SUNDAY STYLE - OCTOBER
Street style inspiration is back, Calvin Klein looks good, pencil skirts and argyle knits on my radar...plus, late to the game but loving pilot frames.
STREET STYLE INSPIRATION
I haven’t been inspired by street style in so long, I almost didn’t look at any images from fashion week. I follow one photographer, Sandra Semburg, who expertly captures the best looks with the energy and mood of the city included. Her photos from the last few weeks have all caught my attention.
The crazy peacocking has finally settled and been replaced by beautiful, inspirational outfits worthy of a closer look. Some have commented that the style on the street lacked creativity, but I disagree. Creativity takes many forms and subtle styling with restraint is its own art form. It’s not about attention grabbing, obvious maneuvers, but instead letting slight details—accessorizing, color pairing, proportion—whisper that something interesting is going on. It’s a spark of intrigue not immediately identifiable that warrants a screenshot to study more closely.
What I’m taking away from the looks I’ve saved…lots of brown. It’s an easy color to pair with the basics I already own. Popped with a bit of white and rounded out with black is simple and classic but fresher than ever. I’ll use these images on my fall moodboard for styling ideas with two recent purchases - a Nili Lotan pant (here in corduroy) and a COS sweater - both in a rich, dark brown.
Plus, I’ll play with this COS skirt (culottes) and cardigan from my summer buys.
Leather and suede jackets caught my eye too - especially roomy blouson styles that are continuing from spring. The silhouette in any fabrication is an instant update for any look. Test drive the shape with this from Uniqlo a jacket that saw lots of wear on my last two trips. Upgrade with one from Kallmeyer, Khaite, or Calvin Klein Collection.
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION
Speaking of Calvin Klein Collection, pieces from Veronica Leoni’s Fall 2025 debut for the house are trickling in. Mytheresa has a nice round up. I’m very into the bags and shoes with a 90’s minimalism reinvented for the present. I’m torn between a square-toed pump and a Western-influenced style with a heavier sole. Both bags above are beautiful in color, shape and functionality, and in comparison to the skyrocketing prices on current luxury bags, they’re somewhat reasonable. My only hesitation is the small gold logo. I wish it were blind embossed (like on the Tilla style - also very good looking). I’m not sure if the identity of Calvin Klein as a luxury brand will ever return from its heyday before the label was segmented, licensed, over marketed and discounted into a zillion categories. I’m hopeful with Veronica Leoni as Creative Director though and love her vision for Calvin Klein Collection. The style, craftsmanship and attention to detail is beautiful and stands on its own without the addition of a logo.
PENCIL SKIRTS
I’m making an effort to wear more skirts. I have two maxi pencil styles, in navy and black, from the glory days of Matches Fashion. They are perfect in every way and fit in with the renaissance of 90s minimalism. I’d like to introduce two new pieces—an embellished/printed design and a deep brown leather fit. I’d style them casually with a poplin shirt, silk blouse, or slouchy sweater to make them feel more everyday rather than special. Kallmeyer’s leather skirt is a top contender. And for an even more casual option, don’t forget the COS denim skirt, which is almost identical to this from Tom Ford. Embellished or special treatment goes to Dries Van Noten (always) and the floral-applique on Shushu/Tong’s brown midi skirt.
PILOT FRAMES/NEW SUNGLASSES
I realize I’m late to the game on oversized frames, I just haven’t been that motivated to look or shop for a pair. That changed after my recent trip to Italy, where the most stylish women stood out with this simple accessory. I’m referring to women wearing the basics I turn to daily - like jeans and a tee - but with a distinct Italian flair. Adding a pair of pilot shaped acetate frames is an instant outfit upgrade. A gradient or semi-opaque lens adds to the allure. I’m not interested in drama with an oversized statement fit, just something reasonable, new, and chic. So, off to hunt I go. Any tips on the pair worn by Claire Thomson-Jonville above? My sleuthing brings me to a pair from Saint Laurent or Brunello Cucinelli…any others?
A BIT OF ARGYLE
I’ll end this post with argyle. The diamond motif has caught my eye this season courtesy of the latest iterations in unique colors and playful scale. The runway treatments from Celine, Miu Miu and Khaite prove the pattern’s endless versatility for reinvention. There are a number of references to use as a jumping off point with argyle’s heritage-rich roots and country club prep. A hint of nostalgia is clear.
From Arch4’s embroidered stitching to Brodie’s pared back design, argyle looks most on-point with unexpected details. I’d wear with leather (pants or skirt) or dark denim and layer with a striped shirt - collar and cuff exposed. With a nod to tradition, the most stylish finds manage to balance a retro vibe with a modern edge.