Browsing Tag

wardrobe tips

Fashion

How to revamp your work wardrobe this year

9th January, 2022

A brand new year is the perfect excuse to get your work wardrobe in order. I always start the beginning of a new working year by taking stock of everything in my wardrobe so I can identify the key areas that I may need to build on or add to to inject some freshness into my office look. Here’s how to give yourself a stylish start to the year ahead…

Identify your dream work looks

Now is the time to pinpoint your ideal work outfits (I’d suggest doing a mood board for when you’re working from home and when you’re actually in the office). Start by pulling together examples of everything from jackets you may like to suit styles you’ve always wanted to try so you can get an idea of how you want your work wardrobe to look. Once you’ve done this you’ll have a blueprint of your style which makes everything from decluttering what you currently own to what you need to shop for so much easier.

Bin or keep?

Pull out everything you wear in work mode and assess each piece with a critical eye. Does that dress really flatter you? Is that skirt the right length? The aim of this exercise is to make sure that you only keep things that you will actually wear and will help you look polished. Be brutal! Get rid of anything that you haven’t worn in awhile or is looking a bit worse for wear. Once you’ve got a pile of clothes that you intend to keep separate them into what you will need to get dry cleaned, mended or altered.

Compile a shopping list

I always tend to go to gravitate towards shirts for work meetings so it’s one area of my wardrobe I make sure I always have well stocked. If you’re like me then now is the ideal time to invest in some fresh new shirts to wear throughout the year. Look at what else in your wardrobe is looking a bit tired and consider replacing it such as the work shoes you wore virtually every day last year or the work bag that’s seen better days. Or if you can see that there are serious gaps in your wardrobe, for example if you have been avoiding wearing particular things because you don’t have the right belt then look into finally buying one.

Look at what can be altered

It’s a pain having to take just one thing to be altered so I always wait until I’ve got a few things that need to be done. What better time than a brand new year? This is the time to get any pants hemmed to the right length and get any jackets tailored to fit perfectly. A little bit of tailoring can really make all the difference and make something old feel new again.

Try on different outfits

Once you’ve got all your key pieces sorted start trying them on to compile a few key go-to outfits. This will not only allow you to get a better idea of how functional your office wardrobe is it’s always great to have a mental cheat sheet for those days when you’ve woken up and just want to go into auto pilot or you are having an “I have nothing to wear day” and need to get out the door fast.

Fashion

What I’ve stopped wearing in my 30s

20th March, 2021

My style, like most women, has evolved as I’ve gotten older. There are things that I wore when I was younger that I probably wouldn’t even consider now because of changes in lifestyle i.e not practical when chasing after two little girls and because my tastes have matured, there are simply pieces I just don’t think are right for me anymore.

Whilst I’ve given up wearing a few different styles, on the flip side, there are certain things in my wardrobe which are now ideal for where I’m at in life and I wear them non-stop. It’s a style evolution and I think it’s one that I’ve happily embraced and has allowed me to discover the new Kate. Reflecting on it, here’s what I’ve firmly left behind in my 20s and those that I’ve welcomed with open arms in my 30s…

The things I’ve stopped wearing

Sky high stilettos

When I was in my 20s I was working as a fashion editor and was either in an office or out at events so my look had to work around this accordingly. As such I used to be happy to walk around in stilettos all day. I used to wear them all day, everyday and looking back, I’m not sure how I even managed that. My poor feet!

Fussy outfits

Upon reflection I used to wear a lot of outfits that I’d have to adjust all the time to look perfect. Whether it was a particular neckline or a certain dress style, I’d constantly be fixing myself up. As you can imagine I can’t do that now so when it comes to my looks I steer clear of anything that remotely requires fussing about.

Short hemlines

When I was younger I used to wear lots of ultra minis and short shorts. Why not when you can get away with it, right? These days if I was to wear something of a short-ish length I’d probably do a more understated, conservative blouse up the top, whereas I might have done something with a plunging neckline in my 20s.

Westfield Bondi Junction Street Style campaign by Candice Lake in my 20s – and in short shorts!

The things I now wear to death

Flat shoes 

My motto is comfort, comfort, comfort. So unless I’m going to a big event I’ll often be in flats. Styles like loafers, sneakers and slides are now my go-to. I think flats have evolved a lot and are now equally as stylish as a pair of high heels so I’m happy to be in them all the time.

Structured pieces

Shirts and blazers are key pieces in my look. I like things that are comfortable yet can look polished at the same time. They’re also really versatile and can be worn with myriad pieces in my closet, which is a must as I like to have a tightly edited wardrobe nowadays.

High quality staples

I probably spend more on key purchases now than I did in my 20s simple because I now appreciate why quality is often better than quantity. I’m always willing to splurge on things such as a classic designer bag or a pair of leather pants which I know I’ll wear to death and will be good value for money.

Understated silhouettes

Maxi and midi lengths and long, flowy styles are now favourites of mine. I have more fun playing with those lengths than I do with anything that’s tight and short. I’ve also found myself gravitating more towards one piece swimsuits than bikinis this summer. I think those styles just simply flatter my shape more.

Accessories

I like to play with accessories a lot more. I have my accessories which I wear day in and day out have great sentimental value to me such as my watch, wedding and engagement ring and a gold antique medallion that my dad gave to me. However I also like to add the occasional statement earring to elevate an outfit. I’ve learned that accessories really can make an outfit.

What are some style lessons you’ve learnt in your 30s? What are some things you’ve firmly left behind in your 20s?
Beauty, Fashion

Little things that help you look polished all the time

6th February, 2021

Looking polished all the time isn’t simply about an expensive outfit or perfectly applied makeup day in an day out I’ve found it’s often all about paying attention to the tiny details that will ensure your appearance is always on point. I’m constantly around women who have to look polished as part of their work and these are some of the small things I’ve found ensure they look consistently put together…

Neat nails

Unkempt nails will always derail anything else you may have done with your outfit. One of the simplest things you can do is keep your nails tidy – ensure they’re all the same shape and size. Take the time to keep your nails in top shape and while nail polish is always an easy way to pull an outfit together if you’re not a polish person a simple buff and file so they’re neat works too.

Clean shoes

Scuffed shoes, scratched heels or shoes that look like they’re on their last legs will always negate any effort you’ve gone to to look nice that day. To avoid this be sure to use waterproof spray on your shoes so they don’t get ruined during inclement weather and repair any shoes as soon as you notice damage so they don’t get worse.

Tidy bag

A clean bag will always add to a polished appearance. I know when you’re carrying around a bag all the time that it can easily get dirty or damaged so be sure to spray any leather with protectant spray to avoid it getting stained. If it’s a canvas bag make sure that you keep an eye out for any stains or marks and attend to them straight away.

Pressed clothes

Walking out the door in wrinkled clothes will leave you looking less than polished. If you hate ironing be honest with yourself before buying anything that requires complicated pressing and determine whether you will actually ever find yourself reaching for the iron to attend to it. If it’s a no, let it pass. Even if you tell yourself you’ll get to it, take it from someone who isn’t a fan of ironing you’ll avoid it for as long as you can. An alternative to ironing is to buy a steamer which makes it much easier to get wrinkles out of garments and is great for delicate pieces.

Minimal makeup

I’ve always been of the philosophy that less is more when it comes to makeup. By avoiding going over the top, it achieves a far more elegant finish and by default makes the rest of your outfit look polished. One of my rules when it comes to makeup is to choose either my eyes or lips as the focal point, so it’s either a bold eye or a bold lip, I never do both.

Inspect your clothes

It’s the little things that can often let you down when it comes to clothing. Loose threads, fraying hems, a stain here, pilling there—these are all things that can compromise your whole look. Make a point to attending to signs of wear and tear or damage straight away to keep your clothes looking pristine.

What are some ways you stay looking polished?

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

Wardrobe tips for petite women

21st October, 2020

Dressing when you’re on the petite/short side can be quite the challenge at times. You’re often faced with the quandry of having things that are too long or too big and the proportions of garments are often not quite right as a result. However all is not lost. There are some easy tricks to ensuring that you get an amazing fit every single time. Here are my tried and tested wardrobe tips for short women.

Make a tailor your new best friend

Tailoring is one of the easiest ways to ensure that a garment is the perfect fit. So find a reputable tailor whose work you like and make them your new go-to person. It’s easy to have something taken in or up and end up with a new garment that fits like a glove.

Try cropped silhouettes

Oversized garments will swamp a small frame so instead look for cropped styles that will elongate your figure instead. Cropped tops look great with high waisted garments whilst cropped pants work beautifully to showcase statement footwear.

Opt for structure

Go for cuts that are close to the body as anything too boxy or flowy will look like it’s wearing you rather than you wearing it. This will flatter your figure and avoid your outfit looking like it’s not in proportion to your size.

Consider proportions

A diminutive shape calls for diminutive accessories. Go for mini bags which work better with your frame rather than giant, oversized bags which can often look way too big worn by a petite person.

Keep everything balanced

I’ve found that incorporating at least one fitted piece into an outfit will ensure a flattering look. Whether it’s a fitted skirt or a tapered pant worn back with a blouse or a fitted tee worn back with culottes, maintaining the balance with loose garments vs tight garments is important for achieving a cohesive look that works with your body.

Fashion

Refresh your wardrobe without spending a cent

16th May, 2020


If there’s one thing that’s pretty much guaranteed to happen at some point in every woman’s life it’s feeling rather uninspired when looking into your wardrobe. It’s easy to turn to buying new things to help break out of this rut but it’s also a costly exercise if that’s your go-to each time you think you have nothing to wear. That’s why it pays to get creative and look to other ways to refresh your existing clothes and find new ways to wear them. Try the following things the next time you’re faced with wardrobe boredom, and the best bit it is it doesn’t cost a thing…

Rediscover your accessories collection

I can’t stress enough how playing with different accessories can really help revamp a tired look. The important thing is to get creative and experiment with different pieces. Challenge yourself to wear things that you wouldn’t usually wear with a certain outfit such as switching out the statement necklace you’d normally pair with it for a pair of earrings. You don’t just have to stick to jewellery either. You could also try tying a scarf around your hair or popping on a hat—it doesn’t take much effort but it can really help bring an outfit to life.

Play with your beauty look

You may be wearing something you’ve worn hundreds of times before but by changing your beauty look it can feel fresh all over again. A bold statement lip or a sultry smoky eye, even a bright pop of colour in the form of nail polish, can really help rework an outfit into something that feels new.

Work with bold prints and patterns

One of the easiest ways to refresh an existing piece in your wardrobe is to work it back with interesting prints or patterns. A plain white tee is brought to life when paired with a striking pattern such as a bold stripe or classic polka dot. If you’re feeling adventurous, try clashing different prints for a look that feels modern and on trend—just make sure to choose prints with at least one colour in common to help bring cohesion to your look.

Rework existing pieces

You’re probably so used to wearing particular items in your closet a certain way that you’ve not thought about styling it differently. Simple tweaks like rolling up the sleeves of a shirt, tying the ends of a button down, belting a dress or tucking in a tee can achieve a new look without having to do much at all.

Think outside the box

You know your favourite skirt? Well, could it be fashioned into a dress? How about pairing a one piece swimsuit with a pair of jeans? Look beyond a garment’s original purpose and think of ways that it could possibly work in another way. I’m betting there are plenty of things already sitting in your closet, that with the right styling tweaks could easily be given a refresh for free.

What are some of your favourite no-cost ways to refresh an outfit?

 

Fashion, Fashion & Beauty

The best denim pieces for your iso wardrobe

5th May, 2020

If it wasn’t a regular feature of your weekly wardrobe before, then I’m betting it will be now. For me, jeans have become quite the iso style staple and I’m in my favourite pair a few times a week, whether it’s working from home or ducking out for a quick grocery shop. I’ve been in the market for a denim update so I decided to chat to stylist Jess Pecoraro about all things jeans. While Jess and I would normally be working together on looks for big events and race days, right now, I’m choosing to tap into her fashion expertise for my at-home wardrobe for the next little while.

So I decided to share our latest video call above, because who doesn’t want free wardrobe advice from a professional? Here we chat about the super affordable brand doing an amazing version of the current must-have style, to how to store denim and the one style she and I aren’t so in love with anymore…

Your denim dossier

Jess’ go-to denim brands. Commit these to memory!

For the best mum style jeans: Zara

Go to all-round denim brand: Nobody

Classic with a twist: AGOLDE + Frame

Vintage: Levis, Etsy and Farfetch 

Fashion, Shop

My trick for ensuring I always make a good purchase and avoid buyer’s remorse

18th April, 2020

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?  
Fashion, Fashion & Beauty, Shop

Style update: 10 things to add to your spring wardrobe

13th November, 2019

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.

4. Straw bag

Accessories are my favourite, inexpensive way to make anything in my wardrobe look more up to date. So if you’re on the hunt for one bag that will take you through the next few months look towards the straw bag. It’s fresh, perfect for warm weather and can work back with virtually everything in your wardrobe.

5. Satin skirt

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.

Fashion

Styling trick: statement skirts

19th June, 2019

Skirts are a constant in my wardrobe because they’re so easy to rework into different styles by simply changing up what I pair with them. One thing I’ve found to be a styling shortcut over the last few years has been a statement skirt. Working with a skirt with either a striking feature, an interesting print or a cut can add a certain freshness to a look. Also when paired with the right pieces you can take a skirt from day to night making it an unlikely hit in the versatility department, yet it still packs a sartorial punch. Here are a few ways to work a skirt that’s anything but neutral…

Go flashy

When it comes to statement skirts you really want to go all out sometimes and what’s better than a little lurex? I love the sparkly effect that this skirt has because it’s got so much energy and personality. Sometimes when you’re working with such a piece it means you can relax a little in what you pair with it because you definitely want it to steal the show.

Use it to anchor a look

One of my go-to pairings is a statement skirt with a sweater. Without fail, it always looks polished and chic. And the reason why is because the skirt is such a strong piece that it helps bring everything together. When matched with simple pieces such as a neutral jumper and a classic bag, you’ve got yourself a cohesive look that’s also anything but pedestrian.

Use it as an after dark look

Usually when I think of night events I’ll gravitate towards a dress or these days, a great suit. However don’t forget about a statement skirt! If you can find a beautiful skirt with a standout feature (the sheer effect of the skirt below is what made me gravitate to it) whether it’s an amazing print, next-level embellishment or a sublime colour then you’ve got yourself a piece that can definitely hold its own for an evening occasion.

Fashion

Style update: 10 things to add to your summer wardrobe

8th January, 2019

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.