I always look forward to these seasonal wardrobe analyses, to paint a picture of the items I’m actually wearing on repeat, rather than what I think I’m wearing. Since adding the visual aspect through a wardrobe indexing app, the experience has been amplified as the data I’m getting out at a glance tells me more about how I like to pair things, and I think this can be an enlightening way to identify common themes about your own style. Like, when you wear a statement piece, how are you doing this? What sorts of colours do you like to combine (think saturation/chroma/depth)? Do your accessories have to match?
A quick glance back through the past three months tells me that brown is my preferred neutral of choice. I’ll never skip an opportunity to wear a lighter neutral in cream or white (and I like whites to lean a touch warm). Red and blue are my favourite accent colours. When I wear a simple outfit, it’s all about the shoe. And I can now appreciate that when I do put together an outfit, it must be unfussy. My tolerance level for fussy items is near zero these days as I want my clothing to look good when I wear it, rather than me working hard to get it to look good (if you know what I mean).
Anyway, without further ado, let’s chat through the most worn items (and why they’re good).
MOST WORN TOP
A good foundation piece, that’s a basic but the neckline stops it from feeling too simplistic. This one is Grana, though COS have a similar option (which I’d originally wanted to buy but it sells out so fast). It’s pima cotton so feels nice on the hand, launders well, and there’s not really all that much else to say other than, it’s a good one. I do wonder if the fact that this was my most worn top goes back to that thinking for my winter style, that I tend to prioritise the “third” piece in my outfit. A possibility given our spring was milder than usual, and I found myself reaching for more knitted pieces and jackets than I’d expected.
MOST WORN SWEATER
Everlane wool cashmere sweater
For years if you’d asked me what item to buy first from Everlane, one of my top mentions would have been their alpaca knit sweaters. Which I still love to this day, but it’s the shape that I was drawn to most. Simple but not basic, it has a balloon sleeve detail and puffy double layered collar. That silhouette was introduced in cashmere earlier this year and it is a step above. Pure perfection. Ten out of ten. No notes. Also side note, chocolate/coffee brown hues are a great dark neutral to wear if you find black too severe or high contrast.
MOST WORN JEANS
As 2024 slowly comes to a close, I’ve been thinking a little about my favourite wardrobe additions of the year. These jeans from Alpha60 definitely rank up there. I spent a good 12 months plus seeking out a good pair of black or faded black wash wide leg jeans that hit at the ankle. Originally buying these from Sezane, which I loved the fit of, but couldn’t deal with the lint that they constantly seemed to attract (a major dealbreaker – I didn’t repurchase the Kowtow sailor jeans in black for that same reason). It reminds me how a lot of outfits, even simple, might revolve around one really good piece. Or one piece you really enjoy wearing.
MOST WORN TROUSERS
DISSH choc fluid drape trousers
One thing I’ve noticed specifically about the way I am getting dressed at the moment, is that I’ve begun to favour a trouser (or a short!) over a skirt. A side effect of having kids; when you have an active lifestyle this can feel – and be – the easier option. I’ve mentioned this before a bit on my YouTube channel, but I’ve found myself compromising on previous non-negotiables for me. In the past, I always would have favoured a 100% natural fibre trouser (except in the way of workwear), but there’s something to be said for the robust quality, the durability, often attached to synthetics. These are good, the drape is really nice, and the full length visually elongates my legs and gives balance to my proportions. Also haven’t had any pilling issues like I did with the Rowan trousers which is a plus!
MOST WORN JACKET
Marle alaska jacket (old but current version here)
Going back to my remarks about my most worn top, I was a little surprised that there even was a notable jacket to speak of showing up in my spring most worn. But glad it was this one. Yes, barn jackets seem to be the look du jour, but as I’ll be quick to remind anyone who asks; how does it serve you? What role is this item playing in your closet. This has the look of a chore jacket, but more design-focused, with a slightly swingy hem. Also love the contrasting buttons. This is the second denim piece I’ve purchased from Marle, and both items have exceeded my expectations. It’s a 100% cotton denim twill – not too thick, not too thin – with a soft, broken-in feel I’d expect from denim that’s been worn hundreds of times.
MOST WORN DRESS
I’m calling it now, that this is also going to be my most worn dress of the summer. Especially with young kids, I’ve made a habit of saving things for fear of them getting mucky. Case in point, a pair of jeans I bought from Khaite in white; risky business but I’d been saving them. Having broken the seal, they’re now on solid rotation and I’m not bothered by a small mark – that’s what napisan is for! But to take it back to that moment when we buy, we do some sort of assessment as to how an item will look when it’s been worn many many times. Because, it can’t be new forever. To take it back to the dress, this was a sale purchase, and perhaps one of my favourite buys of the year. It feels effortless to wear, but the cut out detail (and belt which you can wear with/out) creates this interesting design element that stops it from feeling overly “simple”. Which is perhaps the thing I’m generally seeking from dresses which are a one and done piece. The nylon goes well in the washing machine too. I’ve even taken a risk and soaked it on 60 deg C and it’s come out fine. Currently eying up this dress from the currently collection.
MOST WORN BAG
I doubt that my most worn bag comes as a shock to anyone. I’ve been chatting about this bag ad nauseam because it really is that good. The leather is soft and smooshy with a bit of shine, the buckle adds a design element while being functional. It’s a crossbody or a shoulder bag. Can be used as a work bag, baby bag, travel bag. Fits a laptop. Etc etc. It can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned and is set to be my most worn bag of 2024. What was surprising was my second most worn; this bucket tote from J.Crew. Which I chatted about how it didn’t quite hit all those same high notes, but the dark green snake print brings in excellent texture, and I’ve been able to forgive it (mostly) for the short, unadjustable strap.
MOST WORN SHOES
Everlane’s day gloves have been a high rotation shoe for me since I first tried them back in 2017 (was it?). It’s been years at this point. While the design with the high vamp initially felt a little too modern for me, my eye has clearly adjusted. In large part I think due to the frequency with which I’ve worn them. Finally got my hands on the black ones, and I think if you are looking at these, it’s the way to go. One thing I noticed is that they have adjusted the width of the shoe from narrow to something between regular and large. So I sized up to US10 in the day gloves (usually wear a US9.5 in their shoes), and while they’re okay, I do have a bit more room than anticipated so would say from here on out stick with your usual size. Also, the black leather ones will always look better even after a lot of wear. I’ve tried four colours of these shoes at this point and the lighter ones tend to look a little aged, whereas I think my black pair look great still. As an aside, I have now tried the Quince dupes for these, which are great, equally comfortable, and a much lower price point but it’s still the Everlane ones for me. The difference in the insole alone is one of those key details for me, as the Quince pair feature a PU insert which I don’t love as much. Second to my day gloves were my Madewell Mary janes. Similar sort of style but with the elastic which keeps the shoe firmly on your foot. They’re also a love for me, and go with so much!
MOST WORN ACCESSORIES
Andersons leather belt | One of my most worn full stop. The leather really softens up with wear, and while I do wish that the buckle was more durable (it’s lost the gold tone plus chipped a little on my black belt), I’m really happy with this piece as it’s been on heavy rotation since I bought it.
Quince sunglasses | Definitely an underrated item from the brand. My favourite pair are the Lisbon style; which I’ve learnt this year that oval, slightly rounded sunglasses tend to suit my face shape best, as they add a softness (rather than mimicking the angular nature of my face and looking too severe).
Mejuri heirloom ring | Ending with one of my favourite rings, the heirloom ring from Mejuri. Solid gold with a bright garnet stone, this is often a safe styling choice for me as while it’s a little chunky, it doesn’t feel loud.
