Uniform Dressing, Tops + Bottoms

I don’t know about you guys, but the way I dress completely changed due to the pandemic. While no longer having to physically go into an office every day is a huge factor, the break has allowed me to take a step back and really evaluate what makes me look and feel my best. A part of this was being really mindful of those pieces that I kept reaching for again and again. I am no longer down to stuff my closets full of items aren’t easy to wear, don’t mix well with pieces I already own, or can’t be worn across multiple seasons. Enter, uniform dressing.

What’s uniform dressing? It’s a way of dressing that zones in on pieces that you know work well for your body type and lifestyle rather than falling victim to the latest trends. Shopping this way should make getting dressed quick and painless while cutting down on money spent buying crap you never end up wearing (and that later ends up in a landfill). It’s kind of the antithesis of how we’re encouraged to buy on social media, but for me personally, it never feels good to get rid of something only a few months after purchasing it.

Uniform dressing for me starts with denim. My favorite style/brand for going on five years now is Agolde’s Riley. I own them in multiple washes (and sizes!) and continue to pick them up every season. I highly recommend finding a style you like and just sticking to it. Why mess with a good thing? A black wash (6.) and a vintage-inspired indigo wash (7.) are a must. I love adding an ecru wash (8.) for some variety in the transitional months. Agolde’s Dee short (9.) is just perfection to me (gotta love that 12” rise) and a linen short (10.) is a great option for when you want something less constricting in 100 degree weather.

Let’s talk tops. Again, due to the pandemic, I think sweatshirt dressing is now widely accepted day or night. A basic crew (1.) in a luxe fabric can be a real workhorse piece with the right accessories. A peasant blouse (2.), whether it’s printed or solid, is more elevated but just as comfy. Breezy button downs (3.) are majorly trending again and make for such a chic pairing with denim or the matching shorts for a set situation.

You can’t have a basics convo without, well, basics. I love a linen tee (4.) as it adds a little more texture and interest than your average variety. As far as tanks go, I’ve been into ribbed cutaway tanks (5.) that look great on their own, layered under a button down, or under a chunky cardigan for later in the season.

I think what’s so cool about dressing in a uniform is that the outfits are so easy to make. Practically all of the pieces are interchangeable and you likely have some of these in your wardrobe already. If not, they can be found at just about any retailer at any price point. And when you have a uniform in mind, it helps to tune out the trendier items that inevitably pop up on your radar.

Stay tuned for future posts on sweaters, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories.