Designers April Crichton and Orély Forestier worked together at Sonia Rykiel before launching La Fetiche, a brand that envisions an ideal wardrobe of just 37 items. Their pieces are familiar but ever so slightly tweaked, and executed using Scottish and French artisanal techniques. This asymmetrical Breton sweater, knit in felted lambswool, was made in collaboration with British artists Joanne Tatham and Tom O’Sullivan, and it’s finished with a patch that reads, “A petition for an enquiry into a condition of anxiety.” A piece for these times—and one that’s a stylish step above all the other striped clothing languishing in one’s closet. ($530, matchesfashion.com)
The Jeans
Raey
Some traditionalists argue that white jeans are a summer thing, but we respectfully disagree. (As does Michael Kors, who sports his year-round.) Facing another spate of lockdowns, we feel some fresh denim is in order. Enter the high-rise, straight-leg Track style from Raey, the in-house brand from Matches Fashion that specializes in well-cut, kindly priced basics, designed by Rachael Proud. Minimalist enough to be mistaken for proper trousers over Zoom, they communicate that fully dressed feeling, while retaining the casual attitude that suits homebound life. ($144, matchesfashion.com)
The Leggings
All Access
Some of us have worn the same workout gear all year—no wonder our attempts to up our heart rates have been falling woefully short. To ring in new beginnings, this look from All Access is the perfect base layer for wintertime power walks. The fleece-lined leggings are made from an anti-microbial stretch fabric and include three zippered pockets to hold essentials. The Shuffle Longline sports bra will keep everything in place during those Zoom workouts we know and (kind of) love. Bonus points for the peppy color. (leggings, $128; bra, $88; net-a-porter.com)
The Tights
Swedish Stockings
Funnily enough, we discovered Swedish Stockings during an August visit to Stockholm, when a cold snap suddenly meant that summer dresses required tights. A quick run into a department store yielded some of the best-performing underpinnings we’ve ever owned. No offense to Wolford, but these now have an indispensable place in our wardrobe. Made in Italy using eco-conscious practices, they have a bit of cashmere for both softness and warmth. They are also tightly woven to ensure that snags and runs are kept to a minimum. ($37, matchesfashion.com)
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