Extra pair please! (Parang extra rice lang). My shoe closet essentials (clockwise from top L-R): Lanvin flats, Louboutin Simple 85 pumps, Anthology oxfords, Sperry Top-siders, Isabel Marant Merry sandals
Years ago, back when I was still in high school, I remember Armida Siguion-Reyna saying that when she liked something, she'd buy it in all colors.
At the time, I was like, "How boring! Why get so many of one thing?" Because when you are in your teens, all you care about is variety, diversity, assortment! I have to NOT repeat an outfit, can't be seen wearing the same thing in one month!
But when I hit my 30s, I realized, Armida is sheer genius. Because, when you find something that works for you, it just makes sense to have a back-up, and if you are lucky enough to afford doubles or multiples - so much the better.
That brings me back to the concept of a uniform. If you wore uniforms back in high school, you'd know that you'd have 5 of the same, exact thing. Dressing up in the morning was easy. The only way to spice it up was if you accessorized - i.e. wore St. Michael knit socks and Bass/Cole Haan loafers (this was the early 90s ok, heehee).
So, over a decade after graduating from high school, eeep, make that two decades, I'm back to having a uniform. While I don't necessarily have multiples of the same thing, I buy things I like in at least two colors (I haven't reached Armida levelz yet, then again, I like sticking to neutrals). I keep on going to the same stores. I actually don't mind being seen wearing the same thing over and over, as long as it works for me and my lifestyle. It makes dressing up each day brainless, and I guess, effortless.
Here's what basically makes up my personal uniform:
Bottoms:
J Brand skinny jeans
Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans
J. Crew trousers
J. Crew shorts
leggings
slouchy printed trousers
Tops:
Uniqlo, Old Navy, A.P.C. button down shirts
A.P.C., Saint James & Petit Bateau Breton shirts
Equipment, Madewell silk shirts
slouchy t-shirts
H&M tunic tops
Dresses:
A.P.C. tunic dresses
Ali Ro jersey dresses
shift dresses
Shoes:
ballet flats & sandals
oxfords
round toe pumps
wedge sandals
sneaker wedge
sneaker wedge
Outerwear (now rarely used):
Army jacket
Army parka
Navy blazer w/ gold buttons
Grey blazer
Black blazers
While I may have a trendy piece or two thrown into the mix, these are the pieces that are on constant rotation and I just wear these pieces interchangeably. While I don't have a lot of clothes, my wardrobe is complete. Then again, I care more about what's functional and practical now. And like I said, I don't care if I'm seen wearing the same pieces over and over. It just has to be repeated, haha.
Yes, my high school self would find my 36 year old self boring. But I know what I'm gonna tell that little runt - "Wait until you have an energetic toddler and a 6 month old that needs to be breastfed every 2 hours!"
How about you? Do you like the idea of a personal uniform? Better yet, what's your personal uniform like?
