Category: Fashion

As we all seek out tricks to express our visual voice in new and interesting ways, I wanted to share a style tip which is easy to implement and can have maximum impact. Opting for the unexpected choice.

Using this outfit I’m wearing as an example, you can see it leans decidedly classic and feminine. We have the white cotton poplin dress with tiered pleats. An oversized trench coat in a neutral beige with a slightly androgynous feel adding in some contrast. The knit over the shoulders helping to add in texture. Taking one look at this outfit, and the obvious choice of shoe would be your classic ballet flat. Something with a little bow at the vamp, in a neutral colour.

And when I put this on, I contemplated going with that obvious choice. But it can be the unexpected choice that can be more fun. More visually interesting. And more unique. So instead here I’ve gone with a bright blue sneaker. The burst of colour is eye-catching and adds a sporty touch to the outfit, providing some additional visual friction. Because of the vibrant hue, your eye is immediately drawn to the shoe. It becomes a key detail of the outfit, and conveys a message of playfulness. It feels less serious.

Another option would be to add in something sparkly, or perhaps opt for interesting layers. A long sweater dress over the cotton poplin to highlight the folded pleats and create some textural dimension between starchy and softer, cosier fabrics. More subtle, but again, not the obvious choice here.

Style uniforms don’t get the airtime that they truly deserve. Given we often face decision fatigue, having a set formula for getting dressed can take the guesswork out of what to wear each morning. All the while maintaining your visual voice, and ensuring you still feel great in what you’re wearing.

Having this little “trick” up your sleeve can save you time and energy, but also allow you to look like you’ve put the effort in, even when you really haven’t.

The style formula that I’ve personally been leaning on of late? Revolves around looking polished with a casual slant, while feeling comfortable.

It goes a little something like this… wide leg trousers in a substantial but fluid fabric + a knit or a top, tucked in for added refinement + a ballet flat or loafer + a third piece (in today’s case, a trench coat).

This feels unrestrictive yet put together, has proportional balance, and doesn’t cut corners on comfort. My personal caveat? Everything needs to be machine washable because well… kids.

It’s also achievable. A flat shoe is practical because I’m typically running around, and have no time to be teetering about in high heels. Even if it’s not a sneaker. The key is finding a pair or two which don’t pinch or squeeze your feet. I’ll wear trousers that have a little room at the waist, so I don’t feel like I’ll burst out of them after a full meal. Plus the wider fit through the leg has visual movement and flow, and works if I’m chasing after my kids.

You personal “go-to” style uniform might look a little different. But pinpointing an easy combination to put together (which can have endless permutations), is a great way to take some of the guesswork out of getting ready in the morning. Not to mention, providing you with that sense of comfort and familiarity.

A quick OOTD from earlier in the week, as I try to make the most of those few remaining “bare legs” days before winter hits. The minimalist aesthetic, aka “quiet luxury” seems to be making the rounds yet again, and given my own penchant for a pared back, simple outfit, I’m here for it.

This particular outfit is a reflection of the style references I’ve been saving recently. All black, with a contrasting skirt or trouser (and not necessarily in white – that’s just what I chose to wear this day). It’s a great way to highlight a piece, while adding some lightness to soften up an all black look. Which ultimately, can make you look a little washed out or be a bit too intense when the lingering remains of your summer tan have faded. You can also easily flip this concept on its head, wearing a singular colour for your top, outerwear piece and shoes, and reach for a black skirt or trouser. Matching your top to your shoes is technically bookending or sandwiching your outfit, which some days, we might not be “feeling” when we’re getting dressed. An alternate approach would be to consider how you’re blocking colour in your outfit. You might like to opt to reflect the same colour of your pants/skirt in your choice of shoe for more of an elongating effect.

Another point to note? Black tends to minimise whereas white tends to highlight. I have wider hips so you can see that instead of wearing a cropped jacket, the leather shirt falls below my bum helping to create a visual illusion which works in my favour. If you have narrow hips but want to highlight them to give you some shape, you might like to try this outfit with a shorter jacket that lands at or above your hip bone.

Checking in to share a quick example of layering when it’s still warm out. We tend to have a drawn out summer here in Sydney, so despite my desire to start layering on knitwear, trenches, scarves and the like, I’m usually still reaching for my denim shorts in mid-April. An easy way to do this though is to add on layers which still reveal some skin.

This sleeveless, munched up blazer is a good example of this. The bold shoulders create shape and have a bit of drama to them. Adding something to the overall silhouette. It also has a belt, which I’ve chosen not to wear here but an option if I want to think about building my outfit in thirds. Not to mention that it’s a deep midnight navy, so a subtle shift in hue from the faded black tone of the dress. As a “third” piece, it’s also reasonable flimsy; a quality I wouldn’t normally consider attractive, but hear me out. It’s breathable and has a soft structure to it (strong through the shoulders and tapered back through the body), so doesn’t add too much bulk or trap in additional heat.

Another easy option would be to look for a thin piece of knitwear. Perhaps something with a sheer quality, that can be tied over the shoulders, worn cross the body like a sash, or tied around the waist. Part of this helps to break up the outfit, and add in a point of difference. Something else for the eye to settle on.

Maxi length trouser skirts seem to be having a bit of a moment as we continue to see trends from the 90s and early 00s creep have a strong sartorial presence. Unlike low rise jeans or platforms shoes – been there, done that – this is one “trend” I’ll happily get on board with. The reason being that it doesn’t stray too far from my comfort zone.

The cut, silhouette, and suiting style fabric have a tendency to make these types of skirts feel quite formal. So, I thought I’d break down a recent outfit which blends formal and casual elements to create a look that feels balanced for day-to-day.

First, the skirt. Elevated with a hint of structure, there’s an air of formality to it. My feeling was the simplest way to dial things down a notch was to add a top with some slouch to it; enter the humble t-shirt. This is in a soft off-white, so while there is some contrast here, it doesn’t feel stark. It’s eased out, in a gentle oversized silhouette that has a slightly longer sleeve length. Worth noting here that the skirt is very modest, and I leaned into that with the tee. To do anything else would be to dress this up for the evening, and I wasn’t wanting to go there (at least not while running errands in the city).

Next on the styling agenda was to add in some glitz and glamour. Sparkly shoes fit the bill, but with a barely there kitten heel, these are low-key enough that I don’t categorise them as solely special occasionwear. In line with the styling of the skirt, you’ll note that my lower half feels fancy, while my top half is dressed down. Slinging on my crossbody croissant bag and finishing off the outfit with a cap to swing the pendulum back into casual territory.

Such a wearable way to style one of these skirts that doesn’t feel like a rerun of the 90s. No tie dye or baby tees in sight. For winter, I like the idea of reaching for either a thin merino knit or chunky oversized sweater, and some fitted knee high boots with a chunky heel. A stiletto feels a little too expected, whereas something with a Cuban heel (like these boots that I love) have an element of modernity while still being reasonably classic and easy to style.