You Asked, I Answered: My Off-Duty Favorites

The truth about my day-to-day wardrobe is that it's built around life's everyday moments: walking the dog, running errands, grabbing a coffee, and playing with my son on the living room floor. So many of the pieces in this edit are my most worn items for exactly those in-between hours, the elevated basics and cozy layers I reach for on repeat when comfort (and washability!) matter just as much as feeling put together. I often don't photograph these items because they aren't the new! exciting! thing! that just came into my wardrobe, but they are definitely worth mentioning since you asked what I wear for life's everyday moments. Below, I'm sharing all of my transitional, off-duty favorites, from perfectly broken-in denim and collected stripes to the flats and totes that finish every look.

What I'm wearing above: This chocolate cashmere silk tee (size up) is the elevated basic I reach for constantly. (A less expensive but equally amazing option here.) Both look amazing with these striped wide-leg pants that are selling quickly, but I know they'll make more because they're so popular. (Size up!)

• My go-to straight-leg jeans for just about every off-duty outfit. The high-rise pinch waist is incredibly flattering, and the relaxed straight leg looks great with ballet flats, sneakers, or boots.
• Slim cigarette pants (15% off with STACIE15) with a hint of stretch are an off-duty essential I've been reaching for since they were delivered a week ago. Pair with a Breton stripe top and flats for a very Parisian errand-running look.
• There's a reason these jeans have a 5,000-person waitlist. The loose straight leg is incredibly flattering, and they look amazing with sneakers for errands or loafers for coffee dates. (Petite readers, please note they offer three lengths! Genius since hemming denim is the worst.)

• I love a peasant style top, especially this time of year. I have a few from Doen including this and this, and Tuckernuck makes a well-priced version too. (Not great if you're leaning over to pick up your kid since the neck is open, but I like these nonetheless.)
• Every closet needs a few perfectly broken-in striped button-ups, and I collect these in a serious way from Ralph Lauren, ME & EM, and Alex Mill. Wear it tucked into trousers or open over a tank for weekend errands.
• A heavyweight Breton shirt in this earthy ecru colorway feels like a fresh take on the classic. I like to size up for that borrowed-from-your-boyfriend look.
• Feminine and functional, this is possibly the chicest henley I've ever seen. (I own it in two colors.) The ribbed cotton silk knit with mother-of-pearl buttons elevates it beyond a basic layer. For a more casual version, I'm wearing this henley as I type. I love pairing it with everything from jeans to boxer shorts for sleeping.

• I have a handful of cotton crewneck/rollneck sweaters that I reach for daily, including this (15% off with stacie15), this, and this. They work for everything from a ball cap and jeans for walking our dog to throwing one on with these shorts for a cloudy beach walk.
• Nothing says fall like cashmere, and this cardigan is the coziest throw-on layer. I love wearing it buttoned up as a top with jeans and ballet flats.
• Cozy yet polished, a great wrap cardigan is the jacket alternative I reach for on cool mornings. (Plus, it kinda feels like wearing a robe out and about?!) Belt it over a tee for dog walks or wear it open with pajamas for morning coffee.
• Preppy with a modern twist, polo sweaters have my heart. This cotton-cashmere rugby polo has the coziest hand feel. The stripes go perfectly with jeans and loafers for a back-to-school vibe I can't resist.

• These are hands down the most comfortable ballet flats ever. I have them in a saddle woven color and a beautiful navy suede, and they go with absolutely everything and look so flattering on-foot.
• Classic brown loafers are a must whether you opt for this iconic style or a chic suede version. These have a timeless menswear shape that looks great with cropped jeans and chinos.
• Leopard print ballet flats are having a major moment, and these modern suede flats I just bought have the most beautiful updated silhouette. (These also look gorgeous and are slightly less expensive.)

• For a sleek everyday bag, this brown leather hobo bag has a beautiful slouchy silhouette that holds everything you need. The soft pebbled leather and suede versions look great with both casual and slightly dressier outfits.
• When you need to carry everything (and I mean everything), this sturdy canvas tote is your best friend. Water-resistant and roomy enough for laptops, books, farmers market hauls, you name it.
• Rue de Verneuil really does make the most beautiful tote bags, like this and this! I love that they have snaps so you can adapt the size of the bag to the load you need to carry, though they are a little silly expensive for a canvas tote. This navy striped canvas tote (20% off with StacieM20) with a leather base is really similar for a fraction of the price.

• I love the paisley print on this quilted jacket. It's the kind of lightweight layer you throw over everything from joggers to dresses as the weather starts to turn.
• I have an embarrassing number of Barbour jackets, but this and this are the two I reach for the most. (Take your larger normal size; these are meant to fit over bulky knits and blazers.)
• How charming is the bandana print on this quilted cotton jacket? It's the lightest layer for cool mornings and looks adorable over a simple tee and jeans. (Pre-order now, ships in September!)
• I just ordered this navy jacquard chore jacket and the textured pattern is gorgeous in person. Layer it over a simple white tee and jeans for instant polish on errand days.

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