Autumn Outfit #5: New Neutrals

I seem to have two standard outfit combos at the moment. A chunky knit sweater paired with a skirt; alternatively, some kind of tank or blouse paired with high-waisted skinny jeans or trousers. This outfit was a bit of the former, pairing my cosy ribbed sweater from L’Envers with an MLM Label midi skirt which looks like liquid silk.

Wearing L’Envers ribbed sweater; MLM Label midi skirt; Everlane editor slingback heels; Polene Numero Sept Mini Bag; Missoma earrings & marina necklace; Chupi signet ring

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, then you’ve probably seen that my wardrobe has started to take on a bit of a transformation. I might talk about this in another post, but I’ve really warmed up to the idea of rusty red tones, rich caramels, and burgundy hues as we transition to the colder months.

On the other side of the colour wheel, I’ve also been enjoying adding the odd blue piece into my wardrobe. If denim is a neutral, then why not also consider the same for a muted royal blue or speckled navy piece? Navy in particular tends to be a good choice for those who want to wear black but find it washes them out. Plus, it goes with everything. I’ve been wearing these new colours in my wardrobe as either a monochromatic look (like above), or anchored with a neutral piece.

I’ve mentioned this knit from L’Envers before, but chunky knits are a big part of that style manifesto I keep banging on about. It’s super heavyweight – quite possibly one of the warmest sweaters in my closet. It’s made from 100% merino wool, and while I wouldn’t say it feels itchy against my skin, it does have a textured quality to it (something I see softening up with wear). Sizing-wise, it’s one size only. I’m an AU8 (give or take), and find it’s a nice boxy fit on me. The sleeves are full and chunky, and I love the length. Pulled down, it finishes at the base of my hips. It might not be overly obvious, but my favourite detail are the little speckled flecks of a lighter blue in the knit. It adds an extra bit of dimension to the ribbed weave.

Slip skirts are one of those pieces I can’t seem to get enough of right now. Rather than go with the safe choice – a black version – I wanted to wear this sweater with a piece in the same colour family. The skirt matches perfectly, and I love the juxtaposition between the textures. The sheen of the satin finish dresses up the knit, while the almost rustic nature of the sweater adds more of a casual vibe. It wasn’t until the end of the day that I realised I hadn’t fully zipped the skirt up (#mumlife), so it’s sitting a little longer on me than it normally would. I’m wearing the size S here.

The shoes I have on are a favourite I’ve mentioned before. Pointed toe pumps are a wardrobe essential for me, and I’d been after a slingback pair for a while. I’d originally settled on this pair from Mansur Gavriel, but decided that they weren’t remarkable enough for the price tag. Everlane knocked it out of the park with these. The squared off vamp is such a great detail, and the block heel makes them an easy shoe to walk in. I stuck to my usual Everlane shoe size – a US9.5 – as past experience has taught me the elastic will stretch out. I have found that they feel tight at the heel (fine across the foot – the leather gives effortlessly), so have been trying my best to break them in.

Finally, can we have a moment for the bag? This is the new numero sept bag from Polene, in the mini size. I love their shift to a more structured design. It feels modern, while details like the clasp have a vintage element to them. I opted for the grey, which has a slight warm undertone to it. I personally prefer smaller bags for day-to-day; it helps me keep my handbag “essentials” well curated. As with all Polene bags, the quality is divine. Being a smooth leather (materials differ by colour), it’ll be more prone to scratches than a saffiano or pebbled leather would be. It’s also worth noting that this one runs a little short in width. So it’ll fit a regular iPhone, but not the plus size. Normally, I’d match my shoes to my bag, but I love the contrast here. And the light grey is a beautiful complement against the blue tones of my outfit.