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College teacher and writer Melissa Sonico lives with her husband and toddler son, Harrison, in Redlands, a small city between Palm Springs and L.A. Her easy style reflects her California upbringing and laid-back personality. “My style icon is Joan Didion,” she says, “or Miranda July, when I’m feeling more eclectic.” Here, Melissa shares five go-to outfits and the ethical, women-owned brands she loves…
Jacket: Elizabeth Suzann. Dress: Town Clothes, similar. Necklace: Melissa Sonico. Bag: Catz Orange. Heels: Paloma Wool, similar.
“I’m not an outgoing person. To be honest, I’m really shy; first-time conversations with people are super awkward. So, it’s nice to be able to express myself in a way with clothes, without having to say anything. I try to find things that are easy to throw on and can mix and match. I’ll wear this dress over pants when the weather gets cooler.”
Dress: Reformation. Sweater: Babaà. Necklace: Na Nin. Bag: Clare V. Mules: Madewell.
“I save short dresses for evenings out with friends or my husband. That way, I don’t flash anyone while bending over to pick up Harrison! On an average day, I’ll take Harrison to school, then teach college-level composition. I also make some jewelry on the side. A couple years ago, I began playing around with clay and making necklaces for my friends. Then I created an online shop, and it’s slowly getting more popular.”
Camisole: Lacausa. Pants: Everlane. Straw hat: Brookes Boswell, similar. Necklace: Melissa Sonico.
“I’m a big fan of creative nonfiction regional writers like Didion and Flannery O’Connor. I’m drawn to short stories, having studied and written them for my master’s degree. (My thesis was actually a book of short stories!) Recently, I enjoyed Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang and Too Much & Not the Mood by Durga Chew-Bose. Zhang has such a deft and funny voice — my husband really liked it, as well. Chew-Bose’s essays are so smartly written, and her love of Pacino was enough to pique my interest.”
“I love this visor! I have a big head, so most hats are too tight, but without the top part, this one works. And since I wear a lot of white, I always have a Tide pen in my car.”
Top: Elizabeth Suzann. Skirt: Shaina Mote. Necklace: Na Nin. Backpack: Madewell. Mules: Loq.
“Even though I have short hair, I’m trying out this green ribbon, after seeing a similar look in runway shows. I chopped my hair off after I got married and then again after my son was born — I get haircuts during big life changes! Most nights, I sleep on it wet and then use an iron and Tresemmé heat tamer to smooth it out in the morning.”
Blouse: Dôen. Pants: Jesse Kamm. Necklace: Na Nin. Shoes: St. Agni.
“Overall, I gravitate toward independent brands run by hard-working women: Elizabeth Suzann, Town Clothes, OZMA, Rudy Jude, Dôen. I love the sense of community they foster, both online and off. And the clothes will fit in with the rest of your wardrobe five, ten, fifteen years down the line. Many of these brands are really transparent — Elizabeth Suzann has a whole team in Nashville, doing every step of the process of making clothes. And Everlane. It’s important. For petites, I love the online boutique Stature, which curates petite versions of ethical clothing.”
Thank you so much, Melissa!
P.S. More women share their weeks of outfits, including workwear ideas and budget-minded tips.
(Photos by Nicki Sebastian for Cup of Jo.)
