I’d be surprised if you hadn’t noticed that my style has done a complete 180 as of late. I’ve regressed entirely on my progress of adding a bit of additional colour into my wardrobe, in favour of my safe spot – muted neutrals and all black looks. And I can’t say I’m mad about it. A casual conversation with my stepmum about the concept of a personal brand, and how this is reflected in your outfits has had me do a bit of a double take (plus the inevitable wardrobe audit).
Wearing Sportsgirl polka dot top (old but similar here), Zara trousers (similar option here and I love these), Boden houndstooth coat, Everlane editor slingback flats, ABLE satchel bag, Reliquia earrings, Mejuri necklace, Linjer watch
So going back to basics, I thought I’d share a very simple outfit that I wore a couple weeks back, while we were still transitioning into warmer weather. I took the opportunity to reach for this gorgeous houndstooth coat from Boden, and do a subtle bit of print mixing. The blouse is one I bought over 12 months ago now, and I love the tiered ruffle sleeves and plisse fabric. Despite being an impulse buy (as all polka dot purchases tend to be with me), it’s going on to be one of my favourite tops to reach for, particularly during the cooler months.
STYLING NOTES
01 | Print mixing
Generally if I’m wearing a print, I’m going to make that the focal point of my outfit, but occasionally, I’ll make an exception. I talked a bit about the rules of print mixing in this blog post, but keeping it in the same colour family, and opting for two classic but subtle prints is generally a winner. And when in doubt, I go by the rule of thumb that stripes and spots go with everything.
02 | Tailoring
I’ve had these Zara trousers on repeat for the last month; they’re tailored really nicely, with a unique pintuck detailing around the waist band, and a straight tapered fit through the leg. They’re made of a crepe material, so they have a nice structure to them, and I just love how easy they are to throw on with everything. Given how much I’ve been relying on denim lately, it’s been a nice change of pace to be reaching for something that’s a bit more tailored, but still feels very ‘me’.
03 | Add a bit of drama
With simple outfits like this, I always like to add a little bit of drama. Going back to that polka dotted top, I love that on first glance, it seems like a basic piece, but when you get up close you notice the pleated look of the fabric and the whimsical ruffle fluted sleeves. I’m drawn to these kinds of garments because they make an outfit feel a bit special, plus it’s that ‘drama’ that makes them so fun to wear.
