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style advice

Fashion

What to wear on Christmas Day—using what’s already in your wardrobe

10th December, 2023

What are you wearing on Christmas Day? Whether it’s a family BBQ or a formal sit down lunch if you’ve yet to sort out your outfit and are quickly running out of time then you’re in luck because your ensemble could be sitting in your wardrobe right now. That’s right, with some new outfit inspiration, key pieces in your closet can be reworked and turned into a fresh new look. And the best bit is it doesn’t cost a cent.

Inspiration: A midi or maxi dress + sneakers

This is an easy place to start. If you’ve got a favourite dress in your cupboard that’s feeling a bit tired simply change up the footwear. A pair of sneakers is an easy go-to and looks instantly on trend without much effort at all.

Inspiration: Layering neutrals + a pop of colour

I’m betting you have a handful of neutral pieces in your wardrobe so why not bring them back to life again by opting for a tonal colour palette. Working your outfit within the same colour family results in a chic, considered look and the addition of a bright statement shoe instantly adds an element of interest.

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Inspiration: A singlet + pants

If you have a trusty white singlet and a pair of dressy pants you have this look sorted. You could also swap the pants for a pair of shorts or culottes and it works equally as well. Add a pair of sandals or heels and you’re set.

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Inspiration: A slip dress + scarf

Given how huge slip dresses have been of late I’m sure there’s a lot of you who may have one sitting in your cupboard right now. The key to refreshing it is in the accessories you pair with it. A scarf tied around your hair is very of the moment and looks bang on trend.

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Inspiration: Basic tee + wrap skirt + slides

A trusty white tee is a given in most wardrobes so why not pair it with a dressy skirt for a high-low mix that looks instantly stylish. A wrap skirt is a current trend that looks fresh for summer and a pair of slides makes for instant cool.

Inspiration: Striped shirt + denim

A striped shirt paired with a denim skirt is the ideal ensemble for a family lunch that may end up turning into an evening event. You could also opt for jeans if a skirt isn’t your thing. The great thing about this look is that most of us already have a striped shirt sitting in our wardrobes so it’s an easy go-to when you feel you have nothing to wear.

What are you planning to wear on Christmas Day?
Fashion

Fashion habits to adopt for great style

30th November, 2023

Who’s your style icon? I have a number of women whose style I admire and whilst they may make it look effortless, I’ve found that often the thing with looking stylish is it doesn’t have to be difficult—as long as you have a few key things in place. If you get into the habit of doing a few things regularly then you can instantly make walking out the door looking polished and pulled together a whole lot easier.

Planning outfits

I’m betting if you’ve ever really loved someone’s look it’s because everything works and there’s cohesion. The shoes work with the outfit, the bag is in keeping with the colour palette… it all just works. And to do this isn’t hard, it just requires putting in the effort of doing a little outfit planning. If you stop and put together a few outfits ahead of time, whether it’s the night before or you do a weekly styling session, you take that hurried dash for clothing out of the equation, which is when outfits tend to go awry.

Doing a tight edit

I think an outfit always has to have an individual element but also a considered edit that allows everything to work together. So always think about striking a balance and ensure that no elements are competing with each other but are instead complementing one another.

A special accessory can elevate a look

Adding one special piece

Aim to incorporate one standout piece when styling an outfit. It could be a great pair of earrings, a beautiful bag or a striking top, but whatever it is, ensure that it’s the kind of thing that can elevate a look.

Ensuring everything is in good condition

One of the things that can let an outfit down is if anything looks a little worn or shabby. Get into the habit of checking your clothes for damage so that you can get onto repairs straight away or replace it if need be. Also little things like pilling, discolouration, fading and even tiny stains are all things that can compromise the stylish feel of an outfit so be sure to either attend to the issue or phase it out of your wardrobe.

Ensure clothes are the right fit

Wearing the right undergarments

The right underwear is so important to the overall finish of a look. A rogue bra strap under a cami, or underwear that’s the wrong colour under what you’re wearing are all things that can make you look less than pulled together. Invest in quality undergarments from bras to slips and underwear (including Spanx if you want a smooth finish under certain clothes) and you’re already ticking all the style boxes.

Aim for the right fit

Bid adieu to clothes that don’t fit perfectly. If it can be repaired then get them altered straight away. If not, then it’s time to donate them to charity so someone else can enjoy them. Also those “someday” clothes you’re saving? It’s time to farewell those too and instead focus on clothes that work for you now. You deserve to look nothing less than stylish after all.

 

Fashion

My tips for flattering denim

22nd October, 2023

A great pair of jeans is an essential in my wardrobe as they’re often a go-to for me whether I’m after a casual look for the weekend or a dressy outfit for work. I’m often on the hunt for new additions to my denim collection and I’m one to spend a lot of time looking around and trying on different styles to find the perfect pair. When it comes to denim these are my rules for ensuring I always end up with the most flattering fit.

Get them tailored

It’s important that jeans are always the right length for a polished finish—don’t just let them pool at the bottom near your ankles. I always make sure to get them taken up professionally. If you’re petite and hate losing the original hem of your jeans you can pay a little bit extra when you have them altered and often the tailor can reattach it for you.

The right fit

There are so many different styles out there when it comes to denim so it’s important to try as many as you can to find the right pair for you. Just keep these things in mind…

  • If you’re going for a skinny leg that they are tight all the way down and fitted at the leg and not loose around the ankle. A cropped or ankle length is the most flattering length when it comes to skinny jeans.
  • Boyfriend jeans are designed to be baggy but ensure that they don’t look to overwhelming—they should be slightly loose around the thighs but still taper down to the ankle.
  • If you’re going to wear a boot leg or wide leg they should definitely be cropped to suit the shoes you’ll wear with them most. If you need to get them taken up bring your heels in with you to the tailor to make sure it’s cut to the right length and the hem isnt dragging on the floor.
Go for the most snug fit

I find denim always tends to “give” a little when you wear it repeatedly so to avoid my jeans getting too baggy I always make sure I get the most snug fit I can. By snug, obviously go for a size that you can still comfortably button up as you don’t want to cut yourself off at the waist and end up with a muffin top. It should feel firm but not overly tight.

My denim go-tos

Skinny leg jeans are my number one pick when it comes to denim as it works with my petite frame. I always go for a lighter wash for casual wear and darker for a dressier look. I will do a ripped effect during the day and non-ripped at night. I also light straight leg styles which end just near my ankle as I find they’re a great piece to work back with dressy pieces such as a blazer or basic staples like white t-shirt.

Fashion

How to elevate your date night outfits

7th October, 2023

Heading out for an evening to ourselves is something Luke and I try and do every so often. I think when you have been together for awhile, especially when kids enter the picture it’s nice to be able to reconnect and remember what it was like during the early days. It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the process of pulling a great outfit together and getting all dolled up! Date night outfits are one of my most favourite looks to pull together — here are a few of my tips on how to elevate your next ensemble.

Push your boundaries

I always like to make a point of wearing something that’s just a little more special than what Luke would normally see me in. That could be something such as a great dress that I’ve been wanting to wear or just an outfit that I would never usually wear when I’m just in everyday mode. Also it’s a great time to experiment with a new look — if there’s a particular trend you’ve been wanting to try or something that you’ve been eyeing but haven’t found the occasion to wear it, why not do it during date night?

Pay attention to your accessories

When I’m looking after the girls, simplicity and comfort is key. I don’t have time to fuss around with earrings or bags because kids just don’t wait for things like that! So I always like to make an effort when it’s date night. Statement earrings are always a great option to consider but it’s also the perfect time to introduce a new bag into the mix or a beautiful necklace. I know it’s easy to stick to your tried and tested pieces but consider this the perfect time to do something a little different.

Throw practicality out the door

Date night is the perfect excuse to wear something that’s a little bit sexy and yes, completely impractical. That means letting your fave silk blouse out for the evening or wearing your favourite skyscraper heels—it’s the time to just focus on feeling and looking great and not if you’re going to be able to run after a toddler in your outfit.

Wear amazing shoes

I think wearing a killer pair of shoes is always a guaranteed way to feel great. If you’re always in flats or sneakers then the next time you head out, take it up a notch and let your beloved statement heels take centre stage. Think of it as a way of getting more out of your wardrobe too.

Spend time on your beauty look

Don’t let your look down by forgetting about your hair and makeup. Date night’s actually the perfect reason to stop and take your time with your beauty look. Try a new hairstyle or do a smoky eye or statement lip and enjoy the process of getting all dressed up.

Fashion

8 wardrobe basics that can instantly make styling an outfit easier

21st April, 2023

Wardrobe basics are the lynchpin of your look. I find that owning a few key pieces can in turn make everything else you own just that little more wearable as you can start with the below items and then build an outfit around them. Each person obviously has their own unique style so some of the pieces below might require substituting here and there but overall I think they’re the kind of staples that can be worked in so many different ways. Versatility is key when it comes to a look and having the right wardrobe basics in your closet can really ensure that you are able to take your style repertoire in several different directions. I’ve narrowed down a few key things that I think every woman needs…

Kate Waterhouse wardrobe basics stacked jeans

Jeans are a key part of my off duty wardrobe

1. Jeans

It’s imperative to find yourself a pair of jeans that fit you ridiculously well and are ultra flattering. My go-to styles are a slightly fitted skinny (but not ultra skin tight!) or straight leg as they work with my body shape but be sure to find the right style for you. These days a wide leg, mum jean or relaxed fit are also all popular options so make sure you try a few different pairs on to help you fine the one that works best.

2. Ribbed knit maxi dress

I’m a fan of ribbed knit dresses as they’re such a wearable piece that can easily be dressed up or down. I like wearing mine with slides during summer and then layer it in winter with a jacket, trench or blazer when temperatures drop.

3. White t-shirt

A plain white t-shirt is the kind of piece that will be in constant rotation. I love a crew neck style and wore one here, as I find them it to be a style that can work on its own or act as a layering piece. Start with white, however shades such as black, grey and navy and a good stripe are also a great addition to any wardrobe.

4. Button down shirt

There’s a reason why a classic white shirt is at the top of most wardrobe basics lists — it’s just so wearable and can add a stylish touch to any look. One styling trick I like to employ is opting for a slightly looser fit when it comes to shirts as visually it can make your frame appear smaller.

5. High waisted skirt

A high waisted skirt is a go-to when it comes to office wear but it can also easily transition to your off duty wardrobe. Opt for a simple black or a fun print and pair with a tee or shirt for an easy, out-the-door-fast look. I’m a fan of a midi or maxi pleated skirt in a floaty fabric or if you want to look ultra on trend, try a high waisted denim skirt with a longer hemline.

6. Quality knit

Invest in at least one quality knit in a quality fabric (cashmere is luxe, but oh-so long lasting) and opt for colours such as grey or black as they’re easily paired with multiple items in your wardrobe.

7. Blazer

You can wear a blazer to work or out to dinner on a Saturday night and is such a must when it comes to wardrobe basics. Popping one on can easily dress up a look give it a stylish touch.

8. Tailored wide leg pants

I’ve been wearing wide leg tailored pants a lot lately as I’ve found them to be a great bridge between looking casual and dressy as they’re easily dressed up or down. I’ve worn a pair of black wide leg pants on repeat recently as they’re comfy but look polished and it’s quickly become one of my go-to pieces during the week.

Tell me—what are some of the wardrobe basics you can’t live without? Have I missed any on my list?
Fashion

The key to timeless style

19th March, 2023

Crisp white suiting always looks chic

Classic, timeless style is one thing I always aspire to. I like to keep my looks on trend but with an overarching sense of polish and generally don’t venture too far from what I know and love. One of the main reasons I do this is because it ensures the longevity of my wardrobe. If I stick to pieces that I believe will last the test of time I won’t have to update them as often and I can guarantee my favourites will have plenty of outings ahead. Having adopted this as my approach to shopping and how I dress for many years, and also observing the stylish women in my life whose ensembles just don’t seem to ever date, here’s what I consider to be the building blocks of having a look that will endure the years to come. These are the timeless style tips to commit to memory.

Scrimp on trend buys

I love purchasing trendy items as much as the next person but I keep them to a minimum. If I like the look of the signature silhouette or colour of the season I will buy a select few pieces and work them back with what’s already in my closet. I avoid wearing one trend from head to toe and like to give it my own spin.

Embrace timeless fabrics and prints

There are certain prints and fabrications that won’t date. Polka dots, stripes and plaid have remained in the mix most seasons and will add a fun touch to any outfit that won’t look dated. Long-lasting fabrics such as tweed, silk, wool and cashmere are worth adding to your wardrobe as they really stand up well to the wear and tear of constant use.

A classic black bag is definitely worth the splurge

Invest in classic pieces

Think of the pieces that have been around for ages and have remained a constant and they’re likely to be things like a black blazer, a white button down shirt, denim jeans and the little black dress and a simple black bag. These are the wardrobe buys that are worth investing in as they’re not going away any time soon.

Tailor your clothes

Ill-fitting clothes will make you look unkempt so it’s best to invest in tailoring pieces so they perfectly fit. Find a good tailor and have things taken in or up or out, depending on your needs, to ensure that whatever you’re wearing fits you like a glove. A perfectly tailored outfit just screams timeless style.

Know what suits your body shape

Learn to pinpoint the styles and silhouettes that work with your shape. Go on a shopping expedition and try on a few different silhouettes in key staples such as pants, tops, skirts and dresses and see what works. Be brutally honest. If what you see doesn’t put a smile on your face then keep searching until you find something that does. Once you’ve pinpointed what works for you then you’ll have a handful of go-to styles that you can always come back to time and time again.

Who do you think has classic style? What are your favourite timeless style tips?

Fashion

How to… elevate neutrals

5th March, 2023

If there’s one thing that I think every wardrobe needs it’s a great assortment of neutrals. They’re ideal for mixing and matching and are ultra versatile, but because of this, they might be considered a little flat or boring. But I think they’re anything but. In fact I think they’re the ultimate workhorses of any wardrobe because not only can they be treated as a blank canvas but they can also be quite impactful by employing accessories or various textures into the mix.

The benefit of working with neutrals is that it provides the perfect base to start with and allows you to elevate them easily with a few simple style tricks. Here’s how to elevate neutrals with ease.

Mixing textures

A great way to bring neutrals to life is to mix textures. By bringing a tactile element into your look whether it’s mixing a soft cashmere with a luxe linen in a neutral shade, you can instantly add a little depth to your look. Also incorporating fabrics like denim and leather into your outfit can easily amp up any neutral tones.

Accessorising

As always accessories are key. Given that neutrals tend to be quite pared back, they can easily be lifted by adding strong accoutrements like jewellery, shoes or bags. This will also allow you to incorporate a few contrasting colours and textures into the mix making for a more impactful outfit.

Colour is a great way to increase the impact of a neutral piece

Adding touches of colour

The beauty of neutral tones is that it acts like a blank canvas and you can easily incorporate touches of colour into it. Choosing strong shades like punchy pinks or deep blues act as the perfect complementary hues, instantly lifting a palette featuring beiges, creams, tans or whites.

Block and ombre styling

Playing with a neutral colour palette and its various shades makes for an eye catching look. You could try working similar neutral shades together for a colour blocking effect — something that was quite prominent at this year’s Fashion Week. Another alternative is working with one neutral colour and incorporating varying shades of it for an ombre effect.

Embrace neutrals in its various iterations

The beauty of neutrals is that it works in almost any form. A sleek neutral blazer adds an elevated seasonal touch to a spring/summer look and works beautifully when layered with other neutrals such as beige, white, tan and fawn. Alternatively a lightweight neutral summer trench works as a great topper with most outfits. Wide leg pants or a simple basic tank or tee are also perfect for this time of year. 

How do you elevate the neutral tones in your wardrobe?

Fashion

5 things to make getting dressed this week easier

24th August, 2022

A little outfit planning goes a long way

Morning wardrobe dilemmas are a common occurrence for most women. And it can be downright stressful. Anyone who has ever found themselves running late, only to lose the very shirt they wanted to wear will know how it can get your day off to a bad start. So the best way to get around this is to do a bit of forward planning.

You can plan as little or as much as you want but if there’s one thing I know it’s that getting your outfit sorted ahead of time can shave minutes off your getting ready time (more time in bed!). It also avoids that situation where you walk out the door and immediately regret what you’re wearing but you’re cutting it too close to change. If you want to avoid last minute panic tomorrow then take note of the following five things…

Designate Sunday as your ‘get organised’ day

You can pick any day you want but Sunday is great because it’s the start of the week. Look at your diary, pinpoint what you have on and then start pulling your looks together. And once you know the outfits you want to wear it’s a good time to wash everything you’re going to need (don’t add additional stress by doing it the night before!) and iron everything in advance. This way all you have to do in the morning is get dressed and walk out the door.

Do a wardrobe clean up

Nothing will stand in the way of you and a drama-free week of outfit planning than a closet that’s overflowing. A little wardrobe organisation goes a long way as it takes away the stress of having to locate clothing in a pile of unidentifiable shirts. My foolproof way to organise my clothes is to take everything out and do a cull to start with. Once I’ve done an edit leaving me with only the clothes I’m loving and using, I will organise them into categories. So jeans go in one spot, activewear in another, blazers, coats and so forth. This means I can see everything and instantly know what I have to work with.

A designated rail is a great way to keep your outfits organised

Put everything in a designated area

If you’ve gone to all the effort of planning your outfits there’s no point putting them all back in your cupboard only to have to find them again throughout the week. If you’ve got room in your home, I really like the idea of having a designated rail to hang all your looks for the week. This can include everything from clothes to shoes and accessories. If you’re a bit tight on space, try hanging your outfits together on one side of your closet so you can easily find them.

Set yourself a challenge

It can become quite tedious to just wear the same things over and over again so why not set yourself a style challenge each week. I have one here that you could try or simply come up with your own. It can be anything from wear one animal print item or wear an all-white outfit. The key is to get your creative juices flowing and think beyond your usual fashion repertoire.

Rethink an old favourite

I’ve got a few old faves in my closet which I wear to death. I usually know off the top of my head what they will go with and end up in the same looks. And whilst this is great for those days when I just can’t be bothered thinking of what to wear, it can sometimes get boring. So, to get around this I’m trying to take the old faithfuls in my wardrobe and wear them in different ways. Whether it’s pairing it with a different colour or a skirt as opposed to jeans, I’m making the effort to rejig the classics I own to keep them fresh.

What are some things you do to make getting dressed throughout the week easier?

Fashion

The one thing I do to avoid a wardrobe crisis

24th July, 2022

Having a morning wardrobe meltdown isn’t always ideal when I’ve got a busy day ahead of me, not to mention having to get the girls organised at the same time so I’ve had to devise a way to avoid them. It’s always daunting to look into a wardrobe not having any idea on what to wear so I always make sure that I have a backup plan for precisely those moments. Generally, I’ll know what I am going to wear each day but for those times when inspiration doesn’t strike I’ve pre-prepared a few different outfits that I can easily and quickly pull together. Having a series of outfits that I have already styled in my head so I don’t even have to think about makes it easier to get out the door fast.

If you want to try this for yourself you don’t necessarily have to have the entire head to toe look planned (unless you really want to be that specific) but it helps to have the bones of the outfit ready to go such as the dress or the top and pants combination that you’re going to wear. I generally accessorise as I go along when it comes to jewellery and my handbag but I’ll know which of my shoes will go with the outfit so I don’t have to waste time trying on a million pairs. I’ve memorised my go-to looks but you could always photograph them and store them in a folder on your phone for an easy visual reminder. If you want to try this out for yourself I’d recommend identifying the occasions where you’re likely to feel stuck for outfit inspiration such as weekday mornings when you’re about to go to work or leisure wear for the weekend. This is all about making things easier on yourself so you’ll never have to freak out about a wardrobe crisis again.

What are some ways you avoid a morning wardrobe crisis?

 

Fashion

What to do when you feel you have nothing to wear

21st May, 2022

It’s something that happens to most of us at one time or another. Staring into your closet and feeling less than enthused at what’s in there can be annoying, but if it’s happening with great regularity then it’s high time to look into employing a few style strategies to avoid a wardrobe dilemma.

When you feel you have nothing to wear, it kickstarts your day into a more stressful state than it has to be. Given we would all generally have enough items in our closet to work a multitude of different outfits, it’s not the amount you have but how you work it that’s important.

Here are a few tips and tricks to try the next time you encounter “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.

Have a bank of go-to outfits

When you’re having a good style day consider banking that outfit on your phone somewhere so you have a record of a look that you love and you know that works. Aim for at least 10 different looks so that you have an emergency stash of outfits to rely on when you’re encountering a wardrobe dilemma.

Do a closet tidy

Being able to visually clock every single thing you own can free up a little mental space to help get those styling juices flowing. If you’re staring at a pile of clothes it can be really hard to think of how to put them all together. If you’re unable to fit everything in, it’s probably a sign that you need to look at what you own and what you actually need — doing so can help free up valuable closet real estate.

Theme it

Sometimes it helps to narrow down your options. Even something as simple as giving yourself a particular colour to wear or narrowing things down to a denim look can help you hone in on certain pieces and in turn make it easier on yourself to work them together.

Have a reliable staples

Having a few key pieces that can be worked in a few different ways is a great thing to have in case you’re unsure about what to wear. A great pair of pants, flattering jeans, a dress and a skirt are great failsafe pieces to have. You can always fall back on them on the days where you’re really struggling to pull a look together.

Start small then think big

Often just starting with a single piece can help everything fall into place. So start with a small decision such as for example deciding whether it’s a skirt or pants day. Once you’ve done that, then you can hone in on the pants in your closet, as opposed to having to look at absolutely everything. Limiting your choices once again can make it a little easier to tie a look together.

What are some strategies you use when you’re having an “I have nothing to wear” day?