It’s all in the detail, right? This is especially true when it comes to outfits, because it’s often the little things that can elevate an outfit from good to great. Firstly, there are of course some overarching things to remember if you want your ensemble to present well and that involves fit and quality. After working with so many stylists over the years the best thing I’ve ever learned from them is the importance of a perfectly fitting garment. When an outfit fits you beautifully, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, it will look elevated and polished. So if you can, invest in a little tailoring and you’ll be amazed at where it can take an outfit.
The next thing would have to be quality. I’m a big advocate of buying the best quality you can. By doing so you will ensure that garments will last longer and be more durable. I’ve found that if I spend a little bit more, but on less pieces I end up with a much more wearable wardrobe and end up with pieces that I will use over and over again without having to spend money replacing them every season.
If you have both those bases covered you’re off to a great start but there are some other little things that can also make or break an outfit.
Quality fastenings
Yep, I’m talking things like buttons and zippers. I know it seems so small, but even just a great button can make a piece feel more luxe and special. The same goes for zippers, you want something with weight and not overly flimsy to get a great fit that won’t pucker.
Finishing details
Pay attention to things like lining, trims, ties… these are all important elements to any garment. Sometimes I’ve loved the design of a jacket but the clincher for me was the beautiful patterned lining, or even the trim on a blouse. These are all small things that help make up a look, but don’t underestimate their importance.
Fabrication
Think about the fabrics that you choose. Where you can, buy quality. Think a heavy wool, a lightweight cotton or a beautiful floaty linen. These are fabrics that present well and will look polished and expensive. Avoid fabrics that look too shiny, have a scratchy feel or looks like it will pill quite easily—these are all things that can really let an outfit down.
For me, this look is all in the little finishes such as the angled oversize cuff and buttons, and the stitching on the pants.
Construction
It may not be immediately the first thing you focus on when choosing to buy something but examine the construction of a piece. Are there fraying or loose threads? Is the stitching uneven? Often just the way a particular piece is put together can absolutely affect the way it presents so choose carefully!
Accessories
I know you’ve probably heard this a lot already but accessories really can make a difference. The addition of a stunning pair of statement earrings, or the most delicate necklace to a look can change its whole vibe. But if you’re looking for the heavy hitters, it would definitely have to be your choice of shoes or bags. This is where you can really inject some extra personality into an outfit. A shoe with an interesting design or a bag made of buttery soft leather or with statement embellishments can really be the pièce de résistance to an ensemble.
What details do you think make or break an outfit?
A lovely reader named Melissa messaged me on Facebook asking me for tips on how to dress when you’re petite. She found that often clothes would be too baggy and would look like they were overwhelming her frame. I can definitely relate! Finding things for your shape when you’re diminutive in size and stature can often involve a few extra steps to ensure the right and most flattering fit. If you’re in the same boat then rest assured because there are some easy ways to have a great wardrobe that works for you. Here are my tips on how to dress when you’re petite,
Get everything tailored
This is my number one tip to anyone, especially when you’re petite. Find yourself a great tailor that you like and start getting your clothes altered to fit perfectly. Often buying off the rack can mean that clothes can be a little too loose, too long or just not sitting perfectly and it pays to take the time to get everything tailored to fit. This is especially true of pants and jeans which can often be miles too long. The added benefit of getting clothing tailored is that you’ll always look polished. Win-Win.
Go for cropped lengths
I tend to favour anything cropped, especially when it comes to pants and jeans. I’ll usually make sure that my pants hit at the ankle or slightly above as I’ve found this can help elongate the frame. If you’ve got a pool of fabric gathering at your feet it can look messy and also end up making you look even shorter.
Always keep proportions in mind
Consider proportions
If something has too much volume it’s going to really swamp you so always pay attention to the proportions you’re working with. Try to go for pieces with structure as opposed to anything too floaty as this will help define your shape. Anything high waisted is great as it draws the eye upwards and ends up giving you a longer looking frame. Also if sleeves are too long try rolling them or pushing them up so you don’t look like you’re walking around in oversized clothing.
Avoid clunky shoes
I avoid anything with too much bulk and gravitate towards a streamlined aesthetic. Most of my heels tend to have a stiletto heel as I’ve found this helps elongate my figure and looks more in proportion. As for flats, I don’t really do flatforms or styles of that nature as I’ve found they just look too bulky. I go for sleek flats, sandals and slides that are quite minimalist in nature and don’t have too much extra ‘padding’ to them. Even my boots these days tend to be of the sock boot variety as I like the tighter fit compared to regular ankle boots.
Incorporate a fitted silhouette
I steer clear of anything too voluminous these days as I’ve found a fitted silhouette is far more flattering. I’m not saying you need to live in bodycon dresses 24/7 but you do need to be mindful that what you’re wearing is cut close to the body in some way. At a minimum, I like to keep one aspect of my look streamlined. Whether it be a pencil style skirt, a fitted top or a dress with either a tight top or bottom or a close fitting pant, there’s always got to be one element of my look that’s a little more figure hugging. This avoids the issue of looking like your clothes are wearing you and not the other way around.
Once you’ve found ways in which to ensure that your clothes fit perfectly, dressing when you’re petite doesn’t seem so much of a drama. In fact, you’ll probably learn to appreciate even more that good things really do come in small packages.
Do you have a fashion question you’re dying for advice on? Leave me a message below and I’ll answer it in a future blog post.
It’s officially spring so it’s the perfect excuse to do some spring cleaning! I like to do a closet swap around this time and pull out my winter things and swap them for my spring/summer pieces, but it’s also the time when I schedule a wardrobe overhaul.
I like to go through my wardrobe every few months just to go through everything and cull pieces that I may no longer need. It also allows me to re-organise and make sure that I’ve got a tight edit of clothing and looks for the new season ahead. So, are you ready to do some cleaning? Here’s my plan of how to do it.
Mood board your wardrobe
Before you dive into a closet culling session it’s important to hone in on your look. You can easily do this by saving images of outfits you like on Instagram or Pinterest, or you could go old school and flick through magazines and collage it up. The most important thing is having a clear vision of what you want your style to entail which then makes it easier to identify the pieces in your wardrobe that will and won’t work.
Do a closet Q&A
Ask yourself key lifestyle questions like “Where do I spend most of my time?” or “What do I during the week?” By doing this you can look at the kind of wardrobe you actually need. There’s no point hanging onto a closet of dressy pieces if you spend most of your time in playgrounds with the kids or you’re now working from home indefinitely. Your wardrobe is there to fit the kind of life you lead and the clothes in it should reflect that.
Block out a good amount of time
A thorough cleaning session won’t be a quick endeavour so make sure you set aside a few hours to do it. You could even diarise the event so you know you’ve committed to it. Being able to focus on the task properly also means you’re able to do it more efficiently, and hopefully, get through it in a steady manner as opposed to stopping and starting due to distractions.
Take everything out
Pull out every single article of clothing you own. From coats to t-shirts and shoes, take out everything in your closet and pop it on the bed or floor where you can go through everything one by one, trying on pieces if you need to to assess their fit. (Yes, you need to go through it all piece by piece!)
Categorise your items
Be honest
Look at everything with a critical eye and be brutal in your assessment of it. A word of warning: this will get a little tiresome at some point, but persevere. If you do this properly you won’t have to do it again for awhile and you will end up with a more functional, wearable wardrobe. Look at your mood board of your closet goals and ask yourself whether an item of clothing fits into that vision. If it doesn’t, relegate it to either a ‘to fix’, ‘to donate’ or ‘to bin’ pile.
Pile it up
Everything you have set aside needs to be dealt with individually. If there are items that are broken but are still in great shape then block out some time in your diary to take them to a tailor. The same goes for things that perhaps can be functional once again with the right kind of tweaks. If you’ve got a big pile of clothes to donate to charity, firstly make sure they’re still in good, wearable condition. Once you’ve done that, bag them up and pop the bag(s) in the car to take to a charity bin immediately. This removes the temptation to dig through the bags and pull things out again, essentially leaving you back where you started! The same goes for anything that needs to go in the bin. Assess the items and see if you can give them a second life such as turning them into rags that can be used for cleaning. If you really can’t repurpose them, then pop them in the bin straight away so you can clear your space and get onto organising what’s left of your closet.
Take stock
If you’ve done this process in an honest and systematic way then you should be left with clothes that you love, are flattering and work for your lifestyle. This will leave you with a tighter edit of clothes, making for an easier time to get dressed every day. The added benefit of this is that you’re also able to see the gaps in your closet and see what needs replacing.
Make sure everything has its place
Put everything away—but make it organised
I’ve found one of the key things that can minimise wardrobe dramas is having an organised wardrobe. What does this entail? You should be able to see what you have at a glance, and also everything should be categorised making it easier to find things. Invest in baskets, hangers and drawer dividers to make sure that everything has a place and that you can easily see what you own. I’ve found categorising similar items together means I know where to look when I’m after a pair of workout leggings or when I need a jumper. It’s not just one big jumbled mess. You can then take it one step further and organise according to colour within each category but that’s personal preference.
Enjoy your new wardrobe
Doing a wardrobe spring clean can be a cathartic experience as you can purge all the things that you’re no longer using. It also opens up new wardrobe possibilities once you rediscover things you had forgotten about, or reinvent pieces that were not getting used as often as they should. By doing this you can also save your hard earned shopping dollars by not buying multiples of something you already have or purchasing things that may not necessarily work with your lifestyle. The best bit? Less wardrobe dilemmas and more great outfits ahead.
Over the years I’ve done my fair share of shopping expeditions and as a result I’ve also walked away with buyer’s remorse a time or two (or ten). And as I hated the feeling so much it was something that I wanted to work on curbing. It’s a waste of money and I really hate the idea of something going unused because I just wasn’t 100 per cent sure about it. I need to ensure that I always make a good purchase whenever I shop.
I do most of my shopping online so I know how easy it can be to make an impulse purchase when you’re sitting at home, enjoying a glass of wine and trawling through your fave clothing site. When you’re looking at something in real life it’s easier to gauge whether it’s definitely something you’ll wear or if it’s just an of the moment item that will end up just spending its days gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe. When you’re shopping on screen it can be a little trickier as everything looks great when professionally photographed. This is why it’s often a good idea to research a potential purchase quite thoroughly before buying it as you’re often taking a slight leap of faith when you’re relying purely on what you’re seeing on a website.
Regret-free shopping is all about asking yourself the right questions
I often get asked my tips for shopping, particularly online shopping and without a doubt the biggest one is that I will leave something I am thinking of buying in my cart for 24 hours. For online shopping, the action of adding it to cart is enough to satisfy my shopping whim but by not buying it immediately I give myself enough time to think about whether I really want it or not. I apply a similar principal to shopping in real life which works just as well. Usually I’ll see something when I’m out shopping with the girls and I won’t try it on right away (mostly because have you ever tried to try something on with two kids in tow?) but instead I’ll leave it a day or two. If I’m still thinking about it I’ll go back on my own and try it on. However this gives me a bit of time to consider whether I really want it or it was just a fleeting interest.
My general rule is that if I’m still thinking about something the next day then it’s something I really want as opposed to just getting caught up in the moment. By delaying buying it it gives me time to research the item further. I suggest Googling what you’re thinking of purchasing and seeing what it looks like on other sites as sometimes the colour or texture can look really different. It also allows me to consider how it’s going to work with the rest of my wardrobe and ask myself the key questions I’ve told myself I need to ask before any purchase. If all the boxes are ticked then I know I’m making a good purchase.
Tell me—What are some of your favourite shopping tricks?
When it comes to shopping it’s easy to get caught up in the process and end up with something that you may only be interested in for a short period of time. It’s these purchases that often end up gathering dust in your wardrobe and ultimately wind up on a ‘to throw away’ pile in the not too distant future. These purchases often add up and once you’ve done a final tally you’ll often realise (much to your dismay) that you could have bought a big ticket item that you truly love. Not to mention the fact that it’s important to try and minimise wastage and shop a little more consciously, rather than buying things all the time that inevitably get thrown away.
So how can you go about making sure you end up buying things that you won’t fall out of love with in a week? Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Do some research
Shop around and check out what’s available out there. Whether it’s shoes or a dress you might find that you had one particular style in mind but once you’ve looked further you may find another style that you love even more.
Give yourself a cooling off period
Regretful purchases notoriously happen when you’ve seen something and immediately snap it up without giving it much further thought. Sometimes these purchases work out but more often than not you could end up something that you’ll lose interest in.
This is why it’s important to give yourself a cooling off period. If something catches your eye, sleep on it and reassess in the morning. If you’re still thinking about it then buy it. You’ll know it’s true love when you can’t get it out of your head.
Do the wardrobe test
Ask yourself if what you’re about to buy will realistically work with the rest of your wardrobe. Think about where you could wear it to, what you can wear it with and how many outfits you could pull together now if it were sitting in your wardrobe. If your answer to any of those questions is a bit sketchy then it might be worth reconsidering.
Consider cost per wear
Bear in mind that something is not cheap (even if it’s on sale and been reduced drastically) if you only end up wearing it once. That’s why I always factor in cost per wear whenever I’m buying anything.
Sometimes it can be easy to opt for something that may be slightly cheaper but not what you truly want however if you find that it hardly gets used then you’re not getting value for money. The same goes for buying something super expensive but then finding you barely wear it.
It makes much more sense to hang out for something you truly love. If something works out to be expensive but then you end up wearing it to death and the cost per wear ultimately ends up being $2 a day then you’re definitely onto a winner.
Assess the quality
The shine can quickly fade from something if it starts to look a little shabby and worse for wear after only a few uses. This is why I always recommend looking at the quality of something before purchasing it. Wherever possible, go for the best quality you can which includes materials, finishes and construction.
Ah spring. There’s much to love about this time of year as we inch our way closer to summer and the sunnier days that come with it. And whilst we’re just getting through the tricky transseasonal period where it can be hard to decide on what to wear, there are a few key wardrobe additions that will take you through the rest of this season and into the warmer months ahead. Add these to your shopping list and you’ll have your looks sorted in no time.
1. A midi dress
There’s something about a midi dress that’s casual yet polished that I really like. It makes getting dressed easier as all I have to do is pop on a dress, throw on some great accessories and I’m done. If you choose a simple silhouette, you’ll manage to get plenty of wear from one frock which makes it a worthwhile investment.
2 A white tee
I cannot live without a white tee. I’m in one all the time as I can work it back with so many different things, whether it’s my fave jeans or a skirt or shorts. I favour a crew neck t-shirt as it’s so versatile and can work back with myriad looks.
3. A lightweight suit
Suiting is huge right now but understandably anything in a heavy material such as wool might not be ideal when it starts to get really warm. The good news is that there’s plenty of lightweight linen options out there that look oh-so effortless and cool, whilst still being appropriate for the weather.
Think a satin skirt like this one which features a hugely on trend animal print and has a simple, yet sexy silhouette. It’s easily matched with your favourite tee and sneakers, or glammed up a little with sandals or heels and a cami. You’ll wear it to death this spring/summer. Promise.
6. Slides
Your spring wardrobe is incomplete without a pair of slides. Luckily there are SO many options available right now. From a super simple pair in black or tan leather, or one that features heavy embellishments, there’s guaranteed to be something that will be worked back with all your looks in the coming months.
7. Mum jeans
I’d suggest trying on a few different pairs to get the right fit but a pair of mum jeans is the denim trend to tap into right now. It’s a relaxed shape which makes it super comfy and perfect for turning into your number one off duty staple.
8. Jumpsuit
A comfy jumpsuit falls into the same easy dressing category as a dress. Throw it on, pop on some accessories and you’re done. I’d look into something in a gorgeous linen which is not only comfortable but is the perfect option for sunny days when you need to wear something that breathes.
9. Co-ord set
A simple two piece set is one of those shortcuts to looking polished that I love. The matching element just screams that you have your look together. Also, the upside is that you can wear them as separates and you essentially have yourself a number of brand new looks.
10. White sneakers
Yes, the humble white sneaker is here to stay. Whether you’re after a designer pair that will impress; a simple canvas option that you can pop on when you’re running errands or an old school fave from classic sneaker brands like Adidas and Nike, there’s simply no way that you won’t wear them to death.
With a growing movement towards approaching fashion in a more conscious way, never has it been more important to build a functional, versatile wardrobe. Ensuring women have the building blocks to create myriad looks that they feel confident in is something Kristin Todd, a stylist for over 10 years, has worked hard to do in her personal styling sessions and workshops.
Now Kristin has penned Style Sessions: Perfecting the Art of Dressing, a book that aims to change the way women dress by arming them with the knowledge and advice to help them feel great in what they wear, and also to make the sometimes intimidating world of fashion a whole lot more accessible. Here she shares her valuable advice on the key items every woman should have in her closet, to the secrets of being stylish and why we shouldn’t be a slave to trends.
Stylist Kristin Todd believer every woman should have a core wardrobe
What are the key pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?
Every women, no matter her taste, should have a CORE wardrobe—her “perfect fit in every category”. It is the backbone of a wardrobe. Some people like to call these the classics or the basics.
These pieces are:
Tailored Dress
Tailored Skirt
Tailored Pant
Tailored Blazer
Jean
Short
Jumper
Coat
Tailored Shirt
T-shirt
Camisole
The colours to look out for when building your Core Wardrobe are neutral, black or white. They should be without detail, print or pattern. They have no real identity or genre in their appearance, so that they can take on any identity. Once you have a Core wardrobe in place, you will always be able to create an outfit. Add in your Taste pieces after the Core has been established.
What’s the secret to good style?
The secret to good style is marching to the beat of your own drum! Allowing your individual flavour shine through brightly. Knowing what works for you as an individual is important, every woman has very different boxes to tick. Tick your boxes in the way your outfit fits you, and represents your taste. Understanding what are your best parts and using your outfit to bring them to the surface…now that is style.
What’s the key to a functional, wearable wardrobe?
You may have a hundred pair of stiletto heels sitting neatly on your shoe shelves, but if you are a PE teacher, those investments are really just ornaments!
The key to a functional wardrobe is equipping yourself with items you need for what you are doing with your time. Before you head out to the shops, break your life into categories. The biggest category should represent the largest part of your wardrobe. If it doesn’t you need more items in that category to fill those gaps. There is no need to fill your wardrobe with cocktail dresses if lounge bars aren’t a part of your weekly lifestyle. Take the time to think about your lifestyle needs, then stock up on your needs first, before your wants.
I also find it helpful to invest in items that can do a lot for your wardrobe, like jeans, they are trans-seasonal, can move from casual to smart casual, hardwearing, day and night, comfortable, practical and the cut I wear, makes me feel comfortable and stylish. They tick a lot of boxes in my lifestyle.
What are the common mistakes you often see women making when it comes to fashion?
Many women are so focussed on trend they may lose sight of whether or not that particular trend is working for them. Style and trend are two different things. A stylish women knows what works for her, and builds her wardrobe based on careful selection. A women who is focussed on trend will wear an outfit just to fit into a trend, regardless of how the trend may take shape on her shape. I see this mistake a lot, especially with teenagers.
What’s something you wish more women would do when it comes to styling themselves?
I often see looks that are almost there! I say, if you’re going to go for it with a look, then really go for it!
Putting together a look is a head to toe concept. All the pieces of the puzzle come together to make a picture or to communicate a single message. Consider how your nails, lip colour, hairstyle and your accessories fit into your look…not just the clothing items. Complete your whole look ladies!
For women who feel a little intimidated by fashion, how can they become more comfortable with it and make it a part of their lives?
Every women needs to get dressed every day. Dressing is a necessary part of life. Instead of looking at dressing as “fashion”, use dressing as vessel to promote your personal wellbeing, if you feel good about the way you present yourself, you’ll set a positive tone for the day ahead. Don’t get caught up in fashion and trend. Wearing things you love will immediately get your good endorphins going. Focus on dressing in colours you love, prints and patterns that make you feel good. The garment shapes in those colours, prints and patterns will need to be right for your body, but the market has never been bigger or more accessible, you will be able to find your best fits in your favourite fabrics, enjoy hunting for them.
I also find it is helpful to align yourself with a few boutiques, brands or labels who get you! They get your size, your style, and your lifestyle. Every brand comes with its unique attributes, and your best brands/labels will be your first go-to when you are looking for a new outfit. This will save you from wandering aimlessly from shop to shop. Good stores also have the right accessories for their collections, the complete look is already done for you to save the thinking.
Kristin’s book Style Sessions aims to make fashion more accessible
What are some things you think women need to retire from their wardrobes?
I am hesitant to advise the removal of a single fashion item from the wardrobe, as fashion moves so quickly, I may end up eating my words and that item may be happening again very soon. There are always a handful of women, who can absolutely use their creativity in ways which can make even the most hideous statements appear attractive. With that in mind, I won’t comment on a single item.
I do have some tips for clothing removal on a broader scale which I like to stick to…
The bane of my existence is pilling! If you garment begins to pill and it cannot be saved, it requires a quick exit from the wardrobe. That garment is done! To counteract the pilling, always invest in the best quality you can afford and care for your items properly.
Aside from the pilling garments treat your wardrobe as valuable real estate! Anything that is not relevent for the style that represents you best right now, is clutter, and a cluttered creative space won’t allow you to reach your outfitting potential. Take out the items which are no longer relevant! It’s not necessary to completely part with those items, they may be required again one day, just keep them away from your wardrobe for now.
What are your tips for dealing with an “I have nothing to wear” moment?
Get the Core wardrobe sorted, with the CORE in place, you’ll always be able to make at least three outfits with any ‘taste’ item you bring into your creative space.
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a stylist?
Without hesitation, it’s helping women enjoy the reflection they see in the mirror. It’s not important for women to change who or what they are to be stylish. What is important is to find a style that fits who or what they are perfectly.
Instead of focussing on the things you don’t have, draw your attention to the things that are truly great about you and help those parts along with a great outfit that celebrates all of your best parts. Clothes cover, that’s what they do; cut and detail will showcase. Dress in outfits that are working for you not against you.
What are some fashion rules you live by?
Goodness, there are a few..
Quality over quantity.
Invest in the real.
Belts, sunglasses and bags are important!
Good style is being an individual.
You only get a single opportunity to make a first impression. Make it a good one.
If you could only wear one outfit forever, what would it entail?
Relaxed tailoring head to toe, drawn in at the waist with a belt!
I love the casual/elegant look! Comfortable yet chic ticks my boxes, for my body, my lifestyle and my taste.
A brand new year means it’s time to take a good hard look at your wardrobe and pinpoint the things that you need to say goodbye to. Doing a big purge of your closet means that you’re left with the pieces that you’ll wear often and genuinely love, meaning less style dilemmas. Here’s what to consider ditching this year…
“Someday” clothes
If you’re still hanging onto things that you hope will fit sometime in the not so distant future it’s time to bite the bullet and toss them. If “someday” does come you can always make a few new additions to your wardrobe. In the meantime all those clothes are just taking up valuable real estate.
Clothes that don’t fit your lifestyle
If you’ve got a closet full of party dresses but you barely go out these days or you’ve got corporate clothes aplenty but have started working at a more casual office then perhaps it’s time to consider farewelling those pieces. You can always hang onto 2-3 favourites then donate the rest to charity.
Scuffed and worn shoes
Shoes that have seen better days are probably best retired. You want to always put your best foot forward (pun intended) and wearing footwear that looks tired doesn’t make a good first impression. If shoes can be re-soled or revived in some way then by all means go for it but if they can’t be salvaged then it’s time to bid them adieu.
Shoes that are uncomfortable
While we’re on the topic of footwear, if there’s a pair of shoes that leave you in agony every time you wear them which in turn means they hardly ever see the light of day then it might be time to retire them.
Underwear that you’ve had for years
Good undergarments are often where good outfits start so it pays to replenish your supply every so often. Ill-fitting bras that no longer offer support and underwear that’s faded or stretched are both good places to start.
Costume jewellery you never wear
Investment jewellery is an entirely different thing so it’s exempt from a wardrobe purge but inexpensive costume jewellery is fair game. I’m talking earrings that you only wore once, tarnished necklaces, or bracelets that are gathering dust are all things you can afford to farewell.
Anything that doesn’t fit right
Looking polished is all about wearing clothes that sit well. If you’ve got things in your closet that have never sat right then consider having them tailored. If they’re beyond the alterations stage, for example if you’ve already tried to have it fixed but it still doesn’t look right, then it’s a sure sign that you should probably let it go.
What are some things that you’re vowing to ditch from your wardrobe this year?
Whilst I do like to top up my summer wardrobe with a few great trend buys I always like to start with a solid foundation. This means having the key pieces that I know I’ll be using throughout the season on hand so I make pulling outfits together a whole lot easier. Whilst this list might differ slightly according to your own tastes and style, I do think the majority of what I’ve included will be the same for the majority of women. So if you’ve found it hard to find a decent outfit the last few weeks, it might be time to stock up and ensure that you’ve got all the right pieces for the perfect look.
1. A versatile lightweight dress
I’ve all for having at least one summer dress that you’re absolutely in love with as a go-to throughout the season. Whether it’s a wrap style, shirt or slip dress there are a plethora of silhouettes available to suit everyone. The great thing about dresses is that they require minimal styling—just add shoes and you’re pretty much done.
2. A neutral sandal or slide
Speaking of shoes it’s a good idea to have one trusty pair of sandals or slides in your wardrobe. If you get one in a neutral colour such as tan or black then you’ll be able to mix and match it with several different outfits. Keep it simple and you’ll be able to maximise how much use you get out of it.
3. A straw bag
If you’re going for one bag in summer make it of the straw variety. I like a small straw bag that I can use for going out but you can invest in one that’s slightly roomier to carry your essentials for a day of shopping or hanging at the beach. If you work in a relaxed office environment you could even take it to work.
4. Lightweight pants
I took a pair of colourful printed pants on my recent trip to Hawaii and got so much use of of them that I’d highly recommend everyone to consider adding a pair of summer pants to their style repertoire. I went for a bold print but you could opt for a classic white or navy for something that’s got plenty of versatility.
5. Classic sunglasses
I am a sunglasses person through and through so I’ve got a collection of frames I rotate. However if you prefer just having one trusty pair you can wear to death then choose one in black or tortoiseshell to ensure you get plenty of use out of them.
6. A quality swimsuit
A great swimsuit is a must living in Australia. I am particularly drawn to a classic one piece style at the moment in shades such as black, navy or khaki to ensure that I can wear it on multiple occasions. Be sure to try on a few different style to make sure you find the one that’s flattering to your shape.
7. A white tee
I couldn’t live without a white tee, especially in summer. I’ll often pair it with everything from a skirt to denim shorts and pants. It’s ultra wearable so stock up!
8. Anything in linen
Who else is in love with all things linen? Nothing screams resortwear more than a gorgeous lightweight linen number. Whether it’s a dress, a skirt or a pair of cute shorts, it’s definitely the fabric of choice this season.
9. A statement skirt
I generally love a statement skirt most days of the year but they’re especially great in summer. Whether it’s a wrap skirt, mini or a sleek midi, find a style with a standout print or colour and you’re guaranteed to wear it to death this season.
10. Statement earrings
There’s no better time to have fun with your accessories than summer. If you’re going to invest in one particular piece I’d highly recommend a pair of statement earrings. You could wear them to drinks with the girls, date night or a work function so you’re definitely going to maximise the cost per wear.
I’ve spoken of how much of a fan I am of a statement skirt whether it be for casual wear or something a little more special. Whilst this skirt style holds its own simply because it will usually feature striking colour or print, the key to letting it truly stand out is what you pair it with. And there’s such a plethora of choices you really will have no trouble making it your new go-to (especially when it comes to party season). So here are some amazing options for the next time you want an outfit that truly delivers.
The statement top
Even if you’re wearing a skirt that’s already a focal piece on its own it doesn’t meant that you can’t also take it up a notch with your top. If your skirt is in a vibrant shade, has extra embellishments or lots of texture just be sure to keep your top a neutral colour but feel free to go for a design with elevated details such as a dramatic sleeve or ruffles such as the one I’m wearing below.
A logo tee or sweater
A tee or sweater emblazoned with a logo is still very much a thing and it’s a dream to pair with a bold skirt. To keep your look cohesive try and incorporate a similar colour palette in your top as what you have on your skirt.
A tonal top
There’s something quite chic about incorporating similar tones throughout an outfit. I wore the below pink top with a midi skirt in a similar shade and loved that it worked to elongate my shape and also had visual impact. It’s an easy styling trick to try when you want a look that looks polished and pulled together.
A white tee
God bless the humble white tee for it really does work with pretty much everything. It’s also a great pairing with a printed skirt, allowing the skirt to take centre stage. This pairing has become a shortcut of mine on days when I want an outfit that looks like I tried but I really managed to get out the door in record time!
A touch of lace
A glam top, one that incorporates luxe finishes such as lace is great with a skirt that features rich shades or a romantic print such as flowers. It also incorporates a little bit of extra texture to create a look that’s got flair.
A bold accessory
Whilst not in the clothing category a great accessory really makes for the ideal finishing detail when it comes to an outfit featuring a statement skirt. A great belt and a structured bag fall into this category and are easily paired with many a skirt, regardless of its print, colour or texture.
