Let's style holiday looks
That you can probably make from your own closet.
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Hello, my fashion friends. Let me start by saying: my sincerest apologies for the radio silence on my end. On top of having a full time job, I spent the last few weeks styling a cover shoot, being sick, and going back and forth to my home in Connecticut for different events and such. It’s been a lot, and I’ve been unwell in bed for the last five days. Not because I live a life of luxury, but because I lacked the capacity to stand up. I’m on the mend, which means my brain is functioning enough to give you, albeit slightly behind schedule, a roundup of holiday & New Year’s outfit ideas. And, given how delayed this dispatch is, we’re coming at it from an angle that I am hoping will make up for it - all of these looks are shoppable, but I also tried to create templates that you can apply to your own closets.
And, before we go any further, a huge thank you to everyone who subscribed and engaged with my content this year. It was not the easiest year, personally and in the world in general, and it truly means so much to have a community of like-minded people. Writing this newsletter has brought me so much joy, introduced me to some of my favorite people, and genuinely helped to shape my outlook on fashion (it’s a love-hate relationship, which I’m sure many of you understand). It’s allowed me to be creative, explore my own style, be inspired by a group of some of the coolest, most fashionable, and nicest people, and has allowed me to better realize my own eye and perspective on getting dressed (and hopefully helped all of you do the same!). So, thank you for being here.
Now, without further ado. We’re going to start off easy, ladies, and then we are going to build. Welcome to today’s spin class, I’m your instructor, Kendall. Let’s adjust the tension to an easy steady state pace. This is our happy place, where we are comfortable. You can keep this up. This may be jeans, this may be a jacket. But you’re not breaking a sweat thinking about this. You could do this in your sleep. I’ve made looks for each category, but you can use these as building blocks. Don’t stress over the individual pieces - look at the overall silhouette, the combination of textures, and let your accessories elevate the look. You should hopefully be able to pull pieces from your own wardrobe to accomplish the same end goal.
Look 1: Vintage Richard Warren evening jacket, $38.99 (shop on eBay); Vintage Bill Blass coat, $228; Vintage balloon wool pants, $87.50 (shop on eBay); Vintage Isaac Mizrahi lace heels, $55 (shop on eBay); Bottega Intrecciato bucket bag, $499 (shop on eBay)
Look 2: Celine contrast button down, $119.25; Vintage Moda International ostrich pencil skirt, $20 (shop on eBay); Birger Christensen vintage fur trimmed coat, $1,995; JCrew tights, $29.50; Khaite pumps, $403.75
Look 3: Fur trimmed cardigan, $65; Original skirt sold, but I love this Loeffler Randall option even more, $395; Reformation knee high boots, $288.75
Now, we move to the next portion of today’s activities. We remain at an easy pace. We are warmed up, but we are not going crazy. I may have started this off too quickly, this may in fact be the warmup. (I never claimed to be a good instructor, just an instructor. I am also not an instructor at all, to be honest.) But our legs are moving and our brains are locked. in. We’ve reached flow state - as the kids are saying. This is really, truly where your wardrobe staples will shine.
Look 1: Ralph Lauren Purple Label jacket, $177; Balenciaga Vintage Fall 2004 parachute shorts, $850 (shop on eBay); Tassel envelope bag, $27.67 (shop on eBay); Larry Levine duster coat, $79.95 (shop on eBay); Khaite OTK embossed leather boots, $1,775 (Plus a great vintage Escada coat alt if you prefer satin)
Look 2: ALC jacket, $147; Vintage fur cape coat, $129.99 (shop on eBay) (and an alt for those that like using their arms); Stella McCartney trousers, $66; Satin fringe belt, $50; 80s Escada pumps, $75 (shop on eBay); Vanina mother of pearl bag, $140
Look 3: Gianfranco Ferre F/W 2000 button down, $250 (shop on eBay); Vintage Escada scarf blazer, $261.35 (good alt here); Citizens of Humanity horseshoe jeans, $179; Gucci horsebit loafers, $180 (shop on eBay); Gold belt, $35 and another gold belt, $19.99 (shop on eBay)
Now let’s pivot. Fair isle is the sweater of the season. But a sweater alone would be boring. We like to stay on our toes. So, up the tension and move to 2nd position. (There is a slightly unnecessary DJ-ified song playing in the background to keep us on beat.) We are upping the challenge. This isn’t your mom’s sweater. Well, it might be, but it’s not your mom’s styling. We are leaning into texture. We are leaning into color combinations. We are mixing high & low, workwear and luxury, casual-wear and evening. Don’t worry, you can do it. Please refer to the below templates for guidance. And don’t be afraid to play with styling - tuck your pants into knee high boots. Jodhpurs are chic. (Looking at you, look 2.) Tuck your grandpa’s flannel into a feather skirt. (I was given one shirt when my grandfather died, and I guarantee you he never thought his flannel would be paired with a vintage beaded fringe shawl and stiletto boots.) Match your grandma’s 50s swing coat to a pair of 90s leather pants. The world is your oyster, and we are climbing the hill. (Still in 2nd position.)
Look 1: Sundance zip up sweater, $119.99; Vintage GAP leather pants, $82.99; Valentino Garivani argyle heels, $89; Vintage fur trimmed swing coat, $90 (shop all on eBay)
Look 2: Vintage GAP sweater, $47.16; Ruti barrel plaid pants, $89.99; Versani mid calf boots, $220 (shop all on eBay)
Look 3: Men’s flannel, $14.95; Aliette ombre feather skirt, $599.99; Taffeta tie belt, $29.51; 70s rose clutch, $34.14; Prada wedge heels, $350 (shop all on eBay)
Look 4: Tory Burch fair isle zip up, $120 (shop on eBay); A.L.C. sequin skirt, $159.25; Luciano Padovan leather boots, $194.50 (shop on eBay) - I have these in black and they are my most comfortable heel
We’re still sort of comfortable, right? Up that tension. We’re going to move to position 3. Get those legs pumping. We are starting to climb. The beat is pumping. We’re in the groove. Stay with me, it’s going to be great. We’re moving beyond sweaters. I give to you - sweaters and plaid. This is where we really start to mix patterns and textures. Sometimes, if you throw on enough different textures, it balances out to neutral territory. And that’s just what I did below. A little bit of satin, a little bit of organza, a dash of pleats, and western wear for the holiday season. Who says cowboy shirts can only be worn by cowboys? Bet these shirts never thought they would see a G7X camera and a glass of red wine. (Look 1 is my favorite. So many layers, so much texture, and a tie. Plus, a quilted yoke.) A slight hill approaches, but you’ve got plenty in the tank.
Look 1: Vintage 70s western button down, $85; 16Arlington leather button down, $308; Vintage silk plaid tie, $25; Ralph Lauren poncho, $49.99; Romoe Gigli toreador pants, $621; Prada suede kitten heel, $79; Cole Haan calf hair belt, $24.95 (shop all on eBay)
Look 2: Emmanuelle georgette sequin tux shirt, $79.95 (good white alt with black sequins); 80s Stijfselkissie mohair shawl, $87.50 (feel free to add a brooch on this one!); TWP sheer organza skirt, $357.60; Luciano Padovan croc heels, $65 (shop all on eBay)
Look 3: Scully embroidered pearl button shirt, $79; Vintage Burberry reversible (!!) pleated skirt, $199; Vintage calf hair tiger paw belt, $83 (this may be the coolest belt I’ve ever seen); Bebe embossed heels, $33 (if you prefer flats, I love these satin square toe Pradas) (shop all on eBay)
Now is when things are going to get fun. We are leaving our comfort zones. We’re getting that heart rate up. Legs are pumping. Bring the tension up - we are entering a hill sprint. 3 minutes of struggle. It will pay off. You will feel the high when you reach the top and see what you have accomplished. And by accomplished, I am in fact referring to color combos. This one is for everyone who is unsure of how to leave the black in the closet in favor of brights. It’s ok, we can do it together. We’re alternating between positions 2 and 3. It’s starting to get hot in here. (It might be the mohair, who is to say?) You’re doing amazing, sweetie. Runways this season were awash with color combinations that could convert even the most devout neutral devotees. And I would be remiss not to acknowledge those who came before us: 90s Prada. So take a gander through the below looks. We started relatively simple - baby blue and oxblood. But we take a turn to more unexpected combos - baby blue and brown, lilac and olive, chartreuse and pink. Really, the options are endless. At this point, it’s less about color theory and more about confidence. So stand up on that bike and sprint, girl. (Sorry, is this getting to be too much? I’m trying to be engaging.)
Look 1: Vintage 1960's Bonnie Cashin angora coat (drool), $510; Maroon suede belt, $31.99; Casadei scalloped snakeskin leather boots, $112.50 (shop all on eBay)
Look 2: Ice blue organza blouse with balloon sleeves, $314; Chartreuse silk scarf, $38; Vintage 1980s satin embroidered evening bag, $130 (shop on eBay); Frankie Shop sheer skirt, $250; Los Angeles Apparel tights, $18; Prada olive leather square-toe pumps, $220 (shop on eBay)
Look 3: 16Arlington sequin crew neck top, $318.75; Vintage sheer beaded lilac tank, $50; Vintage Prada Fall 1999 silk organza skirt, $1,100; Vintage Prada t-strap satin heels, $495; 1970s beaded satin Walborg drawstring evening bag, $60 (shop all on eBay except the top)
And we are reaching the peak of our class now - tension up everyone. We are in full sprint mode. Get up out of that seat. Things are getting crazy. Sprints are no joke, and neither are sequins. This is a very serious matter. Hear me when I say this: sequins are very important. Feeling sad? Sequin. Feeling fun? Sequin. Feeling existential? Sequin. I strongly believe that sequins are daywear, but if you are not in my sequin camp, please see below. You can style sequins casually if you believe. Or not, it’s up to you. But Look 1 is a great example if you’re just venturing into sequin land - the casual cut of the shorts, the layered polo collars. Already firmly in sequin land? Look 4 might be more up you alley. Whatever the case, we are pushing the limits of our wardrobes now. So lean into it and have fun. And don’t be afraid to go the extra bit further with your layers and accessories. Coco Chanel said take one thing off? I say put two things on. It’s the holiday season, when else will you be able to do this? (Myself, everyday. But I’m dramatic.)
Look 1: 90s mohair polo, $147.59; Auralee silk mint green polo, $475; Tory Burch sequin Bermuda shorts, $150; Manolo Blahnik croc embossed slingback heels, $385 (these are also really fun) (shop all on eBay except the first polo)
Look 2: Vintage Gianfranco Ferre cream beaded velvet layered halter top, $448 (shop on eBay); Roland Mouret sequin midi skirt, $225; Rene Caovilla feather slingback heels, GBP 400 (shop on eBay)
Look 3: Vintage Just Cavalli leopard jacket, $120 (worn as a shirt, of course); Vintage Carlisle silk trousers, $50; Prada ponyhair t-strap pumps, $740; 90s faux leopard evening bag, $219 (shop all on eBay except the Prada pumps)
Look 4: Monse plaid blazer, $625 (however the same can be accomplished in the men’s section of Goodwill); 16Arlington lilac paillette skirt, $232.50; Crochet paillette cap, $330 (shop on eBay); Satin beaded belt, $30; Jacquemus slingback pumps, $418.50
And we have reached the final stretch of the class. Depending on your comfortability among the animal prints, feel free to 1. cool down, or 2. amp it up for one final hill. If you, like I, see animal as a neutral, you’ll be good to coast. If you don’t, this might be more of a challenge. But you do not need to be afraid. Pair a leopard with a black skirt. Pair a zebra with mint green. Sequin cheetah is always a safe bet with a black pant. And the easiest way to involve animal print? A vintage fur coat or a calf hair midi skirt. Both of which I have included below. So, feel free to close out the class how you see fit. We will have time at the end to stretch.
Look 1: Dries Van Noten leopard cape top, $677.08; Moire midi skirt (with pockets!), $29.99; Casadei suede boots, $84.15
Look 2: Petar Petrov knotted silk blouse, $269; Marni zebra skirt, $398; Vintage faux leopard coat, $149; Prada lace slingback heels, $62
Look 3: 16Arlington silk cowl blouse, $220.50; Vintage Dolce & Gabbana leopard skirt, $240; Vintage Fendi zebra heels, $179.95
Look 4: Art School feather & paillette top, $450; Tom Ford zebra pants, $104.99; Vintage Gucci By Tom Ford 2004 slingback pumps, $228
Look 5: Ashish sequin leopard top, $712.50; Balenciaga trousers, $210; Gina feather pumps, $101.50
Aaaand you’re done! Let’s do a light pedal to cool-off, and move to the mat for some stretching. You’ve done good work here. While you gather yourself, I will offer you a few more honorary mentions that didn’t make it into the flat-lays.
And that is all for Kendall’s dramatics. Thank you for bearing with me on this slightly delusional walk down outfit lane. I blame it on the drugs (Mucinex) and the booze (THC seltzer). Also, please note, I have not attended a spin class since college. I actually hate spin class. I do, however, have a stationary bike and a Peloton membership so I’m not a complete liar. This was my attempt at keeping my sick, foggy brain engaged and making things digestible - I will return to my regular, composed self in the new year. If you stuck around to the end, please join me in child’s pose to release any remaining tension. We are going into party season loose and limber, and hopefully covered in sequins.
And with that, I am signing off.
Until next time,
K
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The best spin class I’ve ever taken — thank u for the cardio 🫡
Fabulous!! Thank you for the ideas and the inspiration to put them together from my own closet! And bid on few of your brilliant finds, of course! Cheers!