Welcome toStyle Diaries, a new series where we research the physical manifestations of our closet tours IRL. We're asking friends and tastemakers to show us what they're *actually* wearing during the week and to provide a little insight into their thoughts on the current state of fashion. This week we are speaking with artist Chainky Reindorf. An aesthete by trade, she regularly indulges in interesting shapes and silhouettes that serve as works of art themselves, as well as fashion statements.
What does your style *actually* look like right now?
"I spend pretty much my entire day in my studio working on various art projects, so I tend to gravitate towards the more comfortable and easy items in my closet. I can usually be found in paint-stained sweats and a t-shirt (or sweatshirt if I get cold). However, when I leave home to go out, I always make an effort to dress up because it has become my only chance to wear the rest of my clothes that have not been designated for art-making purposes.
"I treat every outing like a special occasion to dress up, regardless of how insignificant it may be. I tend to gravitate towards pants, especially when I am out and about, because they are easy and practical, but I love maxi/midi dresses when I plan to visit art galleries or have a chill day. I chose to show what I wore this weekend because I actually went out to run a few errands and met a friend for drinks."
Day 1:
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
"Today I was running errands. I chose to wear an asymmetric tank with loose cargo pants and Birkenstocks because this outfit is very me (and very comfortable). In fact, I have worn this very same outfit on multiple occasions, save for the shoes, because I feel like it is versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Birkenstocks are probably my most worn shoes. I have definitely gotten my cost-per-wear out of this particular pair—they are from a collab and were a bit more expensive. In fact, they have paint stains on them. I really do wear them everywhere, including my studio. This look screams comfort to me. I love a good cargo pant because I don't need to carry a bag—I can just fill my pockets with the few items I need."
Shop the Look:
Do you have a go-to outfit formula, or do you prefer to switch it up when getting dressed?
"I do not! I like to think of any outing as a challenge to flex my creative muscles, since I don't get to dress up as often as I would like, especially when I have a lot of work to do. I usually like to know where I am going so that I can formulate something that would work for the location and occasion. More often than not, I try to come up with something I probably haven't tried before, but still work to maintain a sense of comfort and confidence in the look. I do tend to gravitate towards pants, but will throw on a dress if I am going somewhere nice."
Day 2:
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
"I was definitely channeling comfort-but-chic today as I went to pick up art supplies. It was hot and I wanted to be OK walking up and down multiple long aisles as I shopped. I chose an oversize shirt with a fitted cropped pant. I like to switch up silhouettes—if it's more fitted up top, I will opt for a looser bottom, and vice versa. I do love a good print though. I usually don't tend to go for floral prints, but I think this particular one comes off as more abstract, so it automatically becomes more interesting to me. These slippers are probably my second-most worn shoes. They are orthopedic (meaning they are ridiculously comfortable), which I am so thrilled about. At the same time, they are so interesting that I always get compliments and comments on them."
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What energy are you bringing to your ensembles this summer? What are you looking forward to wearing?
"I think last year especially taught me to cherish every day and stop saving outfits for special occasions. I made a decision at the beginning of this year to be more intentional about wearing my clothes in my wardrobe and pushing myself to be more adventurous. This summer I think I have really come into my own in terms of what I know I like to wear. I have stopped wearing very tight clothing (jeans especially) and have opted for more loose-fitting looks which I think carry with them a sense of ease that translates to how I feel myself. I am also increasingly drawn to pieces that look unique and different from everything else I see. I always like to look interesting and push the boundaries of my own comfort zone. Since my character tends to be more on the quiet side, I like to let my clothes do the talking. Interesting cutouts, a lot of asymmetrical pieces, and a lot of color is what I will be showing up in this summer."
Day 3:
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
Photo: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
"I was meeting a close friend for a drink to catch up this evening and wanted to look stylish but still let the clothes speak. I was drawn to these jeans the first time I saw them because they had these cutout holes which, of course, is a step above ripped jeans. They are so wacky and interesting that they just work. As they are oversize, I was originally going to opt for a fitted tank with a high neck, but the neck hole was so small that I couldn't get my oversize braids and head through it. I went back to the drawing board, so to speak, and decided to go with this apron top, which is almost long enough to be a dress but not quite. It has an interesting A-line silhouette which I think works well with the shape of the jeans. I paired the outfit with zebra pumps just to add a bit more oomph. This is a combo I had never tried before, so I was quite pleased with the way it turned out."
Shop the Look:
Photos: Courtesy of Chainky Reindorf
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