The Art of Appointment Dressing

Dress for the appointment you want, not the appointment you have.

Today’s letter, which is normally only for Paid subscribers, is for everyone, thanks to Tend. Their newest location opened last week in the East Village in NYC. Get $50 when you book your first visit with my link.

Usually, I’d opt for yoga pants under a massive parka, barely dabbing eye cream and grabbing my purse before darting out the door. Then I’d have to reveal the fact I forgot to change out of my sports bra to get a shot or realize I left my phone at home. My general attitude toward appointments was as follows: get in and then get out—with as little effort as possible.

My very own appointment outfit at Tend

But there’s a better way, one

Harling Ross Anton

expertly wrote about in 2021 for Harper’s Bazaar. It involving getting dressed as a preventative measure for your day ahead. I’m not suggesting a ball gown to the gyno, but I am suggesting that when we take an extra two minutes to put together an outfit we adore, we might just feel a little less dread come check in time.

Here are some of my favorite, simple tips to feeling pulled together, outfit-wise, on big days. And in my world, going to the dentist qualifies as such. It’s incredibly intimate. You’re never quite sure how long it’ll take or what burgeoning cavity you’ll have to defend from a reclined position. That’s part of what I love about Tend—easy to book, a patient portal that’s straightforward, and convenient locations in the best neighborhoods. Because if I’m not planning an appointment in conjunction with a little treat, what’s the point?

Matching sets

This is my favorite move when I’m not really sure what I want to wear. Monochrome is a great general approach, but having a matching set or two at the ready in your closet is a real hack. Most of mine have elastic waists, too, which makes them ideal for lounging in a waiting room. Plus, people love a matching set. So if it’s compliments from the dental hygienist you’re after, start here.

In my fav from Local Woman <3

Not to be annoying, but I am the product image on the website—lol. I take a large in the top and bottom.

This set from Chan Luu is $215 and I can already picture splitting up the two into separate outfits seamlessly.

Frank & Eileen number one fan reporting for duty. This washed linen set is the kind of woman I want to be.

A denim set that is anything but a Canadian Tuxedo.

Elevated PJs for $20.

Good luck charm

Don’t laugh, but as a kid, I was obsessed with the lore of Tiger Woods wearing red polos when we played on Sundays. Maybe that’s when my obsession with the color started. I like wearing little Easter eggs that only I get on days I feel extra anxious. My long charm necklace is always a start, then usually a pair of red socks, and always a picture of my dad as a baby in my wallet.

The moral of the story is that sometimes, outfits can be self care. Maybe you determine your big silver cuff is a good luck charm. Or perhaps it’s all in the perfect underwear set. Whatever it is, I’m superstitious enough to believe that these things add up.

I’m actually so into this new cuff from Jenny Bird. It makes me feel like a powerful divorce lawyer or something.

These are the exact socks the pope wears. And they are a perfect gift, IMO.

And these are a more affordable version that you know I love by now.

A solid silver bracelet for $60.

A little preview of out next tip in a striking shade of red leather for $30.

Purse vs. tote

As a New Yorker, it takes a lot for me to abandon my overflowing canvas tote in exchange for something dainty and…I’ll say it…way less practical. But every time I do—for dinner or a movie—I feel way more dressed up. I also think it helps me dial in to the task at hand, instead of adding on library books to return or a dry cleaning haul.

Bonus points: good luck charm AND purse

You might not be a basket fiend, but it’s as simple as reaching for a bag you love to carry. Stock it with a good book, maybe some Altoids, and last week’s New York Mag and you’re set.

I have this darling bag in cheetah print and can attest to its outfit-saving abilities.

This bag from Freda Salvador proves you don’t have to abandon all practicality. (Use ERIKAV15 for a discount)

These are copies of a bag from The Row and $100 on Etsy. Maybe that’s your speed?

This LR crossbody is under $300 and I keep thinking of ways I could wear it. DO NOT sleep on Loeffler Randall bags, people.

Doesn’t this vintage Coach bag look a little Gucci? It’s $45.

Heavy hardware featured on this vintage leather bag.

A vintage Italian basket bag for under $15.

You +1

The idea of you +1 is taking an outfit you’d normally wear and dressing it up one degree. For me, a button down and jeans is pretty day to day. Here, I opted for a polo and trousers instead to give things that extra polish. If I’m a little blue, a button down and jeans feels comforting and consistent. But on days when I want to put on an extra layer of armor, that’s when the +1 comes in.

Me when I had an office job for five months <3

Practically speaking, this means wearing loafers instead of tennis shoes, using the purse vs tote technique, and picking out a pair of sunglasses that aren’t my usual.

I just love Freda Salvador and these loafers. Size down! Or try on in their new NY store <3 (Use ERIKAV15 for a discount)

Don’t aviators just feel like getting down to business to you?

If you’re new to polos, start with the best.

I’ve been watching this cashmere BR $20 sweater on eBay for years.

Now’s your chance to sport a vintage midi Vera Bradley skirt!

Road test

Appointments are an underrated opportunity to road test any new items in your closet or to take out the ones that have been collecting proverbial dust in the back. Maybe you actually love that linen blazer, but if you don’t at least you only wasted it on a teeth cleaning.

If I’m on the fence about keeping something or donating, this is usually when I bring it out. This is also great to testing shoes you’re apprehensive to wear for an entire day of activities.

Not exactly the doctor’s office

I road tested this jumpsuit from Hunter Bell on a day I had an OBGYN appointment and then a stop by the Chanel diner in Williamsburg. Turns out, I loved it.

Here’s a 60s jumpsuit ready for a test ride.

So next time you feel the dread of an appointment looming, channel your inner Tim Gunn (Designers, make it work) and make the most out of it. You might just discover an outfit you’d overwise overlook and at the very least, you can conjure a sense of material comfort.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x