Field Notes: Vol I.
What I wore for two weeks of back-to-back meetings, my favourite bits from the stores this month, and where you’ll find the best-dressed women in the world.
Welcome back to Workwear Inc.
October has been an absolute whirlwind for me. After two fairly low-key months in my new headhunting gig, and a general focus on *wellness*, *saving money* and getting my life together, the past few weeks have been non-stop, with the pace and the workload ramped up to 100.
This week’s issue includes a snapshot of what I wore for back-to-back client and candidate meetings over the past couple weeks, as well as a few other thoughts I’ve had throughout the month. I’m calling this series Field Notes, and the intention is to share a selection of observations, pictures and other workwear-related “bits” that aren’t quite chunky enough for their own newsletter.
As always, I’d love to hear what you think of everything rather than just talking at you all. Seriously, I mean it. Hit me up!
Fedora x
The Most Stylish People In The World…
… are in art, not fashion. Earlier this month, I attended Frieze – as well as Frieze Masters, 1-54 and a whole bunch of cultural events surrounding the main fair. I left with a big stack of magazines and business cards, a ton of incredible new artists to follow, and concrete evidence for my longstanding belief that art people are better dressed than fashion people.
There are few possible reason for this:
Art people are visual creatures with voracious eyes. They’re constantly surrounded by and soaking up culture and beauty. They understand colour, proportion, texture and composition. All of this makes for Very Good Outfits.
Art people dress for themselves. Their job isn’t intrinsically tied to what they wear. Fashion people put together outfits with other fashion people in mind, which is a rather unnatural and contrived way to get dressed.
Following on from that, art people don’t care about trends. People in the fashion industry are constantly exposed to NEW NEW NEW. They’re obsessed with what’s HOT RIGHT NOW – the buzziest designer, the latest show or campaign. It’s very easy to become a fashion victim.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you’d be surprised by how low-key some fashion people dress, perhaps out of fear of doing too much or general overstimulation / jadedness. Art people, on the other hand, aren’t afraid to have a little fun with it.
No shade to fashion people – I’m including myself in that designation. But in short, if you’re looking for inspiration on how to put together an A1 outfit and generally develop your own sense of personal style, I’d highly recommend following gallerists and auctioneers and the sort. They are hands down the best-dressed women on the planet.
(Can I also just add that I’ve come across plenty of incredibly intimidating fashion people and they are kittens in comparison to art people. Whew!)
What I Wore In October
I’ve been in the midst of a style overhaul these past couple months, brought on by (a) my new client-facing job and (b) the fact that I’m rapidly approaching my thirties. The new vibe: grown-up, sleek and feminine. No more baggy tomboy clothes!
I’ve been clearing out my wardrobe and selling off my old clothes to make space for new acquisitions that are more fitting for my current work-life… and there have been a few. Here’s what I bought / wore for a few of my many in-person meetings and lunches – almost all were discounted because I love a bargain. (And going forward, I will try to take some actual IRL photos so you can see what they look like in context!)
These boots from Aeyde. I opted for the Alena style over the Leandras I’d originally bookmarked, and they’ve been glued to feet ever since they arrived.
These Theory trousers (gifted) that I’ve already raved about. My dry cleaner will attest that they’re quickly becoming my most-worn item.
This shirt from Nanushka that was on my new job wish list. This might just be one of my favourite purchases of all time. It’s smart but feminine, endlessly wearable but not dull, and machine-washable.
This fluffy short-sleeve jumper from Samsoe Samsoe, which I picked up in Selfridges.
These Cos trousers which I mentioned in the first Wardrobe Review newsletter.
This WNU shirt from last week’s newsletter. It looks especially chic with the cuffs unbuttoned.
This Rohé knitted tank top, which was briefly on sale at Liberty. I’ve finally broken my ‘no black tops’ rule (I’d told myself for years that it was unflattering on dark skin). For meetings, I wore it layered under my smart, burgundy, collared cardigan from Sandro and with lots of gold jewellery. It also looks fabulous in the evening.
Spotted On The Shop Floor
I’ve made a few visits to the shops these past couple weeks and here’s what caught my eye.
Selfridges
Liberty
This blazer from Rohé
Harrods
Suzanne Kalan jewellery, which I have been sleeping on
Cos
This cashmere hoodie – a tad casual for a law firm or bank, sure, but it could easily be smartened up with a black coat, tailored trousers and boots, maybe with a white shirt layered underneath, for a less rigid workplace
Final Word
Workwear Inc. is (unofficially) on Instagram. I’m still playing around with what I want the page to look like and what sort of content I want to share, hence why it’s still private. But feel free to give it a follow and let me know your feedback.
Have you ever made a big fashion / jewellery purchase to celebrate a career achievement or milestone or bonus? If so, hit me up or share in the comments as I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently and would love to turn it into a newsletter.