What items in your closet do you reach for when you’re at a loss of what to wear? Is there a particular piece that always just works no matter what you pair it with? As I’ve re-evaluated my style and the contents of my wardrobe, I’ve been thinking about my answers to these questions. And the items I keep coming back to, just happen to be some of my most worn and most cherished in my wardrobe. If you’re a long-time follower, I get the sense that these will come as no surprise, but I thought today I’d run through a 2020 edition of the five most loved items in my wardrobe.
Wearing Madewell wrap front silk blouse; J.Crew denim skirt (similar); Madewell denim jacket; Everlane pointed toe flats; Chanel vintage classic flap; Muru Jewellery necklace; Missoma bracelet; Holly J earrings
#1: J.Crew white denim mini skirt
Let’s kick things off with one of the items I’m wearing in the outfit above; a white denim mini skirt with a frayed hemline from J.Crew. I purchased this three years ago during my trip to Dallas. At the time, it just seemed like a nice spring update to a classic wardrobe staple – the denim mini. I don’t think I quite realised how quickly it would come to be a firm favourite. Working in a relaxed office environment, I found myself pairing it with silk blouses and blazers for work. On the weekend, I’d pare it back with oversized knit sweaters or loose-fitting tees. It’d be dressed up with a simple camisole and strappy sandals for the evening.
It’s informed so many of my outfits and been a defining piece of my “personal style” over the past few years. A-line silhouettes are universally flattering, and the bright white hue acts as a black canvas.
#2: Vaneli two tone pumps (as worn in this post)
I couldn’t share the most loved items in my wardrobe and not mention these shoes. Again, I’ve had these for a good three – maybe four – years now. At the time of purchase, I was obsessed with the iconically classic Chanel two-toned pumps. But they were a *little* out of my price range. I can’t quite remember how I came across this affordable dupe, but I’d hazard a guess my google history at the time was probably filled with key words like “two toned pumps”.
The Vaneli pumps probably win the title as my most worn pair of shoes. I find myself reaching for them weekly – if not daily – as they are the perfect complement to any outfit. I love them so much I opted to purchase them in two colours; the beige/black version, and a charcoal flannel/black suede version. They’re both utterly classic, and the different colour ways gives me a bit of variety across seasons.
#3: Kindersalmon wool coat (as worn in this post)
Outerwear is one of the areas in my closet that I’ve always thought is worth investing in. You don’t need a lot of coats, just one or two great ones which are warm, true to your style, and will go with most outfits you want to wear. Despite being a light oatmeal hue, I’ve found this coat from Kindersalmon to be surprisingly versatile. It is a gorgeous contrast to an all black outfit, and perfectly tops off a neutral-toned look.
There’s a sort of elegance in the long-line length, and draped robe style. The subtle herringbone pattern in the wool flannel is a beautiful touch; and I also adore the contrasting lining, visible at the lapel. I have a number of coats that I love, but this tops them all as the one I’m most excited to wear again for 2020.
#4: Isabel Marant Etoile wrap-front ruffle skirt (as worn in this post)
It’s a bit of a wild card including a newer item in my closet, but I wanted this list to also be a reflection of what I’ve been wearing on repeat lately, too. I splurged on the midnight navy version of this skirt towards the end of my pregnancy, taking a serious gamble on whether it would fit me or not. Isabel Marant is a brand I’ve loved since my early twenties, and after eying up a few items from the new season, this felt like a safe bet.
The petal-shaped cut across the legs is incredibly flattering, and I love the ruffled detail at the hemline. Given so much of the inspiration I’m referencing for this year are markedly more “gamine”, I really appreciate the feminine juxtaposition this adds, particularly with oversized knitwear and boxy blazers. It helps that it’s made from a thick cotton drill; it’s an easy piece to care for!
#5: Everlane pima micro rib tank (as worn in this post)
The final item I wanted to include in my five most loved items is a total wardrobe basic; a simple cotton tank. It’s items like this that are the foundational pieces of an outfit. Often I’ll find myself wearing this tank underneath a jacket or cardigan, or as a layering piece under a sweater. I love the lightweight feel of the fabric, the subtle micro rib detail, and the flattering scooped neckline. This has become such an essential for me, that I recently decided to add both the heather grey and black versions to my wardrobe too.
So that’s a round up of my five most loved items in my wardrobe for 2020. I’d love to know yours in the comments below! x
