Browsing Tag

style staples

Fashion

5 staples to take you through transeasonal weather

9th October, 2023

The button down shirt is high on my list of style staples

Here we are again – that time of year when you walk outside and anything could greet you weather-wise. Transeasonal weather is a tricky thing to navigate. It’s not winter anymore but not strictly consistently warm weather either so dressing for the day requires being prepared for whatever the day might throw at you. It’s important to wear pieces that are going to be able to be worn in warm or cool weather, and it’s why pieces that are suited to layering work best. Being able to peel off or put on various layers means you’ll be comfortable regardless of what the temperature is outside. Having navigated this enough times, I’ve come upon a few staples that are ideal for transeasonal dressing. Here are the five that are definitely front and centre in my closet of late.

Lightweight sweater

A crew neck sweater in a lightweight wool, cashmere or cotton is perfect as it breathes but also retains warmth and it’s a perfect transeasonal weather ally when you’re dealing with fluctuating temperatures. Also it’s quite versatile in that it can be paired back with everything from jeans and trousers and can easily be thrown on over a tee or shirt. Opt for ultra reliable neutrals or you could start embracing slightly bolder colours signalling the change in season.

Button down shirt

A layering must-have, the button down shirt is very much a style chameleon. Wear it tucked on or out, open or closed, tied up… it can be styled according to where the day is going to take you. The trend of late also is to wear it open with a white tee or tank underneath which also adds to its usefulness as a layering piece. A white shirt is always a classic, but you could also opt for bright pastels or bold stripes for a modern take on this eternal classic.

Tailored pants are a must

Tailored pants

Love a tailored pant as its potential is almost limitless. I packed a pair on a recent overseas trip and I was able to dress them up or down so easily, plus they’re great for dealing with climbing or dropping temperatures. They also tick the layering box as you could pair them with a shirt or a tee, then add a sweater or a lightweight jacket on top.

Knit dress

This is one of my favourite trends of the season. I’ve seen so many good iterations of it from chain store to designer, there are plenty of options available to suit any budget. I think a long sleeved knit dress is ideal as it has the cocooning effect required to keep you warm, but it’s not going to cause you to overheat if the day gets hotter as your legs are still somewhat exposed. Opt for a fun pastel, print or classic neutral — any option will be guaranteed to be on high rotation.

Trench coat

A trench consistently makes it onto style staple lists because it’s timeless and so utilitarian. A great trench can be worn with jeans, over a dress or paired pants and it works equally as well. Plus you can wear it with the sleeves pulled up or down, belted or open, meaning you can adjust it according to what the day brings. Opt for a longer mid-calf style to ensure that it can be paired back with as many different outfits as possible – plus it’s the on trend silhouette this season.

What are some of your favourite transeasonal style staples?

 

Shop the post

Fashion

Do classic pieces need updating?

7th June, 2023

Classics are without a doubt the staples of any cohesive wardrobe. These are pieces that are designed to work well with most things in your closet and can be repurposed into many different looks. While I’m all about ticking the boxes when it comes to the classic pieces you have in your closet, the thing with fashion is that it’s cyclical. Silhouettes change, hemlines rise or fall and trends heavily influence how we dress. What looked amazing a year or two ago, can sometimes feel or look a bit dated. So, what should you do?

Well, the first thing to remember is that fashion is constantly evolving, but we inevitably find ourselves seeing the same trends emerging again. For example, who would’ve thought the low rise jean of the early aughts would make such a triumphant return? So, I’m not saying you need to completely bin everything and start over again every season because that would be incredibly wasteful, but sometimes it’s important to remember that classic pieces evolve too. For example, while a white shirt is definitely a classic staple, these days a tight fitting white button down has given way to a more relaxed, oversized fit. Essentially, yes it’s still the same classic piece, but with a more contemporary spin. And that’s important to remember as trends come and go. Sometimes the pieces that you have in your wardrobe that fall into the classic category, may need a little tweaking here and there.

It can be hard to determine whether your classics actually need updating or not, so my advice would be to look around and see what is currently doing the rounds. If your staples look a little off with what you’re seeing in terms of style trends, then it might be worth revisiting them. For example, skinny jeans won’t ever go away but at the moment, it’s all about a wide leg pant (which by the way was a trend years ago but has now come back, so it’s definitely worth hanging onto things). Even just updating a piece or two, such as a fitted blazer for one with a bigger, oversized silhouette can make the existing pieces in your closet feel a little more now.

Updating your wardrobe each season can be expensive so it’s really important to take a more considered approach and analyse what you love to wear, and what makes you feel good. If a classic piece falls into that category, see what you can do about giving it a bit of a revamp. Sometimes this can be in the form of getting something adjusted by a tailor, or it simple styling it in a way that feels more modern such as wearing a trench open with the belt tied at the back rather than wearing it buttoned up. The most important thing to remember is that you need to choose style staples that make getting dressed easier, and also give you major confidence.

 

Shop the new classics

Fashion, Shop

School run style staples that will make getting out the door easier

31st January, 2020

Doing the daily drop-off and pick-up, especially when you’ve got multiple kids to wrangle and a lengthy list of things to get through can mean that having to decide what to put on is the last thing on your mind. So I’ve found the best way around this (and to avoid a morning wardrobe meltdown) is to have a capsule wardrobe of pieces that will take you from the school gate to the rest of your day without missing a beat. Plus the best bit is they can be mixed and matched to create multiple fuss-free looks.

High Waist Straight Jean, Country Road

A reliable pair of jeans is a must for any wardrobe but they’re particularly handy when you’re a busy mum. This cut and colour can easily work back with multiple pieces and helps you look ‘done’ without being overly so.

Charlotte Slide, Country Road

Slides are a favourite of mine simply because they’re chic but also practical. The last thing you want is having to deal with fussy straps when you’re in a rush! These can easily work with everything from jeans, a dress or shorts making them a worthwhile investment.

Cotton Slub T-shirt, Country Road

A white tee is a wardrobe must. I’ve found that with this simple staple you can achieve an effortless casual look that’s guaranteed to work every single time.

2750 Superga white sneakers

White sneakers are a workhorse of any wardrobe simply because they go with absolutely everything. They can also be worn dressed up or down making them the ultimate school run shoe option

Twill Stripe Shift Dress, Country Road

A simple shift dress can be worn in multiple ways but the best bit about a dress is that it’s so easy to wear. Just pop it on and you’re done.

Lurex Stripe Maxi, Country Road

For a slightly more elevated look a great maxi is also a good wardrobe option. This one would work beautifully with slides or sneakers and can easily be worn away from doing the school run.

Stripe T-Shirt Dress, Country Road

Stripes are always a classic wardrobe option. This dress has a timless style that’s made for staying comfortable on busy days.

Linen Jersey Tank, Country Road

A beautiful pop of colour is one way to liven up a look. Pair this with your favourite skirt or shorts for a look that’s got personality.

Rib Tank Dress, Country Road

This rib dress can easily be paired with everything from a denim jacket to a blazer making the ultimate option for days when you’ve got multiple things in your schedule.

Textured V-neck Cami, Witchery

If you want to add a glam touch to your favourite jeans, a cami is always a stylish option.

High Neck Knit Tank, Witchery

This is a versatile tank option for wearing back with everything from linen to denim and even a fun printed piece.

Baseline Training Day Legging, P.E. Nation

What would a school run be without a great pair of leggings? Wear this with a tee and sneakers for those days when you want to feel comfortable but look great too.

Muse Backpack, Oroton

I’m a big fan of backpacks as they’re unfussy and leave my hands free when I’m on the go and have multiple things on my to-do list. If you’ve tended to steer clear of backpacks because they hark back to your days at school, then definitely try a leather version — they’re infinitely chicer and feel so much more luxe.

Heritage Shopper, Country Road

A trusty, reliable tote is a must for any school run outing. I love this for its bright, punchy shade, plus all that room allows me to carry all my essentials with ease.

T-shirt Dress, Country Dress

If you favour more subdued tones, a beautiful khaki green is always a great option for everything from dresses to tees. I love the comfy cut of this but the drawstring also makes for a flattering fit.