My Most-Worn, Most-Loved

On the heels of this Instagram post garnering so many comments, it became very clear that this AYR button-down is a piece a lot of you have been looking for. A good white button-down can be a workhorse in your wardrobe, but finding a really good one (one that holds up, maintains the perfect shape, has the right proportions, works as a base layer but can also stand on its own) is surprisingly difficult.

When someone asked what I consider my closet staples in August’s Ask Us Anything, I found myself landing on that same AYR white shirt.

I’m not someone who believes every woman should have the exact same 10 pieces in a capsule wardrobe. That said, there are a handful of things I’ve worn, loved, and continued to recommend season after season—the pieces I reach for constantly, buy in multiple colors, and would replace immediately if they went missing.

With the back-to-school, back-to-routine feeling starting to set in, it felt like the perfect time to pull them all together in one place. Consider this my Favorite Things, closet edition.

It might sound like a bold claim, but it’s the best white button-down on the market. I tuck it into a skirt, layer it under a sweater, wear it open over a tank, or throw it on over a swimsuit. It maintains its shape over time, isn’t fussy, and the quality is five-star.

I’ve had hundreds of you DM me over the last couple of years to tell me how much you love this shirt too. If you haven’t tried it yet, I’m confident you’ll understand why once you do.

I’ve tested what feels like a hundred white tees, and this is my favorite (and naturally, the one I wear most). It’s slightly relaxed so it doesn’t cling, but thin enough to layer easily. A simple essential, done very well.

I love these for different reasons. Flore Flore’s Esme tank is my pick when my tank is the top. The fabric is smooth, substantial, and opaque enough to wear on its own.

If I want something more casual, or just to layer, I like this ribbed tank and this high-neck style, both from Perfect White Tee. They have great stretch, and the high-neck sits nicely under pretty much every sweater.

For the days when I don’t want to be in jeans, this pant is my answer. I wear them for school pickup, errands, kids’ birthday parties. Anything I want to be comfortable doing without looking like I just rolled out of the house. The pockets make them feel more like a true pant, and better yet, they’re machine washable. The ultimate ‘Easy Pant.’

If the Leset is my everyday Easy Pant, the Donni taffeta cargo is her elevated older sister. I’ve talked about these so much I wrote an entire Substack post about them.

In taffeta, they feel special, but the cargo shape keeps them from feeling too dressy. Tee and flats during the day; a sheer blouse and kitten heels for dinner.

Hot tip: Donni restocks colors from time to time, but they’re also carried at retailers like Shopbop, Moda Operandi, Revolve, and FWRD. It’s always worth checking around.

When it comes to the perfect sweater, I want the right weight, a fit that’s relaxed without feeling oversized, and proportions that work on their own, over a tee, or under a jacket. The price point is high, but this one hits every mark. It also layers especially well—over the shoulders, tied around the waist, or simply on its own—without ever feeling bulky.

This lounge set gets packed on almost every trip. It’s put together enough to wear as a travel outfit, but still perfect for that in-between time where you’re relaxing but not quite ready for pajamas.

I’m particular about my workout clothes. I want flattering, supportive, and cute enough to wear grabbing a coffee. My go-to matching set is these leggings⁠ and this bra from Set Active⁠. I’ve tried a couple other fabrics from Set and found this one the clear winner.

Another set I have multiples of: Rhone’s Revive Longline Bra⁠ and 7/8 Pocket Legging⁠. The top is the perfect hybrid between a sports bra and a full tank. I’m 5’5” and prefer the ⅞ length, but they also come in a longer option.

I have two answers here, and you’ll see me in at least one of them every day. These Nikes⁠ are my go-to for walking and workouts. These Miu Mius⁠ are what I grab for when sneakers are part of the outfit.

I go through some favorite pairs in my collection here. This shoe withstands the test of time. They work for every phase of life: comfortable, beautifully made, and just the right amount of polish for any outfit.

If the Chanel price point isn’t what you’re looking for, I also love my Margaux ballet flats. Margaux’s shoes are designed for the do-it-all woman, and everything she takes on in her week. Comfortable, classic, and made to be lived in.

If you’re looking for one boot to carry you through fall and winter, this is my answer. The shape works well for day or night. The fitted calf sits beautifully underneath pants and looks incredibly flattering with a dress or skirt. And they’re comfortable enough to actually spend a full day in.

I carry this tote weekly. Errands, workouts, morning drop-off, all of it. If whatever I’m doing requires more than a small purse, there’s a good chance this is the bag I have with me.

The bag I use almost exclusively as my personal item when traveling. I love that it stands up and holds its shape, sturdier than a soft tote. The straps are comfortable, and the large size fits everything we need without feeling unwieldy.

Hopefully this gives you a place to start, whether you’re building out your own staples or replacing any that have seen better days.

If there’s something you’re still hunting for the perfect version of, let me know in the comments and I’ll share my pick. Or chime in with any of your own wardrobe ride-or-dies!

Xx Julia