Reading · ARDAS CHANDRA: The Radiant Self

Dear reader,

Consider this my personal take on “outfits for the in-betweens”: between not yet ready and almost ready. And I bet you already have similar pieces in your wardrobe, so consider this your permission slip to play around!

A few keys:

Declare how you want to feel first. For me, the answer is chic and chill meaning feeling polished but relaxed (ease), comfortable yet wrapped in the best quality and comfort (intentionality). Even if I don’t leave the house, I am always ‘almost ready’ to go.
Play with proportions and layers (roll up the sleeves, hardly button that shirt, a V-neck tee feels fresh, pick the sandals…).
Add texture (a belt, a bag, a bangle…) but keep it minimal. Less is more.
Trust that the right bra can literally lift your mood and elevate your outfit.

So, in today’s letter, I’ll show you four simple yet chic and chill outfits you can recreate with what you already have. Got questions about sizing or alternatives? Leave them in the comments!

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Tying a long-sleeve around the waist isn't just practical (extra layer for ‘just in case it gets fresh’) — it adds colour, visual interest, and waist definition. Faded green reads as a soft neutral. The wine/coffee leather bag works surprisingly well with black and silver. It’s a great small ‘day to night’ bag with an adjustable shoulder strap. It can fit your purse book, wallet, sunglasses, phone, keys, lip balm.

Leset Margo V-neck (S, black)
Understatement T-Shirt Bra (S, black)
Leset Yoko Pocket Pant (XS, black)
around my waist: Zara Kids plain tee as seen in this post, alternative: Leset Margo Long Sleeve in sage
The Horse Mini Lottie (coffee, a beautiful deep brown with red undertones)
Margaux The Palermo Wrap Sandal (espresso nappa, true to size)
Jenny Bird Ola bangle (silver)

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The sleeves!! The drape!! Highly recommend this tee, especially if you don’t love your arms but want to show some skin. A very chic belt matching my iPhone case. I get asked about the jeans every time: from ME+EM, and almost sold out (and won’t restock)

440ME Essential Cotton Oversized Tee (S, white)
Understatement T-Shirt Bra (S, warm nude)
ME+EM Clever Jean (23, black)
B-low the Belt Ellie Croco Leather Belt (XS, black gold)
The Horse Fin Drawstring Bag (mushroom)
L’Agence Black Kitten Heels
Monica Vinader Nura Reef Bangle and Signature Link Diamond Slim Bangle

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So simple. Same formula as outfit #1, one small shift: cream flip flops instead of brown sandals. Fresher. They are chic and chill and I thing a Spring/Summer essential, easy to pack, comfortable to walk in, not too precious but still refined.

A moment for the V-neck tee… I believe this is *the* black t-shirt of the season for me. Also, I’m obsessed with this bag — I wrote a post about it (incl. a video) — a very good minimal shoulder bucket bag that I reach for again and again and fits so much (including a book, water bottle, snacks, and all the daily essentials).

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This checked shirt is my new default with black bottoms — barely buttoned, sleeves rolled, no effort required. It's sold out (sorry), but this is your reminder to always browse the COS men's section for shirts, t-shirts and light jackets.

one button, roll up the sleeves and that’s it

Don’t be mistaken, these are brown espresso, not black, and it feels even more intentional, it brings warmth while still feeling polished.

COS Checked Seersucker shirt (Men’s, XS)
Understatement T-Shirt Bra (S, black)
Leset Yoko Pocket Pant (XS, black)
The Horse Esme Tote (coffee)
Margaux The Palermo Wrap Sandal (espresso nappa, true to size)
Jenny Bird Ola bangle (silver)

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BONUS RECOMMENDATIONS!

Well, since you’re still here, I wanted to share a few more things…

The T-shirt bras I mentioned earlier. Slowly rebuilding my underwear drawer project! I can’t even tell you how good it is to know that I now have the perfect bras for all of my T-shirts:

with my new Uniqlo mini tee (size M, it’s ribbed and cream, I love it for the texture!), again, throw any jacket over it, and you’re ready in seconds (but you do need the right bra, I think!)

Always give yourself the best.

Want to keep in touch? Follow along on Instagram and Tiktok.

Want to see what I’m browsing right now? Check out my Latest Finds.

Some links are affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I’m using ShopMy, and you can skip the waitlist and join via my link as a shopper or as a creator.

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Outfits for the in-between moments (never compromise on comfort & confidence ever again)

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