My style has always been rooted in the classics: crisp white shirting, beautiful knitwear, a well-cut jacket and a strand of pearls. I’m drawn to that distinctly preppy balance of structure and ease—but I’ve always believed the most interesting part of getting dressed is making those familiar pieces your own.
That sensibility has followed me from California to Tennessee, and through more than 25 years of corporate life. Dressing for work taught me to appreciate a wardrobe that works together. It also made me particular about comfort. I loved the look of a blouse beneath a sweater or jacket, but often wished I could keep the neckline and leave the extra layer behind.
The inspiration for The Curated Collar came from a pearl collar my mother-in-law gave me. It made me see the collar differently: as an accessory in its own right, with the same ability as a piece of jewelry to give an outfit its character.
That gift led me to look more closely at detachable collars and chemisettes—the blouse fronts worn beneath other garments to create a layered neckline. Here was a familiar idea with so much room for individual expression.
Today, that is what guides the collection. I look for details that bring something distinct to a wardrobe: the shape of a pointed collar, the delicacy of sheer lace, the proportions of a ruffle. Some pieces feel tailored; others are softer or more romantic. I’m especially drawn to what happens when you mix them—a decorative collar with an everyday sweatshirt, or a delicate neckline beneath a structured jacket.
My hope is that you’ll find a piece here that feels like you, then discover a few unexpected ways to wear it. Perhaps it brings a favorite sweater back into rotation or gives a simple dress a different mood.
Those are the possibilities I love: a wardrobe that feels personal, clothes that feel good to wear, and the pleasure of finding just the right detail.
Cate Bennett | Founder, The Curated Collar