Welcome to Before I Head Out, a monthly series in which fashion editor Anneliese Dominguez rounds up the snaps she’s taken of her favorite outfits before heading out the door of her Los Angeles apartment.
If you know me, you know I have a slight—okay, major—obsession with jeans. I’m consistently adding new pairs to my collection (this pair from Khaite officially owns my heart) and definitely wear them more than anything else in my closet. In fact, my college roommate once found me napping in our dorm with jeans on, and she’s made fun of me ever since. So in an effort to branch out this month, I challenged myself to leave the house in everything but jeans as often as I could. I didn’t ditch them altogether (I could never—they’re a year-round fashion-person staple), but I did make a conscious effort to break out of my comfort zone and opt for outfits sans jeans. The result? Oh, no big deal, just some ridiculously cute ‘fits starring red satin midis, a pair of trousers that could become my new go-to (gasp!), a denim maxi skirt that’s been making its way into editors’ hearts from coast to coast, and more. Want to see the outfits I came up with? Keep scrolling.
I’m starting off strong with this maxi skirt from Free People. I took inspiration from a look that my colleague, Anna LaPlaca, put together (which was inspired by an Elsa Hosk look). While the original look called for slingbacks, I styled my denim maxi with pointed-toe boots due to the exceptionally cold weather we were having in L.A. that day. I think this might be my go-to look for the rest of the year.
Nearly every Who What Wear editor talks endlessly about these classic trousers, and now I understand why. They’re soft and lightweight, and they instantly elevate an outfit. With a pair of jeans, this look would have felt super casual, but I could slay a meeting in these trousers.
If you haven’t heard, red is the color of the season. Just ask any editor who attended New York Fashion Week this year. I dressed down this satin midi with an oversize bomber and Dior loafers, but I’m already scheming a platform-heels-and-sheer-top moment.
This is more of a “before I head into a photoshoot” look, but we’re going with it. I wore this ultra-chic Good American pantsuit for a photoshoot I did for work and fell in love with it. It’s screaming, “She’s a professional.”
I did, indeed, have to grab a jacket before walking out the door in this look (if you’re in Southern California right now, you know what I mean), but I had to show off this incredible $36 dress. Yes, I said $36. Thank you, Zara. I wore it with my Adidas Sambas (a fashion-girl must-have this season) and my favorite Poppy Lissiman puffy shoulder bag, and I felt cute as hell. No jeans necessary.
Up next: Full Circle: These 5 “Outdated” Trends Have Officially Made a Comeback