003/ Dress Code Dispatch:
Uniforms are having a moment. Here’s mine.
Last week, in my bid to bring back the messenger bag, I featured a little outfit that I loved, and by the number of hearts little ole me got on Instagram, I think some friends and fans liked it too. It was perfect in that it was so simple, it could be a uniform. It should be a uniform. And I’m gonna show you how to do just that. This is your dispatch.
Dress Code Dispatch is your Horde Haus exclusive pass to clone/emulate/dupe a recent outfit of mine. My mash-up closet of new and thrifted gems spans decades, turning the search for similar pieces into a bit of a scavenger hunt. Fret not, though—I'm doing the linkable groundwork for you. I break down each look into different price tiers. Click to shop and go all out or mix and match to suit your taste. Expect some honorable mentions in the mix. And, of course, you'll find affiliate direct links to the actual pieces worn in the original newsletter. Let me know which look you're itching to see dissected in the next dispatch!
My OG look clocks in at around $943, which kind of makes me ill when I realize it’s all ‘‘‘‘basics’’’’, but then I remember it’s all quality basics that have already gotten loads of mileage, and I immediately feel better. A wins a win!!
I’m sporting a Sackville & Co I *smoke* NY hat (which upon writing this found out they shut down shop in March, saddddd), a Brandy Melville/John Galt striped tee ( linked an alternate, because the original is sold out) (I know all the brandy drama, believe me I do, but you could never get me to hate John Galt). These AGOLDE chinos, which I can’t get enough of, these incredible, and what I can only imagine are meant to be Khaite inspired, boots from COS, and my Prada messenger, which is actually on sale (for half what I paid) right now over at The Real Real. You’re welcomeeeee.
There’s only a small base item in this look, these J.Crew earrings that I love, and are currently on sale. Without further ado; the looks.
✼ Here’s my $1500 edit:
࿏ This pair from COS is a dead ringer to my AGOLDE pair, with a little extra fabric at the bottom, which I think only makes it even chicer when worn with boots. | $120
࿏ We’re taking this uniform trans-seasonal with a Dunst short-sleeved tee, to flex those pilates arms I’ve been crafting all winter. | $45
࿏ By my own standards, this Topshop bag doesn’t qualify as a messenger because it hasn’t got the flap, but it does have a buckle, so the vibe is there, and I’m a really big fan of this shape. | $119
࿏ The Khaite Arizonas are the blueprint for the latest iteration of pointed square-toe booties. Though the more I look at them, the more I prefer my pair. Still, these are a fashion must for the fashion-forward. | $990
࿏ My original hat may be discontinued, but this feels like the next big thing. Also, as a native New Yorker, one can never have too many Yankees caps. | $35
✼ My $800 edit:
࿏ When I think about how far one can push the curve of a barrel jean, I’ll forever think of this pair. Thoughtfully constructed to reshape the visual of a pant silhouette. | $98
࿏ I. am. OBSESSED. with this colorway. Don’t have much else to say beyond the fit being delicious as well. Well done, Uniqlo. | $20
࿏ I’ve had my eye on this mini Songmont drippy roof bag for some time now, and it counts as a messenger in my book, because adjustable strap and flap. | $330
࿏ A similar shape and middle seam, which I like. But these Staud boots have a wider heel, like the Khaite boot, and maybe half an inch on the COS pair. | $395
࿏ I’m a Still Here girl through and through. I’m sure no one is shocked by this. | $50
✼ My $250 edit (this tier will often feature some good secondhand finds or items on sale*, so don’t miss out on scooping these right away):
࿏ These Zara pants are denim instead of cotton twill, and to balance that, the ballooning of the legs is far less exaggerated than the Free People counterpart. It still creates a lovely shape on the body. | $50
࿏ I wanted to show how this look can go with every striped tee. Pick a color that suits you best. I’m biased towards this yellow Gap number. | $20*
࿏ I always wanted a Kipling bag growing up, but I was a LeSportsac girl instead. I really just wanted the monkey keychain. Now this bag design is what I want more. | $70*
࿏ This Michael Kors boot has great leather for its price. I could do without the gold chunky zip, but it’s on the inside, so it’s not a dealbreaker. In theory, you could find other similar styles at this price point, but for me, it’s important to include the style that I would buy for myself. | $69*
࿏ A classic New York Yankees baseball cap, but with a distressed look around the logo and in this gorg dusty blue colorway. | $35
And there you have it. Dispatch delivered. Now pick your tier, and steal the look. I hope you find something worth adding to your rotation and that you keep the messenger spirit alive.
Until the next dispatch, and as always—happy dressing xx