There is freedom in this

After a tough and divisive week in the world of global politics, it feels good to write about finding our small freedoms and flexing our authenticity.

On a smaller scale, in the world of Substack, it feels as though there has been a surge in the number of new writers on here - a huge welcome and happy writing! This is a great space - positive, encouraging and niche, in the best possible way. I started publishing on Substack nearly a year ago now, journaling my personal journey towards a more sustainable style, whilst exploring style inspiration and positive style practices along the way, and I have already found an amazing group of writers whose content resonates with me (see below).

The (s)low down

For me, Substack represents freedom, authenticity and connection. Let’s not make it a numbers game, just like every other social media app. This space feels special, and free of those social constraints. Hence the title of this week’s post and the focus for our sustainable style practices - there is freedom in this.

We all like to feel on the inside, in the loop or in the know. That’s what makes us human - we live for communality. But whether it’s age or stage of life (IYKYK), I’ve realised that I’m starting to care less about what others think, and it feels good! The truth is no one really cares what you wear - of course unless you operate in fashion circles and it’s your livelihood. But for the rest of us, no one really cares that you spent £300 on your jeans and that you think they look better than a £30 pair, or that you have considered your outfit carefully and that it ‘speaks’ of your three style words. And in knowing that, there is freedom. In throwing off these notions, I am reminding myself of some simple authenticity-seeking advice:

• Get dressed, speak of your personal style, but only do it for yourself, and only if it brings you joy.

• If it causes you stress, or you feel unanchored in your personal style, go back to basics, and dress for yourself and not for the consumption of social media.

We are under so much pressure in life, getting dressed shouldn’t be another marathon task. I love that

Xue

“found moments of solace and small joys” in her wardrobe this week:

These past few weeks have reminded me that style doesn’t have to be a source of pressure or another to-do. When everything else feels like it’s on the brink of spinning out of control, clothes can be a tiny oasis, a reminder of who I am beneath the fatigue.

There’s comfort in slipping into pieces that feel like home, especially on days when my mind feels frayed. Choosing softness, fluidity, and ease—and maybe a touch of drama—isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about reconnecting with the small flickers of confidence and joy that my favorite pieces spark in me.

Speaking of which, this outfit from the week brought me joy. I’ve been obsessing over Lisa’s Substack style of late (and happy birthday for this weekend Lisa!). Her style is eclectic and fun, pairing more formal or tailored items with casual or slouchy pieces to create the perfect high-low blend, and often finished off with some seriously excellent outerwear. She leans into both shape and texture and is bold with it. I spied this outfit and immediately set about recreating it with what I already own. The peak of the bold pattern under a slim fitting knit, paired with wide leg jeans, speaks of my three style words - casual, minimal and street.

Lisa Ing Marinelli, me - COH Ayla jeans, H&M Premium flats (old, similar here), Zara cashmere (old, similar here), H&M striped top, Loel & Co. chain

Inspiration and wish list pieces

This week’s inspiration is a smorgasbord of images that caught my eye over the course of the week. If I had to identify a communality, I would say it’s ‘clever layering’. As you can see,

Lisa’s Substack

features here too! Such clever layering of sportswear under a check blazer, and grounded by the colour matched cap. I will most definitely be recreating this look too.

Emily Urbano

is a style minimalist’s dream - I love her quiet elegant styling. Here she layers some really simple staples - a white tee, grey cardigan and blue jeans - but adds a touch of drama with a maxi black coat. You might remember this image of

Angie Uh

from a few months ago when she recreated various looks from The Row with her own pieces and cleverly layered this ‘hero’ grey knit over a satin lace skirt and jeans - this look has stayed with me since and I’m still searching for an excellent preloved satin skirt with which to recreate this look. This image from Pinterest has me crushing on white socks with loafers, which is hugely appealing in my 'preppy’ phase and with the recent addition of some preloved G.H. Bass loafers to my wardrobe. Very excellent sock length too. Louise Byrne is one of my longest standing style crushes and I love her inspiration here to layer a knitted triangle scarf (homemade I should add) to her Autumn outfits.

Clockwise from left: Lisa Ing Marinelli, Emily Urbano, Angie Uh, Pinterest, Louise Byrne

Suzie Kondi velour set

Following on from last week’s style muse, Joanne in Nobody Wants This, I’ve added a Suzie Kondi velour tracksuit to my wish list. Preloved searches have been set! I love the slightly harem style of these Tosk joggers and batwing sleeve of the sweatshirt. Obsessing.

Jamie Heller Daily Sweatshirt and Arc Lounge Pant

I’m obviously seeking comfort this week with another loungewear set on the list! But these pants, oh my goodness. I can’t unsee them having first spied them on

Angie Uh

’s Monthly High-Five. She describes them as the perfect “I want to wear sweats but still feel modern and chic” option. This set is completely aspirational for me and my current budget, so rather than wish listing these exact pieces (or searching for them preloved because they are new season), I will take this inspiration and have a little internet scour later on for a straight hem lounge pant. Here are some initial findings from COS and Free People.

Citizens of Humanity Ayla Raw Hem Jeans

Do you follow

Jane Herman

? She is a one stop shop for all things denim, and so knowledgable! In her recent post exploring what sneakers to wear with what jeans shape, she styled the COH Ayla in the raw hem finish.

So You Want to Wear Sneakers with Jeans

I love how cropped these are and how good they look with a cool sock offering and a high profile trainer, like these Autry (which I already own). These jeans are being firmly added to my winter wish list.

Jane on Jeans

In a little update from my post two weeks ago, I’ve taken the plunge and purchased the Casa Ayllon Casilda pouch, after seeing that it was also included in Monikh’s Sunday 16 - validation or what?! I’m so excited to style it for the festive season and beyond.

Also you might remember that I found and purchased the previously wish listed Tess bodysuit from Tove on Vinted. However I don’t like how it sits on me so will be selling it on my Vinted (sorry international readers!) as well as my Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce bag. Watch this space.

Thank you for reading and I hope that there was something helpful for you in here. Wishing you a lovely week and hoping to see you next weekend, Jenny x

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