This Rachel Green(e?) Outfit Has Lingered In My Mind For 25 Years. So I Found It.
It’s not the flashiest. But it may just be the best.
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by Audie Metcalf
To select a single look from the treasure trove of 90s confections that comprised the wardrobe of one Rachel Green(e?) is truly like selecting a favorite child.
Let’s peruse just a small handful of this bounty together:
Ok, the last weird leather strap situation is divisive, but I think I still like it. I honestly don’t know my own mind when it comes to Rachel and her sartorial choices because I am in such a perpetually hypnotized state I could truly be convinced of anything. And, of course, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t fantasize about that yellow dress.
But there is one humble, simple, Rachel Green outfit that has danced in my mind for 25 years…
The elements are easy. Obvious, even. But there is something about an all-black ensemble of a whisper-thin turtle, a maxi column skirt, and knee-high boots, that add up to what may just be life’s most perfect, wearable, chic outfit. Whether you’re a spry 32, as Jen is above, or freshly 50, as I am below:
The last photo is so that you can see the turtle is ever so sheer as to intimate some sophisticated sexiness except, huzzah, I remain fully covered. I know she doesn’t wear a hat with her look, but my hair was greasy, and I wear a hat and pretend it’s a fashion choice when in reality it’s to hide behind my horrific lack of hygiene slash grease. Gross? Yes. Relatable? Yes. Though I think it works with the outfit, no?
Ok, so let’s get into the unbelievably simple pieces and why they’re specifically good. And no, I didn’t do a leather skirt even though Jen is in a leather skirt because leather is hard to wear and pleather makes me sweat so I ignored that bit so just ignore it with me, k?
1. Soldout.NYC The Cashmere Turtleneck in Black
This turtle is so lightweight I don’t feel suffocated like in that scene when Diane K has Jack N slice open her turtle with a pair of (gorgeous) scissors. And typically that’s how most turtles make me feel. It’s whisper thin and subtly sheer in the best way, and it’s warm but never hot. And the thinness of the cashmere is just beyond life.
Price: $245
2. Soldout.NYC The Perfect Skirt
This is called the “perfect skirt” and I think the “perfect” they speak of comes from it being the only column skirt on earth that doesn’t feel tum & bum exposing. And it’s so deliciously soft. I will surely be wearing this with my vast collection of denim jackets as a sort of uniform this fall and winter.
Price: $195
3. Dolce Vita Alima Boots
These knee-high (amazingly affordable) boots are so roomy on the calf, make the leg look long and lithe, have the perfect heel height for skirts, and yet, I experienced ZERO foot pain while wearing them. Truly. Zero. And I have become a true curmudgeon in my half-century age—I cannot and will not wear any shoe that I am even aware of while walking. I have a zero tolerance policy now. And these I wore all day and barely even perceived that I was wearing a heel in the slightest. Get them. You won’t believe it!
Price: $260
The Budget Version
• The ponte skirt* that’s beyond flattering on lumps and bumps.
• The turtle* that is so very luxe (and real cashmere!) but never itchy and so very affordable.
• The sock boot* that is profoundly comfy.
The Partyish Version
• The velvet skirt* I’m also buying because I feel sure Rachel would wear it then and now. Or maybe even THIS SUPER partyish one*.
• The lace turtle* that is stunnnnning over a black corset that is my holiday uniform cuz it’s oozing with style but also sort of mindless.
• These boots which are by Maeve* and full disclosj, I’ve never tried any footwear from Maeve but all their clothes are gorj so I assume these will be great.
Audie Metcalf is the Editor-in-chief of The Candidly, and lives in LA with her family. You can find more of her articles here.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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