How One Vogue Editor Is Becoming a Dress Person This Fall

As we continue to navigate these ever-changing times, in season two of What I Wore This Week, one Vogue editor shares their outfits—both on Zoom and IRL—from the previous week.

It’s been 7 months since I’ve been in New York. I thought I’d be in my home city, Chicago, for only two weeks, and left Brooklyn with only my coziest clothes, because who was going anywhere at that time? Weeks and months passed, and I found myself digging into my old clothes from when I was young to switch things up. But it all just felt so mundane–a melange of yoga pants and knits–and I quite honestly stopped enjoying getting dressed completely. My frustration was partly due to the fact that most of my favorites were back in New York, and also because I was in the mindset of “I’m not going anywhere, so what’s the point?” I was neglecting the fact that, whether I admitted it or not, what I put on set the tone for the day in terms of my mood, motivation, and energy.

Now that I’m back in my Brooklyn apartment, I have a newfound appreciation for my clothes. I used to think of myself as a pants girl, but after many months of being away from my favorite dresses and skirts, they’re all I want to wear. They’re joyful, fun to play with, and far more comfortable to lounge in than I realized. Although I keep my outings to a minimum, I make it a point to get dressed as though I have somewhere to go everyday. Approaching my morning routine this way has been super powerful, and when I embrace getting dressed, I feel more at ease and productive. It’s like designer, Sade Mims, said in her Texture Diary: “There’s so much power and beauty in simply getting ready and dressed for yourself. It feels so good. It’s a different feeling than constantly getting ready for others, or because you have somewhere to go.”

Monday

The week started off with pretty gloomy weather, so I mainly stayed inside and on Zoom. I mixed a white turtleneck with one of my favorite tie dye dresses to keep things fun. They’re both super comfortable to chill in at home but still look great on during virtual meetings as well. I swiped on an eyeshadow from Pat McGrath for a little sparkle. To wind down after work, I put on one of my favorite records Jazz Is Dead by Roy Ayers, which was a gift from a friend, and flipped through one of my favorite coffee table books, Black Girls Rock.

Wildfox Black & Blue Tie Dye Rayna Maxi Dress

Fusalp Alisier II Modal-Blend Turtleneck Top

By Far Stevie Suede Knee Boots

Jazz Is Dead Vinyl Record

Black Girls Rock!: Owning Our Magic. Rocking Our Truth by Beverly Bond

Tuesday

Tuesday was another bad weather day, and so I made it a point to double down on the cozy vibes. This comfy sweater from Kelly Rowland’s new collection is my favorite fall item right now. I put on a suede skirt that used to be my mom’s and added my favorite mismatched, asymmetrical earrings from Svnr Shop. A little blush from Mad Hippie was the perfect touch to give me a pop of color for meetings. After work, well, a little wine never hurt anyone.

Kelly Rowland For JustFab Kimono Wrap Sweater

Jason Wu Suede Midi Skirt in Camel

Louise et Cie Kamil Pointed Toe Boot in Birch

Sun Goddess by Mary J Blige Tasting Set

Our Place Drinking Glasses in Sunset

SVNR Shop Kathmandu Earring

SVNR Shop Pi Max Hoop in Yellow Quartz

MadHippie Cheek & Lip Tint

Wednesday

Wednesday was finally nice out again! I went to get coffee at one of my favorite cafés in my neighborhood, Paris Dakar. My roommate (and best friend) Aurielle and I are obsessed with their chai latté. Before heading out, I put on my ASAI sheer turtleneck with a black dress underneath, and my new mini purse from Anima Iris. I couldn’t find my All Saints leather jacket sadly, so I put on my vintage one instead. Though I was drawn to my Kendall Miles boots, I went with my chunky heels because it was 70 degrees. I’ll pair the boots with this outfit when it gets cooler. I swiped on my new favorite mascara from UOMA and grabbed a face mask. After we got back, I answered a few emails and flipped through a few poems from Shake Loose My Skin to wind down.

ASAI Tie-Dye Long Sleeve Top

Nike Sportswear Jersey Dress

UOMA Beauty Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Nourishing Mascara

Anima Iris Black + White Zaza Purse

Meji Meji Candy Cane Face Mask + Bucket Hat Combo

Shake Loose My Skin by Sonia Sanchez

Allsaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket

Thursday

Thursday was another beautiful day. I put on my favorite velvet dress (which is now even more special because Imaan Hammam rocked it during a print shoot). It’s comfortable enough to lounge at home while reading Black Is Beautiful by Kwame Brathwhaite, and also chic enough to wear outside. I paired it with chunky sandals from ASOS, a vintage Ferragamo purse, sunglasses, and my vintage leather jacket (which I finally found!), and went to get a facial from my esthetician, Samantha Mims of Dermasaa and Brooklyn Face & Eye. This has been my first treatment since before March, so I was pretty nervous. But of all the places to go to for my first COVID-era treatment, I was glad I went here. Mims wore two face masks and a face shield during the facial and also walked me through how everything was sterilized well before I came in. Highly recommend!

Sies Marjan Viv Flared Velvet-Corduroy Dress

Deadwood + Net Sustain Brooke Leather Blazer

$350

DEADWOOD + NET SUSTAIN

ASOS Design Wide Fit Hypnotize Chunky Platform Mules in Black

Salvatore Ferragamo Leather Mini Hobo

Warby Parker Harris Sunglasses in Jet Black

Black Is Beautiful by Kwame Brathwaite

Friday

Friday was all about being playful and comfortable. I layered a maxi jean dress over a pair of vintage jeans with a knit body suit underneath for warmth. I balanced out the all jean look with my sparkly Margiela Tabis, which make me feel like I’m heading to a disco. I was looking through my old poetry book, Awakening, for some inspiration because I’m trying to challenge myself to write new poems this winter. It’s been too long. At night, I went to my friend, Sojourner’s apartment for a roof top hang and a covid-safe (we both just tested negative) dinner. We ordered thai food and had some tea.

Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Shirtdress

Remain Dirger Christensen Bernadette High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

$195

REMAIN BIRGER CHRISTENSEN

Frame Double Face Wool & Cashmere Wrap Coat

Live the Process Scoop Neck Bodysuit

Maison Margiela Tabi 70mm Sequined Boots

Kodak FunSaver 35mm Single Use Camera