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.
