Earlier this week I popped into Assembly Label; mostly because I was seeking out a very specific sweater that I’d spied in their “coming soon” section. A little gung-ho of me as it hasn’t actually dropped yet, but I thought rather than call it a bust, I’d try on a few things while I was there.
I’ve called it before, but Assembly Label is hands down one of the most underrated Australian brands. Minimal, chic, classic wardrobe staples that don’t date which are high quality but won’t break the bank. Not to mention that their seasonal colours always hit the mark. Fun brights for spring/summer, moody desaturated hues for autumn/winter.
So let’s run through what I took into the changing room (along with a few other pieces I had at home).
#1 | Assembly Label Daria Wool Oversized Blazer
One of those pieces I tried on just to try it – suffice to say I have a solid rotation of black blazers in my wardrobe already – and it is divine. This was actually on sale in their Surplus Store (60% off!) though sizing was limited. It’s a current piece but this would have been from the original run so there are a few possible variations. But, what it did remind me is just how good Assembly Label’s tailoring is. I’m wearing an AU10/M here and it’s reasonably oversized on me so my usual size would have been perfect. The fabric is nice and smooth, Italian wool. There’s also matching trousers too…
#2 | Assembly Label Maeve Skirt
One of my favourite Assembly Label pieces in my closet is the Maeve Skirt – one of those pieces I added in late Spring, and feel incredible every time I reach for it. Mine is in the black; timeless, classic. And I thought given it was such a winner, that the Ash hue might be a good contender for my wardrobe too. Fabrication is a wool/elastane blend, and I will say that this one didn’t win me over anywhere near as much. It feels less like an Italian wool and more like a premium technical fabrication with stretch. It is lined however. Depending on where you want the waistband to sit, you may want to size down. I’m a denim size 26 and wear this in the size AU6 for a high waisted effect (it’s designed to sit a little lower on the waist). The matching belted blazer is tres chic!
#3 | Assembly Label Miana Organic Rib Tank
I grabbed this tank, initially in the colour “glacial”, as it was the exact same shade as a skirt I recently ordered from Sezane. But it was the “popsicle” hue that really caught my attention. Vibrant, punchy and fun. The cotton is thick and substantial, hugs the body and has ample stretch, and I like the cut. The neckline dips ever so slightly, highlighted by a thick rib trim. Equally, you have this subtle racer cut into the shoulder which is a detail I love as someone with narrow shoulders. While it’s a little out of my usual wheelhouse, the popsicle red came home with me. I love the high contrast impact it has when paired with black. Both are in size AU8.
#4 | Assembly Label Slim Tee
Again reaching for that glacial blue, I figured I’d likely be going home with one or the other. Based on the proportions of the skirt (bias cut, figure hugging), the tee felt like the natural choice as it added a much needed relaxed element. I actually sized up here to the medium, which is my preferred fit for a t-shirt like this. It’s a thin organic cotton that doesn’t read sheer (though I probably wouldn’t wear a black bra with it), and feels incredibly comfortable and soft against the skin. It reminds me quite a bit of Everlane’s Oversized Air Tee but in my opinion, softer, slightly thicker weight cotton, and more affordable.
#5 | Assembly Label Daria Wool Blazer and Maeve Suit Trouser
Can we just take a moment for how good Assembly Label’s tailoring is? And for the price, I haven’t found any other brand whose quality quite rivals it. I’m wearing the Daria Wool Blazer again here, this time in the grey paired with the Maeve Suit Trouser. Both in my usual size AU8, which you can see are a good fit; the pants don’t pull or pinch in at the waist, and the blazer looks tailored but relaxed. For height reference, I’m 172cm tall and the pants just graze the floor. Not cut too wide either – these are a great pant option for the office. These were another couple of pieces included in their Surplus Store sale.
#6 | Assembly Label Boy Short
Labelled the “Boy Short“, the second I put these on I instantly thought, “Mom Short”. The high rise, snug waistband with relaxed fit through the hip and leg. Basically, the ideal short for running around in after little ones. The length through the leg is also great – it’s not quite a Bermuda (which can make for tricky styling), so pairs effortlessly with t-shirts and sandals (dainty or chunky styles alike). The raw edge hem and bleached out wash give these a real casual vibe. I’m wearing them in a size 26 and would say they fit true to size. They’re 100% cotton so there’s no stretch to the denim. For what it’s worth, I have some jeans from Assembly Label already and they are brilliant. The denim will relax as you wear them, and then tighten back up again after throwing them in the wash.
#7 | Assembly Label Nilsa Top and Stella Pant
We love a set around here, mostly for the ease of it but also because it gives you options. I thought that this linen combo was sweet for spring/summer; a cropped top paired with an elasticated waist linen pant. Both pieces are lined, which adds to the premium quality feel. You can see that I have a little bit of skin showing here – I have a longer torso so those with a shorter torso may find that this isn’t revealing at all. Both pieces are in a size AU8 and I would say fit true to size. The top has plenty fabric through the bust for a swing style effect, and the trousers don’t cut or dig in. The elastic is on the softer side, so you have a bit of flexibility in terms of where you get them to sit. Very reminiscent of their Ena Silk pant in terms of the cut and the way they drape on the body. Perhaps a slightly wider cut through the leg, but if so it’s minimal difference. I’m wearing the colour “Pea”, which is a dirty, mucky green with a yellow undertone to it. A pretty fun neutral with a slightly warm undertone.
#8 | Assembly Label Niam Stripe Cotton Crew
We all know how much I can’t resist a good stripe. And the Niam Stripe Cotton Crew was one of the Assembly Label pieces I was most excited about. It’s a classic and you can’t go wrong with the shape. This particular design has a fitted ribbed hem that hugs the hips giving a slouch to the sweater. I’m wearing size AU8 and would recommend sizing up if you want a super slouchy fit at least one, if not two sizes. Made from 100% cotton it’s tightly woven which gives it some structure. While it’s not as smooth and silky as some of my other cotton sweaters, it’s still comfortable to wear.
#9 | Assembly Label Jolene Cord Blazer and Jolene Cord Trouser
Let’s end this Assembly Label review with another suit, this time in cord. It’s giving Autumn, cosy vibes and I am here for it. Starting with the Jolene Blazer, this to me is a slightly more fitted version of the Daria Blazer. Cut ever so slightly more intentionally and close to the body for a comfortable fit that is still roomy enough to wear a layer or two underneath. Fully lined, and falls just below the hip – my ideal length as that’s where I’m widest. I’m wearing both pieces in the colour “stone” in size AU8, and have to admit I love the cut of the trousers so much I’m tempted to buy them in the black too. The detail about the cord trousers that is a little bit unexpected, unless you look closely, is that they actually have a double belt design. Attached is a fine thin cord d-ring which sits just under the actual waist band. So you could effectively add a regular belt to this look too – a great way to style things up and play with accessorising. Worth noting that the stone doesn’t pull cool-grey at all like you might expect. It’s a light ecru with a yellow-green undertone too it.
