Winter Season Base Formulas: A Tale Of Clogs, Joggers, And V-Necks
A realistic look at my winter wardrobe uniforms—plus a must-listen fashion podcast tip with some of the most incredible guests.
Quick note before diving into today’s newsletter! As you might have noticed, In Bare Form is now Bare & Butter. Yes, another name change—but hear me out. Bare & Butter feels raw yet rich, stripping things down to the essentials while keeping them smooth and genuine. Sometimes change really is for the better. But I have a feeling this one might stick.
Now, onto the main event: winter outfit base formulas. In light of my newly acquired challenge—setting a fashion spend budget for the year—I’ve decided it’s time to get strategic. Enter: seasonal outfit formulas. This newsletter is essentially a very realistic showcase of what I’ve been wearing (and will continue to wear) all season long. I’ll be focusing on the bases of my outfits, so if you’d like to know more about some jewellery pieces, please read my jewellery edit.
Surprisingly, I’ve been really content with these outfit bases for the past few months. I’m not browsing as much as I used to, and I spend less time thinking of what I’m going to wear before heading out the door. Maybe I’m finally embracing boredom in fashion? And I think I love it?
LOOK 1
This has become my go-to “I can’t think right now” office outfit—and yet, I feel so good in it. As Becky Malinsky recently declared in her newsletter, the v-neck is finally back, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been wearing this cashmere one from Uniqlo at least twice a week since October, to the point where I’m refreshing their site every hour, waiting for a restock in other colours. I love how the waist part doesn’t cling too close to my hips. As for under-layers, with the freezing temps in Belgium lately, I’ve been reaching for these thin merino turtlenecks as well in various colours—or just any shirt or top. Socks are always dark grey ARKET rib socks.
LOOK 2
Lately, I’ve been leaning into activewear as part of a non-active look, and I have to say—it’s working for me. At the end of the day, comfort is queen, and 90% of the time, it’s what determines whether something actually gets worn. Considering I work from home most of the time, these barrel leg joggers have been on heavy rotation. When running errands, I just throw on any long coat.
LOOK 3
I love my wide-leg trousers, but lately, I’ve been rediscovering my tapered ones from the back of my closet—especially paired with my pointy boots. The combination feels so sleek and pulled-together, perfect for date night. For reference: denim (Mece Vintage Black but seems to be sold out everywhere atm) and boots (on sale in small sizes) are both Acne Studios, the black merino V-neck is Uniqlo men’s (better neckline than the women’s version, trust me). As for the bag? It’s the same black box bag by NONA I’ve been carrying faithfully for the past five years—and counting.
LOOK 4
A good tailored look with just the right touch of casualness. On the left, the casual element is the clogs; on the right, it’s the Acne Studios joggers. I’m all for this kind of unexpected contrast.
Transitioning to Spring
Taking my own advice: comfort is the top priority for spring shopping. I’m focusing on pieces that feel easy but still unmistakably me. At the top of my wishlist? Wide-leg cotton trousers in neutral tones—perfect for that relaxed yet polished vibe. I’m also on the hunt for a great hoodie or windbreaker to lean into the activewear aesthetic a bit more.
Podcast Tip
If you haven’t tuned into Fashion Neurosis by Bella Freud yet, consider this your sign. The format—rooted in her great-grandfather’s psychoanalytic legacy—creates layered, free-flowing conversations that feel more like therapy sessions with some seriously fascinating people.
I’ve already devoured episodes with Nick Cave, Rick Owens, and Jonathan Anderson, and each one left me with something that stuck. For example, Rick Owens muses on wearing skin as an accessory, loving the contrast between tailored outfits and aging skin. Now I’m convinced: the older I get, the more tailored my wardrobe needs to be. Nick Cave casually drops his script proposal for Gladiator 2—a brilliant, tragically unmade masterpiece (thanks, Russell). And Jonathan Anderson shares insights into his collaborations with Luca Guadagnino, which, for me, felt like a mini masterclass in creative direction.
Bella always asks her guests about how their parents dressed and their relationship to fashion growing up and it’s such an clever touch. I’m now midway through the Kim Gordon episode.