Is swagger transferable?

I dressed like Bad Bunny for a week to see if I could get an ounce of his ... everything.

I haven’t been a longtime Bad Bunny fan or anything. But I must admit, I fell hard for him on SNL. When [insert your higher power if applicable here] was handing out IT, Bad Bunny got a lotttttt of IT. And I got - writing ability. Boobs. Facility with weeping. Whatever. It’s all good. Both our moms were teachers.

Unlike Jill Zarin (bye, sweetie - now you have time to educate yourself), I found his Superbowl performance mesmerizing. When a subscriber suggested a week of dressing like him, I thought a) I’m. Not. Worthy. and b) Do I even have anything comparable. But the more I dug in to create a mood board, the more I realized that we might live on different universes talent-wise, our fashion choices aren’t that different. And then I started wondering — if I hewed a little more closely to Benito for a whole week, maybe even a ounce of his IT-ness might follow.

Takeaways from the week:

1. I am fully back in love with shoulder pads. I’ve gone back and forth on this. I’ve wondered if wearing them signals my psyche to feel “less than” without them. But lately I’ve come to see body padding as more of an artful, sculptural, stylistic choice rather than a way to “even me out.“ I don’t like the solo pads my mom used to stick in sweaters - I like these made by Trinny Woodall’s long time tailor.

2. White at the top: An all white look comes together so well when you also bring the white UP - I’m finding myself reaching for my white glasses more and more for this reason. I’ve always liked white earrings for the same reason, especially when part is up close to the ear.

3. Lady scarf issues: I got rid of most of my scarves when I hat 40/45ish because they just started feeling too “lady” to me vs kind of fun and ironic. But I like the way Bad Bunny wears them in the lower center of the collage. Tied simply and like a bandana, triangle in front. Especially when the print itself is also not too fussy, not too lady. Something like this or this, or how cozy cool is this? Keep it on all day.

4. Please please please don’t save your suits. They’re a big investment, and there’s no reason to limit them to things like the office or daytime “events.” Think of them less like a uniform and more like a shortcut. Try them with T shirts, sweatshirts, knits, sneakers.

5. Don’t be afraid of B + W: I think we had this moment of “too high contast!” — but because they’re ultimately neutrals, the effect is clean, fresh and still understated.

6. Or navy and white. I know I have avoided because it makes me afraid of country club territory. But adding black, other neutrals, adding unexpected texture — takes it out of that arena and makes it wearable.

MONDAY

day

What:

• James Street basic Tee, another good one and a few more

• Vintage Cartier scarf bought scondhand (boutique of good ones)

• White Tibi crispy nylon pant (we like these cotton drawstring cargos)

• Bottega Veneta paper bag, the entire family here along with leather version (I like this bag and think it has a similar feel, this one too- love the color also found a draped satin bag I think has the spirit

• Tibi Seth sneaker this pair has a bit of a square toe and a more traditional sneaker)

Why: Jumping right in with some very BB gear. All white, cargos, a bag shape I’ve seen him do, and the scarf. It was President’s Day and I was doing some writing, errands, etc. Felt super relaxed in this but also so pulled togethr..

Outcome: Lofted Settledness. (Wow. I felt really comfy but also, I felt like the sh*t!)

TUESDAY

What:

• Old Prada blazer (similar) and matching shorts (secondhand alts) a glen plaid here, looks like a good value and this is good too, and a db blazer from a brand we like

• secondhand men’s Balenciaga mock neck (always a good one)

• Bottega Veneta Intrecciato slip bag (secondhand) I like this fold over clutch (also a good leather pouch makes a nice clutch)

• secondhand Dries van Noten mesh + suede sneaker (only found size 35) avail here in leather instead of mesh I like this pair and these have the mesh detail

Why: Mostly a writing day, and we also had The Package Room. I felt a little low energy after the long weekend + thought the suit would put some spring in my step. I liked the inspo of a gray suit with a black tee-a combination I’d never done - and a light sneaker. Went with brown vs black bag to bring in some more complexity, ala my KSN formula, below:

Outcome: Lofted Settledness

WEDNESDAY

morning

What:

• The Frankie Shop padded muscle tee, here in black (similar color)

• secondhand Celine cashmere sweater, more secondhand options here and here also like this brand and secondhand cardi

• secondhand men’s Balenciaga shorts (blue, not gray shown here) and similars

• secondhand Prada suede belt (shoot - just missed an auction on Housing Works, sold for $114) similar in black and a studded belt from brand we like

• Balenciaga Rodeo , I’m really liking this one right now, more styles here/similar size and shape)

• Miu Miu loafers this is a good one (mens) Tory has a great one

Why: Errands and working. Inspired by BB’s faded denim, cashmere looking sweater and luxe bag combination.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness - and I never would have thought of this one without the inspiration. One of many reasons for Sunday Night Outfit Planning.

afternoon

What:

• TWP button up shirt

• 3D printed brooch by artist Ryung-Jae Jung (other works here and here) — we found more alts we like

• Celine boyfriend jean (good selection of secondhand on TRR) — but this one, which Wendy has, is our favorite alt

• Tibi gathered Fred loafer (not avail on the site) size 6.5 in brown here

Why: Hopping onto Zooms in my cold apartment, so I covered the legs and added some biz oomph up top.

THURSDAY

morning workout

What:

• Rachel Comey short sleeve sweatshirt and I love this winner from Rachel’s Gray Sweatshirt post

• Left on Friday leggings

• Tibi fishnet macrame skirt, sold out in tee + skirt (these are fun pieces for layering email or call the store for avail) I like this skirt

• Margiela flip flops (only finding size 40) , these are good (and I stumbled upon these gems!!! which I think someone may need : )

• Miu Miu distressed bag (boutique of options)

Why: Pre workout, working in a cafe. My sneakers were in the bag.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

afternoon

What:

• old Tibi tie back t-shirt, this brand has cut out tops we like (this is sleeveless but versatile) and here’s a good black tee

• Celine boyfriend jean (good selection of secondhand on TRR) this one is a favorite of Wendy’s

• Miu Miu bag as above

• Jil Sander ballet flats (here’s a range of flats for you, mix of new and secondhand)

Why: Working and running some errands (ok looking at Versace belts). Wore my jeans to see fit. Had to get ready fast — so Kitchen Sink Neutrals.

Outcome: LS- ISH. Diagnosis — not enough foot showing! A flip flop or sandal or mesh sneaker would be better.

What:

• Acne Studios white button up and a favorite here and here

• secondhand Marithe & Francois Girbaud overalls another gem! if you see these, please contact us : ) I like this elastic waist pant with similar cotton poplin fabric and a more structured high waist pant here which you may add your own suspenders, I’ve been looking for a pair with the metal clasp so you may fasten to any pant and these are good … or maybe you like Tibi’s overall? Looks great on my friend Tara Smith - she has the black.

• Alexis Cruz shoulder pad tank (under)

• Prada nylon cap (secondhand here) and more minimals

• Miu Miu bag as above

• Tibi Seth sneaker, white (as above)I like this pair, more rounded toe

Why: Showered, changed + went for pedicure.

Outcome: LS- almost! My pants are too tight! But love the look.

Back to the original BB inspo, swapped in this mini bag (in silver here) gold + good deal ( and I think this will fit around the waist) — more colors and sizes here I like this bag too. And Tibi sandals (old - here’s the updated version, which I also own) to go for a casual pizza date.

FRIDAY

What:

• Tibi snap placket polo shirt (classic style here)

• Men’s Ralph Lauren suit, linen pant and jacket (only size M left) here’s another and this gray is good too and a new favorite we’ve talked about in TPR

• Miu Miu leather slippers and more we like

• Maison Margiela painted bag and a sister - Wearable art, a distinctive piece and standout accessory…but if you’re after the combination of straw and structure, which I love, this is a great well priced option.

Why: Friday is a perfectly fine day to wear a suit, esp a casual one. I had lots to do, and my mood could use a lift, too. I liked how BB wore a dark suit with something really white; I generally don’t, but it looked fresh and clean. That black hotel slippeer keeps it relaxed and I really like adding straw as a texture and another neutral color.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

SATURDAY

I was changing all day, going through my closet.

And then put on this skirt, which in the process of closet cleaning I decided was a keeper:

What:

• The Row ribbed silk maxi skirt, oh it’s 40% off. Same vibe and I like this brand.

• Secondhand Miu Miu buttonup - but Tibi Charlie would be great and < 300

• Tibi Bryan furry flip flops - I mean these are great … under 200 and I have bought this brand.

• Secondhand (old) Fendi “sweet box” clutch but there are lots of good acrylic clutches around; secondhand + looks like mine … and these with the mirror are great and a better size.

Why: I had just determined I’d hold onto this skirt and had to get ready, so I figured I’d wear it out! Went to a wine festival dinner at Aviv, a restaurant we like in the One Hotel.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

Sunday

What:

• Veryyyyy old Old Celine pants, bought secondhand … I’ve worn this brand before + liked it… these look good in the video… maybe size up

• old ALC cropped white tee — I would do this

• Phoebe Philo flower and the alt my friend Christian Botefuhr recs

• Jil Sander flats (a great alt my fashion-y friend has)

• vintage secondhand Hermes Constance bag … my friend MAD ABOUT has been raving about this bag + she knows luxury bags…. I think it’s a great vibe alt.

Why: Brunch + the Dolce + Gabbana exhibit with my friends, including Christian Botefuhr and her mom, Wendy Duffy and Patina with Dina Aronson . I wanted comfy shoes, and something that felt artful/museum me but not too look at me look at me…. so I thought keeping it monochrome but doing the flower4 would be good. The funny thing was how everyone showed up in coordinated looks!

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

OUTFIT PLANNING

INCYMI watch the most recent here!

This week: Foundations + Icing. Easy foundations plus your mic drop add ons.

Next week: Take the Dare. Wearing the things that feel risky or just kinda — scare us.

Let’s get dressed.

And if you like this post, I’d be grateful if you hit the heart so they show my work to more people. For access to my weekly findings, follow HMS here on ShopMy

XOXO,

Rachel

Notes:

1. I am using affiliate links. In fact here’s a whole post on it. And another. Thank you for using these links to shop. Every little bit helps!

2. Our Market editor Wendy and I are in limited, special, and really particular ways working with a select group of partners and accepting gifts in order to inform you better, especially around attainably priced brands and pieces. Here’s something on that.

3. We are also starting to get promo codes from brands, and here’s an updated list; be sure and check weekly before purchasing. I grew up shopping Filenes Basement. Your girl loves a discount:

TREATS

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