The 10 Year Closet 001 | A houndstooth puffer vest

Introducing a new series on the longest-lasting items in my wardrobe and why I continue to love them

One of my most vivid childhood memories is sitting on the bed with my mom and asking her about the shirt she was wearing. It was a powder blue tee, with a white palm tree graphic on the left chest and super duper soft. I asked her how long she’s had it, and she said, probably 10 years. I remember being shocked, simply unable to fathom having something for that long. I was somewhere between 5 and 8 years old at the time.

I think back to that conversation a lot. It often feels as though I blinked and suddenly got to my late 20s/early 30s, with a bunch of things in my closet that are still from early college or even high school — clothes that, by now, are well over 10 years old. What once seemed so inconceivable — that is, having a shirt for 10+ years — has happened organically without me fully realizing. It feels like a small circle of life moment. 

I’ve long wanted to explore this idea of the “10 year closet” — a wardrobe with beloved items that stay with you for a very long time, always escaping another round of decluttering. The pieces that thread together different phases of your life. I’ve also come to understand over the years that holding on to your garments for a long time is the simplest way to be more sustainable with clothes. That brings us to this new series on Ode!

In each installment of The 10 Year Closet, I’ll share a little bit about a piece I’ve had for 10+ years — its origin story, particular appeal, and what its longevity has taught me about clothes, style, and intentional shopping. 

First up: a houndstooth puffer vest from a Macy’s that no longer exists. 

The deets: A Liz Claiborne white/navy houndstooth lightweight puffer vest with gilded hardware, in a size P.

Circa: 2010-ish 

How it became mine: I was home from college, doing the usual rounds at the strip mall with my mom. We’d typically hit up the (now closed) Macy’s, which actually had a not terrible selection of petite clothing — and plenty of sale racks. Oh the joy of finding an interesting petite piece that’s also on sale!

Why it’s in my 10 Year Closet:

I’m honestly surprised this vest is that old because it still looks very current to me. Probably because I’ve been tempted left and right by this fancy baby carrier that comes in a houndstooth pattern…which leads me to this simple takeaway: a classic pattern in a classic colorway stays in style! 

Three ways I’ve worn the vest over the years…I think it’s good for adding some work-friendly pizzazz! (In the middle one, the top layer is a very thin rain coat, so the vest provided some necessary warmth.)

Design aside, a light puffer vest is just a very useful thing to have in your wardrobe. It’s a top layer when it’s just chilly and a substantial middle layer for your core when it’s very cold. I fully took advantage of this versatility during an Asia trip in the fall several years ago. It was a humid 60 degrees fahrenheit type of weather in Chengdu, which is in southwest China, so I would just wear it over a black long sleeve Heattech. But when I got to Seoul, temps went down to 30s, so I would wear it over a wool sweater over the Heattech and then a jacket on top for max warmth using what I packed.

Escaping the cold at a cafe in Seoul.

For the last couple of years, I’ve had two puffer vests in my wardrobe. This one and another one that fits looser and has an autumnal color scheme of purple, orange, and cream. This one is good for a sharp, “city” vibe, while the other is perfect for the relaxed, apple picking/foliage hiking/Thanksgiving feasting type of day.

So I feel content in the vest department. If I were to add another one, it would be a more oversized, heavier puffer intended as true outerwear, possibly with a hood. But not a priority!

Anyway, that’s it for now. Let me know what you think of the 10 Year Closet and if you have favorite 10+ year old items :) 

– Jenny