The Low-Key Rich Bitch Capsule Closet

Spring selects and semi-sardonic styling inspiration.

Throw a red sweater over your shoulders all season long for a practical color pop, especially over this genius convertible shirt dress. A sturdy heel elevates it for lunch but won’t leave your toes throbbing after walking a few blocks. Accessories bring the look up or down. When investing in a watch, always go vintage — they look killer layered with a tennis bracelet. (All item details are in the newsletter footer.)

This newsletter was a direct reader request from Instagram and something I would never think to do on my own — a testament to the fact that this newsletter is a conversation between us, not a dissertation from me to you. I love when you offer up your thoughts, feedback, love notes, and even your snark. So keep it coming, please.

As we’ve been chatting about, there’s a massive conversation about “stealth wealth” in the media lately, which is funny when you think about it, given the contradictory nature of the reporting. If it’s so “stealth”, then why is everyone suddenly trying to look “IYKYK”? I’d venture to say it’s pretty mainstream at this point. So let’s call it something else: how about neo-elegance?

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I love shorts with a longer hemline paired with a heel. Styling this deep-v cardigan with these 7” inseam shorts make it ladylike. I love the idea of a little pop of red peeking out with the bralette. Similarly, good summer suiting can carry a wardrobe on its back worn together or broken into separates.

I like the idea of a capsule closet in theory, it goes back to my earlier thoughts on front-loading the work: high maintenance to be low maintenance if you will. But I find them mostly aspirational rather than practical. So use this as a jumping-off point, but don’t think I intend for you to take it as verse.

If we’re going to get elbow-deep in tedium, as “capsule closets” often are, then I figured I would pull items for where we’re at right now, at the beginning of spring — summer in the sun, winter in the shade kind of weather. I thought about some of my perennial favorites (great knits, crispy poplin) and peppered in some of the season’s trends, namely a through-line of the juicy tomato red that’s everywhere right now. It’s such a great shade. I want to bite into it.

A light blazer is the perfect top layer this time of year, especially blended with other creamy shades — the trick is in the fabrication. Opt for cotton twill and linen blends. I love it styled over a simple tank or dress for the weekend or a trusty trouser for work. And Dad sandals are going nowhere, they’re a great way to toughen up something that’s feeling a little saccharine.

The foundation of the whole neo-elegant, “Low Key Rich Bitch” vibe is really about whispering rather than shouting. That appeals to me because I often feel exhausted by participating in social media, which is, by its very nature, a shouting contest. The people who excel in places like Instagram are often magpies, and while I have nothing against the camera lens, peacocking has never come naturally to me. (I’m far more comfortable with words.)

But as I’ve noted before, one area I love to shine (literally) is with jewelry — and if you’re going to analyze what makes an outfit truly feel rich, I think it’s the finish of a diamond tennis necklace or a substantive gold chain. Here’s some social anthropology via TikTok if you’d like to dive into the background of my current favorite, Sherman Field.

I love a daytime maxi skirt, brilliantly styled here with a simple white t-shirt and chunky gold jewelry. Opt for a crew neck with a boxy cut, and finish it with a big daytime tote. High Sport’s Kick Pants are your answer to school drop-off and other throw-on-and-go activities. They wear like a legging but show like a trouser. Pair them with ballet flats.

My desire for this newsletter to grow and the things I have to do to promote it are often in opposition. For example, I re-joined Twitter after a years-long hiatus. I don’t know if I’ll stay. I used to have over six thousand followers, now I have 6. Are people even on there anymore, besides the media? And as a “member of the media”, am I missing out if I’m not? I’m leaning towards no — streamlining is a mentality I’m adapting with screen time, as well. If I had to pick social platforms, I am really enjoying being on Lemon 8 right now — are you on? It’s pared-back outfit-sharing a la early IG, and I am into it. Join me?

Blue jeans, a killer button-down, and a perfectly worn-in leather jacket will never let you down on those “what do I wear?” days.

So here, in the interest of luxe pragmatism, is a great place to begin your shopping for the season: in a tight palette of coordinating shades, grounded by trusty daytime staples like beater denim and oversized totes — all easily elevated for swankier plans with a little heel or the switch of a bag.

The Capsule

Jackets: Acne leather jacket, Wardrobe.NYC blazer (also love this Toteme)

Knits: Khaite Mae sweater, Toteme oversized cardigan

Tops: Loewe button-down, Everlane box-cut tee, Toteme tank, The Row bralette

Dresses: Toteme tank dress, Loewe shirt dress (check out the multiple ways to button! A very special piece.)

Bottoms: Gap 90’s loose jeans, The Row Gala trousers, Toteme press-pleat drawstring pants, High Sport Kick pants, Toteme press-pleat shorts, The Row ribbed maxi skirt (While I love the Gap numbers above, Levis 505s are still some of the best jeans out there, and they’re really reasonable if you can find them to fit. Apparently, the trick is one size up.)

Shoes: The Row Rai heels, Chanel Dad sandals, Gianvitto Rossi thong sandals, Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina flats, New Balance sneakers, Toteme flat sandals

Jewelry: Dorsey tennis necklace, Sherman Field locket on a chain, Dorsey ring, Spinelli Killcollin ring, Bottega Veneta drop earrings, vintage Cartier watch

Bags: Khaite large Olivia tote, The Row Polly tote, Loewe woven bag, Paco Rabanne chain bag — though worth noting, your old bags are now cool again. So shop your closet too.

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• Back to Basics: the best t-shirts, tanks, socks, and underwear.

• 6 Ways to Style Leggings

• Monday Mood: Super(model) Minimalism: dissecting the street style of Kendall Jenner.