063: SANDI HALIMUDDIN
lives in suiting and Sandy Liang.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what happens to your personal style when you stop going to an office every day. Without the gentle pressure of showing up somewhere five days a week, I've noticed my default uniform has become a little more lax than I'd like it to be. This horribly gloomy weather we're having in New York hasn't helped. Sometimes I feel like the real me and the Pinterest version of me aren't quite lining up, you know? (No, I won't send you my Pinterest—it's anonymous and yes, every day I'm working towards anonymous Pinterest fame.)
The Pinterest version of me has developed an obsession with trousers. Real trousers—wide-leg ones, with and without pleats and waistbands, the kind that make you feel like you have your life together even when you're running late. Maybe it's because they split the difference between looking put-together and feeling comfortable, or maybe I'm just sick of all my jeans.
This week's guest, my friend Sandi Halimuddin, has mastered her own version of what I'm after: how to dress for a professional world while keeping that spark of personality that makes getting dressed fun. Working in fashion PR, she's found the sweet spot between polished and playful—Sandy Liang meets suiting, and accessories that add a bit of edge or whimsy (she carries Thom Browne’s Hector bag with conviction). Her approach feels like the antidote to my loungewear rut and my fear of soulless office wear. I asked her to tell me all about it. Read on!
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
I love uniform dressing and gravitate towards coordinating pieces that are comfortable and easy to wear. Tailoring is a central element in my wardrobe. I like oversized blazers with trousers and ladylike skirt suit sets, worn together or styled apart. Suits work on almost any occasion and always look pulled together. I also find Levis 501s to be the perfect blank canvas for any look. I love collecting vintage Levi's 501 jeans and I wear jeans most days of the week.
How often do you shop?
I shop for a few pieces seasonally, but I am always looking and always window shopping. I love to research and when I shop, I typically already have a specific piece or brand in mind.
SANDI’S MOST WORN
Pleated Skirts
This is the PERFECT work bag! It fits a laptop without being too bulky.
Where do you shop the most?
I spend a lot of my time window shopping online on The RealReal, SSENSE, and eBay. Outline is my favorite brick and mortar store in New York. My friend Margaret Austin has exceptional taste and has an incredible assortment of brands that are mainstays in my wardrobe including Auralee, Our Legacy and Flore Flore.
My favorite type of shopping is destination shopping - it’s so special to experience a brand in the city where it was founded and see how it comes to life through physical retail. I've become obsessed with Margaret Howell and Auralee after visiting their flagship stores in London and Tokyo, respectively.
Levi’s 501s
Best buy of last year?
A perfect pair of vintage Levi's 501s on eBay. The hunt for the perfectly worn in pair never gets old.
What are you currently searching for?
Summer pieces that are easy and special. I love layering and once it gets to a certain temperature, I forget how to dress myself.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Levi's 501 and my Agnes B cardigan.
Maximum Henry belt, Margiela Mary Janes and Salomon XT-6
Does your style change when you go to work?
I go to the office five days a week, so my style is very work oriented.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
More or less the same as what I wear to the office but dressed up with a fancy little lady bag. My Hector bag is one of my most prized possessions. I also have a cute vintage Prada bag (that looks like it’s current day Miu Miu!) and Sandy Liang Recital bag that also do the trick.
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
Lots of t-shirts! Flore Flore and Uniqlo U.
Neeeed that Auto bag wow
Love the Auto bag !