Subscriber question: Can you wear all one designer without looking like a fashion victim?
We tried it all week long. Everything I wore and my takeaways.
[Just a note: paid subs, please scroll ALL the way down where we cover what to wear as a wedding guest/M-O-B via a visit to Valeria Krasavina’s studio. And also take a look at a special something in progress. Hint: third piece!]
Ok, here we go.
I got this subscriber question and thought it would make for an interesting week. Many of us here are big Tibi fans in particular. And one of my friends once said something like “I can always tell those Tibi girls on the street from the way they tie a sweater.” I get that. There’s a lot of alignment of principles, a lot of styling content that makes sense to a broad swath of us, and we do buy the things.
Add to this the notion of “the full look.” Like, in print magazines how an advertiser might insist that the editorial feature their full look rather than the stylists’ own creation pulled from all over, including those magical bits that are “the stylist’s own.” Wearing an entire head to toe look IRL can feel like that - sponsored content.
But … maybe not. Maybe all one designer head to toe can be a tricky unlock to cohesive and interesting outfit-making.
… ok, the Takeaways this week:
Looks that feature all one designer make for easy cohesion. Even across different years/seasons. I explored this in ‘23 with dark hair and some other things that make me cringe now but that’s ok.
Feature pieces across multiple eras and seasons and departments. For me, the biggest risk involves all one designer, all the same year, even season. That’s where you can feel, catching a glimpse of yourself, like you were churned out of a factory. Shop across departments, across lines, and beyond.
Yet another benefit of shopping secondhand. Turns out, all one designer isn’t an issue as much as all right NOW. History, even a little, gives things texture and interest. Everything isn’t so shiny and new and anonymous and everywhere. As long as you do some secondhand shopping, chances are you’ll end up mixing eras without even having to think about it.
Layer yourself. Along with secondhand pieces, those personal items that are “so you” also counter that factory feeling. Your regular necklace stack, a certain cord around your wrist, a “you thing” like a bright sock with a loafer, etc. The things that make you feel the most like you — make sure they’re present and accounted for.
And it’s ok if it’s your thing! I should also note the judgement baked into my headline “like a fashion victim.” If you are that person with the means to buy an entire designer look head to toe or maybe just a brand’s head-to-toe look from social, and that makes you feel like you, who am I to judge!? You are no victim. Do it! Own it!
MONDAY
working in a cafe, TPR
all one designer: MAISON MARGIELA
Hub’s secondhand graphic t-shirt (boutique here for you)
Printed sheer skirt, black alt, this with the fringe, and this maxi dress is a great alt and versatile
Painted straw handbag, good option here, raffia I mentioned last week, and I like this tote
Tabi slip-on loafer, similar gently worn 38, same in 39, very cool and similar avant garde spirit, under $130 (I have another pair from them I like too)
I have these under the shirt for added bum protection
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
TUESDAY
Walking, working
all one designer: PRADA
Slip from another Prada piece, good sale rn, a few sizes across the colors, Simone Rocha does a good one (more sizes), I like this brand for <$200
secondhand printed trench coat, dress, and shirt! liking this print
secondhand nylon bag, similar (a hand-me-down from mom) same color in a tote and messenger and a timeless go-to
Prada fringed mule, secondhand great price 37.5 and 40! This is that brand I found really comfy… And if you want a moc, full fringe from a brand we tried IRL
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
WEDNESDAY
taking a spa day
all one designer: LOEWE
Navy poplin dress, secondhand silk version, similar feel and here, like this brand and style
Paseo bag and have seen this this IRL, the feeling for a lot less
Ballet flats (love this alt I shared last week + these are foldable and comfy)
Added my DUMPLINGS sweatshirt … looks sold out, new version, more we’re liking rn
to go out with the girls later, added:
Fendi clutch here too and how fun are these??!!
Marion Park silver kitten heel, sold out, classic pump in a cool fabric, slingback (these are good too)
Old Tibi black straight denim (current version)
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
THURSDAY
all one designer: TIBI
past season fine gauge open placket sweater, sold out, like this crochet for summer, good silk blend avail in solid and stripes and Kallmeyer has a sheer polo we like
Featherweight pleated pull on skirt (assortment here) AMI sale is still on as are the skirt front pants! Liking these secondhand options (S) and here (XL).
PVC peplum belt, loving the shape of this McQueen belt!! (this is good to layer over)
Myriam Schaefer bag, similar, good deal secondhand,
Tibi Herbert Loafer is widely sold out, we would try this one, since finding their loafers so comfy
Lofted Settledness? Yes. This is my formula of one statement piece + all one color, and it really works.
FRIDAY
morning, out to work before my workout
Guccilicious T-shirt, mini dress version is so good, love this hoodie. But obvs we don’t need Gucci to have fun. This is amazing. Looks like you stole it. And this.
past season men’s Comme Des Garçons shorts (same print) and cool secondhand quilted style + love this option; you could cut them shorter if you wanted
Prada secondhand nylon bag, similar (a hand-me-down from mom) same color in a tote and messenger and a timeless go-to
Miu Miu deck shoes, secondhand suede 39, good alt, Tory has similar + Alex Mill makes a cute one
visiting my friend Valeria Krasavina’s studio
all one designer: JIL SANDER
cape bib trimmed with satin: Wendy says this could be the ultimate third piece! we’ve never found another, here are our picks
wide leg pants, newer style on sale at Net; and this on Farfetch looks great though we haven’t bought this brand. And the Bermuda version of mine is on Yoox (and full length, small sizes)
leather thong wrap sandal, a classic we like, same style in suede
(under: Kirna Zabete long sleeve top (similar) jersey style here)
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
visiting Chanel to see Blazy’s stuff
TWP shirt (and more colors) always like this one, and on sale now
old Partow pants, good alt from a favorite brand, we like Kelly Klein’s rec, more tailored style, and similar silhouette
secondhand Chanel mary janes, good one here, we like this feel, and these are in the spirit
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
SATURDAY
not a good pic — better here:
date night
Secondhand Simone Rocha slip dress and this would do the same thing for <$100
AMI Paris scarf collar shirt dress (it’s here on this weird site; chatgpt says it’s real, but refunds would be hard), subtle pinstripe, (love this cropped shirt)
long vintage Chanel necklace (my exact one) + more options here
old Celine clutch, similar, and this is a great clutch to crossbody bag
Bottega Veneta gold pumps, sale on these, Love the Emme gold pump.
SUNDAY
seeing Devil Wore Prada with my girls
secondhand Margiela organza pants (loving these)
secondhand Acne Studios white shirt — here’s a great alt
tan CDC sweater layered over pants
Tibi Gerard sandal, love this silver slide, Tory also, this silver flip we love would be great too, and 36.5 secondhand crystal slide
Lofted Settledness? Yes.
OUTFIT PLANNING
INCYMI watch the most recent here:
This week: The Third Piece
Next week: via subscriber Kelly Minta …. Dressing by city. There’s been quite a bit of Tibi content around using the Tibi color wheel to dress by city. Pick your city or a city you’re traveling to (or any city you want; not here to dictate your experience) and spend a week dressing with that in mind, using color to fit into the vibe of this city. Good inspiration here, and here:
Let’s get dressed.
p.s. I would appreciate it so much if you’d like or share this post so others can find me and I can make a living doing what I love. I am grateful!
For access to my weekly finds and cravings, follow HMS here on ShopMy
Now for the paid folks, you wanted wedding guest, mother of the bride, etc. So Wendy and I went to designer Valeria Krasavina to check out options. While there, I also worked on a special project you will love too….and I’m giving a peek at that here: