Old Faithfuls

Ten things I've worn for 5+ years.

May 20, 2024

What’s fun about this Substack thing is there aren’t many rules. The only rule is you have to do it. For best results: as much as you said you would… or more.

There’s maybe another unspoken rule where fashion Substacks are concerned…. and I’m afraid I’m about to break it. If you’re writing any kind of style guide, it should be current season AKA max two-clicks shoppable, right?

Yes and no. I reckon a little frustration once in a while doesn’t go amiss, even with regards to a shopping list like the one below. As with everything in life, a little effort makes the prize all the more rewarding, does it not?

I first thought about this list whilst slipping on my favourite “Spring-y skirt” (item 1) a month or so ago, the second weather permitted. I marvelled at how easy it still was to create an outfit around, how well it worked with any white or blue top, shirt, jacket. How it might just work with swimwear later on and how funny I’ve never tested it. How Carrie would probably love it and so, perhaps would Natasha (my style sweet spot is always somewhere between the two.) And how I’ve been wearing it consistently every Spring for at least six years straight.

There are not that many fashion items I can say as much about. Although I will now humblebrag that for an Instagrammer I probably rewear clothes from past seasons, years and lives way more often than is the norm for the hashtag gifted among us. I know re-wearing gets less attention/likes/dosh but guess bloody what I’m going to do it anyway cause I love my spring skirt and it doesn’t age.

So here’s a list of ten items I have worn consistently for over five years —when seasonally appropriate at least— and have no plans to part with. Trying to find everything for you somewhere on the internet but if I can’t I’ll link to similar styles.

The Spring-y skirt. Looks sweet and innocent but is in reality quite sensual and silky on ze bod. Waist hits just right. The daisies (or cracked eggs, discuss?) work with every kind of neutral top. Found it on Depop and to rent on HURR here.
The Matteau Breton shirt. This is more than just a longsleeve. I wear it a berserk amount. The oversized cut and heavy fabric make it sit in such a cool, who cares way, nothing has ever looked as good with white jeans or a white tank underneath. It’s here.
GAP 1969 jean jacket. Iconic. From this time of year to early fall, but also on holiday for evenings. I just never regret packing or wearing it. Find the right cut (not too baggy not too tight: a bit of structure is recommended) and wear it forevs. This one’s perfect. Or here’s a corduroy collar version like mine.
I think Marc threw out these old Converse, harrumph!!
White, straight-legged jeans from Goldsign denim for every season. I honestly think they look just as crisp in the winter with a navy blue peacoat as in the summer with the aforementioned Matteau Breton shirt. These aren’t the exact ones I have (can’t find) but they’re close. If not, Loulou Studio have done a great pair this season too.
In my old-old apartment with an old-old iPhone.
A Prada black turtleneck sweater. Need I say more. Similar affordable version here.
Maison Standard white T-shirts. Excellent alone or layered.
Special mention to this shirt, also Maison Standard.
Bourienne Paris X men’s white shirts have so far outlasted every other brand in terms of keeping their form and crisp white colour. I have been wearing this one for like six years and it’s still going strong but I think I might need to expand my collection soon…
Bonjour bonjour.
These Pierre Hardy ankle sock boots. I’ve worn them them fall, winter and spring for years. They add a tiny bit of height and dare I say western flare to any denim look without going so far as to make you look like you’ve escaped from a rodeo. (Not entirely sure about the current cowboy boots and miniskirt trend.) Best of all, most comfortable mini-heeled bootie I’ve ever walked all over Paris in (per last week’s subject.)

Excuse the watermark but here I am wearing them four months pregnant, to give you a sense of the comfort level.

Deveaux kimono-style khaki jacket. As an inerest-adding layer (under, say, a navy peacoat) in colder months or another light summer jacket option to travel in and throw over any dress after sunset. Love the asymmetric kimono-style fastening but can no longer find this jacket anywhere (maybe they gave me a prototype?) Anyway, this Sezane alternative will pretty much do the trick.
V professional getting the shot in Etretat.
Driving through the Alps from France to Italy summer 2021.
His n hers.
Yasmine Eslami Serena Bra. The matching knickers have long since gone to that place knickers mysteriously eventually go. But Yasmine’s bras remain firmly on my boobs 7+ years on. A bra that is as attractive as it is supportive is a rare gem to be held onto. I agree with @Dudettewithsign that we all need to remember to wash and update our bra collections but I’ve never known a beautiful bra to last as long as this one, and frankly, it’s well worth the hand-washing efforts.