Bring back the uniform.
Not exactly, but if we had a uniform how easy would it be to get dressed in the morning?
Smaller than a capsule wardrobe, my idea of a uniform is the one outfit I can repeat, that works for me and that I feel well put together in. I never become anxious about whether I have been seen in the same before because I don’t mind. If I like something, I am happy to sing its praises.
Uniforms have always been a practical way to solve dressing. So why not borrow from the concept and create our own unique uniform. “Uniform” dressing isn’t for all occasions, that might frustrate our inner fashionistas a bit too much, but I do favour a consistent look for work most days. The pants may be different lengths, widths and fabrics but they are still trousers. The sweaters, tees and blouses may alternate but they work in the same category. The same goes for shoes and jackets. Jackets might be part of a suit or they might be alternate fabrics; all the pieces tell a similar story.
Finding a “uniform” is the easiest way to dress for routine and simplicity. Knowing an outfit that ticks all the necessary boxes not only makes dressing so much easier but also helps with shopping.
When you know what to wear you know what to buy. And that means fewer mistakes.
Men have the perfect uniform when they wear a suit or a tuxedo.
Their choices are limited, for the most part look elegant and they find their flair with a tie. I take so much inspiration from tailored suiting and find a feminine version, my perfect uniform.
Don’t be afraid of a “uniform”. It is not boring and doesn’t need to be. It is working for us, not against us. Many of our aspirational icons wear a uniform of sorts and if you look at their photographs you will see a common thread in their style of dressing. Think of French women, Emmanuelle Alt and Caroline de Maigret, they have their “uniform” well under control.
I see uniform dressing as one part of our personal style; a practical element to our signature that is descriptive about who we are. Finding our uniform is a way of analysing our style, breaking it down piece-by-piece and working with what we rely on.
The kind of day-to-day life we experience doesn’t preclude wearing a uniform. Whether a suit and all the trappings are your joy or a caftan and sandals because life is sea and surf, it is the winning look that is important. Think about jeans. Jeans are probably the most common and practical “uniform” of all. How easy the invention of denim has made fashion choices. Jeans, shirt and jacket, one of the most simple uniforms ever.
My uniform is a simple formula; suit/tuxedo + tee or button-up shirt = ready to go
Then all I have to think about are shoes, a bag and which lip shade.
images, peter lindbergh for iwc watches shot in portofino, italy
