Trying to squeeze one last post in before Christmas, and decided let’s keep things simple with a quick fire outfit round up. I’m trying to post a bit more frequently over on Substack, so you can subscribe here if you’re after more styling strategies, ways to wear, and also a peek at my best and worst purchases of the year (coming v v v soon!). As an overarching theme, one of the things I’ve noticed about my current preferences is a slant towards more minimally styled outfits that use interesting accessories to add that personal touch. And surprisingly, a shift away from skirts in favour of easy going trousers or longer Bermuda-style shorts.
Wearing Rebe top, Re/Done jeans, Whistles leather jacket, Bared sandals, OLEADA bag
We’re going to start with the least summery of the bunch, as chronologically that makes sense to me. A last ditch effort to try and max out my wear count as much as possible on this leather jacket before the weather heated up too much. Spoiler, I could absolutely have opted for a lighter layer. The things we do for fashion! Things I love about this? The perfectly fitting jeans. The really nice top. And I also appreciate that tension in the edginess of the leather jacket, and the delicate prettiness of the shoes.
Wearing Bondi Born dress, COS shirt, A.Emery sandals, J.Crew bag, Vieux sunglasses
All black outfits never miss. This dress is a bit of a special one as it has a cut out detail to the back, which to me feels quite reminiscent of an old KW style I used to wear on repeat over a decade ago. Details like this are what keep an otherwise simple piece feeling fresh and exciting, plus I love the idea of being able to layer underneath. My old trick was to wear a bustier top from Topshop that added a bit of a lingerie element as a “layer” adding in sheer. Definitely something to think about at the other end of the season when I start transitioning this one for autumn.
Wearing Sportscraft tank, Khaite jeans, Bared shoes, Ateliers Auguste bag, Vieux sunglasses
Another one of those hyperfixation items in my closet that I’m desperate to get the CPW down on; while I don’t think this is the be all end all, I do think when you are spending a decent chunk on an item you consider a staple, that’s likely the end goal. Did a little bookending moment here with the knitted tank and champagne gold shoes. Feels subtle. Minimal silhouette. Contrast with the bag. Tick, tick, tick.
Wearing Leset bandeau, Muji shorts, Tibi sandals, Saben Tilly bag (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN15)
A solid example of how I’ve been pairing my shorts lately. My eye has adjusted in the past few months, and I’ve noticed more of a preference toward longer, Bermuda style shorts. Or something that has a relaxed fit (like these here). To create that length through the leg, using a heeled sandal for literal lift. Which side note, as a teenager I’ll never forget the moment one of my girlfriend’s said she’d been told her outfit was bad because she’d worn heels with shorts. Which when you think about it, is just so silly. And I realised recently that I’d sort of made it this unwritten rule to never do the same. Anyway, I like it, I like the heels with longer shorts. A combo I’ll be repeating (perhaps with my snake sandals, next time!).
Wearing Tibi dress, Madewell bag, Madewell sandals
It’s a little tricky to see the dress here, but I wanted to highlight the back. The way it splices open, and fastens with adjustable straps. This is a nylon number from Tibi, and I’ve realised anything in sporty nylon is generally going to be a win for me as it’s reasonably easy to care for and can be thrown in the wash (even on a hot setting; I laundered this at 60 deg C). Hands down one of my best, most favourite purchases of 2024.
Wearing ONTE top, DISSH trousers, Andersons belt, Madewell sandals, Madewell bag
Shades of brown have been slowly taking over my wardrobe, and these pants are up there as one of my most reached for staples. What I’ll often reach for, even over a black trouser. Worn with butter yellow, it’s a fresh but somewhat unexpected colour combo. I’m reminded here how much I love the traditional pairing of slim + relaxed, as often I’ll forgo this and create the appearance of shape by defining my waist.
Wearing DISSH bandeau, Lululemon shorts, A.Emery sandals, Quince bag (US only)
An example of how styling can be full of contradictions. Despite how it might appear from an image (iPhones have a habit of stretching out the legs), my legs are proportionately short, meaning I carry more of my height in my torso. Anything with a stretched out silhouette is only going to serve to highlight this, but there are always workarounds. Sometimes it’s nuanced. Like where the item on your lower half cuts off. How the two pieces are broken up into thirds. The silhouette of the item you’re wearing, and the neckline, fabrication etc. And sometimes you’re just trying to convey a mood and you’re not trying to reconcile whether your promotions appear balanced.
Wearing Shona Joy tee, DISSH skirt, Aeyde shoes, FWF X Muunsan bag
Final outfit really leans all in on simplicity with nuance through the details. The tee is something I’ve gotten a lot of joy from wearing, especially when paired as part of a tonal look. This is all down to the twisted detail at the hem; the fabric lays really nicely creating this seamless, sleek silhouette. You also have that mix of formal and more casual pieces here giving the outfit some tension. Also, have realised that my summer bag wardrobe is severely lacking. Currently coveting a something like this, though this macrame bag has been a good stop gap, and a great way to add in an organic element to my outfits.
