WARDROBE WRAPPED 2024 - THE LAST NEWSLETTER OF THE YEAR
Top image: Lara in all denim: KHAITE Jinn denim shirt (on sale or similar here), KHAITE Albi high-rise straight jeans (on sale) and THE ROW Constance sandals
There’s no way we’d end the year without saying thank you. The Ceiling’s wardrobe and newsletter stand with you, our readers and followers. It’s because of your likes, subscriptions, engagement, and encouragement that we can keep these coming. And we definitely want to keep them coming. To our paid subscribers: you’re the reason we can go the extra mile—supporting (young) designers and secondhand shopping that we truly believe in. So, thank you. And if this sounds a little sentimental, it’s because it is.
Lara: looking back on this year feels a bit like creating my own Spotify Wrapped—but with my top tier wardrobe pieces. 2024 was the year I joined The Ceiling as a writer, diving deeper into the world of style while sharing and exploring everything that inspires me. It’s been a journey, not just through all that happened this year in fashion but also in getting to know my own style more than ever before.
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Khaite Marfa boots on sale (or here)
Turning 31 this year might have had something to do with it, but I’ve noticed I’m much better at resisting the temptation of new things and quicker at deciding if something truly fits me. Jeans are still my holy grail (currently in rotation are The Row Eglitta’s, Khaite Albi now on sale and my vintage Levi’s). Whereas heels—no matter how stunning—always seem to find their way back into their box. I am a flat shoe-girl, and some of my favorite pairs I bought this year include my KASSL x Tretorn boots, my Khaite Marfa boots (on sale), the adidas x Wales Bonner sneakers (on sale), and an oldie but goodie: a cherished pair of Ilio Smeraldo boots by Tylynn Nguyen, which have been my go-tos all year. My oversized Filippa K coat (one that Charon and I actually bonded over, here is a close alternative), old The Row boots, and chunky knits dominate my current winter wardrobe rotation.
Attending multiple fashion weeks brought a huge dose of inspiration, from the Fall/Winter 2024 collections to the Spring/Summer 2025 shows. The incredible moments I’ve soaked in have me buzzing for the year ahead. My biggest resolution for the new year? Finally committing to a one-in, one-out system. It’s something I’ve talked about for years, but truthfully, I’ve been terrible at sticking to it. Looking ahead to 2025, I’ve already begun plotting my wishlist. Jewelry is taking center stage, with a stunning Elhanati ring, a Juju Vera necklace and this ring from Sophie Buhai high on my list. But 2024 was the year I finally splurged on my dream piece: a beautiful organic diamond Sophie Bille Brahe ring from one of her earliest collections I saw in Copenhagen. It holds such a special and personal meaning—exactly the kind of investment I want to prioritize moving forward. A quote from Jenna Lyons stating that denim and diamonds are the best combination, perfectly sums up the style direction I am planning to embrace for 2025.
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Phoebe Philo Long tabard dress in black leather
Charon: In case you’re just joining, my family of three relocated from Amsterdam to South Africa earlier this year—and it’s the start of summer here. While most of you are wrapped in layers of cashmere, I’m writing this in a Lemaire tank top (which I regret not getting in off-white) and a breezy pair of COS shorts I practically live in. The Christmas holidays—or as they’re called here, summer break—are in full swing, and I’ll be celebrating my first Christmas and New Year’s at the beach (so exciting!).
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Céline Spring/Summer 2018 (shop here)
his year, my entire approach to wardrobe building shifted. Living out of a suitcase for nearly a year (read more here and here) and moving through 14 different homes, I realized how little I actually need. The constant craving for more—or the familiar 'nothing to wear' dilemma—has mostly faded. Next month, as we settle into our long-term home, I’m ready to let go of the pieces that stayed untouched in my luggage all year. In their place: only the functional, the comfortable, or the truly loved—like a kaftan (yes, really). Often dismissed as outdated, Phoebe Philo proves otherwise with these leather (trimmed) ‘tabards’. I’d happily spend the coming months draped in this The Row Saule cotton kaftan (The Row Lanna cotton kaftan 50% off here) this Rick Owens kaftan or Lisa Marie Fernandez woven kaftan (on sale). Not a kaftan, but a cape—this wardrobe favorite from Marie-Adam Leenaerdt (on sale) is too good to pass up.
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The ‘zero’ shoe from Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2025 (similar Balenciaga Rodeo bag here)
The ugly shoe theory, which has popped up here repeatedly over the past year, has been a cornerstone of my wardrobe philosophy for as long as I can remember. Even though it doesn’t always align with my current way of living (read: white Tabis covered in laterite-colored dust), there’s no chance I’m letting it go. Case in point: I’m eagerly awaiting the chance to add this obviously hideous Balenciaga Pre-Fall 2025 shoe to my collection. Are these new ‘zero’ shoes essentially just sports tape or a plaster? Possibly—but I’ll gladly embrace the impracticality. Featured in our latest vintage shopping edit (if you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s packed with personal vintage favorites), I’m currently craving a crisp white tuxedo shirt to add to my collection. Perfect for New Year’s Eve with black trousers and an open shoe, or any fitting occasion (or weekday) after. While obviously drooling over Philo’s version, the options from Filippa K and Toteme feel like a safer choice—especially when kids or red wine spills are involved. Turns out, practicality can be sexy after all.
Whether you're spending it in winter or summer, wishing you all a happy holiday season! For more wardrobe inspiration, visit the Wardrobe—we’ve added a few new styles. See you in 2025.
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