"If She Can, So Can I"
The Style Questionnaire with writer Tembe Denton-Hurst
I’m so thrilled to have on Big Undies today! Tembe is a brilliant culture writer. She is the voice behind the newsletter and the author of Homebodies, a novel about a young Black writer who loses her media job due to racism in the industry.
Tembe also is a staff writer at The Strategist and she has an incredible sense of style which you can get a glimpse of on Instagram. I can’t wait for you to read Tembe’s style questionnaire!
If you like to read about the best sweatshirts, adventures in capsule closets, and Anti-Trump aesthetics, please support Big Undies by becoming a paid subscriber.
What are you wearing right now?
A Pepto-Bismol pink romper from Aritzia.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A pair of black knee-high, short-heeled boots from ASOS. The leather feels awful so I’m returning.
If you had to wear a uniform (same thing every day) what would it be?
Some kind of wide-legged trouser or pants, a tissue-thin mockneck, a soft cardigan, layered with a trench, and a sleek sneaker.
Describe a favorite article of clothing from a work of fiction.
I don’t know where it’s from but in some book a woman was wearing a salmon-colored sweater and for whatever reason that’s always stuck with me.
How do you think about style and clothes in your own writing?
It’s hard to write about clothes, but I do think that it’s a vehicle of communication and another opportunity for characterization. I don’t think I’m very good at it though, it’s something I’m still learning to wrap my mind around.
Where did you get clothes as a kid? Describe a favorite childhood outfit.
Depends on who was buying them. If it was my mom, Old Navy. My dad, TJ Maxx. My maternal grandmother, Cookies and Pretty Girl and Denise, whatever was on Fulton Street. My paternal grandmother, Hechts.
Tell me about an item of clothing that you wear only to do a specific activity.
Workout leggings (up to 4x). I only wear them to the gym or brisk walking. I find them uncomfortable otherwise. I need to breathe!
What did you wear to the last party or event you attended?
A long black knit St. Johns skirt from The Real Real (similar, size 16), a tiny black cardigan from Target that’s too short in the arms (similar, up to 4x), and a long waxy-looking trench from Weekday.
Tell me about an experience that changed your relationship to clothing or getting dressed.
When I realized my arms were the size they were and that no amount of covering them was going to change that, the world opened up for me. There’s also this girl who’s incredibly beautiful and fine as fuck that has similar arms to mine that wears whatever she wants—that was affirming for me. I was like, “If she can, so can I.”
Tell me about an accessory or piece of clothing that you lost or ruined but still think about.
My promise ring—a gold band with small pave diamonds. My now-wife gave it to me on my 20th birthday and I have no clue where it is. I’m convinced it’s stuck under the baseboard in my room. I’ve been considering contacting a misplaced things psychic to find it.
What’s your winter 2024 must have?
Good socks. Comfy knitwear. I love the Uniqlo socks. And unfortunately the Sk*ms sheer modal (up to 4x) is very good. It's being discontinued but is incredibly soft. I’m a Taurus rising so I need all the cozy things all the time. I also like to keep all the windows in my house open regardless of season so I have to bundle up around the house.
Who do you think has good style?
So many people, especially my friends. My grandmother is also the most stylish woman I’ve ever met. Every time I see her, I compliment her.
Anything else you want to tell us about getting dressed?
I’m in deep style dysmorphia right now which is a sign that it’s shifting. I’m choosing to not buy my way out of that, which is important for being smart financially but also not accumulating a ton of shit that I have to later figure out how to get rid of. I’m sitting in the discomfort rather than trying to evade it, even though it’s resulted in me hating every outfit I wear.
I think my style is becoming a little sleeker, more tailored, architectural. I'm trying to master casual refinement. Not too fussy. I want to always look comfortable, as if my garments were made for me and a bit dressed up. I don't want anything to look or feel too precious or overdone. That doesn't mean I'm kicking around in sweatpants though or will never wear a heel. Instead I want it to feel like every part of my wardrobe comes naturally to me. I also want to be better at accessorizing, especially with the same signature pieces.
I've also changes sizes in the past year, so things are fitting differently. I'm learning how to dress a body I haven't had in years that, despite being a familiar weight, isn't exactly the same as it was the last time. I'm less self-conscious and more willing to show some skin, so that factors into it too.
Thank you so much for doing the style questionnaire, Tembe! Subscribe to and get a copy of Homebodies!
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thank you for having me!
I was so sad when DC's Hecht's closed.
Loved this interview. Thank you.