"That's soooo you"

An anti-algorithm approach to getting dressed

A lot of us went out in college in similar highly flammable tops from fast fashion destination only to graduate in white frilly dresses that were only slightly less flammable. Our workwear wardrobes were the stuff of Pinterest infographics and additional 40% codes. Then came the siren song of investment pieces, luring us into designer destinations for The Purse of the Summer whilst in a Euro summer haze. We shopped the same brands for bridesmaids looks. And we dress our babies in unintentionally matching gender neutral ribbed onesies.

Diana Vreeland wants you to dress like YOU

Perhaps you’re tired of seeing the same “quirky” skirt on seven different girls on Instagram before even finishing your morning coffee while scrolling on your kitchen counter.

Nina Simone whose eyeliner became practically an extension of her enigmatic magnetism

The solution I’m proposing is not political (sorry Herbert Hoover, not here) as much as it is personal. If you want to feel JOY and PERSONAL ALIGNMENT in your daily outfits, it’s going to take a little work. A little! Here’s where to start.

Rugged Individualism

You have to know when to hold’em (cautiously put your own spin on the trend), and know when to fold’em (skip entirely). It’s a real “take what works and leave the rest” moment. Rugged Individualism values self-direction over collective care, which makes it ideologically murky, but excellent for this specific use case.

Lauren Becall is certainly a patron saint of sooooo you dressing

If you’re the type to light up at an assignment, Allison Bornstein’s book or working with a stylist could be a great place to start. If you’re a little more industrial, then hold up pieces in your closet and ask yourself if they feel like you.

SJP…someone who LOVES fashion and it shows

Opting out can be some of the most important personal style work. Slowing down. Passing on pieces. Even decluttering! It all whittles down your closet to your most you collection.

Dressing above the algorithm

Speaking of slowing down, this video from Kira Mackenzie really got me thinking. Life below the algorithm could be equated to letting Instagram (or even Substack!) decide what you’re wearing for you.

Once again asking you to remember you subscribe to this newsletter NOT for graphic design inspiration

When we’re above the algorithm, we’re seeking inspiration from tangible, real life moments. Maybe you saw someone wearing a pashmina crossing 5th ave on your way to the doctor’s office. Or you were going through old prints of your mom in college and immediately turned your sweatshirt inside out to match.

Saving paper goods has been a lifelong habit. While this isn’t mine, I can’t wait for Bea to have stacks of vintage design to inspire her someday…

Hobbies (a la tariro makoni) are an excellent place to start if you’re looking for some above-the-algo inspo. Which leads us into the final hot tip for sooo you dressing.

Here are some picks I curated that feel unique/cool/fresh.

A cashmere sweater for winning friends and influencing people

The dress I’ve been eying for scurrying about in 90 degree heat

My timeless gift of choice: vintage Hermes scarf

Under $150 Tory Burch red shoes with an attitude

Knit striped shorts if you want to dress like Beanie

Sandals Arielle texted me a pic of last week. MUSE! (ERIKAV10 for discount)

Vintage Celine sunnies under $150

Girly dress from Sofia Richie’s fav brand, secondhand

Suede shirt alert

Not a normal jacket (compliment) and also on SALEEE

Swim from Cos. Thank me later.

Dior secondhand because I loved Cruise, too

This tshirt could change my life, etc

The cheat code(s)

Shopping secondhand is the single easiest way to supercharge your closet with “this is soooo you.” It just is! You’re out of the relentless season after season retail rat race. And what’s unlinkable is often the coolest. Blasphemy!

A white button down has been integral to my wardrobe since, ask my mom, first grade. This vintage RL one from TRR sourced by Sarah Kin Harned is no exception.

The other idea, one that Maura Brannigan wrote about here brilliantly is that personal style comes from living. Above the algorithm coded! When I was in grad school, you could tell who was writing personal essays from their tidy desk, spinning through the storehouse of memory without shutting the laptop and doing some damn living.

BTW how the sausage gets made

Go out into the world. Leave your phone somewhere else. Read a book and kiss someone. What if I told you that all of it—the inconvenience and romance and greasy fingerprints and long-winded stories—would all add up to building a wardrobe that feels soooo you?

Honorable Mentions

I’m somehow late to the Wild Dark Shore “party” if you can call a novel about environmental disaster that, but HIGHLY recommend. Also reading Start With Yourself and Conversion Therapy Dropout (hi Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez!)

Try writing to the soundtrack from If Beale Street Could Talk. Stole the rec from Evan!

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can order my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Amazon and Bookshop. Follow along on Instagram + Tiktok. Shop all my favs here. Get matched at EV Salon. If you’re interested in partnering, email evan@erikaveurink.com x