There aren’t many things we can thank the pandemic for, but one of them is the complete disruption of the way we dress for work, play or both.
Gone are the days of scratchy, structured business suits and starched shirts. Putting one on for a Zoom meeting or interview has become almost unfathomable—at best pretensions. Just because some of us are going back to work in our offices, don’t expect this to change any time soon.
Savvy clothing labels have come up with elegant solutions for home, office and leisure wear all in one. Once comfort was introduced to style, there will be no tearing them asunder.
Circulation stifling, hip skimming skinny jeans have now gone by the wayside, thank heavens. They’ve been replaced by more forgiving, muffin top concealing cuts. That ultra body con look may be fine for evening wear, but for most of us, now it’s all about the elegant drape.
Even denim has been elevated, with sustainable clothing companies like L.A.’s Bella Dahl weaving together soft, sustainable fabrics like Tencel, organic linen and recycled cotton. Denim now feels as soft and wonderful as it looks.
Speaking of Bella Dahl, we admit to not being aware of just how comfortable, sustainable and far-reaching work/play clothing had become, until we received a few of their butter soft pieces in rich, deep versatile shades.
We recently spoke with Bella Dahl stylist Emily Wineberg and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Steven Millman, who explained how our clothing choices can extend beyond our own closets.
“We’re a movement to soften our ecological footprint without sacrificing style through ethical practices and mindful choices all the way from the design process to your closet,” Millman explained. “Our mission is to shed light on the importance of our everyday choices today so we can enjoy a better tomorrow, together.”
Weinberg took us on a tour of Bella Dahl’s latest looks, and showed us how to elevate our wardrobes with just 5 essential pieces for Fall. We quickly realized that these pieces are classics, and will look and feel great all year long…all decade long and beyond for that matter. Take a look:
5 Essential Pieces for Fall and Beyond
1. Pocket Jogger
Remember when joggers were considered light weight sweat pants? No longer confined just to leisure wear, joggers can be dressed up or down for work/dinner/play or lounging. We’re in love with the pocket jogger that doesn’t bag but softly drapes, and feels oh so good all day long. We can wear them with trainers for dog walking, slides for desk work, and pair them with booties and a duster for evening events. These are made of 100% TENCEL™Lyocell, and come in coffee bean and dark forest.
2. Split Back Button Down
A new take on the classic chambray shirt, designed with two chest pockets, a split back detail and roll tab sleeves. Wear it tucked in or open with a tank or turtleneck underneath, and pair it with your favorite pants (Pocket Joggers?) or skirt. It can also pass as a light-weight jacket, effortlessly taking your summer dresses into fall. Comes in coffee bean, dark forest, red wine and dark ombre wash. While the latter is the most versatile, we like the jumpsuit effect the coffee bean gives us with our joggers
3. Patch Pocket Wide Leg
Need a new pair of jeans? Admit it, you get one every year. Maybe it’s high time to try some high-waisted wide legs that don’t look like mom jeans and make your legs look like they go on forever. Everyone’s rocking that ’70’s vibe now, why not you? These are made of a super soft combo of 50% cotton, 25% Tencel, 25% linen, and couldn’t be more comfortable. The Rip Tide wash looks fresh year round.
4.Flowy Button Down
The epitome of casual elegance, this airy button down features a classic collared shirt silhouette. Add a touch of style to jeans, joggers or skirts, or use it over a summer piece to extend its life into Fall and Winter. Made of 55% Cupro, 45% Rayon, it’s the perfect alternative to a black top for those of use who look better with a little color around our faces, and is the perfect mixture of sexy and demure.
5. Bias Midi Skirt
You gotta love that bias cut — it swirls and floats on any figure. And the midi length goes down perfectly any time, anywhere. Made to match the Flowy Button Down featured above, it also looks great with any black top you may already have in your closet, plain or fancy. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to find a top that doesn’t go with this versatile skirt, if you know how to accessorize to pull it all together. It’s also made of 55% Cupro, 45% Rayon, and has a comfy elasticized waistband. Could it be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner?