071/ Holiday Outfit Inspo For The Capricious Spirit
This newsletter was a joy for me to put together. Let me explain:
It’s peak busy season for me, which means a jam-packed calendar of appointments, deadlines, events, etc… which, yes, I truly enjoy; but, last week I realized that it’s been a while since I’ve been able to play.
Now, by “play,” I’m not talking about downtime like sleeping in, reading, going for walks, cuddling my kids, or connecting with close friends, which are all essential to my overall mental health and well-being.
Rather, I’m referring to the time to play with my craft, which as a stylist, means getting in a room with a bunch clothes, and playing, experimenting, and just seeing what happens without a specific goal in mind.
Today I set aside the entire day to sit with my closet and make outfits, with no criteria other than “loosely festive”. I was in the zone, having fun, pulling out pieces I haven’t worn in years, and…ignoring emails (#sorrynotsorry, I’ll get back to you tomorrow morning).
The result is this newsletter from which I hope you find some inspiration for your upcoming holiday events. I know I’ll be wearing some of them to mine!
When you’re an introvert but feeling festive and you decide the treat the whole office to afternoon coffees and pastries.
Essentially, this outfit is the faithful combo of a white shirt + blue jeans with the added layer of a tulle top. Do you have any summery tanks that could brought into your winter wardrobe this way? From my closet, this Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza metallic fringe top is the next top I’ll try styling for the festive season.
When you work in a formal office but decide to pull out your feathers for the last happy hour of the year.
Feathers and — even more so — fur instantly signal festive, even against the most foundational of outfits:
An outfit from last year wearing a vintage fur stole via Collectif Consignment:
When you’re meeting your in-laws for holiday brunch and want them to think you like them.
(In case you’re reading this, this is a joke and I love you guys.)
When you’re meeting your bio family for holiday brunch and are used to them questioning your clothing choices.
Would this be a holiday 2023 edit without a sheer skirt and red tights?
When you’re going for dinner at a loud restaurant and figure you’ll add to the decibel level.
The sequins clatter, the vinyl squeaks. Best suited for a thumping restaurant or loud house party.
When you’re deciding what to wear and discover the perfect outfit for all occasions between September and April.
I felt so good (translation: 100% me) in this outfit. Switch out the bag, and it’s good for any night out during the cooler months.
When you’re about to reach for the tight, sexy top then decide you’d rather be comfortable and choose a fair isle sweater instead.
And I love how it dials down the fancy skirt and shoes.
Ditto. And, when the food is so good, you need room for your stomach to expand.
Rugby shirt + fringe skirt + crystal shoes should be so wrong, but it feels so right!
When you have a formal event but refuse to buy full-length gowns.
I LOVE this gilet I found in Japan for its elegance and versatility, and in a similar vein, it’s why Tibi’s Schema Sculpted top is my favourite piece of the collection. The neckline!!!!
When, after years of therapy, you’ve accepted that you love the sequin vomit outfit you bought years ago, and will wear it dammit, even if people judge your taste, because “love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside”.
My wife’s the reason anything gets done
She nudges me towards promise by degrees
She is a perfect symphony of one
Our son is her most beautiful reprise.
We chase the melodies that seem to find us
Until they’re finished songs and start to play
When senseless acts of tragedy remind us
That nothing here is promised, not one day.
This show is proof that history remembers
We lived through times when hate and fear seemed stronger;
We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.
I sing Vanessa’s symphony, Eliza tells her story
Now fill the world with music, love and pride.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
I’m aiming to do another inspo next week, so keep an eye out for it! Also on deck: Part 3 of sales as requested by you. ICYMI, here’s Part 1 and Part 2.
If you know someone who may enjoy In Moda Veritas, consider giving them a gift subscription!
Love and gratitude,
Irene
I saved this post to be enjoyed as a treat at the end of my day ;). I am totally in love with the Lanvin tulle top; Rabanne x H&M top; Awake laser skirt; the combo of rugby shirt, fringe, and Balenciaga heels....and the 100% you Balenciaga knife OTK boots with bermudas! Plus the LMM poetry. Thank you for all this gorgeous, inspiring creativity, Irene! I'm going to set a day aside to play!
Hi Irene! How did you find the sizing of the Jcrew fringe skirt? I have a restock alert set for 3 different sizes right now but would love to know if it runs big like most jcrew or TTS? Thanks!