What I wore all week: Cocooning. 16 outfits. 8 concrete tips.

BOS->MIA

First … do I practice what I preach? Why yes, I do! Say hi to JJ.

That was your reminder to Pet. Every. Dog. I can’t even believe this activity is free. Petting JJ was priceless.

Next up, here is the outfit planning video from the week I’m writing about. And I’ll share the next themes at the end of this post.

It was a big week in outfits, so definitely expand so you see it all.

I love all the posts about swoony and cocoon-y clothes. My friend

Neelam Ahooja

and her yummy sweaters from The Row “hibernating” from Canada’s winters (I used to visit my Bubbie and grandpa in Toronto regularly — we called it “bone-chilling cold.”)

But I wondered — was there a benefit to be had in “cocooning” in warm weather, if there even is such a thing? I started with a list of what this idea means to me:

security blanket feelings // sleeves draping past my hands // smushy cushy fabrics // hoods // bubble silhouettes … familiarity, things you can hibernate in.

Speed takeaways:

• I’m loving “mismatches” of red and burgundy, white and ivory

• Shoes that are white + black together are somehow a great addition in a way they never were before, a good

  Allison Bornstein
  “wrong shoe” for me

• I love the badass vibes of a lighter in the same way I like harnesses and lingerie items these days, post 50 where it feels fun

• Sometimes a rando colored sock is all the “wrong” I need

• I like layering unexpected things under big dresses

• A wacky shoe is surprisingly helpful with other wacky pieces; the sum total is oddly calming

• Pajama tops not only as tops, but also as little jackets

MONDAY

Re-entry day post Boston is always a little weird. I experience more culture shock between Boston and Miami than I do switching time zones and stamping a passport.

What: Needles cargo pants (the sizing is very flexible on these; pretty sure I’m in M). Loewe x on sneakers. Tibi knit (sold out- check Tibi.fans). Balenciaga Rodeo. Dorsey Turquoise necklace.

Why: Flying home, wanted comfort and layers. The sweater has an extra long sleeve I can cocoon into, and I can remove the sleeves and wrap them around my neck. (But this problem is you can’t tie this piece around your waist. This is what I’d recommend, actually, and I own one; it’s in New England!) The necklace has been my go-to for achieving a “Tibi ton.” I’m sure it feels like you’re seeing lots of Dorsey, because they’re great to influencers and great in general; as I’ve mentioned, I’ve worn them since the start, and my love is very genuine.

Outcome: I felt good and right for the situations at hand. And I liked the “off” mix of colors with the burgundy bag, shoe/sock, little shot of turquoise.

ABMO. My friend

Liz McKay

wanted to see my new necklace, so I modeled with a heel. It’s a Pucci lighter necklace, which I will use to light candles and pretend I’m BAD. It happens to be sold out, so I went lighter necklace shopping for you. My faves: Isabel Marant on sale (leave it to a Frenchie). Silver Rick Owens on sale. I also found this but I digress.

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And then changed to go get a salad. Alaia flats, maybe my most comfy shoe (but if you get them now, I’d get a less-seen variation). Miu Miu bomber. Secondhand The Row sock Bindle (here’s a navy one). And my trusty Lonoco Blakely tee. These pants are The Row from that time I tried on a jillion black pants; they’re the ones I kept. And they’re 1/2 price if you’re a small or a large.

TUESDAY

What: Ciel dress from my friend Valeria’s Tahiti collection, made just for me in a gray-blue ring 3 color. Saint Laurent sunglasses (discounted here) made into glasses. Margiela Tabi bianchetto brogues — these are so expensive, and the women’s are so hard to find anywhere, they’re not on 24S, for example, where you could at least get a first-purchase discount. They do have the broken mirror ones, which are amazing, but every leather is different in terms of comfort and I just don’t know that they’re as comfy. BUT, if you’re looking for a black and white laceup that’s fun and not expensive, I’d rec this one from Camper, which I love. I own the same silhouette and it’s really comfy. Ralph Lauren Collection lightweight denim shirt. I love this one because of the fade and the cool silver button at the neck, and it’s not darted but slim enough to layer/tuck. That said, there are plenty of less expensive options. Always been a J.Crew fan. Miu Miu weathered tote (the used price is ridic GRRRR).

Why: Several Zooms and lots of errands/appointments on a hot day where I’d also encounter blasting AC. I love this dress — the color and ease feel so me and so comforting; it’s like I’m hidden in the soft linen. This felt like a new way to wear it. And these shoes are so comfortable; I loved being able to zip around without thinking about it.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

Above — ABMO! Home outfit.

Tibi Calders (options below in this newsletter). Jackie Robinson tee. My security blanket cardigan. The Yorky mocs I’m wearing to death.

WEDNESDAY

What: My new sale Loewe dress. Secondhand Old Celine shirt (Here’s one. And this. Here’s a lovely one no stripe. I might do this). I also put a striped Tibi Charlie in my cart. My 2 Tibi Gabes are ride-or-die go-tos that always seem to work with WHATEVER, and I suspect I’d feel the same about this. Secondhand Old Celine bag (oh here one is!) — it’s great because it works in so many ways. A tote, holds a laptop but also a foldover clutch and has a detachable little pocket clutch too. Secondhand Junya Watanabe x Ferragamo shoes (Here’s an option; needs a cleanup. And here too. And here. The thing to look for is soft leather and single sole, not chunky, for this effect.)

Why: This dress said “cocoon” to me because it’s so loose and easy and just slides on and makes me feel like I’m wrapped in a security blanket. It’s like it’s … tender towards me. Do you know what I mean? I’ve now figured out so many ways to wear it — even with a sweater underneath. And with jeans under it! I needed some good Zoom for meetings, and I thought the print mix and the knot up high gave a lot of interest.

Outcome: Ok LOVED this. Lofted Settledness. Ecstatic. BUT, on my meeting I discovered that the shirt is SO tight on my upper arms I felt like a stuffed sausage. I notice now that my arms are bigger than they used to be. For whatever reason — could be the work I’m doing on them, could be weight gain. I think the best thing is just to MOVE ON! Sell the shirt, be gentle on myself, keep it moving! But also, I usually like an oversized shirt; this outfit reminded me why I like having a slimmer option. I really like layering with one. Hence the Tibi Charlie shirt in my cart.

THURSDAY

What: Old Cecile Bahnsen dress — here’s a version on sale (more sizes here); here’s mine but poplin, size 4. and if the dress is too much for you, the top is good too. My Loewe “sweatshirt” (looks like there’s now one medium on sale). Tods Yorky mocs — my color; good deal, horrid photo, white. The Rodeo. Dior aviators. Secondhand Ferragamo locket necklace (oooh, new option and this is very cool and you can get a longer chain with the dropdown and how is this price so good - a brand I own and really like, but I can’t tell if I’d like this piece IRL).

Why: Meetings, writing and meeting

Irene Kim (김애린)

and another fashion-y friend Toni for lunch. I had picked out this big coccoon-y dress; and because the weather was warm, but not Miami-warm, I could layer it with this new sweatshirt-adjacent piece. My thought with the big dress was pick a shoe that’s also a lot, so they kind of cancel/calm each other. I am finding these mocs, once I started with them, are something I want to wear a lot; they work with so much. I’m worried about wearing them out, trying to be ok not buying a safety pair!

Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I was in heaven wearing this. The dress is a go-to, no brainer for me, and adding the layer made repeating it still feel new.

at night I went to see Larry David with no time to change so I put on jeans and these heart shoes

In the interest of ABMO, they day had started off with a walk to work in a cafe. In my uniform.

What: Tibi Calder sweats. Why are these so sold through when they are fundamentals? (XL ivory on sale XL/brown XL navy L/gray L/mint, make an offer XXS brown XXS my color. Loewe x on sneakers. Socks with French words by Drole de Monsieur (they say “not from Paris, Madame.” More options here. Green men’s Balenciaga tee, which says “Unisex” on the front. The CDC cardigan that’s one of my most worn things — I realized the key is a) neutral color b) the heart on it is personality but not “logo” c) not choosing red heart, choosing heart ALSO in neutral color and d) V-neck which gives more “dad” versus round neck which gives more “lady.” Here is the latest iteration of this cardi to meet these requirements. The dream bag that is my answer to everything — outfit wise — of late. I will try and branch out. At some point.

FRIDAY

What: Secondhand navy blue Jil Sander dress from TRR (this one: also textured and cocoon-y). Lime Bottega hooded tee. Also here (use JP24M12ALLRT for extra % off) THE MOCS. The Rodeo.

Why: This dress is SO cocoon-y … it’s got all this extra fabric that makes a sort of tulip that kind of hovers around you. I love lime and navy and thought the hood gives extra cocoon.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness. I LOVED this outfit. Comfortable, functional, happy.

ABMO: a pre-workout “ton”

Margiela sheer skirt. Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers (size 9 on Poshmark and eBay … size 7 and 8. Alo Yoga shorts under the skirt. Roots of Fight Jackie Robinson tee. A very useful old Marni sweater; similar options here and here (L) and here (XL). Mini Loewe puzzle bag. Also here.

PM — went to a Prada party.

Just to say it’s always a challenge for something brand related — you want to rep the brand, be yourself, and in my case, not buy anything!

This was all existing stuff. Recent “deconstructed skirt” (sale option here with a few left) — which is just a game changer. Knit polo-style sweater. Cropped blazer. Studded bag (how about this under $300 option?). All past seasons. Secondhand studded brogues (lucky size 9?) and Tibi sequin skirt (xxs). No 21 earrings.

SATURDAY

What: Navy Ralph Lauren Collection men’s suit (they do free alterations— THIS IS A HIDDEN GEM OF A THING; it’s like a custom suit). Secondhand men’s Bottega knit polo (current one). THE MOCS. The Rodeo. Secondhand Ferragamo locket. Pamela Zamore shield ring, which I’ve been loving on my middle finger! I also had a red sock under there.

Why: A young new friend asked me to go wedding dress shopping. We walked a LOT and I also wanted to look respectful and presentable.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness.

FWIW, also tried the above, but the white Tibi Seths and off-white Seths read too close in color for me. I was longing for the Tibi royal blue Seth and have been wearing my white ones out at the heel, and it was a weekend (I only shop online over the weekend), so I hopped on Tibi where I found the royal blue Seth is already sold out in my size. Just a public service announcement.

SUNDAY

What: Secondhand Levis that I cut. I bought a size 36 to get the feeling I wanted and usually buy a 29 in jeans. Croc belt from my dad. White tee that says “reading.” Secondhand Prada pajama top … or this cute one … so freaking cool. Tibi Borg booties. The Rodeo. Secondhand Ferragamo locket. Pamela Zamore shield ring. CDC sweater.

Why: The PJ top was out; I was thinking about wearing it. And I was headed to work in a cafe.

Outcome: Lofted Settledness. This was a good base for the rest of the day, too.

Above, going to Art Basel. Added Bottega GIANT past-season skirt (the one that was in the giant bag in my last post), here in a 44, more here, and the sequin bag worn as belt — try code SPENDANDSAVE — that’s oddly one of my handbag heroes.

And here with Miu Miu jeans + past season Dior jacket. Went out to Sunday night sushi. The shoes were perfect for 12k+ of walking. I had a nylon little sock inside.

The week ahead: Live like it’s a sport. Bringing unexpected sporty elements into your every day. Drawstrings, hoods, athletic stripes and fabrics, sneakers and warm up jackets. Let’s goooo.

And after that: clothes that calm … soft fabrics, easy colors, what’s the equivalent of a spa day in your closet?

Thanks so much for reading, liking and commenting, for sharing and being kind and human. I really love it here with you.

XOXO,

Rachel

Note: (1) I am using affiliate links, and I do not use them lightly. I generally make some amount if you shop mine, but I do not look for a link until after I select an item so as to remain unbiased. Thank you for using these links to shop. Every little bit helps! And (2) I am in limited, special, and really particular ways working with a select group of partners. In both cases I had relationships with/had bought their things BEFORE we worked together. Including Pam Zamore and Dorsey.