For low-key events, a charcoal grey blazer with a white T-shirt and a chunky silver necklace feels fresh, paired with simple black suede loafers from The Row, and for more formal events, I love Brunello Cucinelli men’s tux jackets with piped satin shawl lapels. Alex Eagle has designed a sheer roll neck top that looks great underneath, plus, it’s made out of some kind of magical body contouring mesh that’s more akin to shape wear. It’s so good I’d go as far as to say that everyone probably needs one.
I’ve recently rediscovered belts, and specifically a brand called Dehanche, by Erin Webb. I wear the minimal “Hollyhock” in black and silver, it feels deliciously western but somehow cleaner, more polished, and it looks as good worn high waisted as it does slung low on the hips. I also just bought a ’90s Chanel multi-chain belt with swinging CC medallions on The Real Real (not as gauche as it sounds. Well, I suppose it is, but tempered with blue jeans and a T-shirt it works). There is one similar right now on HEWI. That reminds me: a vintage Chanel jacket atop jeans will always up the ante.
In fact, the ’90s and the early Aughts are my constant reference points. If you’re looking for inspiration think more Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy than Destiny’s Child. No one needs to revisit the jeans-and-a-handkerchief-top look a second time around. Also, make-up and a blow-dry helps. Jeans might (wrongly) suggest you haven’t made an effort; good hair and make-up quashes that. I can sum up my approach by paraphrasing Michelle Obama: “When they go low [jeans], we go high [everything else you wear].”
Shop Sarah’s picks: