I always like to use the end of the year as an opportunity for reflection. I’ll look over my goals, and whether I managed to surpass them, which helps me to manage my expectations for the year ahead. I also love doing a deep dive into my wardrobe, identifying my most worn items (blog post incoming…), as well as the outfits I absolutely loved wearing.
My wardrobe has been a bit of a “work in progress” for many years. We’re constantly evolving, and 2019 was a big year of change for me. Not only was it my first full year as a freelancer, but the second half of the year has been dictated by my pregnancy, and changing body. While I’m planning to wait until after baby arrives to fully map out my 2020 wardrobe, I thought it was a good opportunity to pinpoint some parallels in the outfits that I felt really good in.
OUTFIT ONE
Portmans black linen dress (old but similar here or also here), Jane Debster slides, Celine trotteur bag
Late 2018/early 2019 was when I really started to embrace linen as a texture in my wardrobe. I’d shared previously why it’s a better option than cotton, and to this day it’s one of my favourite fibres to wear when it is stonking hot. One thing you may have noticed about me, is that I enjoy wearing black even during the summer months. It looks chic year round, and this dress was such a winner for me. It’s a dupe for an older style from Isabel Marant, and I love the silhouette it creates. It’s slightly boxy on the top, but nips in at the waist which really defines my figure.
I mismatched my accessories here, opting for a black bag and tan shoes. Tan or caramel coloured accessories are a must in the summer months, and I loved how the Jane Debster slides really broke up all the black. Being a lighter colour, and devoid of any straps, it has a bit of a leg lengthening effect. Definitely an outfit I’d love to wear again post-baby (and post-nursing!).
OUTFIT TWO
Everlane polka dot cami, Phillip Lim shorts, Jane Debster slides, Elleme bag
This was one of those outfits I most certainly wore a number of times. I’ve mentioned this on numerous occasions, but I just can’t resist a good polka dot. It’s one of the few timeless prints out there, and it adds a whimsy or playfulness to an outfit. This outfit was another more monochromatic one, which I again anchored with my accessories.
You can see that I’ve balanced out my proportions by opting for high waisted shorts. These are such a winner, and aren’t too “short”, so they have an incredible leg lengthening effect. I also like that being made from more of a suiting type fabric, they seem more dressed up than a denim pair would.
This time, I decided to go for a forest green bag. This looks delightful against black or white outfits, and the deep rich hue works really well with the tan colour of my sandals.
OUTFIT THREE
Madewell courier shirt (also available here), Topshop stone trousers (old but these are similar), Everlane editor pumps, Phillip Lim mini pashli bag
Hands down one of my favourite outfits of the year. This was taken just after heading to The Botanica for lunch, to celebrate my birthday. Clearly, I was in good spirits! I really leaned into the neutrals trend in 2019, and this was one of the first examples of how I incorporated it into my wardrobe.
The key piece here are those stone-coloured trousers. I still get so many questions about them and sadly they sold out at the start of the year. They have that high-rise (a must for long torso girls like myself), and the tapered leg which cuts off just above the ankle. All the makings of a flattering pant.
I find if I cinch something in, I can usually afford to mix loose with loose, so I threw on my Madewell courier shirt. I’ve had this a number of years now and absolutely adore it. It’s washed and held up so well, and I usually can’t stop myself from reaching for it in the summer months.
To add in some additional texture, I opted for a suede shoe. These are again a neutral – cool toned, which works with the trousers. To tie it all in together, I also paired the outfit with a cool toned bag. Another outfit I can’t wait to wear again after baby arrives!
OUTFIT FOUR
Boden spot top (old but this is similar), Dr Denim skinny jeans (old but similar ones here), Country Road blazer (old but this is similar), Dior slingback flats, Cuyana half moon bag
This outfit ties with number three as my favourite for the year. Again, so many elements I love. My Dr Denim high waisted skinnies which I had tailored to fit me perfectly. These have the highest rise of any jeans I own, and I always feel amazing in them. I tucked a spotted wrap top from Boden into them, and I really liked this combo. With the blazer thrown over top, it looks effortlessly chic.
The shoes I’m wearing were a recent addition at the time; my Dior slingback flats. I’m still so glad I managed to snag these pre-loved, and have gotten so much joy from wearing them. They are a textured fabric, which helps to break things up when you are wearing monochrome. Finally, the bag. This is such a statement piece. It’s a half moon shape, with a mock croc finish. Love how it adds depth to any all black look.
OUTFIT FIVE
Frame top (old but this is a great alternative), ASOS farleigh mom jeans,
Dior slingback flats, Mon Purse cross body bag
I definitely have a type when it comes to denim. High-waisted, and skinny through the leg. One of my other favourite pairs of jeans are these farleigh mom jeans which I bought from ASOS a few years back. They were an unexpected favourite, and a go-to whenever I want to wear a mid-blue wash jean.
I dressed the outfit up with a jazzy top – a simple way to make jeans look less casual. This one is a pre-loved find from The Real Real, and I love the details of it. It’s basic with a twist. The dramatic cuffed sleeves have an editorial feel, and they’re so playful and fun to wear for every day. There’s also a subtle grid check print which helps to add in depth.
Accessories-wise, I went with black on black. Mostly I think, to match with the blouse. The Dior slingback flats get another feature here, and the cross body bag is a great basic from Mon Purse. I love the dual zip-up pocket on this design – it’s super practical, and a great dupe for the Celine trio.
OUTFIT SIX
Celine sweater (old but similar here), Levis skinny jeans, Kindersalmon coat (10% off with “mademoiselle10”), FRANKiE4 sneakers, Oroton icon clutch bag
This was another example of my diving deep into that neutrals trend; this time however, I made it work for winter. Autumn and winter are usually when I’ll break out more head to toe black looks, so this shift to a lighter colour palette was a welcome change. To keep things uniform, I opted for cool tones.
I still can’t believe this sweater find. I managed to snag it on eBay for an unbelievable price. It’s quite a boxy style, so works best when worn with anything high waisted. I tucked it into my white skinny jeans, which just so happened to be one of my most worn items of the year. I find this ironic considering I’ve often said I wouldn’t recommend this particular style from Levi’s, however I think it’s important to remember that sometimes, you just make do with what you have. Definitely my motto in this instance!
My favourite piece of this outfit is the coat. I was smitten with this the moment I received it, and – spoiler alert – it’s turned out to be my most worn coat of 2019. The robe style is elegant and chic, and I just love the colour with contrast interior. The weight is perfect for our Sydney winters, or anything to zero (with layers underneath). Definitely would be opting for something with down in it for sub-zero temperatures though, that’s for sure.
The shoes and bag really allowed me to play with texture. Something I’m realising I love more and more in my accessories. I really like that there’s a nice amount of shine from my sneakers (these are uber comfortable too), and the black mock croc bag grounds the outfit and breaks up all the neutral tones. Essentially, it stops the outfit feeling too “same-y”.
OUTFIT SEVEN
Everlane linen shirt, Reformation skinny jeans, Isabel Marant belt, Charlotte Olympia kitty flats, Cuyana tote bag
One of my favourite head to toe black outfits I wore, was this one. All the elements were so simple, but I felt a million dollars in this look.
For a start, I’m wearing a linen piece again. This shirt is slightly relaxed, and it has a nice raw linen feel. It’s currently tucked away in storage but I can’t wait to wear it again next year. It also doubles as a great beach cover up. I’ve tucked that into some mid-rise skinny jeans, which I’ve belted at the waist to provide definition.
My beloved Charlotte Olympia kitty flats make an appearance. I adore these for their quirkiness, and the velvet adds in another texture to the outfit. I topped this off with a simple black tote bag. This one from Cuyana (which I reviewed HERE) has been a staple over the year. It’s durable, and holds everything I could need (and then some!).
OUTFIT EIGHT
M&S cotton sweater (old but this is a similar one they have in stock now), Everlane patch pocket skirt, The Curated camel coat, Vaneli two tone pumps, Oroton icon clutch bag
Here’s an outfit I loved primarily around the colour palette. It’s white and black, with a camel coat. This camel hue adds warmth, and vibrance to the look – something that’s impossible to achieve when wearing a full monochromatic outfit.
The cotton sweater from Marks & Spencer was such a find. I managed to snag this on sale for less than $30, and it was hands down one of the best and most affordable purchases I made in 2019.
You’ll also see that mock croc leather bag pop up again. This is so ladylike, that it elevates even the simplest of outfits (it can be worn cross body too). Then on my feet, the Vaneli two-tone pumps that I just cannot seem to get enough on. Definitely need to pick myself up a back up pair, that’s for sure!
OUTFIT NINE
Mott & Bow cashmere sweater, Mother Denim skinny jeans, Grana coat, Witchery croc leather belt (old but this has the same kind of look), Cuyana half moon bag, Everlane editor pumps, Acne Studios scarf
Getting a little later on in the year, this is an outfit that I wore during a cold snap in spring. One piece stands out to me as a surprise win in my closet; the Mother Denim jeans. I remember being disappointed with these when I bought them. The fabric is quite thin, very elastic, and they didn’t feel like the thick denim I’d hoped for. But, they were one of the few pairs of jeans that fit me until around the mid-way point in my pregnancy, and I just l-o-v-e that asymmetric frayed hem. Oh, and they’re perfect for travelling in.
I wore the jeans with a mostly black outfit. The sweater is a cashmere one from Mott & Bow which I’ve really enjoyed wearing. It’s a classic crew neck that you can’t go wrong with really. For me, those types of basics were a big part of my personal style this past year. To create definition between my upper and lower half, I belted it with a mock croc leather belt – mimicking that pattern with my bag. The coat is an oversized drop shoulder one, which is fairly lightweight and a good option for me on those transitional days.
The shoes I went for were a navy suede pump. I liked these as they are a similar colour to my jeans, but just dark enough that they almost look black.
OUTFIT TEN
Joseph rollneck sweater (also here), Realisation Par leopard skirt (affordable dupe here), By Far mules (affordable dupe here), Phillip Lim mini pashli bag
There’s a fair few items in my wardrobe that I’d class as ultimate favourites, but one that definitely sits at the top of the pile is my Joseph roll neck sweater. This was my second year wearing it, and I just get so much joy from this piece. It’s off-white, and pairs well with everything I own. Plus, it has that very slouchy, Scandinavian vibe about it.
I wore it loosely tucked into my Realisation Par skirt. I’ve mentioned this a few times, this skirt was not what I was expecting. But, I’ve made do, and actually worn it more than I thought I would. I love the print, and the silhouette it gives – a shame that it puckers at the waist, and it is also prone to pulls.
The accessories I went with were both nude. I wanted something neutral but that would compliment the tones of the outfit, and these worked a treat. The sandals are a mule style which I find to be pretty leg lengthening, though I’d recommend opting for the leather ones if you do decide to purchase a pair – they won’t rub as much!
OUTFIT ELEVEN
Marle tiered maxi dress (similar style here), Saint Laurent nu pieds sandals, JW Anderson logo bag
And because I couldn’t stop at just ten, I wanted to throw in a bonus outfit from our stay at Salt at Shoal Bay. This was such a simple outfit, and it really summarises my warm weather maternity style nicely.
The dress I bought as I loved how I could wear it post-pregnancy both for nursing or just generally, yet it had enough volume to cover up my bump (win!). It has this gorgeous texture to it, which is really only visible up close. The cotton is lush and feels high quality – much more so than the price tag.
I kept the colour theme going with the shoes; a milky patent sandal that has been a firm favourite for the summer so far. I’d only taken two bags with me on this trip, and opted for the JW Anderson one. Because I’m wearing all white, this strikes me as a statement piece, while still feeling very minimal.
So there you have it, my ten favourite outfits of 2019 (plus one extra)! I’ll see you in the new year 🙂
