
In our biweekly series, editors share "the item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
I take after my (very) tall father. I’m 5'9", while my mother doesn’t hit 5'2". So a few years ago, when my mom was cleaning out the attic of my childhood home, I naturally turned down the offer to take home her forgotten wardrobe from the '80s and '90s. She was, and remains, a total babe with great taste, but I was positive I wouldn’t fit into any of her old duds.
To humor her though, I agreed to hold an impromptu fashion show—Sex and the City style—and try on her old clothes. I discovered something: She had been holding out on me! From the boxes tumbled out plaid skirts (that would feel right at home on the Ralph Lauren runway), buttery leather belts, and wool capes that miraculously fit my 5'9 frame perfectly. Then, from this pile, I spotted the holy grail of hand-me-downs: a fit-and-flare black dress with bright red florals. It would, against all odds, become my go-to outfit.
Me in the dress while on vacation. I styled the minidress with a black crossbody bag and sandals
This vintage '90s dress is a miracle in more ways than one. I have a decent rack and hips much wider than my waist, which makes it tough to find formfitting dresses and tops that don’t pull or tug in all the wrong places. (Button-down shirts? A no for me.) But this piece fit differently from shoulder to hem. The cap sleeves hit my arms at the perfect angle while the v-neck shows off my collar bones nicely and displays just enough cleavage for a date, but also goes unnoticed at the office. It seemed somehow sewn to my exact measurements—I didn't have to resign to an unforgiving fit at the chest or a slouchy waist as I normally do. Plus, the flared skirt offers plenty of room to hide a third-trimester food baby.
I’ve dubbed this dress my "ghost outfit." If I were to die and haunt my friends, this is the piece my soul would wear. In less morbid terms, this item goes everywhere with me: to work dinners, on vacation (it’s traveled to three continents), nights out. I style the frock with a leather jacket and tough sandals in the warmer months. When it's brisk out, I layer it with tights and a pair of boots. Seasonless.
Although you can't get yourself the exact piece (my mother bought it at The Limited back in the early '90s), floral dresses have never completely disappeared from the racks. This Nordstrom version is quite similar.
As for me, I plan to drop by my mom's attic again soon and see what else I can scour.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
Yara Shahidi Joins Forces With Cartier Women's Initiative to Empower Entrepreneurs
"Giving back is essential to existing in the world."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Chloe's Top-Handle Penelope Bag
This eye-catching bag also does good for the planet.
By Sara Holzman
-
Mindy Kaling's Custom Jonathan Simkhai Gown Is a Nod to Chanel Couture
"I feel so confident in this gown."
By Sara Holzman
-
Fashion Test Drive: Isabel Marant's Oskan Moon Bag
"The key word is versatility."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Poppy Harlow
The CNN host's key to a great wardrobe? Borrowing from her stylish friends.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Making of Ariana DeBose's Custom Versace Gown
"When I first saw it, I was left speechless."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Silvia and Sofia Tcherassi
"Waking up early in the morning is a must."
By Sara Holzman
-
What I Wear to Work: Cynthia Rivas
For one of fashion's favorite skincare gurus, great skin is the ultimate accessory.
By Sara Holzman