072: VARIATIONS ON A THEME
The same thing, but different.
Not to get Snoop Dogg on you, but the inspiration behind this newsletter is me. I started Habiter in 2023 when I was working at W Magazine and wearing some variation of the same outfit to the office daily. Obviously, not everyone is as committed to the bit as I am, but I’d argue that many of us, knowingly or not, stick to what the biz calls our “codes”—styles, shapes, colors, or formulas that work, and that we gravitate toward again and again.
I went hard on my codes this fashion week—meaning I basically riffed on the same few items and ideas every day. It felt good! There’s an element of peacocking in the fashion week attendee scene that doesn’t feel natural to me (in fact, I actively try to avoid it), but, let’s be honest, I still want to look cool. So, I got a little dressed up. It’s fun, and this time it felt pretty easy.
An observation: almost everything I wore was vintage or from a more contemporary brand. It’s always been my opinion that you don’t need to spend a ton of money to find great design—even more so in 2025. Increased access feels important in the recent “fashion is boring” discourse (this piece was the catalyst). Personally, I love minimalism, but when I can buy the building blocks at Cos or secondhand, I want the really pricey stuff, especially the stuff on a runway, to stray or surprise.
Anyway, here’s what I wore!
Trousers and tees with a layer:
I’m going to talk more about their merits below, but these trousers from Pantalon (designed by my chic friend, Lara) have been on my body nonstop. The tees (yes, I bought two) are from Aritzia.
On this straightforward base, I layered two tops. Left is a Cos button-down. I’m very into pink at the moment, and this shape keeps it from feeling too saccharine. Right is a boxy leather number, also from Cos. I got a lot of compliments on this one.
More boxy jackets and pleated skirts:
I’ve been playing with these shapes since they resurfaced in the Prada/Miu Miu world a few seasons ago.
The suede jacket on the left is from J.Crew’s new collection. I love it, and I’m obsessed with the lining, which is a soft shade of baby pink. The jacket on the right is vintage Prada from The RealReal.
For a party, I wore this combo with vintage Celine heels; for shows, with my Emme loafers. The belt is Madewell! It’s good, no?
Notes on shape:
Back to the pants. Trouser-wise, what I’m into right now is a lack of bells and whistles—straight silhouettes and absolutely no visible hardware. The Pantalons are Japanese crepe. They hold their shape and don’t wrinkle. Very easy to wear.
I like the simplicity of these near-nothing pants with a nice tee. It’s like wearing clothes boiled down to their essence—a fluid, easy combination to build on (or not).
I wore these flats and this bag from Tory Burch a lot. Here’s a big brand making good, interesting pieces at a nice price.
Love the pantaloon may need to try. You look great 🥰
the skirt and belt combo are so good. lovedd this outfit. and madewell's hardware is surprisingly good! really like the cognac color...