For my final autumn style uniform, I wanted to show you how I’ve been dressing on days when I don’t want to wear jeans or trousers. It’s usually during this transitional period that I can get away with bare legs just a little longer, especially if I bulk up the layers on my upper half. For this style uniform, I pair an oversized knit sweater + skirt + boots, with a coat thrown over the top for good measure.
Wearing Mott & Bow cashmere sweater, Everlane patch pocket skirt (I wear this in a US0), Everlane boss boots (review here), Everlane coat, Sarah van Oosterom belt, Cuyana tote bag, Madewell earrings (old but I love this pair), Holly J necklace (15% off with JAMIEXHJ15)
This kind of pairing isn’t anything new to me; instead it’s one of those creature comfort fail-safe looks that I know will work every single time. When I want to mix things up a little, my leopard print skirt adds an element of interest while still allowing me to play with that feminine silhouette.
So lets break it down, piece by piece…
the oversized knit sweater
If you asked me to round up the top ten items I’m most excited to wear at the moment, this simple crew neck sweater from Mott & Bow would be sitting pretty somewhere near the top of that list. For one thing, it’s made of cashmere – and a super soft cashmere at that – but it’s also perfectly oversized, while still keeping a timeless silhouette. I opted for this in the medium size for a relaxed fit, and also have my eye on the same sweater in black. When you start thinking about doubling up on a piece, that’s when you know you’re onto a good thing.
I tend to wear a lot of darker hues as soon as the weather cools down, so the cream tone of the sweater helps to lighten up the look while also providing some much needed contrast. On days when I’m after a little more warmth, I’d go for a thicker sweater like this one from Joseph (affordable dupe here), which has the roll neck detail and keeps me toasty warm.
the slim a-line skirt
The one skirt that I have always found to be universally flattering is anything in an a-line silhouette. It creates shape by defining the waist, and provides balance by forming a visual upside down triangle.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to a slightly slimmer take on this classic silhouette, and a recent addition (and also new favourite) is this patch pocket skirt from Everlane. I like that it’s made from a cotton twill which I think in the black can easily be dressed up or down, but it feels very comfortable to wear. Plus, the length is perfect – it’s slightly modest but doesn’t feel like it’s too long as it comes up a little above the knee.
Because this skirt cinches in at the waist, it looks great when paired with anything oversized up top.
the ankle boots
Woohoo! Ankle boot weather. Another great classic wardrobe staple, a hard-wearing pair of ankle boots used to be something I wore all year round when I lived in Wellington. The climate is a lot hotter in Sydney, so it’s usually not until late autumn that I can start throwing them into rotation.
I personally love how an ankle boot looks with a mini skirt, especially if they’ve got a pointed toe. For this particular variation on this style uniform, I wanted to match the boots to the skirt just to visually complement the outfit, but I also find that this has a bit of a lengthening effect too.
If it’s especially cold, I like to wear my ankle boots with a calf-length sock, which I scrunch down around the opening of the boot. It brings another element of texture while looking cute, too!
