Category: Fashion

At one point it wasn’t uncommon for my entire outfit to be from Everlane. I was such a devotee, ,and my style journey was heavily dictated by the basics (something they do very well). Given that I’ve loved the brand for a decode now, I wanted to share the ten best pieces to buy from Everlane in 2024. Safe to say that this isn’t an exhaustive list (there are many more items I’ve owned which I wish I could include), but moreso a curated of the very best bits. AKA the creme de la creme.

For size reference, I’m 172cm tall (or 5’8″) and typically a size US4/AU8 or 26 in jeans.

#1 | Everlane Alpaca Crew

Starting off strong with what is possibly my all-time favorite piece from the brand; their Alpaca Crew Knit Sweater. And I have to admit that I’m very surprised to see it’s currently on sale – possibly an indicator that it may be discontinued or replaced with something new. At any rate, now might be the best time to buy as you can snag a deal. What I particularly like about this sweater are the details. Yes, it’s a basic crew, but it has slightly ballooned sleeves, and this puffiness to the collar which both make this knit feel special. Cut a little boxy through the body which is balanced out by the length. I also love the ribbed texture, and the way that the colour doesn’t appear flat. There’s depth to it.

I’ve owned many colours of the alpaca crew, and it’s one of those styles that has endured, and held up well. This fits true to size for a relaxed, lived in fit. I’m wearing a size S but if you’d prefer a slimmer fit I’d recommend sizing down one.

#2 | Everlane Way High Jeans

My next favorite are the Everlane Way High Jeans. And across the board, Everlane do some of the best denim I’ve tried. It feels robust and sturdy but also has all the hallmarks of comfort both in their rigid 100% cotton lines, and their denim styles which incorporate stretch. Each pair is made using premium Japanese denim which adds to the experience of wearing them.

This particular denim style is cut straight through the leg, which is a cut that tends to be universally flattering (I recommend this a lot for my clients who are curvy through the hips). Opt for a full length to maximise the effect and make your legs look like they go for days. These are probably the jeans I reach for most often when I’m with my kids because they are really comfortable, and you can move around in them with a lot of ease.

I’m usually a 26 in jeans, however I do find that I have to size down in many of Everlane’s denim styles. I’m wearing the way high jeans in size 25 Long. If you’re someone who is very tall these may end up being cropped on you, though I do appreciate that they offer a range of inseams so you can find your perfect fit.

#3 | Everlane Tailored Blazer

My third favourite technically is no longer available in this exact fabrication, but the style endures so I had to mention it as it’s one of the oldest Everlane items I have in my closet. The Oversized Wool Blazer. The cut, finish, detailing is all perfect; and despite the shift in trends, this hasn’t dated (nor would I expect it to!). The Italian wool is really beautiful as it’s sturdy and feels like something you would get get from a more expensive brand that focuses on luxury tailoring. Also bonus points for being fully lined – no corners cut here! The length is perfect as it hits just below the hip which is very flattering and works both with a slim pant or a style that’s cut wider through the leg (+ dresses, skirts, shorts et al.).

Sizing wise this fits true to size for a relaxed fit. I’m wearing the US4 here.

#4 | Everlane Linen Easy Short

This kind of breezy, elasticated waist short seems to be doing the rounds, and I think these from Everlane are some of the best. Not too short, lots of functional pockets, and a super soft and stretchy waistband that stays firm but doesn’t feel like it’s cutting in. They’re 100% linen, and I’m assuming the fabric has been pre-washed as they already have that super soft, lived in feeling.

The white is ever so slightly sheer but this is something that can be easily remedied by wearing skin colored underwear. I’m wearing the size S and would say they fit true to size. These have a nice wide opening through the leg too so ideal if you are thicker through the thigh area.

#5 | Everlane Supima Cotton Boyfriend Shirt

If you’re looking for a boxy, oversized boyfriend shirt, then this is the one. It’s semi-structured, 100% cotton, not sheer at all. And the detail I specifically like is the high split on the side seam; this makes the design very versatile as you can easily do a French or half tuck without having any awkward bulky fabric around the waist. You also have options to perform a few styling hacks like tying the back section under, to cinch in the waist and splay the hemline across the hips.

The fact that the fabric has bit of the stiffness to it feels a bit more refined and elevated while still having all the nonchalance and ease of a “boyfriend” shirt.

I’m wearing size S and will say if you’re petite I’d recommend sizing down because it is cut quite wide across the shoulders so you may find you have a bit of excess fabric here across the chest.

#6 | Everlane Draper Pleated Pant

Previously called the Way High Pants, the Draper Pleated Pants encapsulate all the best details that you’d want in a fluid drape trouser. And personally, I think anything from their “Way High” line are some of their best styles. You get a true high rise that is really comfortable and I do feel like this particular pair are cut generously across the seat so another style that’s perfect for women with wider hips. I do find the waist runs a little on the large side, so will always refer back to the exact item measurements which are listed on their website size chart before adding anything to cart.

I’m an AU8/jean size 26 and have the in the US2 (short) – I believe this is the 30 inch inseam.

This particular style also comes in linen, but I personally prefer the twill weave. The fabric has a bit more weight to it that holds its structure more as you wear them (whereas the linen tends to soften quite quickly).

#7 | Everlane Oversized Boxy Tee

As far as I’m concerned, Everlane do some of the most well cut oversized tees. Soft, slouchy, relaxed in all the right places. And hold up well too (though I’d personally recommend avoiding the “Air” line, which is quite delicate). The cotton feels lovely against the skin, and that’s half the equation for a t-shirt. The other half being the cut.

I do find that Everlane tees tend to run on the larger side so size down in their oversized styles if you want more of an intentional fit.

#8 | Everlane A-Line Denim Shorts

My holy grail of denim shorts; the a-line from Everlane. Nothing else quite compares in terms of the fit; snatched at the waist, and a lovely wide leg opening that doesn’t cut in when you sit down (also, appreciate that extra length through the leg too, shorts that aren’t too short!). I’ve owned these in multiple washes, though it’s this darker indigo along with the washed black that have reigned supreme. This particular cut is incredibly flattering; basically the shorts version of wearing an a-line skirt.

These are another one that do run large. I’ve tried the 26 previously and they gave me that “nappy” look so would recommend going down one size for that snatched fit at the waist (which doesn’t dig in).

#9 | Everlane Dream 90s Shift Dress

The final clothing item that I wanted to highlight is the dream mini dress; a carefree, easygoing style for every day. This is fairly simple in terms of design. A sculpted fit which is amplified by the darts – these really snatch in the waist – with an invisible zipper at the back. Mini style. Perhaps my only criticism is that as someone with a longer torso I feel like I get a little bit of bunching at the back, which makes me wonder whether this dress is designed more for girls who have a regular length torso, or petites.

The basic cut of the dress provides you with the perfect blank canvas for your outfit that is very easy to layer up and make feel more interesting. I tend to reach for this a lot in the summer time because it’s a throw on and go which makes me feel cute, even paired simply with summer sandals.

Fits true to size; I’m wearing the size S. If you are petite – maybe 5’2 – I think you could probably get away with wearing this to the office. At my height it is definitely too short for that but still a good casual option that can be dressed up for date night.

#10 | Everlane Day Gloves

And of course, we had to end on a high note. The Everlane Day Gloves. Which, it’s funny to me as I was hyper critical of these shoes when they launched around seven years ago. In part, I think because I wasn’t so sure the high vamp was really “me”. I’ve since come to appreciate this design detail, and actually, I prefer the Day Glove over their Day Ballet Flat (better leather, shape, feel on the foot etc).

The gum sole gives you that good grip/tread – means you don’t have to worry even when walking on slippery surfaces. Though they’re thin, which means that they’re flexible; the flipside being that there’s almost no support in the soles and I’d recommend looking elsewhere if that’s a dealbreaker for you.

The sizing on these can be a little tricky; I’m an EU40, and usually wear a US9.5 in Everlane shoes. I think this rule applies – sizing up a half size from your usual size in the brand – only if you have wide feet. For this style, I wear the US10. First impressions were that the leather was a little tight across the foot, but this gives fairly quickly as it’s quite a soft, supple leather that’ll mould to the shape of your foot. I can be quite fussy with shoes because I have wide feet and a bunion; I make a joke that I have not time for uncomfortable shoes – these are so good I’ve never had a blister from them.

You’ve heard me say it before, that accessories can be an outfit maker. That finishing touch. Used to punctuate a neutral outfit with a bright burst, to add in that final layer of texture and dimension, or to break up an outfit and add contrast. Shoes might be the leading lady in this regard, but bags have pretty big sway too. And I thought today we could focus on the latter, and the three bags that everyone should have in their wardrobe.

My personal approach to wardrobe curation is to look at function first. My specific wardrobe essential is not your wardrobe essential. Lifestyle, where we live, tastes and preferences, budget etc will define what this looks like for us. So I always ask, how are we using this item? Where does it fit into our lives?

Once you being to look at your belongings from a performance standpoint, things really start to click into place and it becomes less about having a set “list” of exact pieces, and more about selecting items that will fulfil a certain purpose.

#1 | the everyday crossbody bag

I’d recommend starting with a neutral colour, or something that will go with most of your wardrobe. This will be the bag you reach for on weekends, perhaps through the week (depending on what you do for work), and take with you on holiday. Consider things like, does the bag fasten shut for added security? Is there a strap that I can adjust depending on how I feel like wearing it? Is the leather durable or will it look worn within a month? What kind of shape do I like? What size would be best for me?

#2 | the large everyday bag

This could be a tote, a bucket bag, a backpack or maybe something else entirely. Essentially its purpose is to carry all your essentials and then some. You want to be able to fit a laptop, water bottle, lunchbox, and a book, plus breathing room if the day calls for something extra. For most people, this is probably the bag they will use to commute to and from the office, and potentially even serve as a travel bag too.

#3 | the evening bag

Final bag I think everyone needs in their closet is the evening bag. Which, unless you’re someone who has a lot of events, is unlikely to be on high rotation. To play it safe, I’d suggest choosing a colour that works back well with all your occasion wear (likely black, taupe/nude or cream). These don’t need to fit a lot, probably just your phone, wallet/cardholder, keys, and a lipstick or two, maybe powder if it’s summer.

Another autumn done and dusted, so of course that can only mean one thing. Time for a seasonal closet analysis. I always like these reflections as they’re an essentially a timeline of your style evolution, but backed by hard data, rather than just the moments that you managed to capture.

Three months is a relatively short amount of time, but scrolling back through my camera roll I can see that it wasn’t really until the second month of autumn that things started to properly cool down.

A lot of the items that have surfaced as being my most worn, are ones which I’ve had on pretty solid rotation for the past month. Basically, there weren’t any surprises. Autumn most worn items, let’s go.

MOST WORN TOP

Every now and then, I’ll find that my most worn was nothing notable. And for autumn, I found that my “tops” were an afterthought. An easy layer that formed the basis of my outfits. So much so, that I managed to cycle through all the ones I owned without wearing any more than twice. Clearly, not a single item jumped out as my preferred piece.

In large part, that’s because I often ended up reaching for knitwear instead without a base layer. Or, where I did use a t-shirt or singlet as the foundation of my outfit, it was generally concealed.

What this tells me, is that I need very few transitional weight tops, that aren’t t-shirts. Noted.

MOST WORN SWEATER

Quince charcoal cashmere crew

Especially on daycare days, getting dressed pre-drop off is always a bit of a scramble. Throw on jeans or trousers, some sort of top, my comfiest beaten up flats, and head out the door. So often what happens is, I’ll reach for the same items on repeat.

Clearly, the one that got the most love during autumn, was my Quince charcoal cashmere crew. This is so soft, easy-going, and the colour works back with everything in my wardrobe. The brand still doesn’t ship outside the US (I use mail forwarding), though I’m fairly sure this is a dupe for this Jenni Kayne sweater. After repeated wear, it’s started to pill a little which I’ve been making a point of tidying up using a fabric shaver. In second place, similarly, was this roll neck sweater from The Frankie Shop. Aside from being in the exact same colour family, the other notable theme between these two pieces is the relaxed nature of the cut. I don’t wear a lot of roll necks, but this one is comfortable and negates the need for a scarf on really cold days. It’s seriously heavyweight. Also comes in a crew-neck version which seems to fit similarly to my Quince knit.

Honourable mentions go to this mossy green mohair sweater from Marle, with a dramatically open neckline. This gives you that versatility to wear it slightly off the shoulder, but also as an interesting layering piece. And also, this cerulean blue sweater from JAG. Both satisfy that craving to be wearing colour for me, while also adding visual dimension. The Marle knit through the fuzziness of the mohair, and the JAG knit through the ‘starry’ flecked yarn.

I know “oversized” isn’t for everyone, but when I’m craving comfort and warmth, it seems to be my go-to.

MOST WORN COAT & JACKET

COS navy scarf coat

Autumn in Sydney seems to catch me off guard every year. Mostly, because even a decade later, I still get surprised by how mild it is. That I can still be wearing a mini skirt the day before winter is due to begin. It’s so mild, that coats rarely seem to feature.

So it was funny when I realised that the only reason why this scarf coat from COS was my most worn, was because I’d travelled to Wellington in March.

I’m not beholden to any specific silhouettes for coats. My key criteria is that they must keep me warm, and be in a neutral colour. Though what I have started to notice is that I tend to prefer wearing coats that are a double faced wool. These have a really nice drape to them, don’t feel overly structured, nor will the cosy factor feel suffocating if it’s not as cold as anticipated. The COS one was great because it kind of ticked off two in one; the coat, and the scarf. Though often I wore it open with the scarf detail just draped down the front. If you’re in the US, Quince does a similar version, and I really love this one from Marle with the detachable scarf.

Running through my lightweight jacket options, I realised I wore them all such an insignificant amount because I placed priority on my base layer + knitwear combo. Most days, it wasn’t warranted. But when it was, I found I craved balance to my more feminine styling choices of that day, through hard-wearing fabrications like denim. Think this Arket denim jacket, this one from Ceres Life, and a late player to the game from Marle.

MOST WORN SKIRT

Goelia black trouser skirt

These most worn seasonal analyses are a fascinating insight into the progression of personal style, and how moving to a different climate can change your preferences. The summer time is when I’ll favour a simple sun dress. Something easy that I can throw on, yet still feel styled. Less true as the chill creeps in. I instead opt for separates. A seismic shift from my twenties, when I’d basically pair every single dress I owned (mostly mini’s) with tights and a black ankle boot.

As you track your wardrobe, and daily outfits, you’ll start to notice the same familiar tropes popping up. Pieces which might not seem exciting, but you gravitate to them all the same. The black trouser skirt from Goelia is that for me. A black skirt is a black skirt is a black skirt. But this one has all the attributes I seem to look for. High rise. Elasticated back (some stretch!). Side splits. Easy to care for. Darker colour so disguises any marks left my grubby children. Etc. Etc.

MOST WORN JEANS

Arket washed black cropped jeans

No competition, it was the Arket rose jeans. If you’ve been a long time follower, then you’ll recall that I used to own a pair of washed black twisted seam jeans from Toteme. But after having two kids, they no longer quite fit me. Plus, the mid-rise was no longer quite doing it for me. Seeking out a high-rise replacement (with some stretch), I ended up settling on these. And they’re fab. Almost identical wash, though without the interesting twisted seam. Denim is one of those categories where I think you go all in when you find a pair you love. Though I tend to mostly favour a full length jean these days (as evidenced by all the other styles I wore through autumn), I do love the way slightly cropped jeans look with a slip on sandal, or dainty ballet flat.

MOST WORN TROUSERS

DISSH black Rowan trousers & DISSH charcoal Carey trousers

Goes to DISSH. Both their Rowan trousers (an old favourite at this point), and their Carey trousers (a newer wardrobe addition). To me, this is interesting because the silhouettes are both so different. The Rowan is full length, slouchy and straight with a really nice cushy drape. The Carey by contrast is a thicker fabrication which has structure, a slimmer cut through the leg and they’re cropped. But one thing they do have in common? Coming back to that same old attribute I seem to seek out for anything I wear on my bottom half. Machine washable. It’s a must. Also like that neither style was overly expensive. One thing to note? The Rowan’s do pill. You’ll need a fabric shaver like this one to tidy them up.

MOST WORN SHOES

Everlane ballet flats & Loeffler Randall ballet flats

Sensing a theme here? Having a big moment with ballet flats, a style I’m personally thrilled to see has been trending of late, because it means that we’re in the age of options. It’s probably worth noting that most ballet flats don’t have a lot of support in them – but this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. What is? Whether they can accommodate wide feet.

The Everlane ones are truly, quite beat up. I wear them mostly when I’m doing drop off, or something with the kids as they feel a little indestructible. Never given me a blister.

For more of a fashion moment, however, I love these ones from Loeffler Randall. The woven leather feels luxurious, and the chocolate brown hue has been a nice switch up from classic black. You’ll probably clock from the images that you can peep a couple little spots where my skin is peeking through. I’m not bothered by this, and I think it’s probably just a wide feet girl problem. Again, no blisters. Stylistically, out of the two, these are my preferred. Not just for the woven leather appeal, but also the shape. The almond toe feels more dainty, ladylike, and also happens to be visually lengthening.

MOST WORN BAG

Madewell Bucket Tote & Oroton Emma Bag

Final most worn piece of autumn is my handbag. And, the one I ended up reaching for the most is this Madewell Bucket Tote.but for some further wear and tear notes… There’s now a handful of additional surface scratches. These aren’t overly noticeable, and are really a symptom of how little I’ve babied this bag. It’s also the perfect baby bag that doesn’t look like a baby bag. Can be worn crossbody, fits in all the essentials, magnet top closure. While it’s a bit of a black hole, I use pouches to help organise everything and that does the trick.

For the slightly more refined option, my second most worn bag was this one from Oroton. I really just wanted to highlight this one as I’m still shocked that it’s 50% off via their outlet. Oroton bags are exceptional quality; love the pebbled leather (low maintenance, woohoo!), and the interior has multiple compartments for organisation. I prefer wearing this most as a shoulder bag but it does also come with a crossbody strap.

Sharing these six transitional outfit formulas I’ve been relying on lately – before it gets too chilly here in Sydney to share. Which if this current cold snap is anything to go by, the days of bare legs are already over…

Because it’s easy enough to fall back on denim, especially when you primarily work from home, I wanted to highlight my favourite types of outfits where jeans don’t even get a look in. And no, these aren’t any earth-shattering outfit combinations – personally, am a big fan of an easy, minimal look that I can put together in a pinch (a must when you have young kids!).

FORMULA 1 | Oversized knit + mini skirt + Mary janes

With the knit either tucked or loose; I’m not particular. For me, a fun way to play around with proportions, and I find this is the easiest way to integrate looser silhouettes as you’re baring a lot more of the leg. Can easily update this outfit with some sheer tights too and a long trench for extra layering. Also, have been really playing into the idea of prints as neutrals. The snake print skirt I’m wearing here is a great example of a piece that plays well with other murky hues in your wardrobe. Especially fun when you play around with interesting textures.

FORMULA 2 | Relaxed cardigan + straight leg pants + ballet flats

Worn with the bottom couple of buttons loose, to either expose the teeniest bit of skin, or a fun coloured tank underneath. I like this most worn with a slightly cropped pant, to expose some of the ankle, as there’s not really any definition in the outfit otherwise.

FORMULA 3 | Activewear + quilted jacket + chunky sneakers

I don’t often wear activewear as my “outfit”, but if I am going for a walk and want to look a little styled, this is an easy way to do it. The quilting on the oversized jacket adds in an element of texture and dimension which feels really interesting. You can play it up by adding in a leather bag. Something with some shine to elevate and add a sense of luxury.

FORMULA 4 | Relaxed sweater + tailored mini skirt + oversized coat + ballet flats

I’ve worn this fairly easy outfit formula a bit lately; what I like about it comes down to the details. Usually I’ll add in a belt to highlight the waist, but things like a scarf coat can bring in that point of difference. You also get a nice balance of relaxed pieces paired with more tailored items.

FORMULA 5 | Sleeveless tank + tailored trousers + oversized cardigan + loafers

Texture play being the hero of this outfit, which I’ll usually reach for in some sort of tonal or neutral colour situation. Outfits tend to feel a little more finished with the addition of that third piece, and the cable knit design on this cardigan is particularly special.

FORMULA 6 | Knit cardigan + tailored trousers + ankle boots

Final outfit formula is a simple one, that pairs a slightly more feminine silhouette with a traditionally more masculine style. Heeled boots give that elevation and sense of refinement. Given my love of oversized knitwear, this feels a bit more unexpected.

Thought I’d share a little recap of the outfits that I wore during Australian Fashion Week.

For those who don’t understand how Fashion Week works, it’s primarily an industry event where brands invest in a showcase for their upcoming collections, though in more recent years we’re starting to see an increase in the number of ticketed consumer shows & events throughout the course of the week too.

The shows which are by invitation only, are attended primarily by media, fashion buyers, and stylists, in addition to content creators/influencers. For the former, it gives outlets a chance to determine which looks they want to pull for upcoming fashion news stories (which for print, are generally finalised months’ in advance). Buyers will select which pieces they want to order for in-store, and stylists will be earmarking items to loan for red carpet events (for celebrity clients) or to buy for private clients. Content creators and influencers create buzz around a collection or a brand through sharing their POV and are often dressed to attend the event in the brand’s clothing (many of the outfits you might see through the week may actually be on loan).

I attended four shows this year – Carla Zampatti, Bec+Bridge, Acler and Blanca Studios – and am planning to share some insights on trends and favourite looks of the week over on my substack next week if this is something you’re interested in. Anyway, on to what I wore!

I attended the first show of the week – Carla Zampatti – with Edward Meller, who let me pick out some accessories to pair with my outfit. I opted for this navy pinstripe suit set, which on the surface might feel like quite traditional workwear (bar the “mini” length), so I paired it with an oversized roll neck sweater to add in that good friction. The navy shoes felt like the perfect compliment and were in keeping with the colour palette I was building on, and then the bag helps add a bit of extra softness to this otherwise quite tailored outfit. This also looks really chic worn with an under the knee boot, too.

A styling combo that I’ve been trying out a little bit recently has been the denim on denim look, so I really wanted to wear this for the Bec+Bridge show, amped up with the crystal embellished heels. I’d been looking for an affordable alternative to this Khaite denim jacket I tried a few months back, and finally found it at Arket – sized up one to get that perfectly slouchy fit. I intentionally opted to wear a black top also, to create a singular column of colour as proportions matter less given the visual line of the outfit appears generally, uninterrupted.

Quick outfit change ahead of the Acler show, and ended up improvising on the look I was supposed to wear. Originally I’d picked out a pair of trousers to go with this strapless top – which I adore as it is bringing the drama, while still feeling quite subdued. Though in the end I thought I really loved the way the top layered over the top of this pleated ankle grazing skirt. It felt reflective of trends we are seeing in fashion right now, while still true to the Acler brand DNA (and my own personal style). The piece I got asked about the most though, was the bag. Entirely adorned in sequins, this is such a fun and playful styling option when worn with an everyday ‘fit, but here it really elevated and added in that touch of embellishment and texture.

Final show I attended was for Blanca Studios, held at the grounds of Vaucluse House. This has been one of my favourite brands to wear since discovering it a few years back, so I really wanted to wear an outfit that felt quite “Blanca” coded. I opted for my pleated skirt from the brand, which I paired with top from ONTE in a similar colour. I then threw on a denim oversized shirt, worn as a jacket. For elevation and to add in a bit of a ladylike touch – all about that juxtaposition, and creating friction in an outfit – I went with the heeled shoes I’d worn earlier in the week from Edward Meller (which side note, so comfortable – perfect office shoe!). Mimicking that same ladylike feeling with the bag from MONOROW.

And that wraps up my Fashion Week in looks – curious which outfit was your favourite!

Monochromatic or tonal looks might just be my favourite. It’s the styling tool that I utilise most and every outfit – saturated with colour or muted and calm – feels right within my wheelhouse.

The trick though, is how to make a monochromatic outfit feel interesting. Stop it from falling flat.

Through all my years experimenting with monochrome dressing, I’ve found that there are three key styling pillars that add in that visual element of dimension; shape, texture, and colour.

You may even find that your outfit includes all three, but usually, the ones that feel good will have at least one of these core themes.

Shape

Starting with the first outfit, I wanted to touch on the theme of shape. This could be sharp vs soft lines, slim vs oversized. The silhouette could be exaggerated, sculptural, or strike some as unusual. It could be a design detail of the item itself, or a styling flourish that you’ve intentionally added in. A personal favourite of mine – belting something with volume to create an exaggerated peplum effect.

This dress is a slightly more subtle take on shape; the bodice is fitted, designed to sculpt and contour in a thick rib knit. It has body, feels robust. The skirt by contrast has an element of grace and flow. The fabric moves around effortlessly, while also adding in a softness.

Texture

The second theme is texture. A tactile quality to the clothing. Something that distinguishes between the partitions of our outfit. That draws the eye in, in search of a missed detail. Think soft, fuzzy, shiny, glossy, smooth, puckered, silky. A good mix helps to define the outfit, while also adding layers of nuance.

You can see it present in this outfit here. The cashmere knit has a plush quality, whereas the skirt is in an ornate Jacquard with so much depth alone. My bag is a pebbled leather, with a slight shine, and the shoes are a mix of fuzzy wool flannel, and soft suede.

Colour

Final theme; colour. And there’s a handful of ways that this can play out in an outfit. Namely, the balance between warm and cool. For harmony, you’ll want to pick one or the other (though neutrals that straddle that middle ground tend to work too). It could be how you incorporate prints – drawing in on commonalities of the colours present in the print for your outfit. Maybe it’s how you play with brights; opting for varying degrees of colour intensity within your outfit (think shades of blue, or red). Or maybe it’s how you add in colour against a neutral base through accessories (think bags, shoes, earrings and even makeup).

You can see how I’ve chosen to use colour here in this final look; all pieces sit on the neutral to cool end of the spectrum, from clothing items to accessories.

Silk slip skirts are one of those “style essentials” you’ll see on lists for building your wardrobe. And while I don’t think that these are hard and fast templates for building up a wardrobe from scratch, I can’t deny that personally for me, they’re a big yes (for you, it might be a different cut in a different fabrication, or, no skirt at all). Combined with the trend towards 90s minimalism, hem lengths have dropped in favour of the maxi. Long and lean silhouettes. So today we’re going to chat through how to style a maxi slip skirt three ways.

Which, is a great starting point if you’re planning to add a new silhouette into your closet. If you can’t identify three different outfit combinations which you’d realistically wear, give it a pass.

#1 | Worn with a pop of colour

The first outfit combination denotes a neutral/tonal base, using accessories to add in personality and vibrancy. I’ve used a red shoe here for that fun burst of colour, which I could have amplified by also adding in a matching bag. Bright accents are a great way to breathe new life into your much loved style staples. Some of my favourite pairings with chocolate brown are lemon yellow, soft muted pinks, burnt orange and verdant green. But obviously what you gravitate towards will depend on the colour of your skirt.

Another tip for keeping things a little interesting is to consider your tee. Mine has a rich earthy red-brown print to it which serves to tie together the colour of the skirt and shoes.

#2 | Worn with texture and shape

Use this type of outfit combination to create visual interest and dimension. Slip skirts tend to have this long and lean element, so you can either play into that, or opt to create friction through the use of fun proportions. This outfit does the latter. Not visible from this image but the top has a slight blouson/puff sleeve and relaxed fit. Though the jacket is really what is doing all the heavy lifting. It’s a fuzzy tweed combined with the oversized style that feels counterbalanced against the dramatic length of the skirt.

You can also use your accessories to increase the tactical quality of your look. My bag is a mock croc leather, but then you could throw on a big bulky scarf in a fuzzy fabric. Also, it looks a little like I’m wearing “shades of” here, and in some ways I am. If you’re having trouble matching colours in your outfit, look for like with like colours (so brown with light brown, charcoal with black) as it’ll create variation while remaining cohesive.

#3 | Worn in blocks of colour

Something I talk about often is considering where you are adding visual breaks into your outfit. It’s why certain hem lengths might look off with certain shoes. Or why despite using all your other tricks and a usual style uniform the outfit just isn’t working. Matching the colour of your shoes to your skirt helps to continue that clean line and has the illusion of adding length – you can reveal a little bit of skin though the effect is amplified when wearing a boot or sock and shoe in the same colour as the piece on your lower half as the visual line is extended all the way down to your toes.

Best way to think about this is using the rule of thirds. How can you break up your outfit like that for a look that feels settled and at ease on the eye?

Today’s post combines two of my favourite 2023 trends that I’ll be continuing to reach for this year: the ballet flat and the colour red. This French style classic has been a staple in my wardrobe for close to two decades, though usually in a more traditional neutral. Adding in a loud burst of colour is a great way to add a sense of playfulness and vibrancy to a simple outfit. Below, you’ll find three ways to style red ballet flats, in line with a more minimalist or classic approach to dressing.

That said, you can take these three tips and apply them to your outfits, regardless of your own personal style.

A colourful accessory is such a simple way to add personality, but also acts as a complement when paired with analogous shades or in direct contrast with another bright hue.

The flats I’m wearing in each look below are from Margaux, in the “wide” sizing (a godsend if you have wide feet or bunions like me!). Will be sharing an in-depth review on these in the next week or so if you’re curious to see more ways to style them.

#1 | Worn with a monochromatic outfit

Here, the shoe shines. It’s the hero that our eyes are drawn to, as the pop of red punctuates an otherwise monochromatic outfit. Against all black it feels like a bit colour hit – you could also opt for any other neutral or head-to-toe colour (stick with one to get that contrast element!). This is my personal favourite as it really calls on playing up the vibrancy of the shoe choice, which comes across as exactly that. A very considered stylistic choice.

#2 | Worn with your favourite dress and a cute bag

Most of us tend to have a small handful of shoes that feel effortless. They become a go-to for most outfits and oftentimes are styles and colours that are the most versatile. Switching out a black ballerina for a red one is a simple style swap with high impact – and you will find that these work with more outfits than you’d think! A good trick is to opt for styles in complementary colours or dresses that have a touch of red in the print to create harmony and balance. This was essentially what I wore yesterday with the simple style swap of a perforated mini tote in place of the sculptural bucket bag.

#3 | As the finishing touch to a classic Parisienne look

Search “French girl style” and one of the key items you’ll see as part of any outfit is a chic ballerina flat (which BTW, this piece by Emmanuelle Maréchal is a great reflection on the myth of “quintessential French style”). I personally love how the cherry hue pops against the indigo denim, and worn with a blazer, there’s a touch of formality which is mirrored in the elegant choice of shoe. It gives you a nice balance of saturation and colour, and makes a vibrant coloured ballet flat feel approachable.

If you’ve been focused at all on trends for 2024, you’ll have noted that “girl-core” or just bows in general seem to be one of the central themes. Highlighting femininity, prettiness, playfulness, whimsy. And that little bow detail at the vamp of any good ballet flat to me feels representative of this. A great little tip if you are wanting to embrace that trend or wear a piece that feels like a subtle nod to it.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the longline vest is going to be one of the biggest trends for the season – either in a cotton/linen fabrication, or a suiting fabric. Think of it like the older sister to the waistcoat; a more demure silhouette with the modest high neckline. And the longer length feels a bit more flattering too, cutting off just below the hip. A fun way to play with proportions, and easily winterised if you opt for one in a more robust, flat fabric and add a slim knit underneath.

Whether you plan to jump on board this trend, I love that this one is surprisingly versatile. On paper, it reads refined. Elegant. Formal, even. Which can work in your favour if you want to work some friction into your outfit with a bit of “high-low” styling. So here are four ways you can style a longline vest – but you could easily imagine it with a full length trouser, tailored shorts, a slip skirt etc.

As part of a matching set

Starting with the most obvious: worn as part of a matching set. In this case, an almost maxi length skirt in the same, soft, loamy linen. You can see my reference here to elegance and refinement. No matter what way I cut it – worn with flats or heels – it has a tendency to look (and feel!) dressed up when worn as a set. That said, this takes the guesswork out of styling and clearly, they’re a total match made in heaven.

With a bright coloured mini

Playing around with an injection of colour here. But also, bringing up that hemline (considerably!). I actually think you could pull this off with any coloured mini. A punchy bright red immediately comes to mind as it’s one of the colours of the season. But, for a minimalist look, either white or black. Pale yellow will add less contrast. The key detail here being to focus on the length of the skirt. That neckline is really demure, so showing off a bit of leg feels balanced and not overtly sexy (especially not when paired with a flat sandal). I also like this colour combo. The fresh white, with that spearmint green, and tan slides.

With a straight leg jean

Leaning in on a minimal colour palette, but keeping things visually interesting with high contrast shades. This is definitely my favourite look of the four, and what I wore this week (inspiring this whole post!). This has contrasts from two perspectives. One being the most obvious visual of the colour palette. Light vs dark. It breaks up the outfit, though despite the longline nature of the vest, doesn’t read as unflattering due to the curved hemline. The second contrast is in the fabrication. The linen combined with the cut reads formal, whereas the jeans are more casual in nature (though darker washes are your best bet if you want to look more refined). Ballet flats lean in on that refinement and elegance I was craving.

Casually with a denim short

The final pairing I wanted to share leans in on that contrast of formal vs casual. But here it’s much more overt. These denim shorts cut off a little about mid thigh so plenty leg-baring (I actually think a Bermuda jean short would look great here!), but it’s the raw edged hem that adds to the chill factor. With the vest, I feel like I’ve put in a bit of effort, while still leaning on one of my favourite summer style staples. I’m not quite matching my shoes and my bag (bag is brown, shoes are burgundy), but you can see how I’ve essentially opted for tones of. They’re in a similar colour family hence the seamless feel of the two in combination. Also love that the bag adds in an intricate woven texture.

Move over little black dress. The white maxi dress – an easy go-to piece – is fast becoming one of my most worn style staples for spring/summer. Putting a priority on effortless dressing, this is the ultimate one-and-done outfit that’ll keep you feeling cool, but also look elevated and chic.

Key details to look out for?

Fabric composition is important. Opt for natural fibres like cotton or linen (silk blends are also beautiful but can be more high maintenance).

Look for styles that have movement to them when walking; this will help to generate air flow and keep you cooler. Anything too fitted will feel uncomfortable and restrictive, especially as cotton and linen don’t have any stretch.

Make sure it is lined. While I’d still recommend wearing flesh-toned knickers, this gives you a little additional modesty (especially if you’re not up for wearing a semi-sheer dress!).

You’ll also want to take the care instructions into consideration too. If you’re anything like me, you will just attract grubby fingers or food spills the second you pop on something white, so being able to pop it in the washing machine at the end of the day will be a life saver (and, save you the cost of dry-cleaning).

How I’ll be styling the White Maxi Dress?

Keeping it simple, by leaning into a feminine mood with dainty sandals and a nude-peach or red lip. Adding in that “tomato girl” vibe with red beaded necklaces or a punchy mini bag. Using an oversized blazer or slouchy cardigan to offset this and add in some balance.

Or we could go with a chunky sandal a la Wrong Shoe Theory to get that friction into the outfit.

Basically, the dress is the hero of the outfit. It is the outfit. No need to complicate it.

White Maxi Dress Options

The one I’ve added to my wardrobe for the season is from DISSH; with a pretty square neckline, and a-line skirt. There’s not too much to it, minimal style personified, and I love it.