If Everything in My Closet Vanished, This Is What I’d Repurchase ASAP
new and vintage, i'd buy these again in a heartbeat
POV: You slide open your closet doors, hand mid-air, already reaching for your favorite pair of vintage denim — but they’re not there. In fact, nothing is there.
Your closet is empty aside from an apology post-it stuck to the middle shelf. What’s your next move?
If my clothes grew legs and ran away — or if they suddenly possessed the cowardice of Jack Berger — this is what I’d immediately repurchase. We’re talking both new and vintage today, plus links to some delicious secondhand finds that could replace my personal wardrobe essentials. (And a vintage Prada bowler under $190 for good measure.)
Still Here New York Everyday Jeans
These jeans are everything to me. I’m such a big fan of Still Here denim, and I’d love an excuse to invest in another pair. This medium wash mid-rise straight leg jeans are the most reached for denim in my closet, so it’s only fitting they’d be the first item I’d replace.
It was through my research for this letter that I discovered there’s an indigo wash on the market that I need to try on immediately…
, I will see you soon.
Most Worn in 2024
And so I don’t keep repeating myself, there are quite a few items featured in 2024’s What I Wore Most letter that would be instant re-buys for me. (The jeans being one of them!)
I’m talking the Negative Underwear bralette I can’t live without, the most perfect TOAST cardigan, and my most worn pair of shoes, the G.H. Bass tassel loafers in wine. Read about them here:
Plasticana Hemp Jelly Sandals
A casual neutral sandal (with a closed-enough toe to wear on the subway) is a warm weather essential. These hemp and recycled plastic fisherman sandals are just that. Even better, any shoe that makes your toe polish an added accessory is a winner in my book.
I’ve personally seen them in-store in Salter House in NYC and Mohawk General Store in LA, but they’re all over irl and online. I’ve found them cheapest online here at Boston General Store.
Lisa Says Gah Maeve Midi Skirt
You had me at asymmetrical drop waist! I have a special place in my heart for the midi length, and I’m a firm believer that no wardrobe is complete without the perfect black skirt. This one is classic enough to be closet staple but with enough flair to be a stand-out piece too.
It’s a deceptively comfortable skirt as well — the fabric has a bit of stretch that I wasn’t expecting but felt very welcome. This blue striped colorway is half off at the moment.
GAP Cotton Mens Boxers
I wear 100% cotton boxers every night to bed, and the best ones are from the GAP. There’s no better feeling than slipping on lightweight loose cotton before crawling under a puffy comforter — made even better when you got said cotton on sale, and it’ll last a decade in your drawer.
And GAP is never not having a sale. When I most recently went to replace a pair that finally ripped (I’d had them since high school so I think it’s fair they crapped out), I paid less than $5 by stacking sales and coupons. This 3-pack of yellow stripes and gingham is what I’d grab now if mine were to disappear.
Baggu Nylon Crossbody Bag
I’m the biggest fan of Baggu’s reusable totes — even the ones I stuff with produce and cans of beans every week look brand new after half a decade — and I’ve been a loyal medium crescent crossbody wearer for years. Their nylon is unbeatable: stain resistant, incredibly high quality, and amazingly priced compared to how much other brands charge for cheaper construction. But if you’ll grant me the grace to deviate from an exact replica here, I’d repurchase my trusty Baggu crossbody in a different style.
I have never been a fan of the way their seatbelt strap is embossed with the brand name (I’m just not a logos girl!). But I’ve forsaken my own preferences for as long as I have because it’s such a damn convenient bag. When you live in a city with no car, your purse becomes your car, and sometimes you have to opt for the most functional option. The Baggu medium crescent is the fuel-efficient mid-sized SUV of bags.
Now that they make a crossbody without the logo-d strap, I’d replace mine with this one for a go-to running errands bag. These two spring-y options are particularly tempting at the moment.
Behind the paywall — all the vintage pieces I’d scour the depths of eBay to replace and 40+ secondhand links to my favorite options (vintage Gucci, rare denim jackets, ‘50s plaid skirts, and more).
1983 Pat Benatar Tee
Band tees make up a not insignificant portion of my closet, and if they all disappeared, the one I’d miss most is from the Pat Benatar Get Nervous Tour. My dad bought it at hist first concert when he was 13 and passed it down to me 35 years later. It’s paper thin, buttery soft, and simply irreplaceable.