GO-SEE OUTFITS, BUT MAKE IT WORKING CLASS
The art of styling elevated basics and curating on-duty model looks for everyday wear.
Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the items below, I’ll make a small commission.
The televised theatrics of the early aughts remain a steady fixation in my mind.
Flavor of Love? My most-binged show. Bad Girls Club? A Tuesday night fixture. But America’s Next Top Model, a reality television-based competition series, served me a delectably chaotic slice of the modeling world.
As a child, the mix of eccentric personalities in front of the panel and the wild requests coming from behind it had me yearning for a spot as a contestant. Only the Tyra Banks could have models participate in humiliation rituals in the name of high fashion and a contract.
It’s since aged horribly, though.
Now, imagine my surprise when I learned that TikTok just discovered go-sees… about eight months ago. Though fashionably late to the go-see outfit trend, The Top Shelf is my newsletter, not a 24-hour publication. So let me reminisce!
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A “go-see” is an in-person meeting where models connect with agencies, photographers and designers. Like an introduction before booking a shoot.
It was an insider term used in the modeling world, then popularized by ANTM.
Banks, in her true fashion, converted go-sees into full-blown challenges, making contestants scurry to several meetings across the city within a fixed time. Still, through chaotic taxi rides and flustered reactions, the models’ outfits were always understated, timeless and relatively practical for gallivanting around Manhattan.
During go-sees, models were a blank canvas for clients. Think minimal makeup, simple clothing and slick back hairdos.
And in an era of McBling and Y2K futurism, elevated basics translated beautifully on screen, then and especially now. Mainly because the “go-see outfit” is an easily replicable recipe: a black shirt, skinny jeans, a shoulder bag and heels.
Having a customized go-see outfit (for in and outside of work) is the perfect crutch when digging through your closet yields no results. Personally, the kitten heel and jeans combo has saved me from much peril.
You may not be a contestant on one of the most iconic shows of the 2000s, but it’s possible, and incredibly easy, to use on-duty model looks as a style template that complements your daily life.
Here’s how to create your own go-see outfits.
My quintessential outfit for grocery store runs and impromptu T.J. Maxx visits goes beyond black shirts and skinny jeans; the real fun is in the accessories.
Pairing comfortably light shoes (which are still on my wishlist) with the Hulken Rolling Tote Bags—for those long-haul grocery visits—ensures you’re ready for what’s on and beyond aisle eight.
Top: ASOS DESIGN Soft Longline Long Sleeve Tee, $15
Jeans: Levi’s XL Baggy Straight Jeans, $110 $83
Sneakers: Adidas Japan Shoes, $120
Earrings: H&M Two-Toned Hoop Earrings, $10 $8
Shopping Bag: Hulken® Signature Rolling Tote Bag (Medium), $110
Watch: Pascal Oval Bubble Diamond Watch Gift Set , $275
Earbuds: Apple Earbuds, $19 $16
Before buying something new for a date, go for a classic on-duty model look with similar items in your closet.
Nothing says effortlessly chic like a pair of kitten heels and low rise jeans, but the extra flair comes from BP Jewelry’s bracelet stack and a funky-printed bag to accent this not-so-subtly blue ensemble.
For a perfect pout, I’ll be topping this off with the Juvia’s Place Luxe Lip Liner in Brownie and Maybelline’s Lifter Plump Lip Plumping Gloss in “Blush Blaze.”
Tank Top: Gap Modern Tank Top, $20 $11
Jeans: Reformation Greta Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans, $178
Heels: Steve Madden Alexi Denim Multi Studs, $110 $80
Shoulder Bag: Steve Madden Lohan Bag Brown Print, $78
Earrings: PAVOI 14K Gold Plated Teardrop Hoop Earrings, $14
Bracelet Set: BP Jewelry 3 Set Jumbo Gold Bangle Set, $55
If an outfit isn’t interesting in color, it can be interesting in print and texture. Insert Akira’s wedge booties and JW Pei’s tote bag.
For an office-lifestyle, let your go-see outfit include a tote for laptops, planners and the numerable Post-its you have stacked together. Instead of heels or sneakers, a statement bootie brings a sense of panache to the workplace.
Want to tone it down? Return to a subtle staple like the Puma Speedcat shoes.
Blazer: Zara Lapel-Free Cropped Blazer, $80 $16
Shirt: Uniqlo Soft Ribbed T-Shirt, $25
Pants: Fashion Nova Cooler Than You Barrel Leg Pants, $35 $21
Bag: JW Pei Hana Medium Tote Bag, $139
Boots: Azalea Wang Vinci Zebra Print Wedge Bootie, $90
Watch: Michael Kors One Size Watch, $65
Espressos go with almost anything—including large tote bags and leather flats. For the frequent coffee shop patron, swap your sweats for a pair of loose-fitting lounge pants. Days spent at the cafe also calls for shopper bags and blue-light blocking glasses.
This is specifically for the late night studiers, the bloggers and the thesis writers. I see you.
Top: Gap Linen-Blend Strapless Corset Crop Top, $50 $20
Pants: Old Navy High-Waisted Wide-Leg Pants, $40 $30
Flats: Steve Madden Lydia Black Leather Flats, $100 $75
Bag: Telfar x Eastpak Medium Shopper Bag, $180
Earrings: Open Edit Pop Top Huggie Earrings, $30 $18
Glasses: Slocyclub Square Blue Light Blocking Glasses, $9
