I've spent 15 years in the fashion industry—here's what I really wear on a daily basis.
Eugénie Trochu is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, recognized for her impactful contributions at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she chronicles and discusses emerging trends, her straightforward perspective on fashion and style, along with other reflections. She is also in the process of writing her debut book, which delves into fashion as a realm of memory, projection, and reinvention.
Having spent 15 years in the fashion industry, I’ve witnessed trends come and go, silhouettes evolve, and countless “returns” appear, each with their meticulously crafted narratives: the “empowered” pencil skirt, the “perfectly cut” capri pants, the “next-generation” ballet flat, the “reinvented” trench coat. I've attended shows intricately choreographed to the last detail, written reviews of collections—some exquisite, others not so much. I’ve interviewed passionate designers and fatigued stylists. I’ve learned to interpret the messages clothing conveys, especially when nobody’s paying attention.
Despite this, every morning as I open my closet, I find a wardrobe that remains largely unchanged. It’s not a rigid uniform but rather a flexible framework. It’s not a costume, but a means of expression. These are the pieces that have endured through the years: the black Levi’s 501s, the Prada blazer, the Ralph Lauren men’s shirt I kept, and the oversized denim overshirt that always alleviates my indecision. There are white socks that peek out, treasured family jewelry, and vintage rock tees that I cherish more for the memories they evoke than their appearance.
Some pieces I’ve worn in newsrooms, on shoots, during seaside weekends, or at meetings where I felt a bit off-kilter. Others accompany me while I write, walk, think, or remain silent. My daily outfits were never designed for photographs, yet they support me, ground me, and understand me. So perhaps it’s time to discuss them.
Ultimately, my wardrobe isn’t a calculated strategy. It’s a curated selection, a discipline, and a form of intimacy. I don’t dress to project a certain image; I dress to embrace a day, an idea, an intention. Everything I wear—my black jeans, scuffed ballet flats, sturdy blazer, rock T-shirts, inherited gold jewelry—serves this purpose: to allow me to navigate my life without masking my true self. There’s nothing extraordinary about my clothing, but every piece is deliberate and chosen. Perhaps that’s the essence of real luxury: the clarity of knowing what you love to wear and why.
**The Black Levi's 501s (or Low-Rise Jeans on Sarcastic Days)**
The black 501s are my cornerstone—worn at the right knee, snug at the waist yet still sharp. I’ve paired them with a white shirt for a Dior dinner and with a loose sweatshirt while working on the September issue. The low-rise version hails from the early 2000s (thank you, Vinted) but lacks today’s Y2K frenzy. I’m referring to true low-rise jeans: slightly relaxed, just enough to acknowledge the body’s presence without making a bold statement. I match them with an intricate top and a leather jacket, channeling Helmut Lang’s fall 1999 vibe.
**Re/Done x Levi's**
**Black 90s Jean**
**The Frankie Shop**
**Susanna Jeans in Light Wash**
**Arket**
**Shore Low Waist Relaxed Boyfriend Fit Denim in Dark Wash Blue**
**Levi's**
**501 Original Fit Women's Jeans**
**The Not-Too-Perfect White Tee and the Striped Men's Shirt**
I have many: Uniqlo, Petit Bateau, Hanes, a few fraying Margielas, and my dad’s vintage shirt. It should be soft, faded, almost pale. If it’s too new, it seems off. I tuck it into jeans and roll up the sleeves—that’s all. The striped men’s shirt differs; it has thin stripes and a slightly worn collar—mine’s Ralph Lauren, borrowed from an ex who wore it exceptionally well. Now, I wear it better, half-buttoned and untucked, paired with patent kitten heels that suggest “I’m working” while I’m merely out buying Parmesan.
**POLO RALPH LAUREN**
**Slim-Fit Striped Cotton Oxford Shirt**
**Petit Bateau USA**
**Women SS Crew Neck Tee**
**The Frankie Shop**
**Drimna Shirt**
**KHAITE**
**Samson Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt**
**TOTEME**
**Garderob Tencel Lyocell and Organic Cotton-Blend Jersey T-Shirt**
**The Denim Jacket (or Overshirt on Sleepless Days)**
A classic Levi’s jacket,
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I've spent 15 years in the fashion industry—here's what I really wear on a daily basis.
Trends may change over time, but my daily wardrobe consists of items that reflect my personality.
