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wardrobe advice

Fashion

The list that will help you improve your style

21st June, 2023

It’s great to have a vision for something but it’s often the execution which can be the sticking point for many of us. So, it’s a great idea to write it down (a Harvard study actually found that the 3% of students who wrote their goals down ended up earning more than the other 97% combined) to help you hone in on what you want and visualise it. Actually putting pen to paper and writing your thoughts down makes it easier to achieve what you set out to do.

And while you’ve probably mapped out your goals for key areas like work, finance and health, I do find that taking the time to map out your sartorial goals will help you avoid fashion meltdowns, spend less and generally end up with a more wearable wardrobe. Ready to start? Here are the four key places I think it’s worth focusing on.

Do:

Ask yourself what you want to action when it comes to your wardrobe this year. Is it adopting a more minimalist approach? Is it shopping less? Is it avoiding wardrobe dilemmas first thing in the morning? The answers to these questions will help you define what you want to do fashion-wise this year. Once you know what you want to achieve, start breaking it down into actionable steps. So if you want to pare your wardrobe back, then schedule in a wardrobe decluttering session, then follow that up with organising your closet to keep the momentum going.

More:

What are the things you want more of? Whether you simply want more time every day to drink your coffee instead of running around trying to get dressed for work, or that you want more flattering go-to pieces, this is the time to identify what it is that’s going to be your fashion mantra for the year. Look what what you want more of in your life when it comes to fashion. This will keep you in check when you want to buy something but it may not work within the context of the goals you’re trying to achieve, or help you direct your attention to something that will help you tick things off your list.

Having fashion list will help you with you to get to know your style
Less:

Being a more conscious consumer is something many of us are working on, so instead of buying non-stop it’s important to take a step back and pinpoint what you actually need—and also what you have in abundance already. So, if you’ve got five perfectly fine stripey tees, do you really need another? It’s also a great opportunity to pinpoint the things you might want to phase out of your fashion repertoire. Perhaps you had clung onto a particular style that no longer works for you? If so, now is the perfect time to start afresh.

Want:

I’m a firm believer in having a fashion hit list. Look at the things you’d really like to add to your wardrobe and note them down. This will help you from making impulse purchases and instead keep you focused on the things that you should direct your hard earned dollars towards. Would you rather save and buy that dream bag or waste it on smaller purchases that you may not really love for more than a season? Having a defined ‘want’ list will help you shop smarter and also work towards a more cohesive wardrobe.

What strategies do you currently use to help you navigate your wardrobe?

Fashion

8 foolproof outfit combinations to save you during a wardrobe crisis

18th June, 2023

We’ve all been faced with days where we find ourselves just staring into the closet and thinking that we’ve got absolutely nothing to wear. If you’re in a rush it can be particularly stressful trying to pull a look together as you try one look after the next with little success. So this is why it pays to have a few outfit combinations that you know are guaranteed to work. I like to keep a few of these mentally filed away to call upon whenever a wardrobe crisis hits. Here are a few key pairings that will ensure you look amazing when you walk out the door.

 

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Lunch run

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Jeans and a white tee

This is an easy outfit to turn to and will always look chic. And the best bit is it’s comprised of things we all have in our wardrobe. All it takes is having a pair of go-to jeans and a great white t-shirt and you’re set.

 

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Jumper and jeans

Whether it’s a pair of blue jeans, black skinnies or any other colour denim you like, pairing it back with your fave jumper will always result in a great look.

 

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Blazer with jeans and a top

If you’re looking for something dressier, you can take the base elements of jeans and a tee, pop on a great blazer over the top and you instantly have an outfit that looks polished.

 

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Blazer over a dress

If you’ve got a few fave dresses in your closet that are feeling a bit tired, you can change up their entire vibe by adding a blazer over the top. A black blazer is one of those pieces that will always be a lifesaver and can instantly make any look dressier and more pulled together.

 

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A sweater or tee and a midi skirt

A midi skirt in any length paired with a top such as a t-shirt or a sweater is a shortcut to looking chic and stylish. If you’ve yet to add a midi skirt to your closet, try a pleated style for an on instantly on trend look.

 

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A trench over almost anything

A trench is a wardrobe addition that will go far. It’s a topper that can work with myriad looks ranging from the super casual to dressy. Consider it a lifesaver whenever you’re stuck for what to wear — just throw it on over the top of any of the looks you’ve seen so far and avoid unnecessary style dramas.

 

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Cami and tailored pants

Take your favourite tailored pants, pair them with a cami and you’re set. If you’re not into camis you could sub in a button down shirt for a similar, polished finish.

 

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Blouse with skinny trousers

A pair of skinny pants or jeans, teamed with a gorgeous blouse is one look that will take you from work to drinks without skipping a beat. Great for those days when you’re not entirely sure where the day will take you.

What’s your go-to outfit combination?

Fashion

How to get more wear out of the clothes you already own

17th June, 2023

If you were to categorise everything in your closet into clothes you wear all the time to those you barely wear, how big would each pile be? I’m guessing like most people, your barely wear pile would be far bigger than those that you do. So what can you do about it? One strategy would be to do a big cull and pull together the perfect capsule wardrobe consisting of only the pieces you truly want to wear. Whilst effective, it’s not for everyone. So if you’re not quite ready to part with things from your wardrobe and want to give other pieces you own more love, try employing some of the following techniques to get more wear out of the clothes you already own.

Do an edit

You don’t have to do a drastic overhaul but it does help to give your wardrobe a clean and get rid of any items that you realistically won’t wear whether it’s because it no longer fits, is damaged beyond repair or just really not your thing anymore. Doing this will leave you with a fresher edit of clothes that only consists of pieces that you’ll definitely be able to use.

Keep an outfit journal

Write down what you wear every day (even if it’s just for a month) and note down any things you notice when you wear a particular item. This could be something such as a particular top that brought you many compliments, or a pair of pants that made you look a little bigger than you actually are. Take note of the clothes that make you feel great. This exercise serves two purposes: you are able to see in black and white what pieces you gravitate to all the time and in turn help you pinpoint other things in your closet that may serve as an alternative. Plus it helps you identify the styles of clothing which make you feel amazing, which in turn could help you start to wear other similar pieces a whole lot more.

Theme your week

You can pick a particular style or look to inspire your outfits for a week. For example it could be denim week, which means that every single day, you have to wear a denim item (without repeating if possible). So instead of just heading for your fave jeans all the time, this could help you unearth that denim dress that’s been hiding in the back of your closet or the chambray shirt that you don’t wear nearly as often as you should.

Pick a colour

This is a similar principle but it involves choosing a particular hue to focus on. So it might mean that for the next 7 days you have to try and incorporate a yellow item in your outfit. This could help you resurface certain pieces in your closet that haven’t been getting nearly as much airtime as they should.

Call for reinforcements

Invite someone over, whether it’s a friend, a sibling or your mum to look in your closet and pick out at least 10 things they’d really like to see you wear. Often, they’re looking at your wardrobe with fresh eyes, so will spot clothes that perhaps you’d forgotten you even owned.

Document your closet

As anyone who has ever watched the movie Clueless can attest, there’s something quite handy about cataloguing your wardrobe to help with better outfit styling. There’s even apps like Stylebook which help you with the entire process now, so can pretty much have your entire wardrobe in your phone so you can style on the run. By being able to see everything you own (rather than just relying on peering into your closet and hoping for inspiration to strike) you’re able to have a better chance of wearing more of what you own.

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

Why discovering your personal style will make getting dressed easier

3rd June, 2023

How well do you know your personal style? Over the years and with a lot of trial and error I think I’ve finally got mine defined. Whenever I’m asked about my style now I can clearly define it in a few words: simple, understated and polished. That however, took several experimental years until I finally found my groove and discovered a certain way of dressing that meant I immediately knew if something was me or not.

So what’s the benefit of confidently knowing what your style is? Well it certainly makes pulling an outfit together that much easier. I think having that knowledge of what encompasses your look will mean that it’s easier to know what’s not you. Which sounds simple but is actually one of the key things that can lead to you ending up with less random buys that gather dust in your closet and more items that will get worn time and time again. Once you know something doesn’t fit into the your style category then you’re less tempted to buy it.

Being confident in your style will mean less time spent staring at your wardrobe unsure of what to wear

One of the best things about it is also the freedom that it gives you when you look into your closet and try to pull an outfit together. There’s less of the paralysis that comes with seeing an endless array of clothes that don’t all scream you and trying to make them work for an ensemble that you may or may not be happy with. Also, if you see a wardrobe that’s only filled with pieces that genuinely reflect you, you’re more likely to get much more wear out of everything you own and that’s a great big tick in the cost per wear department.

So how do you define your personal style? I think it’s all about looking at everything you own and seeing what you wear often and what brings a smile to your face. If you take note of those pieces you’ll often find that they have an overarching theme linking them and that will help you on your way to finding a look that works for you. I find it’s helpful if you can think of three words to describe everything so you can call on those adjectives every time you’re trying to refocus yourself and remember what your style is all about. Once you’ve done this, I promise everything else becomes so much easier.

Have you found your personal style? How did you go about discovering it?

Fashion

Chic blazers that you need in your life

2nd June, 2023

I’m a big advocate of having at least one beautiful blazer in your wardrobe. It’s the kind of thing that can work in so many different scenarios — the polished accent piece that can elevate a look, a topper to throw on over gym gear for Hailey Bieber vibes, or the ideal power piece to finish a work outfit. It’s also really comfortable and can instantly transform an ensemble. I often reach for a blazer most days of the week as it’s quick shortcut for turning in outfit into a polished ensemble. 

If you make a point of investing in a quality blazer it’s the kind of piece that you will get plenty of wear out of and will be with you for years to come. I will often gravitate towards a black blazer because it always looks ultra put together and it’s super versatile. I can’t think of anything that a black blazer doesn’t work with so it’s a worthwhile investment. That said if black is not your thing then you easily opt for navy or white or this season’s big trend, camel, which would both serve your wardrobe equally as well. If you’re feeling adventurous then a printed blazer is also a fun option that can easily dress up an outfit and give it an on trend feel. Also, the blazer silhouette this season is oversized, so skip the super tight or cropped varieties as the vibe this season is very much an effortless, relaxed energy. The only non-negotiable is that you add it to your autumn/winter shopping list.

 

A few of my favourite blazer moments

As I mentioned, blazers are an integral part of my wardrobe. It’s a go-to piece that often ties many of my fave looks together. Here are a few I’ve worn of late, and as you can see I’m not afraid to venture out of my black blazer comfort zone.

 

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Fashion, What I Wore

How to elevate your weekend wardrobe

28th May, 2023

Ahhh weekends. There’s nothing better than enjoying a little down time at the end of a hectic week and for me that also applies to my wardrobe. I’m all about comfort plus when it comes to what I wear an Saturday and Sunday but it doesn’t mean that I compromise on the style front.

I think you can still achieve a really nice balance between your fave trackies and being dressed to the nines (something I became familiar as soon as I started working from home). I’ve built up a great arsenal of casual pieces since I’ve become a mum (silk shirts just aren’t made for playgrounds) so this has in turn been able to translate into my off duty looks as well. Here’s how you can elevate your weekend wardrobe into something comfortable yet polished.

Revamp pieces with a white tee

A white t-shirt can be paired with so many things — wear it under a slip dress, pop it on with a skirt or tuck it into wide legged pants so it pays to have a few in your closet. It’s honestly the easiest thing to mix and match and will save you many wardrobe hassles over the weekend. I’ve also found teaming a white tee with dressier piece also tones them down a bit and makes it appropriate for casual day wear, expanding the use of your wardrobe even more.

Try a printed skirt

A beautiful printed skirt is a seriously comfortable option as far as weekend wear goes, but it looks so chic at the same time. Try a pleated skirt or a wrap style with a striking print for an of-the-moment outfit. Pair it with a lightweight sweater or a tee or singlet and a pair of sneakers and you’re ready for whatever the day throws at you.

Invest in great sneakers

I live in sneakers most of the time so I’ve found that having a go-to pair is ideal. Classic white sneakers will go with virtually everything you own whether that be your favourite jeans or a summer dress. They’re a definite workhorse so you can stock up on a few different styles and get plenty of use out of them.

Update your look with fun frames

A pair of sunglasses is always within easy reach whenever I leave the house and I’ve found it to be one of the easiest ways to make a look feel polished and ‘now’. Try the small frame sunglasses trend if you’re feeling a little adventurous with your sunnies or a colourful pair which will inject a little playfulness into any outfit.

Have a go-to carryall

Whether you opt for a chic backpack, a roomy tote or a crossbody style it’s always a good idea to swap to a more casual, take-anywhere bag on the weekend. I’ve found that a reliable and study carryall made from leather is something that will last you many seasons. Also switching from my work bag to an off duty bag also helps me get into the right mindset for relaxation.

Dress it up

Dresses are without a doubt one of the easiest things you can ever put on simply because there’s no need to worry about mixing and matching tops and bottoms. I’ve found slip dresses are a simple shortcut to looking on trend and chic, plus you can mix up the look of them by wearing a t-shirt underneath.

Turn to chic co-ord sets

I love co-ordinating sets. Whether it be a shell top with shorts or a jumper with jogger pants there’s something quite effortless about matching separates that makes you look instantly pulled together. They’re a major trend at the moment so you’ll no doubt find a set that works within your style and budget this season.

What are some ways you’ve elevated your weekend look?

Fashion

What to do when you have nothing to wear

27th May, 2023

This is a dilemma most women have encountered at one point or another. If you’ve ever stared into your closet, filled to the brim with clothes yet still yielding nothing to wear then you’ll know the frustration it can cause. However all is not lost. Instead of tearing your hair out and hitting the shops to buy yet another outfit to add to the pile, you can employ a few tricks to help you unearth a look you’ll love. These are strategies I’ve used from time to time and I can guarantee that they’ve helped me break out of my momentary wardrobe rut, get dressed and walk out the door in no time.

Look for external fashion inspo

Staring at your clothes for ages won’t magically make a new outfit appear. You’ve got to get the styling juices flowing. To do this have a quick scroll through Instagram to see what your fave stylish ladies are wearing. Alternatively hit up your favourite online stores and check out their lookbooks or ‘new in’ section to see what’s trending. By seeing what’s new, it could ignite an idea or two for a look you could pull together.

Set yourself a theme

Having seemingly endless options but feeling bored of all of them is a major cause of being stumped for an outfit. So why not narrow it down to make it easier? For example you could tell yourself that today is stripe day and that you need to incorporate a striped piece into your ensemble. By giving yourself some parameters to work with it becomes less overwhelming and more manageable.

Work a new colour combination

We all have our favourite colour combinations which is great but sometimes in order to overcome an ‘I have nothing to wear’ situation you need to think outside the box. For example try working an unexpected colour combination like pink and red — by exploring pieces in those shades, you’ll inadvertently force yourself to look beyond your usual favourite items and expand to the rest of your wardrobe.

Help a favourite make new friends

We all have favourite pieces in our closet but we tend to work them back with the same things over and over again. This can exacerbate a nothing to wear situation as you see reliable staples but are also uninspired by them because you’ve already got your go-to pairings in mind. So the next time this happens, take an old fave but make an effort to pair it with something different. It could be that you wear a particular jacket with a certain pair of pants all the time. So instead, why not pop on the jacket over a dress, which instantly gives it a different vibe. This allows you to still get plenty of use out of things you love but overcome your style boredom too.

What are some strategies you use to overcome an ‘I have nothing to wear’ problem?

Fashion

How to get a minimalist wardrobe

24th May, 2023

One of the best things about going into a boutique is just how amazing it feels to flick through the racks of a tightly edited collection. Being able to see everything at a glance, to have a certain level of airiness as you’re browsing is all part of the experience. And that’s also the beauty of having a minimalist wardrobe. Having a curated closet means that everything is considered, and that everything works well together. Doing this results in less wardrobe dilemmas and less stress in the morning as you’re not wading through piles of clothing trying to find something to wear. Also the funny thing with having less choice is that it often results in being able to pull more looks together. So, here’s how to get started.

Define your style

What’s your style? Confusion about what your personal aesthetic often makes it difficult to take a minimalist approach to your wardrobe simply because the parameters of what you can wear are just so big. By taking the time to define your style you’re more likely to be able to hone in on the pieces that definitely will and won’t work, in turn narrowing your closet down to the things that will get plenty of use.

Stick to a limited colour palette

Most brands will generally have a colour palette that they stick with for each collection, that’s also in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the brand. By adopting the same approach with your closet, you can narrow down the pieces that you own to certain hues that can easily be mixed and matched, which will then make it easier to pull looks together.

Edit, edit, edit

The beauty in having a minimalist wardrobe is that it allows you to narrow your entire closet down to pieces that you’ll a) get plenty of use out of and b) work well together. By having a limited selection of clothes you take being overwhelmed by choice out of the equation as you can see everything you own at a glance. When it comes to decluttering be brutal—only keep versatile, wearable pieces that you know you’ll be able to create multiple outfits out of.

Decluttering sessions are key to a minimalist wardrobe

Shop consciously

This should be everyone’s mantra not just for those who want to take a more minimalist approach to their wardrobe. Start thinking about purchases a little more strategically. By putting careful thought into every buy, not just mindlessly impulse purchasing, you’re able to ensure that your wardrobe works cohesively and that each item of clothing you own works harder.

Think classic

Trends are fun but classic pieces will have greater longevity. Pare your closet down to items that are wearable in multiple ways and styles that won’t date or go out of fashion. By editing your wardrobe to have pieces such as this, you’re able to have less clothes, but more outfits because everything will work just that little more cohesively and have more versatility.

Update seasonally

The great thing about a minimalist wardrobe is that you can be a little more measured in your approach to shopping. You can look at your closet seasonally and review what needs updating instead of constantly dipping your toe into trends that will only last a season.

Are you a minimalist when it comes to your wardrobe?

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