We uncover type inspiration from many sources—runway collections, social media, the streets, and, sure, trade insiders. Enter the co-founder of Parker Thatch, Irene Chen. She’s labored within the trade for 29 years, beginning within the ’90s at Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, and has a eager eye for what issues in trend.
“Working at Calvin Klein or Donna Karan within the ’90s was a wild trip. The power was excessive, and it felt just like the sky was the restrict. It was the period of supermodels, and market weeks have been absolute madness. Journey was fixed, the hours have been brutal, and the stress could possibly be overwhelming. However truthfully? I would not change a factor. I realized each side of the enterprise and gained priceless expertise in product improvement,” Chen informed us. This time was formative, and the experiences formed her strategy to co-founding her accent label Parker Thatch. For instance, she realized find out how to flip her imaginative and prescient right into a actuality. “At Parker Thatch, we’re dedicated to turning our imaginative and prescient for dwelling life with ease and magnificence right into a actuality—simply as I noticed finished numerous instances throughout these years in trend,” she talked about. “In essence, these years taught me the significance of resilience, creativity, and a transparent model imaginative and prescient. These rules proceed to information me as we construct Parker Thatch.”
Chen has additionally developed an inspiring private type throughout her storied trend profession, from working within the trade within the ’90s to now being on the helm of Parker Thatch. Throughout this time, she’s recognized the key wardrobe staples that proceed to work finest for her. These are fundamentals she’s worn all through her profession and thinks will likely be trendy perpetually. “I like borrowing foundational items from menswear and layering them with private touches like sweaters, jackets, and equipment,” she mentioned.
Preserve scrolling for an inventory of the items Chen deems as closet necessities due to their trendy but traditional nature to encourage your wardrobe. Along with Chen’s choose for every merchandise, there are impressed product suggestions to your reference.
1. White Button-Down Shirt
“The white shirt’s simplicity is its power. It is a clean canvas that lets you specific your type via equipment or layering. Whether or not you gown it up with a press release necklace or preserve it informal with rolled-up sleeves, the white shirt at all times appears effortlessly stylish. I like to monogram mine with my initials.”
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2. Denims
“I like traditional males’s 501s for his or her straight lower. My go-to outfit is a button-down, denims, and loafers—it is versatile, comfy, and at all times easy.”
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3. Loafers
“The 1953 Horsebit Idler [is] a wardrobe staple of mine. I’ve worn them since highschool in each leather-based and suede. They elevate any outfit, whether or not paired with denims or slacks.”
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4. Tote Bag
“This was the primary bag we made at Parker Thatch in 2009. Crafted from canvas sourced from a neighborhood cloth retailer and two strips of leather-based lower by my husband and co-founder, Matthew, the Mimi has since outlined our model. Its trendy and versatile design immediately elevates any look.”
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5. Fisherman/Cashmere Sweater
“I am keen on the wealthy historical past and timeless versatility of an Irish fisherman sweater. Whether or not layered with cozy cashmere sweaters or peeking out from beneath a tailor-made coat, it effortlessly elevates any ensemble with a contact of traditional allure.”
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6. Pinstripe Trousers
“Pinstripe slacks are a flexible piece that may simply transition from a proper setting to a extra relaxed one. Pairing them with traditional Stan Smiths, a white T-shirt, and a grey sweatshirt creates a classy and comfy outfit that is excellent for quite a lot of events. The mix of traditional tailoring and informal components makes it a timeless look that may by no means exit of favor.”
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7. Navy Blazer
“The navy blazer is certainly a wardrobe staple. It strikes that excellent stability between formal and informal, providing infinite styling potentialities. A traditional instance of its versatility is my go-to uniform—a navy blazer, white shirt, denims, and loafers. It is a polished but relaxed look that may take you from an off-the-cuff workday to a weekend outing with ease.”
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8. Scarf/Bandana
“Bandanas in varied sizes are my go-to layering piece. I at all times have one in my bag. I significantly love Hermès bandanas. There’s one thing charming in regards to the thought of a bandana serving each sensible functions—initially shielding the face from mud and solar or defending the neck from armor—and being remodeled into a wonderful silk scarf.”