If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve been having something of a Balenciaga moment lately. There’s just something about the brand—its ability to balance edge and elegance—that’s been resonating with me. That said, I’ve never been someone who likes to dress in head-to-toe labels. To me, mixing and reimagining is half the fun. So rather than going all out in one brand, I decided to build my own take on a favorite Balenciaga Fall look.
Let’s start with what I consider one of Balenciaga’s greatest gifts to us: the sock boot. Now, yes, the style has been around for a while, but theirs? Pure genius. It’s sleek, sculptural, and has just the right dose of attitude to make any outfit feel instantly sharper. I’ve been wearing my pair on repeat, and believe it or not, they’re surprisingly comfortable. I know—nobody ever believes me when I say that about heels. But here’s the thing: when a shoe is crafted with real quality, comfort usually follows.
Are they ideal for marathon city walks? Absolutely not. These are what I like to call “taxi shoes”: perfect for days that involve more sitting at cafés, quick car rides between meetings, or leisurely strolls rather than power walking across town. But for those slower days, they’re perfection. And the best part? No tights needed. The boots hit high enough to do the job all on their own, which feels like the chicest little shortcut ever.
The Building Blocks of My Look
So, onto the outfit itself. Instead of going full Balenciaga, I pulled pieces from a few different places to capture the same mood. It’s my way of channeling the spirit of the collection without the commitment—or the price tag.
First up, the outerwear. I built the look around a purple vest from Ienki Ienki. Unfortunately, the exact version I’m wearing isn’t available online anymore, but I’ve linked a few similar finds at the bottom of this post for those on the hunt. What I love about this piece is its playful boldness. It’s cozy, it’s padded, and the color just lights up even the gloomiest winter day. Think of it as a wearable dose of optimism.
Underneath, I paired it with a Goop skirt that I cannot stop raving about. The fabric is everything—soft, thin but structured enough, and with just a hint of stretch that makes it move beautifully. And the plaid print? Exactly what I was searching for this season. It strikes that balance of classic-meets-modern, and it’s versatile enough to work with knits, blouses, or hoodies.
Speaking of hoodies, yes, I went there. I know it’s not the first thing you’d expect when building a Balenciaga-inspired outfit, but it’s exactly what gives the whole look its casual edge. This particular hoodie has been my travel uniform lately—there’s something about its relaxed fit that makes long flights or train rides feel instantly more bearable. But here, layered under the vest and tucked into the skirt, it completely changes personality. Suddenly, it’s less “airport lounge” and more “street style cool.”
Why It Works
To me, fashion is at its best when it feels approachable but still a little unexpected. This outfit does exactly that. The hoodie keeps it grounded and wearable, the skirt adds a polished twist, and the vest brings in a pop of personality. Top it off with those Balenciaga sock boots, and the whole thing comes together in a way that feels elevated without being overdone.
The magic, I think, is in the balance. Too many statement pieces at once can overwhelm. Too many basics, and the look risks feeling flat. But mixing a few playful items with some tried-and-true staples keeps things fresh, interesting, and—most importantly—true to me.
Takeaway Tips
If you want to recreate the vibe without duplicating the exact outfit, here’s my advice:
- Invest in a standout boot. Whether it’s a sock boot, a knee-high, or a chunky lace-up, a great boot can transform even the simplest look.
- Play with color. Don’t be afraid of bold hues, especially in winter when neutrals dominate. A colorful vest, knit, or coat can lift your mood instantly.
- Mix the unexpected. Pairing a casual hoodie with a tailored skirt might feel odd at first, but it’s exactly that tension that makes an outfit interesting.
- Balance comfort and style. Not every look has to be practical for a 10,000-step day. Some are meant for slower, more intentional outings—and that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
So no, I didn’t go all out Balenciaga. But I didn’t need to. By blending a few of my favorite winter finds, I was able to capture the spirit of one of their Fall looks while making it completely my own. And that’s the beauty of fashion—it doesn’t have to be literal. It just has to make you feel confident, comfortable, and a little bit inspired.
Now I want to know: would you ever pair a hoodie with a skirt, or is that a step too far outside your comfort zone?
