Browsing Tag

style tips

Fashion

Easy ways to elevate your personal style

10th April, 2023

The key to elevating your style doesn’t involve an astronomical amount of money or a constant stream of designer purchases. In fact, a lot of it comes not from what you own but what you do. Whenever I look at the people who always present themselves impeccably, I always notice that they have a few things in common. Here’s where you can start if you want to elevate your look.

Know your style

People who have amazing style are always confident in their look. They know what works and what doesn’t and essentially what makes their look their own. If you’re still a little unsure of your style, pay attention to things that you always gravitate towards. Pinpoint the pieces that make you feel and look amazing. You’ll soon be able to distill what it is that defines your aesthetic.

Make sure you have the basics

It’s important to make sure you’ve got the basics covered before you can evolve your style to the next-level. This means everything from having a go-to dress to having the right underwear for various silhouettes and casual staples like t-shirts and jeans. Having reliable pieces already sitting in your closet will allow you to concentrate on how you can give those things your own unique spin.

Have a tailor that you trust

There’s something quite special about having a wardrobe filled with pieces that are perfectly fitted to your body— clothes just sit better when they’re tailored. This is why it’s important to find a tailor that you trust. Try asking around in your social circle to see if anyone has someone good they can recommend or look up online reviews of various tailors in town. Another option is doing your own research by getting something altered and seeing what the result is.

Invest in quality items

There are workhorses in every wardrobe and they need to be the best quality that you can afford. Don’t scrimp on things that you’re likely to use all the time like a work bag, or shoes that you’ll wear constantly on the weekend. Identify these key items and splurge on them. Quality items generally withstand wear and tear a little better. You can then be a little more economical with other things in your wardrobe that won’t get used quite as often.

Make an effort to look after your clothes

To ensure that your clothes always look pristine follow instructions on how to launder them, hang and fold garments rather than just dumping them on the nearest available space, and it seems obvious but always iron or steam garments before you walk out the door. Also store items like shoes and bags properly by keeping them in their dust bags and not piling them on top of each other so they lose their shape.

Avoid jumping aboard every single trend

To elevate your style involves looking like you’re confident in what you’re wearing. That means being able to pinpoint knowingly what works and what doesn’t for you and that involves being selective in the trends that you adopt. Experimenting with looks is great, but so is knowing what your style is and not feeling like you have to jump on every single trend to look good.

Fashion

The wardrobe items that are guaranteed confidence boosters

25th March, 2023

It goes without saying that what we wear plays a huge role in how we feel when we walk out the door. Feeling confident in your clothes is all about choosing the right pieces. If you’re wearing a look that makes you look amazing, you’ll be armed with confidence when you go about your day. Wearing something that flatters is of course key, but I’ve found that there are certain pieces which are just natural confidence boosters. And they’re probably all sitting in your wardrobe already…

A great dress

Not everyone is a dress person, but if you fall into the camp of loving them, then a gorgeous dress, whether it’s a flowy maxi, a polished midi or a fun, playful mini is something that can make you feel polished and put together. The key is finding a style that flatters. So if you don’t yet have that one dress in your closet that makes you feel amazing, then definitely set aside the time to find on this spring/summer that does just that.

A statement piece

I love working statement pieces into a look if I’m feeling a bit blah and need a confidence boost. I’ve found bold pieces help you look and feel better, and are the ultimate pick-me-up.

Well-fitting denim

The perfect pair of jeans really can be the ultimate confidence booster. The key is taking the time to try on several different pairs until you find one in just the right style, wash and fit. Also, denim can be worn back with virtually anything meaning you can wear them on high rotation.

A polished blazer

Whenever I need to elevate my look I always rely on a great blazer. I’ve found just popping a sleek blazer over what I’m wearing instantly makes me look and feel polished, which in turn helps me feel confident.

Amazing shoes

Feeling confident in clothes also extends to shoes and accessories. Whether you’re a heels girl and love nothing better than a pair of sky high stilettos or you’re more into flats and are all about a gorgeous pair of slides or sandals, I’ve always found wearing great shoes to be one of the best ways to make me feel ultra confident in what I’m wearing.

A matching set

This is honestly the best shortcut to putting together an outfit and looking and feeling polished at the same time. A matching set just looks sleek, plus it’s a no-brainer look for those days when you really can’t be bothered having to mix and match pieces so it’s a win-win option.

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion

5 pieces that always save me in a wardrobe crisis

26th February, 2023

An unexpected wardrobe crisis is not something I can usually afford to have first thing in the morning. This is why I’ve developed a roster of key pieces that I know will always save me when I’m having issues on the outfit front. They’re tried and tested and I know exactly how to work them with what’s in my closet so I can easily pull together an outfit in minutes. Here’s what’s saved me more times than I can count…

Little black dress

A little black dress is the equivalent of a get out of jail free card when it comes to fashion. An LBD has saved me on numerous occasions from having a wardrobe crisis as it’s such an easy foundation from which to build an outfit—all it needs is a great pair of shoes and accessories and I’m done. I know it’s also guaranteed to be flattering so it’s ideal for those days when I can’t afford to waste time trying on multiple outfits but need to look and feel my best.

Leather pants

I live in black leather pants throughout winter as they’re so comfortable and can also easily be dressed up or down. As a lot of people probably do, I generally always turn to anything black when I’m having a wardrobe crisis as it’s always a flattering hue and is an easy jumping off point to build a look from. The perfect pair of black leather pants can easily be paired with a tee and sneakers for great off duty style or a blouse and heels for a dressier look.

Jeans

I always feel comfortable and confident in my favourite pair of jeans so for casual days out I know I can always rely on them to build an outfit around. I can easily just add a tee and flats if I’m out running errands or a structured blazer and heels if I’m after something a bit dressier.

White shirts are always a guaranteed lifesaver

Shift dress

Shift dresses have always been my go-to at all times. Even during pregnancy I found them to be a great option as the silhouette works with my frame and is an easy basis from which to create a look. I’ve found dresses are a lifesaver during times of wardrobe dilemmas as you don’t need to fuss around trying to match tops and bottoms—simply throw it on, find a pair of shoes and you’re done. Shift dresses may not work for everyone so definitely find a dress style that you know works with your shape.

White shirt

A crisp white shirt is considered a wardrobe classic for good reason—it’s an easy option to pair with everything from jeans to leather pants to a skirt and always looks polished. I find it’s always a good idea to have a white shirt ironed and ready to go at all times as it’s an easy option to turn to when you’re staring at your closet feeling really uninspired. Throw on a white shirt and I guarantee it’s wardrobe crisis averted!

What are your go-to wardrobe lifesavers?
Fashion

How to make it easier to pull together an outfit in a rush

5th February, 2023

If you’re running late and need to get out the door fast it can be stressful being faced with a wardrobe dilemma. Looking into your closet and not having any idea what to wear can make an already rushed morning feel even more so. To avoid this happening to you, it’s time to put in a bit of effort now and prep your way out of it. Having the right measures in place can make all the difference between walking out of the house feeling and looking pulled together to not having any idea what you’re wearing and feeling less than your best self the entire day. Here are a few simple ways to pull together an outfit in a rush.

Clean your closet

It all starts with the state of your closet. If you’ve got clothes strewn everywhere, shoes piled on top of each other and bags all over the place then you’re going to make it very hard to find anything let alone style an outfit. So commit to a big wardrobe cull and ensure that everything is in plain sight. If you can easily see everything then you’re more likely to have a little more styling inspiration, which means locking in an outfit quicker, which can mean you’re able to walk out the door faster.

Ensure your essentials are always nearby

We all have our fave pieces in our closet so it’s important that these things are readily at our fingertips should a wardrobe dilemma faced with a time crunch arise. If you can fall on a standby go-to outfit without then realising that the shirt you want isn’t ironed or the jeans you’re after is still in the washing basket, you have a much better chance of getting dressed faster. At a minimum, always make a point of having the key staples in your wardrobe at the ready.

Have failsafe outfit combinations

It’s great to experiment and broaden your fashion repertoire but it’s also key to have at least five outfits that you know always work memorised. These are good to fall back on should you be faced with a sartorial mental blank and can’t really think of what to wear. To make it even easier, have an outfit planned to suit different occasions, think: casual, work, evening, party and going out. This way whatever you’re faced with there’s always an ensemble waiting to happen in a matter of minutes.

Have style inspo as a back up

Style inspiration can help kickstart an outfit idea or two so make sure you have a few on your phone that you can draw upon when you need to. By simply having a few looks that you love saved, you can make it easier to then get an ensemble together when you’re having one of those days where you feel that you really have nothing to wear.

Fashion

How to repeat outfits without getting bored

15th January, 2023

Unless you’re a Kardashian/Jenner then then you probably fall into the camp of having a closet full of pieces that you have to re-wear over and over again. While that’s infinitely better for the planet and your bank balance, let’s face it it can also become quite tedious and boring when you’re staring at the same shirt for what feels like the thousandth time. So, what’s the key to solving this apart from having a billionaire bank account?

I think battling outfit boredom is all about playing around with your styling. It’s about getting creative, switching out pieces and reworking how you wear something to give it a new lease on life. It’s not about adding new pieces to the mix, because often, we don’t wear what’s already in our wardrobe nearly enough so it’s a worthy exercise to try and find ways to refresh what you already own.

Here are a few of my tried and tested ways to make that happen…

Switch out your accessories

Where would we be without accessories? If you’re planning to outfit repeat, I’ve found one of the easiest ways to avoid getting bored is to play with the accoutrements you pair with it. So for example wearing a drop earring one day and a stud the next. Or adding a necklace or bangle to change the vibe of a look. It’s one of my favourite ways to take beloved outfits that I wear a lot and give them a refresh.

Add a print or pattern

Sometimes all it takes to refresh an outfit is to add a new print or pattern into the mix. For example I took the above tailored trousers in a casual yet on trend direction by pairing it with a tie dye top.

Experiment with shoes

Think of your footwear like you would your accessories. If a certain shoe goes with a particular outfit you like to wear a lot that’s great, but sometimes it’s worth expanding your horizons and trying to add a new shoe into the mix. So if you usually wear a particular pant with sneakers, why not try it with a ballet flat or loafer instead?

Carry a different bag

I change my bags all the time depending on what I’m wearing. Also I’m a shoes and bags girl so I always love to switch these things up as I like to base what I wear on how I’m feeling on any given day. That said, it’s also a super easy way to change up the look and feel of an outfit you repeat a lot. A tote vs a bucket bag for example gives very different vibes.

Tuck, fold, roll….

Don’t be afraid to experiment with how you wear a particular piece. While you might usually wear a pair of jeans with a shirt tucked in, why not try it with a shirt tucked out the next day? Could you roll the sleeves of a dress to make it more casual? I think it’s always worth tweaking the way a garment sits to open up your options a bit more. Plus it makes something you wear all the time feel fresh.

Fashion

How to minimise wardrobe dilemmas this year

8th January, 2023
Photo by Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash

Wardrobe dilemmas are the worst and can often strike at the most inopportune of times — like when you’re already incredibly late and was supposed to have walked out the door ten minutes ago. And while sometimes the unexpected occurs (coffee down your top, a split seam, for example), most of the time, they can be avoided with some pre-planning and organisation.

Think of it this way, if you had to perform a task every single day of your life, wouldn’t you try and employ a few strategies to make it quicker and easier? So, if you’re interested in making a less stressful year on the fashion front, try these techniques—you’ll banish style dramas in no time.

Get organised

Organisation really is key when it comes to avoiding wardrobe dramas. If your closet is in constant disarray therein lies the problem—finding what you want, when you want is made all the more difficult when you actually have no idea where anything is.

You want to see everything, and I mean everything. You should be able to see what you own at a glance, so you can take in an entire outfit in one go without having to sift through piles of clothes or shoes. If storage is an issue, you could consider doing a seasonal swap where you put your current season clothes on display, while everything else hibernates for a few months under your bed or in another cupboard somewhere (this is where vacuum storage bags come in handy). Your aim should be that you can neatly put everything away. If this is definitely a problem, then keep reading.

Keep it streamlined

While it’s nice to have clothes, it’s even nicer if they have the chance to be worn and don’t just sit in your closet gathering dust. Having a tight edit of clothes means you’re more likely to wear what you own. Less options = more in rotation.

This means regular wardrobe culls should be on the cards. I know it can sometimes be hard to let go of certain items of clothing, but it’s time to summon up some courage and let go of those things that you know you haven’t worn in years. You know what I’m talking about, it’s the dress you’re hanging onto in case you “can wear it in future” or that jumper you wore on year 12 camp.

If it doesn’t add to your wardrobe but is simply there gathering dust, it’s time to bit it adieu.

Plan ahead

Here’s where organisation comes in again. By planning your looks ahead of time you can free yourself from regular morning wardrobe dramas. Take some time before the start of a new week and go through your schedule, and what your outfit requirements are for the week. By doing this you can set aside what you’re wearing ahead of time. This also allows you to do things in advance like iron or fix anything that may need repairing.

Also, by planning ahead you’re also encouraged to play around with what’s in your wardrobe a little more. If you’ve got time on your hands you can work on creating different looks a little more freely without the pressure of time constraints.

Have a back-up outfit list

This is a must. There will come a time when you’ve got to get out the door fast and if your other outfit options fall through it’s a good idea to have a few others up your sleeve that you know have been tried and tested. Document a few looks in your phone that can be your ‘crack open in case of emergency’ contingency plan. This helps mitigate the stress when you’re faced with an ensemble that just isn’t working.

What’s the number one cause of wardrobe dilemmas in your life?

Fashion

How to get more wear out of your wardrobe

28th August, 2022

Have you ever bought something only to find that you wear it once and it ends up collecting dust in your wardrobe? It’s easy to fall into this trap when we’re flooded with options and an impulse purchase is so easy to make. If you’re in the situation of having an overflowing wardrobe with absolutely nothing to wear then it might be time to rethink your shopping strategy. I’ve managed to hone mine down over the years to pinpoint the purchases that I know will have multiple outings. If you want to avoid buying something that’s a one hit wonder it pays to keep a few things in mind—it’s what I use when I’m considering buying something and I guarantee it works…

Stick to neutral tones

I always try to keep items like dresses and staples like coats in neutral tones. With dresses I’ll always opt for a little black dress, a white dress, denim or khaki. And with a staple like a blazer or coat I always opt for black because it’s a colour that’s really versatile. When it comes to basics (my everyday wear such as t-shirts and jumpers) I always stick to neutrals. Whilst a pink t-shirt is fun I’m guaranteed to get more than a few wears out of a plain white tee. Also if you want to add a bit of colour to your wardrobe it’s easier to work back with a simple muted colour palette than try to work with multiple bold hues.

Buy separates

I think separates are always a really good option because you can mix and match them. It’s much easier to wear something like a quality silk blouse or a great skirt in various ways as you can just switch out the top or bottom when you want to change up your look. One thing I’m loving is that more and more labels are releasing matching separates which not only look chic when paired together but are great when worn with other pieces too.

Keep statement pieces on top

If you find something that’s a bit of a showstopper, find something that sits on top such as a jacket or coat, which you can throw on over an outfit. Everyone remembers if you wear a really bold dress but if you wear a striking  jacket you could mix and match it and nobody would really even notice if you wear it multiple times. I’m a fan of pieces that have a bit of personality and are a standout piece but if I want to guarantee maximum wear out of it then outerwear is the best way to incorporate it into my look.

Don’t be a slave to trends

There are multiple trends each season and while it’s fun to try them you don’t always have to wear a trend from head to toe. You can incorporate a trend into your look with a really great jacket or small accessories. For example if you want to get tap into a 70s vibe, buy one trend piece such as a pair of flared jeans. It doesn’t mean that you have to look like you stepped off the set of Saturday Night Fever. Exercise a bit of restraint when it comes to trends as invariably they will come and go.

Avoid too much embellishment

If you want certain pieces to last season after season avoid having too much embellishment on it. Having a lot of detail on a particular garment makes it more difficult to work back with other items in your wardrobe. Not only that, it also it makes it easily identifiable so it’s harder to have it be a chameleon piece that can be worn for multiple occasions. If you look at the celebs who tend to outfit repeat, they’re always wearing a classic piece that’s simple and streamlined.

What are some ways you get more wear out of pieces in your wardrobe?

Fashion

How to look polished without even trying (much)

25th July, 2022

If there’s a box that I always try to ensure my look encapsulates it’s polished. Whether it’s a casual outfit I’m wearing to run errands with the girls or a work meeting or a big fashion launch it’s one of the overarching criteria that I try to maintain. And it doesn’t have to be hard. If there’s one thing I need all my outfits to be it’s easy so I’ve found some ways to ensure that looking polished is pretty straightforward to achieve. Here’s how I do it.

Ensure everything fits well

Whether I’m in jeans and a t-shirt or a suit, the one thing I always make certain of is that everything is tailored to fit. That means things like hems are cut appropriately for my height and I’m not wearing a jacket that swamps me. Taking the time to ensure that everything is tailored beforehand ensures that anything I wear by default, looks polished.

Keep it simple

My look is very classic and I’ve found this is a great way to ensure I look polished. Whilst everyone has their own aesthetic, the one thing you can take away from this is that keeping your look simple often means it presents in a very put together way. This means choosing one statement piece and then keeping everything else simple. Whether it’s a pair of great shoes or knockout earrings, have one focal element and then pare back the rest.

Always ensure your bag and shoes are in good shape



Pay attention to your bag and shoes

I’ve always been a bag and shoes girl and I’ve found they’re often the two key accessories that can make or break and outfit. So I always make sure that whatever bag or shoes I’m wearing looks neat and tidy. They don’t have to be expensive. but they do have to look presentable which means no scuff marks or stains. This is why I always ensure I use fabric protector on all my bags and shoes before I wear them.

Don’t forget about your beauty look

I need to get out the door in a matter of minutes most days so I’m all for beauty routines that are quick and easy. If I need to get out the door fast but don’t have time to do my hair I’ll pull it back in a low bun (which takes seconds) and I’ve got myself a sleek hairstyle for the day. I’ve also streamlined my makeup routine to a few simple essentials (see my full routine here) and that ensures I look presentable when I walk out the door but I haven’t had to spend a silly amount of time in front of the mirror.

Get a steamer

I don’t like ironing and I’m sure a lot of you feel the same. That said, I also can’t walk out the door with wrinkled clothes so a great shortcut is to invest in a handheld steamer like this. If I find something needs a press, I give it a quick steam and then I’m out the door. Most garments are steamed on photo shoots and it’s a trick that I’ve adopted into my own wardrobe.

What are some of your shortcuts for a polished look?

Fashion

How to get more wear from your event wardrobe

22nd May, 2022

While event wear is a lot of fun to wear, it’s also usually the kind of thing that can end up collecting dust in the back of the wardrobe as you wait for the next event to roll around. And it’s such a waste. Event wear is usually extra beautiful because it’s designed to be worn for special occasions, and it can be expensive as a result. The problem with this is that the cost per wear plummets if it’s just going to sit in your closet until a wedding invitation arrives or the next milestone birthday rolls around.

So, it’s time to let them come out and play on a more regular basis. The key is what to pair it with so you don’t feel ridiculously overdressed. I’ve managed to collect a lot of dressy pieces because of the races and other events so, I’ve had to learn how to re-use and recycle. If you’re not entirely sure where to begin, below are my tried and tested methods for turning event wear into day wear.

Mix with casual items

If you’ve got a closet full of dressy pieces such as cocktail dresses and suits, never fear, you can definitely still wear them in your weekly rotation but you just need to temper their dressiness with casual pieces. So for example you could take a pair of suit pants and wear it with a tee and sneakers for a smart casual look. The same goes for a glitzy top which can be worn back with denim, or a dress which can be paired with sneakers or slides.

Layer with other pieces

Layering is a really valuable styling tool because it can instantly transform a look. Wear a denim jacket over a cocktail dress and it tames its event vibes. The same goes for wearing a suit blazer with a denim. Or popping on a white shirt over a dress and knotting it, to achieve an effortless, yet polished look.

A basket bag like this is a great way to dress down event wear
Add natural textures

By incorporating more relaxed textures into a dressy ensemble you dial down its glam factor. So if you want to take your fave LBD out for a spin during the day, pair it with a wicker basket to give it a more casual spin. While pairing a linen shirt with dress pants can make it slightly less dressy and far more everyday wear.

Dress it down with flats or sneakers

Your choice of footwear is everything, so if you want to tame an event look, ditch the heels and pair it with flats or sneakers. The beauty of this is that shoes like slides, sneakers and sandals are so commonplace now that you can get away with wearing them in virtually any setting. A midi dress usually designated for fancy dinners can all of a sudden be work appropriate by pairing it with a pair of leather slides and a lightweight jacket. While a skirt you’d reserve for a night out can be dressed down with a plain tee.

Tell me—how do you recycle your event wear?

Fashion

How to style statement jewellery

24th March, 2021

Jewellery is one of the simplest and most effective ways to dress up any outfit, particularly when it comes to wearing statement pieces. I love experimenting with bold jewellery, whether it’s a statement necklace or a cluster of rings, it’s fun being able to play with different accessories and working them in unexpected ways. Learning how to style statement jewellery is a key styling skill to have up your sleeve, and it’s not hard at all.

There’s also never been a better time to fall in love with bold jewellery, particularly now when there are just so many fab pieces available. You can embrace pricier investment jewellery, or cheap and cheerful chain store finds, or mix and match and achieve such a striking effect either way. But before you do, here are a few tips on styling statement jewellery and striking just the right balance.

Choose a focal piece

The thing with bold jewellery is that while it’s fun, you can also have too much of a good thing. I’ve found the best thing to do is to choose a focal point and keep the rest of your accessories pared back. This could be wearing a big statement necklace, or a knockout pair of chandelier earrings but either way, ensuring that you choose one piece to have as the focal point ensures your look is balanced.

Consider your outfit holistically

You want to ensure that your jewellery complements your look rather than takes over it so look at your outfit as whole. Learning how to style statement jewellery means having to consider colour, cut, style, and think about what kind of piece will work with the various elements of your look. For example jeans and a tee might work well with a statement necklace, while a simple dress might be worth elevating with bold earrings. Once again, it’s about balance.

Think about layering

Sometimes bold jewellery doesn’t always have to mean a single piece, it can mean making a statement by working multiple pieces together. It could be stacking different necklace sizes or styles, going from delicate to something bolder, or wearing various bangles of varying shapes, textures and styles, or simple wearing different rings all together. This works great if you don’t really ‘do’ bold jewellery but want to achieve a similar effect.

Make sure your jewellery is actually noticed

Wearing bold jewellery generally means that you want those pieces to stand out and be noticed. Why not when you’re wearing something amazing, right? For this reason you need to factor in things such as necklines, sleeve lengths, even how you’re wearing your hair. For example if you’re planning on wearing statement earrings, will you actually be able to see it or is it being hidden entirely by your hair? If you’ve got your heart set on wearing an beautiful bangle, is it going to be hidden by your jacket sleeve? These are easily fixed with a few style tweaks, but you want to bear them in mind before you walk out the door.

Play with proportions

Keep your jewellery in proportion to the rest of your look. This might mean that an oversize necklace might not be the right choice with a voluminous top, whilst a slimline dress might work beautifully with a great pair of shoulder-grazing drop earrings. Keep these elements in mind to ensure that you’re wearing your jewellery not that it’s wearing you.