MORE THINGS I LEARNED FROM LIVING OUT OF A SUITCASE FOR MONTHS

Top image: FERRAGAMO Vintage Hobo bag, FLORE FLORE Black Esmé tank top, similar boxers here, similar grey sweat shorts here and here and MAISON MARGIELA white Tabi ballet flat similar here or here

Charon: A whole season has passed, and yet another major sale is sweeping across the other side of the continent, while I am still living out of the same suitcase. Having lived in South Africa for five months (and counting), I've now begun curating my wishlist in online shopping carts, planning to place orders right before my temporary homebound journey in about a month. After this radical fashion diet, it’s remarkable to see that almost exclusively men's fashion-inspired pieces have made the cut (like this Acne Studios hoodie and Y-3 Track jacket).

JOSEPH Cashair cashmere V-neck sweater, THE ROW Stanton cotton-blend shorts, ADIDAS + Wales Bonner SL76 leather-trimmed brushed-suede and mesh sneakers and ANN DEMEULEMEESTER Jule small belt bag

Staying excited about getting dressed from my same traveling wardrobe has become more challenging since "Things I Learned From Living Out Of A Suitcase For Months (part 1)." I often feel like I have nothing to wear, yet I manage to get dressed every day. Interestingly, my boyfriend—whose wardrobe consists almost entirely of items I borrow for these newsletters—doesn’t seem to struggle with any of this. As I’ve noted before, men’s fashion is unparalleled—if only it were tailored for women. How is it that after countless women’s shows, one glance at Prada Men’s SS25, and I still want to look strictly 'comme des garçons'?

Prada Spring 2025 Menswear 

To me, dressing well means finding the right balance between chicness and comfort. Women’s fashion can often feel temporary, staged, and overcomplicated—not very ‘je ne sais quoi’. This trend-driven approach takes a serious toll on quality and leads to more frequent purchases. In contrast, men’s fashion is crafted with more durable fabrics and designed for longevity, resulting in versatile pieces that evolve through subtle refinements. These garments feel more familiar to me, and in that way, effortless.

  Navy wol top similar here (on sale), FLORE FLORE Off-white Max long sleeve t-shirt, ARKET Square-neck swimsuit, similar grey sweat shorts here and here, similar belt here and MAISON MARGIELA white Tabi ballet flat similar here or here

 SOPHIE BUHAI Gold vermeil hoop earrings, similar fitted shirt here, FERRAGAMO Vintage belt similar here or here, similar grey sweat shorts here and here, black leather loafers similar here and here (on sale)

Even with a slightly worn-out wardrobe, I continue to discover new vibrancy in men’s fashion. As you might expect from me by now, I raided this all-American classic gray sweatshort from my man’s wardrobe and have been wearing it on repeat. The sweat ensemble (sweatshirt and sweatshort), introduced in the early 20th century as utilitarian garments for male athletes, has evolved into a personal favorite staple for reasons far beyond mere comfort and practicality. The sweatshort, in this case, delivers that necessary clash in an outfit. It whispers, “I'm chic, but wait, I'm n(h)ot.” It perfectly encapsulates the dynamic reality of my life (and that of many others). It’s a stylish yet practical statement piece that effortlessly balances elegance and ease.

ARKET Square-neck swimsuit or try these, these or these, similar grey sweat shorts here and here, local South African beach bag and MAISON MARGIELA white Tabi ballet flat similar here or here

Hot Tod's

As a model in the 2010s, I frequently worked with the Milan-based luxury brand Etro. Veronica Etro, the creative director of Etro’s women’s collection at the time, would enter the shoot location with her long, glorious dark brown hair gleaming, always wearing a pair of impeccable Tod’s loafers. I remember being unable to take my eyes off her footwear—those Tod’s were the epitome of louche, decadently casual elegance. Yet, despite my obsession, I never ended up buying a pair for myself. Somehow, they didn’t seem to work for me. I convinced myself you needed to be either Italian or middle-aged to truly rock a pair of Tod’s.

TOD’S Gommino Bubble in Pony-skin Effect Leather, or how about this TOD’S Boat Gommino and this black classic pair.

Being clearly under the influence of The Row Lucca loafers (in taupe here) and the Miu Miu boat shoe today, I am back to believing that the right Tod's can add that element of intrigue, clash, or surprise to a daily uniform. I am aiming towards the classic Gommino (pebble in Italian) style, more slipper-like than loafer-like due to the 133 rubber pebbles that replace the sole. Originally designed as a driving shoe, they sealed their success when photographed by paparazzi on Gianni Agnelli, the head of Fiat and an Italian icon, in 1952. Once again, another classic with its origins in men's fashion and a variation on the ‘ugly shoe’ and/or 'middle-aged man' effect that I (we) subconsciously keep looking for in an outfit.