wardrobe staples Archives - Kate Waterhouse

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

10 items every wardrobe needs

15th April, 2023

I love a trend-driven piece as much as the next girl but I also believe that there are some key pieces that are the building blocks of a great functional wardrobe. Having a good foundation from which to build a look is something I’ve learned over the years and it’s something I’ve made sure to embrace. Having the foundational pieces in my wardrobe also helps to minimise wardrobe dramas as I know I have the right pieces from which to style a look.

Interested in sidestepping style meltdowns in future? These 10 key items help make pulling a great outfit together all the more easier. Before you start stocking up, it’s important to remember that while you don’t have to spend a lot, do try and get the best quality that fits into your budget. Investing a little more at the beginning means you can get more longevity from what you buy, so all you have to worry about is pulling together a winning outfit!

1. A leather jacket

I’ve had my leather jacket for many years and I think it’s the kind of wardrobe staple that you’ll have for a lifetime. It can be dressed up or dressed down and the older and more worn it gets the better it looks. You can get all different styles but I’d go for a simple biker jacket, something that’s really clean and classic – you don’t want to get too tricky with too many studs or buckles as it will date very quickly. Once you’ve found the perfect jacket you’ll wonder how you lived without it as it’s the kind of piece that can be worn with a cocktail dress just as easily with jeans.

2. A black tailored blazer

For me it’s a must-have item. I wear mine all the time either as a suit jacket, draped over my shoulders, over a dress at the races or with a great pair of jeans. It’s a multipurpose staple. When it comes to blazers, tailoring is key. It really has to suit your frame. I like a bold shoulder and a nipped in waist, I don’t like it too boxy. I think a tailored blazer can really accentuate your figure. If you find a blazer that isn’t quite right but you love you can always get it tailored to fit you perfectly.

3. A great statement bag

I don’t think a bag needs to be designer to be great. Just look for good quality leather – something that’s durable. I also like to have the option of having two strap lengths so if I’ve got my hands full with the girls I can just swing it over my shoulder, but if I want it to look a little more elegant with a dress it’s got handles so I can wear it on my arm. I love embracing pops of colour like pink and orange at times but I think you can also have a standout piece in colours like black, tan, grey and white. The key is considering how it works with the rest of your wardrobe.

4. A clutch

You can’t use your day bag for all attire as a big bag doesn’t generally work for cocktail events so a great clutch is important. It doesn’t have to be expensive but just a smaller bag that you can put your wallet and keys into and can be worn back with different items and looks a little more elegant than your usual day bag. Also try to keep the design quite minimalist to ensure you get more wear out of it.

5. A great pair of jeans

A great pair of jeans doesn’t have to be expensive but you really need to take the time to make sure they fit right. I have trouble finding jeans because they’re always tight around my hips but loose around my ankles so when I do find a great pair I make sure to snap them up. You don’t need to invest a lot of money but you do need to invest the time to find them. If you’re like me and are in jeans all the time, try and get good quality denim because you don’t want them to be too baggy once you’ve worn them a couple of times. Jeans obviously come in different washes so choose the most flattering fit for you. I can’t go past faded denim or a white pair of jeans.

6. Sneakers

I think that white sneakers have really earned themselves a place on my wardrobe staples list. I honestly spend most of my life in white sneakers and they can work back with everything from jeans to a pleated skirt without missing a beat. Invest in a pair that are quite simple in design and you’ll find it gets plenty of outings.

7. Ankle boots

Ankle boots are a must for winter. Once you find a great pair you’ll have them for years to come. I still have a pair of YSL boots that I’ve had for many years and I bring them out every winter. If you want your boots to be an everyday shoe it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable. For me, I like a bit of height so I opt for a platform heel which always helps with comfort. Walking around all day long in really high boots is not the best!

8. Leather pants

You don’t have to spend a fortune on leather pants but you do have to find a leather that won’t give. It’s about investing the time to finding one that won’t stretch after the first time you wear it. A skinny leg leather pant is my go-to item in winter and I think they’re great for travelling as they’re so comfortable. I find Helmut Lang does some great leather pants, so does Scanlan Theodore and ASOS. You can find a pair that fits into your budget but the most important thing is finding the right shape and a great fit.

9. White t-shirts

Granted they don’t last forever but it is important to find a great white tee. I wear white t-shirts with everything whether it’s to the office or just to the beach or with a skirt.

10. A great coat

Make it your mission to find one really great winter coat that you can throw on over everything. I like my coats in neutral colours but a statement coat in a pop colour is also fun. Just choose something that works back with your wardrobe. I’m a big fan of a tailored coat but a big oversized coat can look fantastic as well. If you are going to go oversized keep everything else you’re wearing slimline.

Do you have any other wardrobe staples that you think should be added to the list?

Fashion

The key pieces that I’ve got on high rotation

18th May, 2020

The one thing that isolation life really taught me is that there are just key things that I can’t live without when it comes to my wardrobe. I found myself gravitating towards these pieces over and over again and they really were the cornerstone of many looks.

I also discovered that it really is very important for me to change my outfit according to a specific activity as it helped get me in the right frame of mind. While it’s ultra comfortable, staying in tracksuits/workout gear all day it made it really hard to differentiate between relaxation time and work time so I was doing multiple changes throughout the day—much like I would on a regular day where I’d change from from my activewear after a run, to my work clothes then back home to softer pieces to wind down. And in this process, I was really able to pinpoint the things that I need for a functional wardrobe on a day to day basis. Having collaboration with Lexus on a few stay at home/work from home style videos here’s what I honed in on as things I can’t live without right now…

Good activewear

I found that a good activewear set is really important to me, and I’m loving the sets by Camilla and Marc. They colours are ultra chic and not too out there and flashy which fits into my style. They were also easy to dress up, I actually threw on a white shirt over them on the odd occasion and they looked less exercise and more fashion-y.

A good line-up of jeans and tailored pants

I have on high rotation right now jeans and tailored but relaxed fit pants. I tend to go back and forth between the two of them most days now. They’re comfortable but also polished which is important to me.

Reliable basics

I’ve always been about great basics and currently I’m wearing white tees and singlets a lot. I tend to layer quite frequently in autumn and winter so it’s important to have those basics sorted, and for me, I’ve found Uniqlo and Cotton On do great, and affordable staples.

Comfy knits

There’s no better time than now to invest in great knits! I am building up a collection in a variety of colours as I’ve found them to be the easiest, most comfortable and also effortlessly stylish option on most days. I’m loving knits I’ve recently got from Bec and Bridge and Joslin Studio, they’re a great style and also come in beautiful shades.

Blazers

And last but not least, one of my forever staples—a great blazer. Having a blazer at the ready has honestly helped me get ready for a Zoom call in just a few seconds as it makes any look look that much more polished.

Credits: Wearing in video – pants, Manning Cartell; Top, Cotton On; Items off the rack – Activewear set, Camilla and Marc; Jeans, Levis 501; T-shirt, Uniqlo; Singlet, Cotton On; Blazers, Manning Cartell; Pink knit, Joslin Studio; Blue knit, Bec and Bridge; White jeans, Bec and Bridge

This post was produced in collaboration with Lexus

Fashion

7 pieces that will make getting dressed 7 days a week easier

2nd April, 2019

Black pants are a workhorse of any versatile wardrobe

Like a lot of women I don’t have a lot of time to spend on styling my looks most days so to ensure I can get out the door faster I like to make sure that my wardrobe is stocked with key items that can form the backbone of many an outfit. I don’t think an extensive wardrobe is essential to looking stylish, I think it actually comes down to simply owning the right pieces. So to help you get started I’ve pinpointed 7 staples that tick all the boxes— they’re ultra versatile, wearable and stylish all at the same time. I always love helping friends, family, and especially my readers make fashion easier, so I was thrilled to team up with Aussie brand Mela Purdie who are all about effortless style and pieces that combine form and function to introduce you to the 7 pieces that will make getting dressed 7 days a week oh-so easy.

The black top

Black is without a doubt one of the most versatile colours you can work with so it pays to have one top in this colour in a style that’s wearable with multiple looks. This particular sleeveless top is great as it can be worn underneath jackets and blazers but also be worn on its own with everything from jeans to pants and skirts.

The printed blouse

A beautiful printed blouse can go a long way in your wardrobe. It’s the ideal piece to elevate an office look, but it can also be utilised for off duty wear for an event or special occasion. This pussy bow animal print blouse works well with classic black pants, but you could team it with a pencil skirt for a polished look with a modern touch.

The classic black pant

If you don’t already own a pair, you’ll soon discover upon introducing tailored black pants into your wardrobe that it will quickly end up on high rotation. Team it with a beautiful silk blouse for a professional and put together look, and transition it into something more relaxed with the addition of a tee.

The white cropped pant

These tapered white pants have been such a great piece to mix and match with multiple blouses and tops in my wardrobe. I’ve found that white can work for office attire with the addition of the right accessories whilst it can be dialled back down to casual wear with the addition of sneakers and a casual t-shirt. My current fave way to wear it however is with an elegant billowy blouse and statement heels.

The striped blouse

Stripes are without a doubt one of the most wearable prints you can own. This particular colour combination of a light taupe and white is the kind of neutral colour palette that makes this particular shirt one that can easily work with multiple looks in your wardrobe. You can team it with white pants one day and denim or black pants the next, not to mention your favourite go-to skirt making this piece one that will help you avoid many a morning wardrobe meltdown.

The cropped tapered pant

I love the silhouette of a tapered pant, specially when it’s in a sophisticated shade like black. These pants make for a sleek option for days when you need to look ultra polished. Plus it’s so easily paired with numerous colours, patterns and prints that you’ll soon find yourself reaching for them all the time as it can be styled in myriad ways. With the introduction of the right jackets and accessories, you’ve got yourself a guaranteed winning look every day of the week.

The black blazer

A black blazer is one of those pieces that every wardrobe absolutely needs. Easily paired with pants, a skirt, denim or a dress, it’s one style staple that lives up to the hype. One of the great things about a blazer is that it can work in different ways— you can use it to elevate your look into something ultra sleek but it also doesn’t look overly dressy when paired with a more casual ensemble like jeans and a tee.

This post was produced in collaboration with Mela Purdie

Fashion

5 winter wardrobe essentials on my shopping list

14th June, 2017

It’s official: winter is finally here. For me a brand new season often requires a few key winter wardrobe essentials to take me through the next few months. I usually start by identifying the key trends of the season, then look at what I already own to pinpoint what I’ll need. I always aim for quality pieces but I’m also all about versatility in my wardrobe so I make sure that anything I buy will work with multiple items so I can ensure I get maximum cost per wear value. Here’s what’s currently on my winter hit list.

A statement coat

Owning a good quality coat is a given during winter but for me it’s all about a statement coat. I don’t think you always have to go black. I have a grey one that I live in and a camel coloured one that gets a pretty big workout during the cooler months. It’s worth splurging on key winter wardrobe essentials such as a great coat as you can wear it day and night and dressed up or down.

Over the knee boots

I’m really into over the knee boots. I got some great ones at a Camilla and Marc sale and I live in them. If you can find some over the knee boots they’re great as you can wear them over skinny leg jeans and leather leggings (both winter staples for me). Also I often don’t wear short skirts in winter because it’s too cold and I don’t like wearing opaque tights so I find thigh high boots are a great alternative and are a good way to extend the wear of summery pieces.

Sock boots

I also recently purchased some Balenciaga ankle boots that I wore to Fashion Week and I’ve really found them to be worth the splurge as they go with virtually everything in my winter wardrobe. You don’t have to buy really expensive ones but I highly recommend investing in great ankle boots or calf boots as you can wear them with dresses, pants and skirts. I’ve been living in mine.

An oversized scarf

A great scarf is a winter wardrobe essential for keeping cosy but I find if you can find an oversized one in a neutral shade or print it can work during the rest of the year. I have a Louis Vuitton scarf that I’ve had for years and I wear it as a shawl over a dress if I’m going somewhere dressy or with jeans and a tee.

Leather leggings

I’m totally into leather leggings. I have them in so many different colours. Camilla and Marc have some really great ones in black, khaki green and navy. I’ve found there are also great cheap options from ASOS. If you’re buying leather pants or leggings it’s something you definitely need to try on in-store unless you get ones that have panels of material which are a little more forgiving in terms of fit.

What are your winter wardrobe essentials?