Ask TOGS!
Your questions, answered.
Happy Ask TOGS week! In the four months that we’ve been writing this newsletter, we’ve received the most thoughtful messages from readers. Questions, comments, love notes, all so gracious and kind and reassuring that what we’ve got going here is worth continuing. And this week was no different- I put out a call for questions and holy cow did you all deliver! So this will be Part 1.
I want to drop a few love notes here, anonymously, so that readers can get a glimpse into the community you’re all a part of:
"When I became more involved with the outdoor industry, it felt like there was this idea that fashion didn't have a place in it. As someone who's often been the only woman in many male-dominated spaces, I felt like I had to strip my love of fashion in order to not appear as too "feminine". I've been trying to reclaim this aspect, and love that you're creating a space to celebrate this!"
“Thanks for rekindling my curiosity in fashion and empowering me to take ownership of my style!"
"I’m a passionate skier, but also as passionate about fashion and design. Balance is key, and having a fusion of the two (IMO) is imperative. Having a space where we touch on both gets me fireddd up!”
These truly make me weak. So teary. Thank you to EVERYONE who has left a kind note. I read everyone of them and cry every time. But I think it’s nice for you all to see how amazing and like-minded this group is as well.
It’s more than just fit checks and OOTDs, it’s much deeper than appearances, and bigger than Hadley and I. Folks of all genders getting stoke from branching out, expressing themselves through functional fashion and celebrating individuality in their respective environments.
So while I try and swallow this lump in my throat…here’s the first batch of questions:
How did you discover your personal style? And tips for uncovering our own:
I will first give the class homework. This podcast is the one Hadley and I briefly mentioned in our Blister interview, originally shown to me by my friend Ian. it is required listening.
The Ezra Klein Show- How to Discover Your Own Taste
I don’t like to define my personal style in any absolute way because it feels limiting to me. I’ve seen the “three word” personal style method going around on TikTok that was originally coined by stylist Alison Bornstien. I gave it a bit of thought before firmly deciding that wasn’t for me. Style is always changing and evolving as we are, hopefully. If it helps you pinpoint or define why you like a certain style, I can see how it can be a helpful starting place. But I personally think that style is inherently more free than that, and I would hate to stifle it for no real reason. Everything else in the world has so many constraints and rules to adhere to, I like to let style change with my moods and what’s inspiring me in that very moment. I want to allow myself to be drawn to something that wouldn’t normally associate myself with because how do you know you feel something towards anything until the first time you discover it for yourself? And this is true for taste of all kinds- we don’t box ourselves in for foods we like, or art we’ve already seen. Just because you live in a mountain town doesn’t mean you only eat burgers.
However, I have become increasingly critical of why I think I like something. Especially when buying new. Why is something calling to me? Is it really something I like or is it something I think I should like?
In the podcast, author Kyle Chayka quotes Montesquieu- “Natural taste is not a theoretical knowledge. It’s a quick and exquisite application of rules which we do not even know.” When you’re just drawn to something (and not because of the Pinterest algorithm lens you’re seeing things through) that’s where the ineffability of taste really lies. Chayka goes on to say “I think having taste seems more important than ever, or cultivating your own taste, because you are surrounded by so many options and because it’s so easy to be passively fed whatever you’re looking for. Taste is always a way of carving out a distinction for yourself and figuring out who you are. And I think that’s more important when algorithmic feeds try to tell you who you are all the time.”
“Copy and pasting” is unfulfilling and unsustainable. You’re never going to be happy with your own style and taste if it means nothing more to you than you liked how it looked on someone else.
Without doing the work to discover the ways in which your own culmination of life experiences and innate likes and dislikes create a distinction for yourself, it’s hard to understand what is shaping your personal taste.
A lot of words to say just try things out and go on a discovery mission. Nothing is permanent and no choice has to be lifelong, that’s the fun in style and personal taste. If you wear a lot of colors and patterns one day, that doesn’t mean you can’t go minimal the next. I don’t expect to ever arrive at a personal style destination. It’s fluid and ever changing, a reflection of whatever any given day feels like.
Additional reading: Harling Ross Anton’s Gumshoe about thinking like a Collector rather than a buyer.
She writes, “Collectors may buy into certain trends, but they do so selectively — i.e. only when that trend speaks to an intrinsic sense of taste or proclivity that predates the trend in question. The goal is for taste to influence your relationship with trends, not for trends to mold your taste. They should be the footnote instead of the driving thesis behind your “collection.”
How to wear oversized clothing without being eaten up
Great question. As someone who is 5’ 3” (read 5’ 2”) but also loves oversized clothes, this is something I constantly checking. This might be an annoying answer but I really believe that your posture and demeanor is step one. Standing tall and confidently can make most things look good, and slouching in oversized clothes is just not going to do it.
Structure- A big oversized coat is so chic because it’s oversized but with structure. A giant oversized hoodie has no structure, but maybe styled with a structured trouser or skirt, it can bring some funk.
Balance- Growing up, I always heard of the fashion “rule” to pair something fitted with something baggy, but I think that a rule that should be broken. Pairing multiple oversized things together can be so chic, you’ll know when something’s on if it’s just too much. But there’s ways to achieve the concept of balance in other ways. Maybe it can be where you show skin, or the type of shoe, or accessorizing in more dainty or refined ways.
Here are some examples:
Here we have two oversized articles of clothing. I think it still works because the top has some structure and dynamic shape. Between the neckline and the sleeves, there’s some skin showing to help break it up. And the difference in color weight helps.
Here we have the same baggy pants (surprise the waist is blue denim!) and an oversized sweater. The v-neck letting some skin show and the accessories give this look some balance. The fitted scarf and narrow ballet flats help balance out the oversized-ness. Because they are the pop of color, it brings the eye to those spots rather than to where the majority of fabric is.
Here we have some baggy pants, a tunic style tank, and a boxy jacket. While the jacket on its own isn’t exactly oversized, I feel that all paired together, it’s an oversized look. I think adding a fitted boot with a heel helps here because it creates an element of structure with the sharper squared off toe.
How do I dress nice in a Mt. town and still get local discounts?
This comes from one of our male readers who I consider to have great personal taste! I love this question. How to walk the line between I look nice and I look like I don’t live here. Here’s what I’d do: jUxtApOsEeeee! And shop local.
So we’ve got a nice button down and sweater with some comfy but elevated corduroy pants. I friggen love a man in cords. Or a woman in cords. It’s the cords for me.
Corduroy lovers: these Fine Wale Corduroy Dress Pants from Lands End are not only affordable, but you can select ANY inseam and cuffed or uncuffed for free. You’re welcome, just credit me.
If we’re in the day time, pop on a hat or tote from a local shop (not like a generic Breckenridge t-shirt shop hat, but maybe your favorite local cafe). If you’ve got a more casual shoe, then get some nicer pants. If you’re wearing a cool loafer or chukka boot then you could dress it down if you want with some technical or workwear pants. If it’s a nice dinner look where you wouldn’t wear a hat or market tote, then perhaps a cool vest with a pin? Or personalize a chore coat with a vintage patch that only locals are privy to?
How do I make ACL recovery fits look cute with my ugly knee brace?
Ok I think the brace should be the star. I’m envisioning some velcro patches where you can interchange different items depending on your mood. You can have some velcro fake flowers and plastic carrots so you can sport a spring garden motif. You can have some velcro memorabilia of whatever hockey team strikes you fancy for playoffs. Think crocs jibbitz but for the brace.
Additionally- we all could use a versatile poplin midi skirt this summer, and how cute to comfortably cover the brace when you’re wanting to! Heal up <3
Need new sandals for summer!
Recent substack and blog searches for sandals have left me annoyed because everyone is linking sandals from The Row and Khaite and Proenza Schouler. Like obviously. If I could just afford those I wouldn’t be scouring for sandal recs. I’d also be on a beach already if I was just buying thousand dollar sandals left and right. So here are some other options.
-Fisherman sandals! I’m loving this style so much right now because I think you can wear them all the way into late fall because how cute are they with socks. They’re also pretty timeless even with them being in style at the present moment. Great for mountain towns because they’re always in sport mode and can handle a little off roading. I’m about to get myself some and I think I’ve landed on these from Gardenheir- I’ll report back. I also love these ones at G.H. Bass, Madewell, Free People, Plasticana, & Dragon Diffusion.
-J Crew’s sandal selection is on an absolute ROLL right now. They are so elevated, you could wear them dressed up and down like crazy.
-A comfy wide strap sandal like these from Rothy’s have also caught my eye.
-A basic black flip flop can look really chic! Don’t bother getting the Tony Bianco ones like I have, they are so painful. Just a basic affordable black flip flop will do the trick.
Workout clothes! Hiking clothes! Guide to hiking apparel? Cool AND good quality hiking boots for different occasions:
Just going to spam some brands here:
I do work with FP movement often, but genuinely love their things and they’re only getting better every season. Here’s my top spring/summer pieces I love from them: anything from the never better collection (what old Lululemon used to be like. So soft but compressive, ugh perfection.) this cami, these pants, this tank. They are my go-to for workout clothing.
Additional workout clothing brands I like: Beyond Yoga (softest leggings), Tracksmith, Vuori, Lululemon when on sale, and Mate the Label for organic cotton options. Kinda basic but that’s what I wear.
In the hiking category! I like REI (ofc), Toad and Co, Hikerkind, Sweaty Betty, Gramicci, I like some but not all things from Topo Designs (their sizing can be crazy but I do like the River Shorts) and Seniq: New brand alert! Such great quality, women-owned, and gives back to mental health causes.
I like to be playful with what I wear hiking- adding a silk neck scarf or cargo vest. Because you could wear totally techy stuff or you could go for some fun vintage vibes.
You didn’t really ask for it, but for camping clothes here’s some fun options: these Cookman Pants make for a great affordable and cool camp pant. I love everything at Jungmaven, and Kavu has great stuff.
Hiking clothes can be so many things! Depending on the weather and the length of the hike, you could wear a whole spectrum of clothes. I think the important thing to think about are fabrics that you’re choosing, how comfortable they are with repetitive motions, and what you’re bringing for inclement weather.
You know I’m a huge proponent of natural fibers. I’d stay away from synthetic hiking baselayers for a lot of reasons, but the stank is a big one in the summer.
(I talked about why natural fibers rule in a previous letter that you can read below:)
Tell me all things HATS! Especially recs for a good five-panel hat: brimmed, beanies, etc.
I’m a hat gal through and through. Here are my favorites in the quiver right now.
Toques! (I’m not Canadian, but am I allowed say toque instead? ‘Beanie’ feels awful in my mouth. Canadian friends please weigh in)
From top left, clockwise. 1&2: My most asked about fleece hat from Dasoro. My friends started this company and they are genuinely the best hat. Bonus floating yellow hat: Capeesh via the lovely ladies at Butte & Co in Crested Butte. Unique alternative to the Arcteryx hat. 3: Tio Lee Fargo Hat. You know I love this one and they’re the most wonderful people behind the brand. Warm, silk lined, and so so fun. 4: Color Telluride Tassel Toque. Local friend’s shop with their take on a classic shape, it’s great. Bonus floating swirl hat: Ostrya Swirl Beanie. Love this brand, sucker for any swirl. 5: Skida Alpine Hat. I’m sure most of us know, but if you’re not familiar with Skida you should be! It’s classic mountain uniform but for good reason- unbelievably functional and so many fun patterns. Best under helmet hat. 6: Merge Roulé Toque. One day I’ll visit the lovely Merge shop in person, but until then I’ll admire from afar. Love this happy hand knit number.
Brimmed hats!
From top left, clockwise. 1: Brother Brother Cap. My go-to favorite hat you see me wear all the time, just the perfect fit. 2: Skida hat, in this pattern specifically. 3: Kavu Strap Cap. A classic. 4: Ebbets Field cap. So many great vintage styles and amazing quality. 5: Klattermusen Ansur hat. Love these hats for anything sporty, they cinch and are crushable. 6: Vintage Moes Bagel hat. The best dad hat style caps are vintage, period. And there’s so many out there. Other notable brands for hats are: Katin, Clare V, Ampal Creative, and Jungmaven.
I am curious where you mainly absorb your inspiration from? Are there certain apps, platforms, magazines, shows, etc that you particularly feel inspired by? Like I’ve read in past TOGS articles, it can be so hard not to fall into perfectly curated ads on social media platforms or the limitations of the Pinterest for you page. Your style has been a huge inspiration to me for years and I would just love to understand your approach to keeping your wardrobe fresh and current, yet still sustainable.
I love this question! And ah. Thank you. I’m honored.
There is so much out there it can be entirely overwhelming to go out in search of inspiration for anything. Nothing ever looks as aesthetically pleasing in real life ad it does on a crisp Pinterest page.. if you’re looking for perfection. So training you brain to find real, raw, and flawed things as inspirational is a nice place to start.
I love finding clothing inspiration from color palettes around me. This is my view as I’m writing this right now, and the outfit I put on that was inspired by it. Pretty much pajamas to be cozy while writing but with a little intention.
I love watching runway shows. I’m partial, as you all know by now, to Copenhagen Fashion Week. In part because of the Scandinavian style and broader way of nordic living, but also because of the emphasis on sustainability that runs through the whole show. I really love seeing what’s happening on a higher fashion level and trying to distill those trends into wearable everyday things.
The denim and sheer that was all over the runway for FW24….
…was what was inspiring me here:
The fashion in old movies is something I’m always getting inspired by. Most recently I watched High Society with my parents and I was in awe of Grace Kelly’s dress. So I put this in a folder on my phone where I keep all sorts of inspiration.
Some other notable inspiration in that folder:
Photo of the TV while my roommate was playing Hogwarts Legacy. Would wear.
This baby outfit. So would wear.
Vintage catalogs are also a wealth of inspiration. Here’s a secret stash I’m going to let the deserving TOGS readers in on- archivepdf.net
I’ve been dying over this series by @ AccidentalInfluencer on Instagram, outfits inspired by interiors:
I do this in my head all the time but she was creative enough to lay it out for you. ugh YES ugh.
Inspiration is really all around. Often, the more unorthodox the vehicle for inspiration is, the more impactful it becomes. Meaning that you know you’re going to find something inspiring logging onto Pinterest, but when you find it when you’re not looking or in places you least suspect?! That’s the sweet spot.
Would also love to know how you are able to recycle pieces in your wardrobe and still create new outfits that are exciting to you?
I’m not going to try and answer this here because this question needs a full letter dedicated to it!! From a sustainability and practicality stand point, this is the most important practice you can implement when it comes to your wardrobe. Stay tuned for this one.
What are your top brands you buy your clothes from?
This is always changing and I don’t think I have top brands per se but here’s a handful of the ones that come to mind:
-Garmentory: Not a brand, but a marketplace of independent boutiques from all over- a really innovative concept that has a lot of my dream brands in one place. I gotten a few of my favorite pieces I own from here because of the sales via the small businesses.
-For basics, I tend to check Madewell, Everlane, J Crew, and Banana Republic.
-I also love the elevated basics I’ve gotten from Cos, and sweaters from Sezané and James St. Co.
-For more affordable beachy or vacation things I always check Vrg Gal, Sabo Skirt, Mango, Peppermayo, and Parfois (if the ship to US now?)
-I also check online at stores like Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, W Concept, Backcountry, REI, etc.- they have some big sales that the individual brands might not.
And I always look on depop, poshmark, eBay, or other second hand sites before ordering anything. I’d much rather buy a second hand unique and more affordable version of something I saw online. Also recommend the ‘Honey’ internet extension- saves me lots of money.
Favorite technical underwear?? Thinking sweaty activities like ski touring or backpacking
I’m ready to slingshot my Victoria’s Secret underwear into the next valley because of how much they infuriate me. Without giving tmi, they’re just tooo small and prone to shifting during exercise if you catch my drift.
One thing I think about often is the abundance of micro plastics in our clothes. I talked about this in an earlier letter here, but we know that shedding of plastics occur with fabrics like polyester and other synthetic materials and are absorbed into the skin. I think about this when I’m hiking or ski touring and about the fabric touching these very sensitive and delicate parts of our bodies. For men and women. Yikes.
This is something I haven’t fully delved into, so I’m going to try out a few brands and report back. No more cheap synthetic underwear 2024!
(I will say for my smaller busted ladies out there- the Patagonia Barely There bra is my absolute favorite.)
Fav account that teaches clothes saving tips? Like small sewing repairs etc?
I am always in search of more knowledge of how to best repair my clothing! When I was younger and buying cheaper things, I also never cared much to repair them. Maybe because the item itself was almost too cheap to try and keep around when it started to deteriorate. Horrible cycle.
But as I get older and choose quality over quantity, I care so much more about keeping these quality items around.
YouTube is simply the best. You really can learn how to fix anything. Last year, after a year of not wearing it, I repaired my beloved second-hand Mountain Hardwear down jacket after puppy Squid chewed off the zipper. I’m very much a beginner when it comes to repairs, but oof zippers are a challenge. But eventually I did it! It’s cheesy but I care about that coat so much more now because I feel like I saved it from a landfill twice over. How big is my head walking my rescue dog in that coat with my reusable water bottle hahah.
Some more niche aesthetically pleasing accounts I like are @mindful_mending, @ministryofmending, @visable_creative_mending on Instagram, and @second.life.studio on TikTok.
I also love the ease of Noso patches, especially the design on this one.
Phew. That might be all I can fit into this letter, but stay tuned for part two where I will answer these questions and more!
What to wear for a bachelorette or any other bridal events?
Sustainability beyond brand practice: overconsumption in thrifting, how to actually repair things, what makes something last, how taste changes and how to handle it.
I’ve really been struggling on how to play into fashion without feeling too out of place amongst a sea of Melly’s. Can you talk about how you take regular mountain typical pieces and use them to elevate your style?
Favorite mountain town friendly shoes (that aren't just blundstones) !!!
Where to get silk scarves!
THANK YOU for writing in!! Hope this helps a bit, remember that fashion is fun and rules are for breaking.
Love love love,
Kellyn
Needle and Shred is one of my BFFs partner's business! Jeremy is super talented - love seeing that shout out here :D
On the note of repairs, there is a little shop in Victor, Idaho called Needle and Shred that can repair basically any clothes or gear. They are amazing and charge so reasonably. They fixed a very broken zipper on my ski boots for only $30 after even skimo co in Salt Lake turned me away. I know many Togs readers are not located in the Tetons, but I suggest looking around to see if there are any shops like this in your area when in need! If not, I imagine the folks at Needle and Shred might be open to accept items via mail. (Needle & Shred Website: https://www.needleshred.com)