I Have Nowhere to Be, so I Let My Husband Dress Me for a Week

Welcome to Weekday Wardrobe, a series in which one Who What Wear editor or staffer will snap a pic of their 9-to-5 look each day and break down where you can shop it all to inspire your own everyday style.

When I met my now-husband, Nico, 16 years ago, one thing was clear: We had very different views on style. I, for one, grew up loving clothes, shoes, jewelry, shopping, and putting together outfits for literally everything. Nico on the other hand? Let’s just say he considered pajama bottoms (that were five sizes too big) to be totally acceptable to wear in public. The horror!

Despite our sartorial differences, I still fell for the guy. And now, after being together for close to 13 years, I joke that I’ve created a monster. A monster with impeccable taste and style, that is. I’m kidding. But I do love that he now finds as much joy in clothes as I do (maybe not enough to brave an afternoon of shopping with me, when it’s safe to do so) and actually cares about what he wears. In fact, I was a little taken aback when he took this assignment so seriously. I snapped a picture of myself in an outfit different from what he picked, asking, “How about this instead?” His snooty reply said it all: “I wouldn’t have picked it, but do whatever you want… I guess.”

From then on, I didn’t ask to change things and just went along for the ride. It wasn’t easy giving him all the control, especially since we like different things in my closet, but the whole experience made me realize I have a lot of cool shit that I almost never wear. I’m not saying I’d let Nico dress me when the safer-at-home orders are lifted, but I’m grateful he reintroduced me to a section of my wardrobe that I never pay attention to. Here’s what he came up with for me to wear last week…

For a lot of people, Monday is the day they put the most effort into their outfit, but all bets are off during this time. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with this look (it’s the most “normal” outfit I’ve worn in the last two months)—it’s just simple. But a lot of the time, simple is good, especially when denim and silk are involved. Neither of these things was really on Nico’s mind when he picked these pieces out, though. “I’m a big fan of old Westerns, so any opportunity that makes me feel like I’m part of one is a win. I don’t remember Clint Eastwood ever wearing Gucci loafers, though,” he says of his inspiration.

I like these vintage shorts that have been stuffed in a drawer for years and this shirt, but honestly, I would have never styled them together. Also, what sort of monster expects someone to wear sneakers right now? I’m all about boxy-cut tops, but I just don’t think I’m cool enough to wear this Bode one like Nico does. “This is my shirt. I think the way you dress should reflect what you’re passionate about, and based on all the cookies we’ve eaten during quarantine, that has been calories,” Nico says. (If you can’t tell from my picture, check the link below—the shirt is covered in various foods and their calorie counts.)

“I bought Caitie this shirt as a gift, so this is just to make sure she wears it and I get my money’s worth, but the whole outfit is linen so it’s comfortable during these hot days indoors,” says Nico. I couldn’t agree more. This is actually one of my favorite outfits he put together. I never thought in a million years I’d be down for this sporty-dad-style sandal, but they kind of make everything look cooler. This whole look makes me feel like I’m traveling about, even though I’m so clearly not. I put on a shell anklet and braided my hair to really up the vacation vibes.

Okay, I lied. I really like this outfit, too. A vintage tee and jeans are pretty standard for me—some might call it my uniform—but I never throw on a pair of long earrings, so that’s a nice touch. Though it’s summer, so it’s a little crazy to be wearing cowboy boots with jeans, but what are you going to do? (I’d 100% wear these boots with a minidress though!) However, the weather wasn’t on Nico’s mind when picking this outfit. “I told you—I love Westerns, and I’m a sucker for a woman in cowboy boots. I also have a soft spot for The Ramones, because I consider “Baby I Love You” one of “our” songs,” he says. Cue the “awws.”

“I’ve worn a dress before (for work!) so I know how comfortable they are, and I had to give Caitie a break from making her wear pants three times this week,” says Nico. And honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the weekend. Wearing non-stretchy pants for three days is as much as I can mentally take right now, considering I’ve been living in sweats and house dresses. This styling made me feel so much chicer, though (and I appreciate that Nico kept my shoes easy to go with it). I love how this slip dress feels more elevated with a mesh top layered underneath. I put on a few of my favorite gold chains and an anklet and threw my hair into a scrunchie because it was dirty (oops), all with Nico’s approval.

Up next, 24 cheap but useful items I have in my Amazon cart right now.