It’s been a long time since I last shared a mini reflection of my recent outfits, so here’s a look as some of the looks I’ve worn over the past couple of months (and what I love about them). Scrolling through the imagery, it’s interesting to see a consistent theme of PANTS throughout. Denim, a fluid drapey trouser or something with structure seem to be my styling crutch of late, which makes sense. I’ve yet to find a pair of tights that I won’t ruin within a wear or two (recs for rip/snag resistant tights are welcome!), never mind the fact that they’re a lot less practical when you’re playing with children. On to the outfits!
A very simple late winter look for a work day; popping out to preview the new Saben S/S collection (wearing one of my all-time faves from the brand, of course!). One of my go-to styling tricks at the moment is to opt for a simple outfit, and jazz it up with a fun accessory. Be it a pop of colour, or some textural animal print.
I’ve been tracking my wardrobe wear count for over a decade at this point, but no data has ever been more valuable to me than getting a glimpse at the pieces I haven’t worn in the past twelve months. I was surprised to see this Facade Pattern coat was one of those pieces that had been hanging listlessly at the back of my closet so made a point of ensuring it was a key part of my outfit – years later, and it’s still one of the most solid coat additions I’ve ever made to my wardrobe. Quality is impeccable. Also, another fun styling element I love is wearing a turtleneck underneath a crew or v-neck sweater. This instantly lifts an outfit as it creates that strong presence of visual depth.
A mild late winter day called for this outfit, which started with a solid base of colour from head to toe, layering on with navy basics, and bringing some warmth to the look with the bag (which was on loan from Oroton – SUCH a chic silhouette!). These jeans have been a solid workhorse in my wardrobe this year, so much so that I’m tempted to order them in another colour… the only thing stopping me being the knowledge that when we have multiples, we typically gravitate to the one we like the best. Also the boots. I’ve been on the fence about them for the longest time as in theory, they’re a big L-O-V-E, but I find the rounded cap toe combined with the creamy hue comes across a little too 60s for my style. The leather is ultra soft, and there are few shoes in my wardrobe that I attribute an ultimate sense of comfort with, but these are one.
Using that same concept as the previous outfit, a solid base from head to toe. What I love about this style approach is that you can instantly refresh it just with how you complete the outfit. It basically acts as a bit of a blank canvas. An outfit that I’ve repeated in slightly different variations, and am excited to wear again, especially now that I’ve had the trousers tailored to be the perfect length for me.
This short trench has been on heavy rotation since I splurged on it at the start of winter. I’d thought about it for months, tried it on, and then thought about it another 30 days or so before deciding to finally go through with the purchase. And it’s turned out to be a solid choice. The wishlist and wait in action; which while it doesn’t always work out so well, it has saved me from many terrible purchases.
Yes, I’m that mum at the park wearing a pair of fashionable forward pierce mules. Life’s too short to not just wear the clothes, and even if it sometimes feels like a bit more work, I want to enjoy the items that I’ve quietly coveted and eventually gone on to add to my wardrobe, rather than letting them lie in wait like artifacts in a museum. Surprisingly comfortable, though I do always manage to land a blister on my right foot only every time I wear these (and always in a different spot – go figure!).
Don’t be surprised by the overrepresentation of the Songmont gather bag in these outfits. It was my most worn winter bag, so little surprise that it’s the quiet hero supporting so many of my outfits. Doing a little matching accessories moment here to not overwhelm the look as with the base, the jacket and the bag we’re maxed out on the three-colour-rule. What I loved about this outfit is the sculptural quality of the trousers and shoes, dialled down by the softer, relaxed shapes of the jacket and bag.
Simple and sleek, wearing another favourite denim buy of the year; a truly excellent affordable find from H&M. Using my bag here to create maximum impact with that lovely pomegranate pop. Feels like it instantly lifts the look (which if memory serves, was worn on a particularly rainy day – how fitting!).
One of my favourite ways to wear an open knit cardigan like this, is wrapped across the body and fastened with a brooch (also requires a discreet safety pin to secure the other side, FYI!). It’s a way to maximise the styling potential of a piece you already love (also, belted with a rope belt – chic!), plus that asymmetry adds instant visual interest to an outfit. This colour palette does all sorts of things for me. It feels dynamic and not at all flat – the beauty of those Tibi ring 3 hues!
I don’t think that I’ll ever get used to the early onset of spring here in Sydney. One day, you’re layered up beyond belief, the next, shedding the layers and whipping out your favourite sun dress. This one by ANNA QUAN is really pretty, especially with that waist cinching detail. You can’t really see it here, but I paired this outfit with a taupe crossbody bag which the eye is immediately drawn to. I’m really enjoying a sense of scale with my outfits – a great way to bring in some balance to a look.
Name a more perfect spring colour palette. I love the mix of these buttery yellow hues, varying in saturation and depth along with the mix of texture. Punctuated with a metallic silver sandal – in contrast to what I would normally think to pair with such a mellow hue (gold would be a natural choice, I suppose).
