There’s something mesmerizing about embracing nature’s palette—warm, organic hues that evoke memories of autumn forests and sunlit meadows. At New York Fashion Week, I decided to dive deep into this aesthetic with an unforgettable look inspired by earth tones. It was a day when fashion met art, and every element of my outfit told a story of raw elegance and innovative design.
I had the privilege of attending the Seis Marjan show, where Sander Lak, the visionary who once helmed Dries Van Noten for five remarkable years, unveiled his much-anticipated new line. Even before his debut, Lak’s reputation was already cemented among fashion enthusiasts, and he certainly did not disappoint. His collection was a masterful blend of deconstructed silhouettes and refined craftsmanship, capturing the very essence of urban minimalism intertwined with nature’s timeless beauty.
When it came to curating my look for the show, I gravitated toward an outfit that would pay homage to these earthy inspirations. The centerpiece was a deconstructed trench coat–inspired top paired with flare pants—a combination that exuded both sophistication and an avant-garde edge. Typically, my day-to-day wardrobe revolves around a neutral color palette, but on this occasion, I felt compelled to extend that minimalist approach into every facet of my ensemble, including my makeup.
To keep the overall look cohesive and impactful, I layered an exaggerated sleeved white button-down underneath the statement top. This wasn’t just a practical layering choice; it added a dynamic interplay of textures and silhouettes. The crisp white of the button-down contrasted beautifully with the organic, earth-toned hues of the outer layer, creating an arresting visual balance that was both structured and free-flowing.
Completing the outfit were my 3.1 Phillip Lim mules and a matching clutch—a nod to modern elegance that tied the look together seamlessly. The footwear, with its clean lines and subtle shine, provided a contemporary counterpoint to the rugged, deconstructed style of the top and pants. Every detail was meticulously chosen to embody the ethos of earthy sophistication.
No look is truly complete without the perfect makeup, and for this event, I decided to go boldly tonal, embracing a smoky, earthy vibe that resonated with the entire outfit. I took a daring leap by trying brown lipstick for the first time. Typically, I shy away from this unconventional hue, but on this day, it felt like the perfect finishing touch. The brown lipstick added an unexpected warmth to my face, harmonizing with the rest of the look and proving that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing discoveries.
The overall aesthetic was a celebration of contrasts—the rugged meets the refined, the deconstructed pairs with the classic, and minimalism dances gracefully with avant-garde twists. Every piece of the ensemble worked in unison to create a powerful narrative that was both personal and reflective of the season’s trends. Earth tones have this rare ability to ground you in a sense of timelessness, reminding you of nature’s enduring beauty even amidst the bustling energy of New York Fashion Week.
As I stood amidst the buzz of the show, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the outfit I’d assembled. It was more than just clothing; it was a statement of my evolving style philosophy. I realized that fashion isn’t merely about following trends—it’s about reinventing the classics in a way that speaks to who you are. My look that day wasn’t just a tribute to Sander Lak’s groundbreaking collection; it was a celebration of all the small risks that lead to big style breakthroughs.
The journey from concept to execution was a vivid reminder that sometimes the simplest elements—like earthy colors, a crisp white layer, and a bold lipstick—can transform an outfit into a work of art. It encourages us to experiment, mix textures, and redefine what it means to be edgy and elegant all at once.
I’d love to know: are you a fan of brown lipstick or do you lean more towards traditional hues? How do you feel about blending classic pieces with modern twists to create a look that’s uniquely your own? Fashion, after all, is an ever-changing dialogue between the past and the future, and every new trend is an invitation to explore a bit deeper into our personal style.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s continue this conversation about how to make your style both timeless and daring, one earthy tone at a time.
Happy styling, and here’s to embracing bold, nature-inspired elegance wherever your fashion journey takes you!
