The Top That Solves My Least Favorite Outfit Problem
I’ve worn it three times this week, and it’s not even fall.
I’ve never liked plain long sleeves. To me they’re the filler clothing of a wardrobe: taking up space and doing the absolute minimum. Although I will admit this brand is very chic and tempting, there isn’t a cut that feels “me” enough to serve purpose in my wardrobe.
On an average day I often default to wearing a plain crewneck sweatshirt, but even in California it can be a bit too casual. Button up shirts don’t always do it for me. And most of the year (where I live) a t-shirt without an added layer is an unearned luxury.
Which leaves me never having an everyday top that checks all of my boxes.
Until now:
This sweater is exactly the piece I didn’t know I was missing. It’s not heavy! Not a sweatshirt! And most importantly, it’s not a flat, forgettable plain long sleeve.
It has the visual weight of knitwear, but the ease of something you can throw on for pretty much anything. The crew neck is clean and classic. The subtle texture means adds something to your outfit. And the fit flirts between somewhat polished and relaxed.
Last week I wore it to:
Dinner, above: with wide-leg trousers and ballet flats
Errands: with jeans and flip flops
Farmers market: with poplin pants and more ballet flats
Three totally different outfits, and not once did I feel like I was repeating myself—though honestly, we should all be a little more okay with that. It’s not groundbreaking, but searching for those “Summer knits” might just be the perfect piece to bridge that awkward gap between summer and fall.
Sharing a tempting similar option via Goop.
In other news, I’ve always looked at seasonal shifts as a kind of reset, being the perfect excuse to swap things out and refresh—including what’s in my makeup bag.
I’m lucky enough to get a lot of beauty gifting, which means I get to try things I might not have bought myself. If you’re thinking about doing the same, here are some products I’m enjoying lately.
I’m using this concealer in place of foundation blended out with this brush for just enough daily coverage. I don’t use bronzer but I do love this blush topped off with this highlighter. Goop was generous to send me all three shades (of which are beautiful), but if I had to choose one I’d go with Petal.
Mutha does not mess around with any of their products, but I’m now fully loyal to using a combination of this toner and serum during my PM routine. I’m also using this eye cream at night and there’s no doubt it’s working more than others in my cabinet.
My hero product is definitely this lip treatment/gloss hybrid that every cool girl seems to have in her bag. It’s not sticky at all and very addictive. My very chic friend works with the brand and keeps me stocked, so I’m never without. I’m an original gloss girl, but rumor has it there’s a new shade in the works that will be perfect for fall.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve already seen my latest insomnia-fueled win—current season Row loafers, on sale at Bergdorfs, for a suspiciously good price.
I share a lot of my finds on Stories, but I’m even more active on ShopMy. If you add me to your ShopMy Circle, you’ll basically have a running archive of everything I’ve linked without a 24-hour expiration. Just all my picks (plus your other favorite creators) in one place whenever you feel like a scroll.
I’m constantly updating my ShopMy with my best finds for fall including items worth investing in and lesser known gems. But if you’re after something more bespoke whether that is help curating your wardrobe, tracking down that an impossible-to-find item, or putting together a few fresh looks for the season, I’m here for that too: helen@helenannbyrne.com
X HB