Browsing Tag

wardrobe advice

Fashion, Shop

My tips for buying a flattering swimsuit

9th December, 2023

Shopping for swimsuits can be quite a challenge sometimes. I know for some it’s something that needs to be done but it can become quite overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. I’ve found that with swimsuits the best thing to do is to treat it with the same approach you would a regular shopping trip—that is, have a plan and have a general idea which stores you’d like to visit and a few different styles you’d like to try. So here, I’ve compiled my tips on finding a flattering swimsuit. Here’s what you need to remember…

Have a moodboard

Are there particular swimsuit styles that always catch your eye? Whether it’s a certain colour palette, a print or silhouette compile a little inspiration board for yourself to help guide your search. Even it’s just a series of Instagram images you’ve saved, having a visual guide is extremely handy during any shopping trip.

Be prepared to try on a few different styles

In an ideal world the perfect swimsuit would fall into your lap the first try and you can call it a day. The reality is however you have to be prepared to try on a few different types. Have a general idea of what you like but be prepared to venture outside your comfort zone as you never know, you could find yourself a pair of swimmers that look amazing on you but is not a silhouette you’d normally consider.

Look for the right support

There are so many great high-tech fabrications when it comes to swimwear these days that are guaranteed to pull you in in all the right places so use it to your advantage. I think the most important thing to feeling confident in a swimsuit is knowing that you’re not going to be fussing around and ensuring everything’s in place every five seconds! Invest in the best quality swimsuit you can to ensure that you’ve got the most flattering, perfect fit possible.

Don’t judge based on what you see on the rack

Try on every single swimsuit you like. Sometimes something looks far different on the rack as opposed to when you’ve got it on and you never know when you may stumble upon the perfect style. Also this will enable you to slowly pinpoint the styles that are going to accentuate all your best features. I truly believe there’s a style to suit everyone and it’s important to devote some time to the process.

Bring someone along for a second opinion

Whether it’s your partner, your bestie or your mum, bring a trusted shopping buddy with you to give you an honest opinion when you’re trying things on. Fluorescent change room lighting can be less than flattering at times so it’s good to have someone there to give you a second opinion.

Remember your style

Treat a piece of swimwear as you would your regular wardrobe and remember the things that are flattering for you. Do v-necks work for you? Then see how it translates to a swimsuit. You could try a halter neck top which has a similar silhouette. If you’re all about off the shoulder styles, you can find a similar top when it comes to swimwear.

 

Shop the post

 

What are some of your favourite brands for swimwear?

Fashion

How to wear black in summer

6th December, 2023

Bright hues and soft neutrals are usually the colours that go hand-in-hand with summer but don’t forget about classic black. While black is usually the kind of colour that’s ideal for the moodier hues that go with autumn/winter dressing, it still definitely has a place in summer as a go-to option when you want a sleek look. As the winner when it comes to understated, versatile hues, black can still underpin a lot of your summer looks, but it just takes a little consideration when it comes to fabric, style and silhouettes. Here are a few of my tips for wearing black in summer.

Opt for natural fabrics

Chic as it may be, there’s no getting around the fact that black does attract heat. So, if you’re going to wear it in warmer temperatures you need to stick with breathable fabrics so you don’t overheat! Think cotton, linen and silk fabrics which will breathe, but also are the kind of lightweight fabrics that are perfect for withstanding a day spent in the sun at the height of an Aussie summer.

Pair it back with colourful accessories

Head-to-toe black can seem a little heavy in summer so it’s often a good idea to incorporate some contrasting colours in the mix. Whether it’s a pop of colour in the form of a handbag, a sandal or a pair of sunglasses, you can use your accessories to lift the black in your outfit and provide some visual interest with black providing the perfect backdrop.

Work it against other hues

Use black pieces as your statement feature, whether it’s a great skirt or a classic pair of wide leg trousers, and pair it with lighter or brighter colours. Inserting a little colour relief works well to make your ensemble feel a little more summery, but maintains the ultra sleek feel of a dark hue.

Add traditionally summery textures

Adding pieces such as a raffia basket bag or a pair of espadrilles or a straw het helps lighten the appearance of black, making it a bit more summery. You can still maintain the sleek feel of an all black ensemble but adding some textural elements helps to offset all the black which can visually look a bit heavy in summer.

Do you wear black in summer? What are your favourite ways to wear it?

 

 

 

 

Fashion

Why you shouldn’t make purchases based on the price tag

18th November, 2023

Hands up if you’ve ever made a shopping decision based on the price tag? Either something was marked down to ridiculously cheap so you had to buy it or you thought that because something was quite pricey meant you were making a good buy? It’s something we’ve all done and it can be easy to succumb to the allure of a bargain. I’m not saying that price isn’t a factor in purchasing something because it definitely is however it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. I think there’s more to take into account before buying anything than simply how much it costs.

What to look for

I always critically examine anything I’m considering buying. I will look at the fabrication as often delicate fabrics require a lot more specialised care which can be expensive in the long run and also labour intensive. I’d much rather be able to just throw something into the washing machine and know that it’s going to come out fine. I’ll take into account the style and how often I’ll get wear out of it and what it can work with in my existing wardrobe. Also I like to think of how trendy something is. If it’s a one season only type of purchase then I’m more likely to find the most economical version of it I can find. A classic staple on the other hand is something I’m more than willing to invest in because I know I’ll have it for seasons to come.

Style is more than how much money you spend

Once I’ve thought through my checklist the price either starts to seem reasonable or I’ll come to the conclusion I’m better off saving my fashion dollars for another buy. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve snapped up something at a sale in the past as I thought “this is such a good price” only to find that I actually didn’t end up wearing it. I’ve also invested in some quite expensive things to come to the same outcome. So I’ve learnt to examine things holistically rather than just making price-based decisions. Also it’s important to remember that price doesn’t always equal style. Wearing designer from head to toe doesn’t automatically make your style more superior to someone. And I can attest first hand that chain stores have given me some of my favourite outfits to date. It really is down to how you let your personality shine through your clothes and the confidence that you project when you’re wearing it. And that has nothing to do with price tags.

Photography: Artem Bali on Unsplash

Fashion

How to improve the versatility of your wardrobe

5th November, 2023

Like most women I like to ensure that my wardrobe is wearable and versatile. This means that everything works together harmoniously and there are no one-off pieces that I can’t wear with anything else except for a particular pair of pants/skirt/top. The exception to this would be occasion wear such as a gown for a black tie dinner for example that realistically isn’t really going to be high on rotation. Given that my schedule is so mixed and I can be at a work event, doing an interview or hanging out at home with the girls throughout the week I have to ensure that what’s in my closet can accommodate all these different facets of my life. So, how do I do this? Well there are a few key things that have helped me do this…

Assess your wardrobe

The key with a versatile wardrobe is knowing what you already own. If you approach outfit planning and purchases strategically you’re more likely to have a wearable collection of clothes that can be worked back with multiple pieces. If you just buy things on a whim you may end up with a beautiful red top that goes with absolutely nothing in your closet and you’re then forced to purchase something else to go with it.

Opt for neutrals

I am a big fan of neutrals for the fact that they are so easy to mix and match. I can take one cream jumper in my closet for example and find that it can work with a multitude of pants and skirts quite easily. Whilst a few hits of bold colour is great if you want a truly versatile wardrobe you have to start with a fairly blank canvas to start with and that’s where shades such as white, cream, beige and grey work a treat.

Keep it simple

Pared back pieces give you the luxury of being able to style them in multiple ways, dressed up or down. You’re more likely to get more wears out of a plain pair of blue jeans for example as opposed to one with lots of embroidery or embellishment because you don’t have too many other competing factors to take into account. By making simplicity your style mantra you can take a few key items and extend their wear.

Implement the 10 outfit rule

Before buying anything ask yourself if you can wear said item with 10 other things you own. If the answer is yes, you’ve got a great piece, high on the versatility scale. If it’s a no then it might be time to go back to the drawing board and look harder for something else that might be more wearable. You’ll soon find that by doing this you not only grow your wardrobe in a way that avoids the ‘I have nothing to wear’ problem but that you don’t waste money on unnecessary one hit wonder purchases.

Neutral hues are always guaranteed to be versatile

Fashion

The little details that make or break an outfit

2nd November, 2023

The little things can make or break a look

Being stylish doesn’t come down to how much money you’ve spent on a particular outfit. A great look isn’t all about brands or labels. When it comes to a look that just works, it’s about the little details that can make or break it. There’s an attention to detail aspect of fashion that when utilised can really turn an outfit from good to great. Paying attention to the small things can help achieve a better overall effect so your outfit, no matter what brand or how much money you’ve spent on it, can look on point. Here are a few key things to pay attention to, always.

Fabric

We often think about how an outfit looks but forget about the one thing it’s made of, which is the fabric. The fabrication of an item clothing can really make or break it. A shirt can look so different when for example it’s in a crisp cotton versus linen versus silk. It’s all about how you want a garment to present. Do you want it to look casual? Super polished and professional? The fabrics that you wear can often lead the way when it comes to the vibe you’re wanting to put forward. For example, a silk trouser has a very different feel to a linen pant. It’s important to think about this when you’re trying to put an outfit together.

The fit

How something fits and sits on the body really can make or break it. It’s always a good idea to ensure that your clothes fit just right (it’s the Goldilocks approach). You don’t want anything that’s way too oversized or way too small. A shirt for example that’s a tad too small so it has a puckered effect where the buttons aren’t sitting quite flat doesn’t present as well as a shirt that’s a good fit and leaves you enough room to move comfortably. The same with pants with a waist that’s far too small or big, you don’t want your pants to gape at the back but you don’t want them to be so tight you’re left with a muffin top effect either! If you can, invest in a little tailoring of the clothes that don’t fit well so you can remedy the parts that need fixing.

Attention to detail really is everything

Everything sits right

A stray thread.  A missing button. Wrinkles and creases on your clothes… these are all things that can really spoil how an outfit looks. It pays to take care of what you’re putting on your body, by fixing garments when needed and showing them the care they deserve.

There’s at least one element of interest

The people whose style I really love always have something about their outfit that feels a little different and adds personality. Whether it’s a statement piece, a signature item or even just the fact they’ve chosen to roll their sleeves a certain way, really well dressed people tend to own their look by adding an interesting feature. For some this comes innately (lucky them!) but for most of us, this requires playing around with an outfit, adding pieces here and there to elevate it and avoid it looking pedestrian. An outfit should be an expression of who you are so ensure that there’s always an element of you in what you wear.

 

 

 

Fashion

The pieces you can wear to work and on the weekend

29th October, 2023

Versatility is one of the key criteria that I have for my wardrobe and that means I need to be able to wear pretty much everything to work and on the weekend. Obviously there are going to be some omissions because hey, a black tie dress might be a bit hard to deal with when at the photocopier or grabbing coffee, but most things should be able to be transformed from nine-to-five to relaxation mode by simple switching up what you pair it with. I’ve identified a few key pieces that I know are made for both office wear and off duty style.

Dressy flats

A pair of simple, classic flats a la the pair I have on below are a cinch to go from the office to the weekend. A slingback, a ballet flat or pointed style are all great options.

On Duty: Wear it with cropped trousers, a skirt or a midi dress.

Off Duty: Pair it with jeans or a skirt worked back with a tee.

A white tee

It’s a rare few places or occasions that can’t be worked back with a white tee. A handy staple for any wardrobe, it can be appropriate from nine-to-five to a relaxing Saturday by switching up what you pair it with.

On Duty: Wear it with a blazer on top, underneath a dress, or with a midi skirt.

Off Duty: Pop it on under a slip dress, with your favourite jeans or a wrap skirt or shorts.

A blazer

I’ve often spoken of my love of a great blazer and consider it one of my can’t-live-without items. And it’s primarily because I can wear a blazer to a work function one minute to a casual lunch on the weekend the next and it still works. Keep it classic with black, grey, navy or white or if you’re feeling adventurous embrace something bold and bright or something that features a pattern.

On Duty: What can’t it work with? Everything from tailored pants, to a wrap dress and a skirt and cami can be paired with a blazer.

Off Duty: Wear it with jeans and a white tee for a classic, always on-trend look.

A roomy bag

If you’re prone to carrying half your office/life around with you then a great, roomy bag is a must. I often like to get a bag that’s got a bit of structure, in a classic colour such as tan or black for work as I know that I can always extend its wear to the weekend.

On Duty: Get a size that can fit your laptop and essentials.

Off Duty: A great carryall can be used to get you through a busy day of running errands where you might need to carry a million things with you.

A wrap dress

This eternal classic is always a good idea especially for a day at the office or a relaxing morning coffee with friends. Your only issue will be trying to stop at just one.

On Duty: Wear a wrap dress with heels and a blazer for an effortless take on corporate dressing.

Off Duty: Paired with sneakers or sandals and a simple crossbody bag make an ideal look for relaxing.

Wide leg trousers

Wide leg pants aren’t as scary to wear as they sometimes might seem (check out my tips for how to style them here) and are so easy to change up according to what day of the week it is.

On Duty: A blouse with heels and you’re set.

Off Duty: Wear it with a tee or a cami and pair with great sandals.

A black skirt

Consider a black skirt a close cousin of the little black dress — it can be styled in myriad ways with so many different pieces. It’s wearable and versatile which makes it the ideal transition piece to take you from the office to the weekend.

On Duty: Wear it with a button down shirt and a cami for a professional look that’s ultra chic.

Off Duty: When paired with sneakers and a tee this look is polished yet made for an easy breezy day.

Fashion

How investment dressing can save you money

28th September, 2023

I’m a huge advocate for investment dressing. Buying quality over quantity is not only going to contribute to a better wardrobe, but it also saves you money. How? Well despite the fact that you may have to outlay a little more at the beginning, pieces that are well made, will usually pass the longevity test. I usually prefer to save up for pricier pieces, particularly when they’re staples like a great blazer, or a bag I’m going to use almost daily, as it means that they’re much more likely to withstand the wear and tear of constant use. So, in case you needed anymore convincing, here’s my case for why buying investment pieces will usually result in spending much less in the long run.

Your clothes last longer

This is without a doubt the biggest drawcard of buying well made, quality items. I have investment pieces that have been in my closet for years, YEARS!, and they’re still going strong. The thing with buying quality is that the craftsmanship is usually better, and the same goes for the choice of fabrication and finishes used. If you do the maths, it’s usually a case that spending a bit more upfront will result in less spent further down the line.

You don’t have to buy clothes as often

Quality goes hand in hand with less frequency in having to replace certain garments. I usually prefer to just spend more at the beginning if it means that I’m not having to replace a jacket or pants the following season because it’s looking tired or it’s falling apart. Being able to go into each new season not having to replace key items means that I’m spending less in the long run.

Whenever I’m considering investment pieces the brief is always classic
You can easily rework pieces over and over again

The one thing about investment pieces is that because they’re pricier, I naturally gravitate towards classic styles. When it comes to trend items, I’d rather not spend a fortune as I know they’ll only be around for a season. Also if you opt for classic, it naturally lends itself to being much more versatile. They can be worked back with multiple garments and can be restyled in various ways making them great value in the cost per wear department.

Your purchases are more considered

When you’re paying a significant amount of money for something, I think it naturally makes you pause and think about the purchase because you’re not doing it as often. You’ll look at the garment in a much more careful way, you’ll ask yourself just how many times you’ll be able to wear it and what it works with. This is a great thing and how we should really be approaching every single purchase. Ultimately by thinking fashion buys through a lot more, you’ll find yourself with a closet comprising of pieces that you love, and not items that were purchased on a whim. And really, it’s the impulse buys that can really add up.

You’ll respect your fashion budget a lot more

Most of us have some idea about what we are able to spend on clothes. Some of us may be good at sticking to it, others not so much. When you’re buying cheaper pieces, like a $20 shirt here or a $40 pair of pants there, it feels like you can actually spend a lot more, because a cheap top is much less noticeable finance-wise. Spending a lot more money on something can often inspire you to be more mindful of your budget, simply because there’s a bigger financial outlay to deal with that doesn’t seem so inconsequential. For example, if you’re investing in a four-figure designer bag, it requires a little more consideration and thought than a $10 bag. And guess which option you’re likely to have years from now?

What are your thoughts on investment dressing—is it something that you do?

Fashion

How to ensure the longevity of your wardrobe

23rd September, 2023

Having a disposable approach to your wardrobe is never a good idea — it’s bad for your bank balance and bad for the environment. I think longevity is always something to keep top of mind when it comes to your wardrobe. Thinking in the long term will enable you to adopt an approach that ensures you care for your clothes appropriately to ensure they last, but also to shop in a more considered way. Here are a few great places to start…

Opt for quality

I think as a general rule it’s a good idea to aim for the best quality garment you can afford. By investing a little more at the start you can give yourself a good chance of having a piece for much longer than you would if you’d bought the cheapest thing you can find. Style isn’t about amassing the most clothes you can, but about taking a considered approach to how you dress, so you’re better off having a selection of very well made pieces that are always on high rotation than a closet heaving with options that you come back to only a handful of times and forget about.

Do damage control as soon as possible

We’ve become so accustomed to disposable fashion that many of us have forgotten how to look after our clothes. Always look at fixing shoes as soon as you see sign of wear and tear whether it’s a broken heel or a worn down sole that needs resoling. Even clothes that have a stain should be tended to immediately to avoid the mark becoming permanent. If you take the time to look after your clothes early on, you can keep them around for much longer.

Shop mindfully

It can be really easy to succumb to the pull of buying something when you’re in store or online on a whim, but I think it always pays to take a beat and think about the purchase before making it. Always consider what it’s going to work back with, how often you think you’ll wear it, and whether it’s something you’re going to wear for one season, or multiple seasons to come. If you need to, walk away from the shop or the computer, give yourself an allocated time to consider your purchase then go ahead with it if it’s something that you know you’re definitely going to use.

Clean your closet

I’m a big advocate of a regular clean out because once you see what you own you often realise just how much you have to work with. Also, it helps to identify gaps in your wardrobe. Schedule a clear out every six months and commit to doing it properly ie taking absolutely every single item of clothing or footwear out to see exactly what you have and what needs to go. Often seeing just the sheer volume of clothing at your disposal can ignite new outfit ideas, or make you think a little more about making a purchase.

Store your clothes properly

That means proper hangers (ditch the wire hangers – they’re really damaging to clothes) and folding/hanging things appropriately. I always fold knits for example so they don’t stretch, while padded hangers are great for things like jackets and coats. By actually taking a moment to consider how you’re storing you’re clothes, you can ensure they go the distance.

Buy things you LOVE

Keep this in mind whenever you shop. Do you absolutely love it? I think there’s something to be said for choosing pieces that you genuinely adore. Most of the time these are the pieces that you come back to again and again because they make you feel good when you’re wearing them. Ultimately, feeling confident in an outfit is one of the key things we should feel whenever we get dressed—and ensures a sartorial love affair that lasts.

 

Fashion

The “wrong shoe theory” fashion hack you need to know

12th July, 2023

 

There’s a styling trick doing the rounds right now, coined “the wrong shoe theory” by stylist Allison Bornstein and it has gained quite some traction. The theory goes something like this: when it comes to choosing footwear for an outfit, pick the most unexpected shoe option you can. As Allison told Vogue, it’s about wearing a shoe that’s slightly mismatched or ‘off’. This gives an outfit a little extra personality and makes it feel a little more unique to a person’s style.

So, how does this theory work in practice? Well, if you’ve seen some of the outfits that have been trending of late, it’s about taking a look and disrupting it with your choice of footwear. Think a suit worn with a pair of thongs (the dressy kind a la The Row Ginza sandal not the rubber Havaianas variety!) or a pair of shorts worn with slingback heels. Or something like the look below with a tailored trouser and shirt, but worked back with Converse sneakers. Generally you’ll know you’re on the right track when you go against the shoe that is your first instinctual choice – that’s the “right” shoe. The wrong shoe is one that will feel not quite spot on, but that’s the vibe you’re going for. This will force you to go against your outfit instincts but be honest with the result? Does it work? Do you have an outfit that suddenly looks and feels a little more interesting? We so often end up dressing on autopilot a lot of the time, this shoe goes with that dress, that this is a great way to force you out of your comfort zone.

I’ve tried this theory out myself! I wore the above pants which are dressier and tailored and wore them with a chunky sandal rather than say a refined flat or slide, and liked the direction it took the outfit in. It felt a little more fashion foward and not quite so prescriptive. I also do this with my chunky dad sandals a lot — I’ll pair them with a dress or a skirt or even a suit and I find it freshens the outfit up a lot.

So, if you’re feeling a little flat about your wardrobe why not try throwing on the “wrong” shoe? You could just find yourself with just the right outfit.

 

 

Fashion

The questions to ask yourself about your style

10th July, 2023

Nailing your personal style makes getting dressed infinitely easier. It helps you hone in what will and won’t work in your wardrobe with laser precision and you’ll end up with a more cohesive, wearable look. It’s also the kind of thing that comes with a little experimentation and a few little a-ha moments along the way.

I’ve gone through my own periods of trial and error, dabbling with looks that I thought were “me” but ultimately I tended to gravitate back towards the same aesthetic. I like looks that are classic, polished yet still incorporate a trend or two. And knowing this has meant that everything from shopping to deciding what I’m going to pull out of my closet in the morning is a seamless process.

If you’re still in the midst of rediscovering or honing your style you’re not alone. It’s often a process that adapts and changes over time but ultimately knowing what makes you you fashion-wise is at the core of what makes great style. Here are a few questions that will have you on the right track.

What do I feel good in?

It’s simple enough but wearing what makes you feel good is often the key to great style. This is because it generally means that you feel confident in your outfit and that’s often the thing that underpins any look that works. So if you find that you always feel amazing in feminine pieces then go ahead and make them a staple of your everyday look. If colour puts a smile on your face, then you’ll know that a muted colour palette might not be your thing.

What do I always gravitate towards when I’m shopping?

We all tend to have things that will immediately catch our eye when we’re shopping. Whether it be sleek, tailored pieces such as blazers or skirts or comfy, relaxed looks like jeans and t-shirts, there’s always something that will speak to you when you’re browsing and that’s a clear clue to your particular style. Start paying attention to what catches your eye to enable you pinpoint your signature look.

What words describe my style?

Think of a few words to describe your look. Often that’s a good indicator of what your overall style is all about.

What pieces do I wear all the time?

Take stock of what items in your closet are always doing overtime. Often what we instinctively reach for when trying to decide what to wear is what speaks to our style the most. So start noting down the things that you immediately pull out the next time you’re getting dressed in the morning. You’ll soon discover a very obvious pattern…

What do I want my style to say about me?

What we wear on a day to day basis often sends a message to the world about who we are. So think about what you want your wardrobe to say about you? Often this is a key area which can steer you in the right direction towards ultimately defining your personal style.

Tell me—what things have helped you start to define your personal style?