Vince: A California Eye for Cashmere, Silk and Everyday Layers

In Los Angeles in 2002, Rea Laccone and Christopher LaPolice founded Vince. I like that as a way into the clothes: a California beginning, and a wardrobe that lets material and line do the talking. The label’s current story still points back to California, not as a costume, but as a place to start thinking about how a piece sits in ordinary life.

When WWD wrote about the founders’ return, it said they would oversee product, merchandising and creative work. Laccone described the aim as everyday essentials with a modern cast. That is the distinction I want from a closet full of good basics: a neckline or finish that makes the simplest thing feel considered, without needing an elaborate outfit around it.

I would start with the Satin-Trimmed Cashmere Collared Cardigan in Cherrywood, a dark reddish brown with a satin-edged collar, and put it over the fine Pinewood Cashmere-Silk Slim Turtleneck when the day calls for a second layer. The Plush Cashmere Funnel-Neck Sweater in off white has a roomier outline, so I would keep the bottom half narrow or let it sit over a straight skirt. The Plush Cashmere V-Neck Cardigan in Dark Moss is the button-front option when the outfit already has enough detail.

Crimson at the Cashmere Casual V-Neck Sweater changes the mood without asking for a print, while the black Cashmere Classic Crew Neck is the plain anchor I would return to under a coat. Check the listed length against the rise of the trousers you plan to wear. That small measurement will tell you whether a front tuck is an option or whether the sweater looks better left alone.

Before choosing a fall dress, I would decide which detail should lead: the scarf, the neckline, or the waist. The brand describes its foundational pieces as moving through places and occasions, so I would look for the version I could restyle, rather than the one that only works as a single look.

The Cypress Satin Scarf-Neck Dress has a self-scarf that can drape over one shoulder or wrap, and its weighty hammered satin gives the whole silhouette enough presence. The Cinderwood Cozy Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress is a different proposition, dolman sleeves above a column skirt, with a layered-set effect built into the shape. For something more defined, the black Draped Crepe Funnel-Neck Dress has a ruched waist; I would pair it with a neat boot and a long coat, not much else.

Skirts let me keep the silhouette quieter. The Pinewood Raw-Edge Satin Skirt has pleats and raw-edged seams, while the black Draped-Waist Wool-Blend Midi Skirt is a longer column with a soft waist. The Iron Square-Neck Mixed-Media Dress brings rib knit up top and a semi-sheer skirt below, so tights make sense once October turns properly cold. The Spotted Matte Satin Slip Skirt is the print pick; I would keep the top plain.

What I would skip: the spotted slip when the coat or bag already has a strong pattern. Before buying, check the exact dress length and closure in the product details, then picture it with the shoe you would actually wear.

Trouser shopping is simpler when I separate fit from mood: choose where the waist sits, then decide how much volume the leg should have. WWD quoted Rea Laccone describing the label’s aim as everyday essentials with a modern cast, and these pairs make that case through shape rather than decoration.

The Colette High-Rise Crepe Bias Pant in Black Rose has a fluid wide leg and hidden elastic waistband. Because this style is described as slightly oversized, I would check the size guidance if I wanted a closer line. The Cinderwood Satin High-Waist Utility Trouser adds a cargo note without turning into a field uniform, thanks to the crepe-back satin and multiple pockets. For a sharper day, the Camille Italian Wool-Blend Flannel Wide-Leg Trouser sits at the natural waist in soft medium-heather-gray flannel.

Then there is a cropped option: the Willow Niki Mid-Rise Pintuck Crop Flare Pant has a 27.5-inch inseam and crisp pintucks, a useful proportion with a slim boot. The black Italian Wool-Blend Flannel Drawstring Pant is more relaxed through the waist, while the Simone Mid-Rise Italian Flannel Slim Flare keeps its line close above the knee. Smoked Truffle stretch-leather flares and Cinderwood stripe wide-legs take the palette in opposite directions.

Before deciding, compare the inseam with your intended shoes and the floor, not a guess, and look at the closures if you prefer a clean front. What I would skip: the utility trouser when the day calls for a very spare silhouette, since pockets are part of the point.

A neckline sets the outfit’s center of gravity, so I would begin at the collar and only then add a coat or earring. The official brand story places its design atelier in Los Angeles and says it draws on coastal life; that sounds less like a dress code than permission for a silk shirt to sit beside cotton jersey.

The Dark Cherrywood Silk Cowl-Neck Blouse slips on with a relaxed cowl, and I would tuck only the front into a high-rise trouser. The Wolf Silk Bias Long-Sleeve Blouse has a fluid cut and Agoya shell buttons, so I would leave those visible with a simple skirt. The Cypress Satin Relaxed Cap-Sleeve Top has more drape and a back zipper with a cascading pull, which gives it enough detail to carry a plain bottom.

For low-key days, the Black Rose striped cotton long-sleeve tee has a triple-stripe pattern; the Optic White Essential Pima Cotton-Blend Long-Sleeve T-Shirt keeps the same clean simplicity. The black ’90s Shrunken T-Shirt sits shorter at 22 inches, so I would check the product measurements against a high rise before choosing it. The Lace-Trim Ribbed Long-Sleeve V-Neck Top is the small-detail option when a plain black top feels too blank.

I would compare the blouse length with the rise of the bottom, then look at how the neckline sits under a jacket. What I would skip: the cap-sleeve satin top if I need a base layer with close-fitting sleeves.

Outerwear needs a sleeve test on paper: what will fit under it in October, and where the hem will land over the clothes already in rotation. The official brand description lists cashmere, silk, wool and leather among its lasting materials, rendered with attention to finish; this edit gives each a different job.

The black Wool-Cashmere Shawl-Collar Long Coat is the robe-shaped option, with its self-belt and back vent. The Dark Moss Reversible Shearling Car Coat turns from plush shearling to suede, so I would choose it only if both faces make sense with the rest of my closet. The Faux-Fur-Lined Puffer Coat has insulated padding and a detachable collar, while the Carmello Double-Collar Cotton-Blend Trench keeps a sharper line and adjustable cuffs.

At the shoe end, the black Tevin Shearling Mule is a backless loafer shape with a low heel, while the Ganache Tegan Leather Ankle Boot gives a squared toe and 2.5-inch heel. The Cacao Brown Teo Suede Loafer uses tonal whipstitched detailing, and the Oasis runner combines suede and herringbone for the most casual option. I would set these beside the trousers before deciding: the hem should meet the shoe without swallowing it.

What I would skip: the reversible car coat if I only want a light top layer, since a shearling face may be more presence than the outfit needs. For any coat, check sleeve length, closure and vent placement; for shoes, check heel height against your usual hem.

I would make the first choice a fine knit that layers cleanly, then pick one skirt or trouser with a different texture, then finish with the coat that suits the weather I actually plan for. The clothes do not need to match in color; they need to agree on proportion. A funnel neck and a fluid skirt, for instance, already have enough going on.

After that, I would decide on the shoe by checking where the hem breaks, not by treating the shoe as an afterthought. Vince began in Los Angeles, and I would keep that origin in mind as a point of view, relaxed enough for daily life and considered enough to leave the house looking finished.