping vintage now than ever before. My best vintage pieces are from my Mom; the polka dot set she wore to my brother Michael’s first communion is now a favorite of mine for classy dinners and house parties alike. The skirt alone does particularly well in the summer with a cropped white top.
I had a special affinity this summer for her white midi skirt with a teal pattern of flowers – early 2000s vintage Gap. A tight fitted, ruched black tank offsets the wide flaring cut of the skirt.
Denver has a particularly rocking vintage scene, especially on Broadway. You’ll find quality, well-preserved pieces without the inflated New York prices. I found a maroon leather jacket while out there a few years back that just so happened to fit me like a glove, cinching at the waist with a leather tie.
Re: the maroon jacket & red bag, I honestly like the look of pairing two items of the same color that don’t exactly match; I think it provides a coy kind of clash that adds a flare of character. The red bag in question? A vintage Burberry piece my Mom received from an ex-boyfriend.
I paid probably $40 too much for my tan little mesh number (Thanks to New York vintage pricing), but it proved its value and then some throughout the course of the summer, whether over a bikini as a cover up or layered over a skirt.
I stumbled upon the mermaid-esque patterned dress while vintage shopping in Barcelona this past summer. Like animals hunting for prey, we went from shop to shop digging for so-called vintage gold. The dress was one of those pieces that you try on and immediately just know you’ll buy – and that’s what’s fun about vintage shopping, a good score feels like a lottery stroke of luck or a gift from the larger forces above. Vintage creates a story, and sounds so much more romantic than “I got it at Zara…” It’s your mother’s skirt that she wore in her thirties, your great grandmother’s scarf from the sixties, and the dress you found at a vintage shop while in Spain for your best friend’s 24th birthday. For all the emotion and meaning fashion gives me, vintage tells the greatest story.
#2: Statements are their own kind of staple
Patterns are a core part of my wardrobe’s palette, and if I were to ever have a capsule wardrobe they would without a doubt be included. While loud colors and fabrics may seem antithetical to a reliable and efficient way of getting dressed, for me, they’re what I rely on when I’m in a pinch. If I’ve got twenty minutes before I have to leave and can’t seem to put together an outfit for the life of me, my loudest and most vibrant pieces put the whole team on their back. Running late to a birthday dinner and can’t find anything to wear? Let the silky button down covered in Penthouse magazine covers take care of things (thank you Saylor’s Memorial Day clothing sale). Outfit done. Loud pieces do all the talking so you don’t have to.
A vintage orange Gucci scarf covered in white whales may be my most worn summer piece. It’s either tied around my body as a top, wrapped around my hair on the beach, or knotted as an accent on my purse. Steeped in nostalgia, it’s seen me through summers, travels, and parties. It’s gotten some wear and tear, i.e. a dash of blue paint from a lakeside paint party, but I’d rather let the scarf to do some living than leave it to get dusty in my closet unworn. If signature pieces exist, this is definitely one of mine.
#3: I made red a part of my personality
Red invaded my closet in full force throughout 2024. It all started with the red pashmina that found its way to me on the streets of New Orleans as I was on my way to jazz fest. I wore it wrapped around my shoulders to keep me warm, and later that summer draped it over my hair at the beach. Before I left Nola I also picked up a pair of dead stock red cotton mini shorts from the sixties – never worn – topped off with a light blue scarecrow on the side. I found them at a vintage shop on Magazine Street that focuses on fifties and sixties pieces, the kinds that a woman would’ve worn if she was 25 in 1960. So incredibly random and youthfully antiquated – I was instantly obsessed.
Saylor had a clothing sale at Washington Square Park in May, and naturally my presence transformed from a source of moral support to another paying customer. In addition to the Penthouse top, I left with a bright red number that starts as a bandeau and extends towards the ground with sheer fabric. Perfect with a skirt, and I particularly enjoy it as a transitional piece between seasons with a jean.
It was one of those days in September between the margins of summer and fall, when the weather starts out warm and ends up cold. I was walking around Tribeca in a little black dress and felt freezing. I stumbled into Zara in search of a layer – complaining that I had no choice but to buy something to stay warm, while secretly excited about the prospect of the purchase – and walked out clad in a cherry red button down cardigan. It’s hardly left my shoulders since, whether with a skirt or matching track pant. Red is a color I can count on feeling good in. Warmer than blue but cooler than orange, it’s bright, it’s punchy, and it doesn’t wash me out.
#4: Patterns were mixed
Simply put, when it works, it works. We put plaid with blue flowers and cowhide with pink paisley. Sequin houndstooth and cheetah just so happened to jive. I think it all depends on what you feel comfortable with and are willing to rock; In my book the most important ingredient for a good outfit is confidence. A lot of times, I put two things together and it frankly looks crazy as hell. But when I put two odd items together and get a sense that I’m not sure if I like it, but I think I do, I throw caution to the wind and walk out the door before I can second guess myself. And voila: funky combinations that pack a punch. My favorite outfits are the ones I don’t think through, when I let myself get experimental and am willing to be risky. For me, this is where fashion gets fun.
#5: When in doubt, lean on the classics
Because in this stark world of dualities that we live in, we cannot experience one thing without its opposite. Translation: I need the classics as much as my beloved funky pieces.
My definition of classics? Quality well fitting pieces that never go out of style. The pieces that fall into such a category are the most reliable, living on immortally and immutable amidst the ever changing tides of the trends. A crisp white button down will always be in, similar to a dark-wash straight-legged jean.
The timeless pieces that see you through all of life’s occasions are the true gems of a wardrobe. To acquire these pieces is to see a window into your future and acknowledge that you may still be reaching for them six years later. Where will you be?
I love a traditionally classic piece that’s re-constructed and takes its own shape, such as the white button down wrap tank I have that cinches at the waist. Pieces like this exemplify the creative alternatives that result from re-thinking typical classic pieces.
For me, personal style exists somewhere between the margins of what’s classic and trendy. Having a sense of style that doesn’t just replicate the trends, but rather reflects your various influences and a hint of your own creed – that’s the ultimate expression of individuality to me.
#6: Restraint was practiced
Because I’m not Kylie Jenner and God knows I have no problem finding things to want, saying no unfortunately has to be in my vocabulary. On many levels I think this practice is good for me, and I agree with whatever religious scripture says that too much indulgence is bad for the soul.
I’m also a fan of the wait a day and think about it policy. Though I’m as much of a fan of an exciting impulse buy as the next shopper, creating more time to think about a purchase is a great way to slow down, check in with yourself, and spend money more intentionally… Just trying to rise above my lizard brain impulses.
I fell in love with this grey fringed wool coat at Cos back in October. It’s buttery soft and warm, has a cinch to hold you in, is lined with fringe and even has a hood for ultimate chic coziness. This was a hard one to pass up.
I tried on the little patterned dress number at the vintage shop down the street from me (dangerous), and decided to practice the wait and think about it rule. When I came back, it was gone, which was both relieving and devastating. Oh well, I told myself. It wasn’t meant to be. Was quick to forget, but she would’ve been a moment.
I had a crush on this long black Le Set dress all through November. It’s made of some super soft Jersey that’s incredibly comfortable while still looking sophisticated and put together. The neckline is also meant to be worn off the shoulder asymmetrically, which is a chic effect I’m rather into these days. Ultimately, I opted for a similar looking dress from Gap that was a fraction of the price. Moral of the story: wishlist items can be starting points for inspiration. And most importantly, get comfortable with the feeling of not getting what you want and finding contentment elsewhere – freedom from desire is priceless.
#7: Mistakes were made
Life’s not being lived to the fullest if you don’t pick up some mistakes to learn from along the way. I’ll be completely honest, I only bought these purple pants because they were purple pants from Ganni. And on sale. Cute pants, pop of color, a fun option when I’m looking to spice things up, yes. But I fell victim to the indoctrination of labels, and never would’ve spent $150 on these pants if they didn’t bear the alluring label of a trendy brand.
Whenever I go to wear these pants, I get stuck trying to figure out a top. Simple black or white tee? Something patterned or equally as colorful? Ultimately nothing I try feels right. One day I’ll figure it out... I hope. For now, these pants kind of just sit in my drawer and antagonize me every time I go to get dressed. A mystery unsolved. Damn you, purple Ganni pants.
Story time. It was a beautiful sunny day at the beginning of October, one of the last 70 degree Saturdays of the season. The girls had started the day on the right foot with yoga and a cold plunge in Soho, and we felt cleansed, refreshed, and all around immaculate. Except for one thing - our outfits. The clothes we’d packed to change into just weren’t cutting it. So what did we do? Fresh from our post cold plunge showers, we marched down the street and popped into Reformation to have a look. “Just a look” – I know that story all too well. And that’s where I found this white buttoned lace top number. As soon as I tried it on I was instantly hooked, the subtly puffed sleeves, the flattering silhouette, the white lace trim with its dainty little buttons. Suddenly my outfit felt perfect, so I removed the tag, bought it on the spot, and walked out of the store with the shirt on my back. Drinks and bites at Elvis were made all the more exciting by the unexpected purchase. Finding a new piece and wearing it out of the store? That’s true glee.
Don’t get me wrong, the top is gorgeous. But it hasn’t gotten much use, perhaps because I bought it right at the turn of the season. For now, it sits in my closet as the frivolous impulse buy that hasn’t yet proven it’s worth. But I have high hopes for the spring – who knows, maybe it’ll pair nicely with the purple pants?
Okay, one more story for you, and buckle up because this one’s chaotic. Another weekend at the beginning of fall, but to a very different tune. It was a rainy Sunday, and I was sleepily headed to Pilates under an umbrella in my hunter boots (making a resurgence from 2013?). The rain was fairly light, and in my weather-appropriate gear I was even open to finding some enjoyment in it. This isn’t so bad, I thought. Fun, even. My Pilates class was at a studio in the East Village, and as I went to turn the corner to head down the subway steps that’s when I noticed It. “The L will not be running on the weekends from October blah blah blah…” Shit. I had really timed it down to the minute, and was not going to make it to Pilates on time without this train. A car would take nearly twice the time with traffic.
To both my benefit and my detriment, I’m a stubborn young woman who doesn’t like taking no for an answer. So I decided in that rainy moment that I wasn’t going to be missing this Pilates class and would try another route. I walked towards the Williamsburg bridge and decided it would be fastest to bike – in the now pouring rain. Charlotte, are you insane? But the sheer thought of being charged that $30 no-show fee… I just couldn’t bear it. I was going to get to this Pilates class if it killed me.
Cue me trying to unlock an e-bike in the pouring rain. They were all soaked in rain water and it was impossible to get them un-docked. Expletives were being shouted as the rain continued to pick up. I just wouldn’t give up. I had made my mind up that I was making it to this class and was not going to accept anything otherwise. Finally I got a bike to undock, and of course it was the one with the half-broken seat. Whatever, soon enough I would be on my way. It was probably only ten minutes until the class was set to start, and I still had to get over the Williamsburg bridge and up to the East Village. Still, in all my arrogance I thought I could make it or at least be just a few minutes late.
Biking in the pouring rain across the Williamsburg Bridge, unable to hold up my umbrella while doing so, I focused on trying to keep my bike upright while the half-broken seat continued to tip back. It was really one of those moments where I was like, what the fuck am I doing? I’m drenched in rain water, can barely see from all the raindrops in my face, biking across a giant ass bridge in the pouring rain? To avoid a cancellation charge? All the while I was doing my best to focus on the road ahead and not wipe out and die. I think maybe a part of me enjoyed the whole horrific experience, with a sort of twisted soft spot for suffering.
Usually the bike lane across the Williamsburg bridge is pretty busy; for visitors and residents alike it’s a scenic and lovely ride. Not this time. Aside from me it was pretty much just food delivery drivers on their electric bikes doing their jobs. You could tell this wasn’t their first rodeo, they all had rain gear on and helmets to keep their heads dry. Meanwhile all I had was Willow’s new album playing in my AirPods. Despite getting soaked the AirPods somehow didn’t break, so great job Apple on that front. Side note – It really put things into perspective for me, the work that goes into the UberEats orders I make when it’s raining and I don’t feel like leaving my apartment for food. Just a gentle reminder to tip your delivery drivers, because from experience I can now say that trekking through the elements like that is really no joke.
Anyways, by the time I got over the bridge, the class had already started, but I figured I could get there ten minutes late and still make it. So I’m panic biking through the streets of the lower east side, paying attention to the roads while also trying to map myself there AND find an open bike dock near the studio. Bless the heavens that nothing bad happened to me because this was really not a safe way to behave. All this on a rainy Sunday for Pilates? Not a great start to the week. After this whole day I had to have a sit down with myself and really think about things, like about my value system and why I felt compelled to behave in such a manner.
Anyways, I finally get to the East Village, dock my bike, and run up the stairs of the studio. I get inside and I’m absolutely soaked – hair sopping wet, workout clothes drenched. I probably looked like a Survivor contestant, but whatever, I was determined to get on that reformer machine. So I approach the doors to the left side studio – and keep in mind the walls are transparent glass, and all the girls are looking at me like I’m a wild animal – and the instructor steps out and in her cute Aussie voice says “I’m sorry but I can’t let you in, we already finished warm-ups.”
“I know I’m sorry, it’s just that it’s raining really hard out there and the L train was down so I had to bike here.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t let you in, you shouldn’t have even been let up here.”
“Really? It’s only 15 minutes into the class.”
“Really, it’s for your safety, I can’t let you join the class. I’m sorry.” With that, she turned around, closed the doors, and continued instructing the class. “Let’s go with two reds springs and a blue…”
My safety? I’m sorry – I missed the initial legwork, does that mean if I get on the reformer machine and hop into the class I’m going to die? People these days. It’s an entry level Pilates class, not the Olympics. Like really, get a grip.
Anyways, safe to say I was beside myself with fury. What happened to customer service, what happened to humanity? I sat myself down on their pretty white bench and let it absorb some of the rain water that was dripping off my body in droves. I ended up ubering last minute to a yoga class at Sky Ting – a studio that became my hyperfixation of the month, i.e. where the girls would eventually cold plunge on that sunny Saturday – and never ended up returning to that Pilates studio in the East Village ever again.
Stay with me, this story does end with a shopping mistake. So, after my tranquil yoga class at Sky Ting, I’m feeling much more zen, doing my best to let go and forget about the whole debacle with the Pilates class and the bridge. Then, I go to leave.
Oh, where’s my umbrella?
It’s not there, it looks like someone took it. Oh! How great.
You know those days when it feels like the entire world is conspiring against you? This was one of those days.
Awesome! More time exposed to the rain. So now I’m really at my wits end. I walk out of the yoga studio, still not dry from my bike ride in the tundra, and now I’m getting rained on more as I try to locate a place with an umbrella. This is where my decision making really gets stupid.
I pop into a CVS around the corner and irritably search for an umbrella. They only had one kind, a larger one that didn’t compress, and it was $30. For some reason, I just couldn’t justify this purchase.
Hello? I had just dropped twice that amount on my last minute yoga class and the Uber it took to get there.
This is where things get really ridiculous. I leave the CVS sans umbrella, soaking wet. My dear friend Anna offers me sanctuary at her place in the West Village, but before Ubering there I decide to make one more stop. I’m frigid and uncomfortable, the crowds of tourists in Soho are driving me insane, it’s your class-A overstimulation nightmare.
So that’s when I walk into Uniqlo and drop $80 on a cream-colored sweat set, to wear once I get to Anna’s and shower. So I can be warm and cozy.
Safe to say that if I had just accepted that I wouldn’t make the Pilates class and ate the $30 no-show fee, I would’ve avoided spending four times that on…
the yoga class at Sky Ting,
the Uber it took to get there on time,
The sweat set at Uniqlo,
And the Uber to Anna’s.
This whole debacle seriously made me question my judgement, but it’s a funny story that revealed some quality insights, such as that 1) I will never bike over the Williamsburg bridge in the pouring rain or 2) Return to that morally corrupt Pilates studio ever again. Honestly, I don’t even regret the bike ride, it was invigorating and made me feel alive.
And in my defense, once I was showered and cozy in my new sweat suit on Anna’s couch, eating Chipotle and watching TV, I finally felt peace. But yeah… not my best purchase.
#8: Accessories are my bread & butter
For the times when I don’t want to reinvent the wheel with my outfit but still want to show my personality, I lean on accessories to give simple outfits my own personal touch. Sometimes I do go for minimalism, craving the chicness that comes with the perfect pair of jeans and a plain white tee. But honestly, most of the time I want to wear something that’s creative and colorful, and that’s where accessories come in.
Generic looks become one-of-a kind with the odd belt, hat, or scarf. A black tank and cream skirt - nothing wrong with that, but add a blue scarf in your hair, a cowhide belt, and a Picasso-esque fan, and you have a look. The grey cloth belt paired with the jean skirt was found at a new designer’s shop in Nolita - ‘Mute by JL,’ I believe - and elevates skirts, dresses, low rise pants, you name it. The knit bucket hat and picnic basket are both Amazon (sorry). And no, I’m never going to stop wearing my mesh ballet flats.
I love paying attention to the smaller details in an outfit, like the rings I throw on to match my shirt or the scarf that brings out a dress’s pattern. With accessories in tow, I can lean on staple pieces that are simple in their own right without having to sacrifice my colorful sense of self expression.
#9: Impulsive purchases went successfully
Not to enable myself and other impulsive shoppers, but similar to a risky bet, sometimes the purchases you make impulsively lead to the best results. The cream sweater I had no business buying when in Colorado this summer (shocker, I bought it anyway) has become one of my go-to staples, seeing me through a variety of settings and seasons.
Apple Pay makes things all too easy. One night I’m simply scrolling on my phone and the next thing I know I’m checking out with pajamas in my cart from J Crew? It all happened so fast. But not to worry, I snagged these blue pajamas on sale and they’ve become a key player. So light, so comfortable, so cute.
The cheetah wool trench was a Black Friday purchase this past fall. Gap has been having a renaissance lately (I’ve purchased multiple coats from them this year), and when I saw this spectacle of cheetah cinched realness I just knew it had to be mine. It didn’t hurt that the jacket was half off, too. I’ve been wearing it constantly, staying warm even in low twenty degree weather. To have a warm winter jacket that makes your outfit rather than breaking it is a success in and of itself.
So, you make some impulsive purchases with success. Now what? What happened to the wait and think about it rule, what happened to combatting over consumption? For me, the challenge lies in sifting through the impulse buys that have long-term potential versus a short-term thrill. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for cheap thrills, but in a world designed to create constant temptation, self control is key. A sense of style doesn’t emerge from constantly acquiring more clothes, and a surplus of options just muddles the palette. In the wise words of Miss Vivienne Westwood herself, “Buy less clothes, keep wearing things you love; that is status.”
It’s a process, learning when to say yes and when to say no. I’m a big fan of going with my gut, and I’ve realized that I’m not going to look good in something that I don’t feel good in. And if I’m on the fence about buying a piece, then I probably shouldn’t be buying it.
That being said, cheers to impulsive purchases made with success. They’re serendipitous, exciting, and dare I say kind of magical. I look forward to my next one.
#10: Get experimental
I assume this probably isn’t for everyone, but I’m the type of girl that can entertain myself all night trying on a multitude of looks. I like to see what happens when I pair x with y, and put two pieces together that seem unthinkable as a pair but in reality look cool. More often than not, these experiments don’t go positively, and thankfully it’s just me in the comfort of my room.
But sometimes, like a gamble gone right, I do something unusual that works. Like wearing a low rise skirt as a mini dress that echoes swinging London, or pairing a dressy white top with athletic shorts that I found in my Mom’s closet. Did a mesh long sleeve Jean Paul Gaultier number need to be mixed with a black mock-neck tee? Perhaps not, but it was cold out, and when I put the two together, I didn’t hate it enough to take it off. My point being, don’t be afraid to experiment with clothes - how you wear them, when you wear them, what you wear them with. Experimenting is synonymous with creativity, and if you can live through some failed attempts, you’ll invite the opportunity for a kick ass creative outfit to materialize.
#11: The LBD: It has a nickname for a reason
Most readers will know what I mean when I say LBD – the infamous little black dress. A staple in any stylish girl’s closet, it has infinite iterations and permutations. I think I have four or five (for the purpose of this piece, I’m including my longer black dresses; please use your suspension of disbelief). They’re renowned for a reason – they’re chic, they’re timeless, they’re a classic, they’re a staple. Each has its own ability to morph into the perfect outfit for the occasion at hand, when paired with the proper scarf, belt, jacket or shoes.
My mock neck black cotton mini dress is Reformation from three years ago, and I’ve never been able to justify getting rid of it during closet clean outs, because it’s just that versatile and useful. This long sleeve boatneck knit one is from Gap’s Black Friday sale this past year (only $40), my dupe for the Le Set dress that was calling my name. I’ve got another black midi dress that’s short sleeve, another mock neck one with a Yin Yang symbol on it (Staud), and a black silk maxi slip from the 1920s. It’s like good jeans, you just need them.
#12: Fashion should be fun
For all the meditating and philosophizing I do when it comes to fashion, sometimes the most important thing to remember is that it’s just not that serious. At the end of the day, as long as you’ve got a roof over your head and clothes on your back, you’re good. Our appearance and the clothes we own are not a reflection of our inner worth nor of the intangible qualities that we possess as a person. I think the best style comes from things that can’t be bought, like sending thank you cards, being present, and having good manners.
Fashion is not a competition and there are no rules. Life is fast and short, so wear exactly what you want, be exactly who you want to be, and have fun being human. If we’re speaking in terms of reincarnation, you could come back next time as a plant, so this may be your only shot.
