We’re officially more than halfway into the year! It’s a good time to zoom out and see which Workhorses are earning their place in my closet and yours.
These 10 items have served me more than anything else in 2026.
Icon button down by The Shirt: what makes it special is the No Gape tech, so you can feel confident at work (or really anywhere). Working with students & faculty, I appreciate this.
M. Gemi Una flat: I get compliments every time and can do 10K steps.
Loose crop trouser: any trouser I buy will have to measure up to these. They are the one piece I’m not sick of after 5 weeks of wear.
Buck Mason denim shirt: I wanted this damn thing for so long and I should have gotten it sooner because I wear it all the time.
The little bar necklace I wear everyday plays nicely with others.
Away Suitcase: We own 3 different carry-on suitcases by Away so through this accidental experiment, I’ve deemed the bigger carry on as best. If you get treasures on your travels, you can expand significantly (and then check it).
Quince cotton sheets: love these organic fiber. Last set was 2x more; these are…better.
TWP blue shirt: Superfine cotton, drapes beautifully. It’s expensive, but cost-per-wear and all ;)
Hanni: I can’t resist the smell and feel.
Embroidered top: Real fibers and can pair with anything.
These 10 items represent the wisdom of our community. For something to have made this list signals to me that this Workhorse earned a spot in your collective closets—across ages, geographies and lifestyles.
Barrel leg pant: the item our community has ordered more than any other in 2026 (!!). Standard, short, and tall lengths. Not just a stand-in for the loose crop trouser on my list; these hold their own. I love the secret adjustable band.
OMIKA Palma maxi: Several of you have written me to tell me about the places you’ve worn this dress—from work conferences to family travel. Me too! Honorable mention for the hot weather version, the Tillie. And the Amira takes what we love about the Palma and makes it short sleeve.
Cuyana mini bucket bag: that wonderful intersection between designer quality at not-designer prices. Clay is our tried-and-true, but if I were buying one, I’d buy the suede. PS I used to think suede was a fall/winter material but after Copenhagen, I am enamored with the juxtaposition of suede and linen.
Cashmere crewneck: Many of you share my appreciation for a $50 cashmere sweater and got your own. I have the navy but ordered the gray (2 sizes up from my regular) to become a workhorse.
3 looks I saw in Copenhagen that I can adopt with what I already own: paired with a brown bottom (Gray + Brown = Now). A gray sweater with a white a-line skirt (transitional pairing). One more: draped over a white tank.
Look 1: relaxed brown trouser / woven flat
Look 2: white skirt (WOW, 100% cotton outer and lining, on sale for $56 with sale stack) / gunmetal flats (sigh, I want these)
Look 3: white tank / baggy jeans
M.M. LaFleur Jardigan: I can picture all of you looking sharp (and cozy) in your meetings wearing this.
Favorite jeans: we have two favorites around here. The PAIGE Anessa + FRAME’s Le Slim Palazzo. The Anessa is supersoft with a slightly cropped hem and wider leg all the way down. The Le Slim is more snug, almost bordering on a flare. These are “go out” jeans.
Petite jumbo diamond huggies: if you want to put a nice pair of earrings in and wear them every day of your life (showers and workouts included), these are for you. I haven’t taken mine off in 4ish months at this point.
Buck Mason cotton tee: best white t-shirt if you want to go untucked.
Cyrus rug: I think this rug is the community favorite b/c of how versatile it is–from moody office to a bright kitchen.
Striped button down: Channel your Copenhagen cool girl with the Deep Sea Navy thin stripe. Praise be, 100% cotton that’s iron-free (don’t size up, it’s already perfectly oversized).
It’s a Bookworm Summer (and fall and winter and spring). Here’s how I’ve been spending mine:
Last: There Are No Grown-Ups by Pamela Druckerman
Now: Notes from a Big Country by Bill Bryson because reading something about observing America while I observe Denmark is a beautiful irony. And, The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington. Can’t. Put. It. Down.
Next: Ambitious Mother: From Surviving to Thriving in Your Career and At Home by Anne Welsh
Special note on this one! Written by clinical psychologist, executive coach, mother of four, and Prof Off Duty founding member, Dr. Anne Welsh’s Ambitious Mother comes out on August 6. I have a complicated relationship to the word ambition (I don’t like it…), so I can’t wait to read her exploration of the tension between work, identity, and pursuing meaning without burning out. Anne also believes that rest is what gives us energy—even if that looks more like running around the tennis court than a spa day (you know I resonate).
Please support our community member with a preorder!
Baublebar Annual Sale: I have 2 aqua neoprene pouches that are washable! They say “OFF DUTY” and “MARINA”. The Marina pouch holds work essentials (clicker, notebook, power bank, etc.). Everything else lives in Off Duty. Running errands? I only grab Off Duty. This tote is my most used (travel, school, pool). Must get large size! (I have natural with royal blue letters). Fun jewelry I own: rainbow bracelet, beaded necklace, tennis bracelet in 3mm (haven’t taken this off in years, not even for tennis, trick is to get the 6.15 for snugger fit).
EverEve top 3: this tie-neck top, a no-gape dress from The Shirt and if you want to try out the long, pendant necklace trend at an entry price, try this.
Banana Republic top 4: a jean chore jacket and these cotton shorts in avocado green. An embroidered brown pant and the easiest black maxi dress (although I would get green).
25% off entire purchase at Talbots: I ordered this colorful floral button-down and a ruffled chambray top. Both 100% cotton.
Boden top 2: I brought both of these to Denmark, my highest form of endorsement. White embroidered top (was $160, now $96) and boat neck dress (was $110, now $88).
My brain for all of July has been: DENMARK!!!
If you want to catch up, here’s how we planned the trip, the most common questions we got, what it’s really been like, and the ways I’m feeling more American than ever.
Thanks for reading! What’s been your most useful purchase of 2026?
Confidently yours,
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