Time for another seasonal update on what was on heavy rotation. This time, for autumn. Or as I’ve been joking; autumn “lite”. It’s probably worth noting that it was milder than usual, and even now, into winter, I’m still heading out every other day with bare legs. One of the perks of living in Sydney; its mild climate.
I’ve collated the data slightly differently this time around, combining the wear count on styles where I have multiples. To me, what I’m really trying to analyse here is the style itself. While colour can be a factor, in my very neutral wardrobe, it plays more of a supporting role. Let’s dive in.
MOST WORN SWEATER
Goelia stripe knit cardigan (25% off with JAMIE25) | worn 10 times
This striped knit jacket needs no introduction. A reflection of my love of stripes, and desire to wear things that do have an element of refinement. Counterbalanced with that boxy, loose fit. I’ve been wearing this mostly done up, as I like the appearance it gives as a cardigan jacket. The buttons are for aesthetic purposes only; it does up with hook and eye closure. Overall this has worn well, though being 100% wool has started to show some signs of wear/pilling. Completely natural and I wouldn’t have expected any less. The key thing is finding the time to do a little wardrobe maintenance so everything looks pristine. I wear the size medium but I think a small would also have been fine.
MOST WORN TOP
Ceres Life oversized tee | worn 10 times (grey + black)
Whether or not I reach for a basic like this is centred all around fit. The intention being the mood that I’m in, and the top – especially when it’s a “main” part of the outfit – is a piece of the puzzle that will convey this. And the fact that I keep going back to a more relaxed, slightly oversized fit tells me that I’m very much in that zone where I want to wear eased out, relaxed clothing. Something chill. Relaxed. The opposite of uptight or buttoned up. And this tee is the best version of that which I have in my closet. I’ve been thrilled with the quality of Ceres Life cotton pieces. They wash and wear well, and even the white is fully opaque. Which reminds me to go seeking it out as it’s been misplaced in the move.
MOST WORN SHORTS
Everlane denim shorts | worn 14 times (green, vintage blue + faded black)
I don’t think I’ll ever stop singing the praises of these denim shorts. Which time and time again come up as one of my most worn, if not the most worn item during the warmer months. The devil is in the detail, and the way that they fit. Cinched in at the waist, with an a-line silhouette. Universally flattering, and I really appreciate the wider leg opening. I do find they run large so I wear a 25 (I’m usually a 26 in jeans). Quality is exceptional. A robust, sturdy denim that washes well. Late last year I added the faded green hue to my closet which has been a real joy to wear. In addition to being a nice change from my typical neutral wardrobe choices.
MOST WORN TROUSERS
Arket black wool trousers | worn 9 times
One of the few closet staples that to me is a perennial basic. The black trouser. Appropriate for all four seasons (depending on the fabrication), and transitions well from work to weekend, to a fancy dinner out. My most loved for autumn were this wool pair from Arket. A 2022 purchase that I regrettably tucked away in storage during our renovation. Clearly trying to make up for lost time, as especially later into the season, I found myself wearing these at once a week (sometimes, two days in a row!). I could have sworn I wore them more than 9 times, but my memory is like a sieve these days. Quality is fantastic, and mine are yet to pill! I’ve thrown them in the washing machine a few times on the wool cycle and they come out looking great. Very easy to care for, which we love. I wear a size EU36 which is the equivalent of an AU8. Again, you can see that commonality of eased out design with the elasticated waist band.
MOST WORN SKIRT
Quince black slip skirt | worn 4 times
When I look at the number of times my most worn skirt was reached for, it tells me a couple of things. Keeping in mind that over the season there’s around 90 days, and 90 opportunities to wear something different. One, I wasn’t wearing skirts that often. And two, when I was wearing a skirt, I was rotating through all the options that I have. Not surprised that the one I wanted to wear most was a slip skirt in classic black. I especially love wearing this with an oversized knit sweater worn untucked.
MOST WORN JACKET
Kindersalmon oversized trench coat | worn 7 times
One thing I keep referencing is this sense of modernity. A feeling I think many of us are often seeking when we feel some sort of dissatisfaction with our wardrobe. Often, it’s linked to things like nuanced silhouette, fabric, and the way an item hangs on the body. For trench coats, I’ve noticed a personal shift away from styles that cut shorter, in favour of a longer silhouette. And sturdier, more robust fabrics with some structure. This Kindersalmon trench really fits the mould of what I was craving. It’s relatively classic, but has some elements that feel a bit more pushed. The puffed pinched in sleeve being the key detail for me. While I’m aware that a trench is typically seen as being an item for transitional, rainy weather, I like to wear mine in less of a utilitarian way. More as a transitional season or lightweight jacket option. For a shorter more traditional style trench, I highly recommend this one from Sezane (which I’ve reviewed here).
MOST WORN SHOES
Everlane taupe day gloves | worn 11 times
If you guessed my most worn shoe would be my YSL tribute slides, then you’d be right. Worn a total of 22 times. Easy to slip on, and they go with everything. Quality is 100% there, and I’ve worn mine so much I’ve had to get the leather soles replaced. But it gets a little boring, and I thought for those who have a cool, brisk, autumn, the two runner up pairs might be more practical recommendations.
First, the Everlane day gloves which I wore 11 times. In a neutral taupe, they were easy to slip on in the morning when doing daycare run, or if I was doing a fair amount of walking. The quality which I once didn’t love – the high vamp – is one my eye has settled on of late, as I look to add modernity to my outfits in subtle ways. Funny how we can have a serious about face. The day gloves run narrow so I sized up; I am usually a 9.5 in Everlane shoes, and wear these in a US10. A stellar option to pack when travelling as they are virtually weightless and have a barely there quality on the foot.
My third most worn shoe of the season was the Sezane Vicky loafer, which I wore 10 times. Again, another one of those styles which I put on with such ease. Loafers are a timeless silhouette, and it’s the details that make this pair feel special. I’m drawn to the pinched stitch detail around the toe, and the chain embellishment across the foot which isn’t too loud or shouty. While I love a quirky shoe, I want them to be relatively “quiet”. Crazy comfortable, and made from such soft, supple leather. So good I’m wearing them right now. I have my usual size – UK7/US9/FR40.
MOST WORN BAG
Tied equal between the following three styles…
Arket crossbody bag in white | worn 15 times
My most recent bag purchase, and if this data tells me anything, it’s that it was a real hit. I was curious to see this bag in the flesh as the moment I spotted it online, I couldn’t help but note its resemblance to my Acne musubi bag. And, I will say, it holds a candle to the designer style. But at a much more “friendly” price point. The leather is pretty much on par, perhaps even a little thicker. It has a similar interior design (two compartments with a centre zip up pocket). Perfect size for every day, and I think the key thing that this does is give you the same feeling you would get wearing the Acne bag. If a $1500+ bag isn’t in your price range, this is an excellent alternative. Safe to say I’ll be continuing to wear this on repeat throughout winter, too. My only issue is with the crossbody strap. It’s not very wide so has a tendency to cut in a little.
Acne Studios mini musubi bag in camel | worn 15 times
Another item in my wardrobe that needs no introduction. The size is practical, and I like that the leather has structure but isn’t too stiff. The cool toned camel works really perfectly with the majority of my outfits given I tend to favour cooler hues. From a wear and tear perspective, I’ve spoken about this previously but the glazing has cracked slightly on the edges of the leather. Otherwise, still one of my best bag purchases I’ve made.
Lemaire crossbody bag in black | worn 15 times
Probably the bag that I get asked the most about; the Lemaire croissant bag. So, I am torn with this one. The quality, is beyond beautiful. Soft, supple leather that has some durability to it. A smooth zipper that doesn’t stick. Textured interior cotton lining which has a luxe appeal. But my gripes? There’s no interior zip up pocket, which would be helpful for small essential items. And the opening is so wide, that I often feel like items are just going to tumble out when it’s unzipped. Also, it doesn’t look great when it’s jam-packed with items, so sits squarely in the small crossbody bag camp. That said, I do enjoy reaching for this and it gives you the benefit of being completely hands free. The wide strap distributes the weight of the bag really evenly too, making this a very comfortable bag to wear.
