I’ve had this request from lots of us women in the exact same boat; I want to be classic but still trendy; youthful but not too young; fun but not fancy dress? Where do we go? What’s the sizing like? Our own sense of style is lost somewhere in the latest trends and must have items. The step into autumn/ winter mixed with the weather (which is more changeable than my mood) has us wondering whether we reach for the boots or the bikini. Firstly; above all else, I say don’t conform. If these pieces really resonate with you then go for it. If they don’t, you do you! I come to the table with experience of what works for me but also what worked as classic items for women I dressed. Core items that can be adapted to your sense of style and shape but that can all work together to give you a tonne of looks that make mornings easy, but more importantly, FUN!
01 - The Core Coat
Oh my absolute favourite item in the season! Anyone who knows me, knows I love me a coat. In the previous weeks, I’ve given you a couple of great trenches but these coming months, I find that a cool, but classic cut coat, can elevate a tracksuit, upstyle jeans and a basic t, or carry you into the evening. Wear on their own now or layered with knitwear and accessories for later in the year. My advice is to ask yourself a few questions.
1. Do I love oversized or tailored? Slightly oversized does sit cooler, but structure on a petit frame is needed in one area especially, whether that be length or the cut.
WEEKDAY LOGAN WOOL BLEND OVERSIZED COAT (BROWN)
PETITE & OTHER STORIES BELTED WOOL COAT
MANGO HANDMADE WOOL COAT WITH BELT
REISS PETITE DETACHABLE FAUX-FUR COLLAR WOOL COAT
2. Do I want colour or a neutral? A classic doesn’t always mean black or camel? I love a pattern or colour. Or playing with materials eg boucle or tweed, gives an edge to a simple tone.
HOLLAND COOPER THE GREAT COAT WIDE TOOTH BLACK HERRINGBONE COAT
REISS ALARA WOOL-BLEND BLINDSEAM LONG COAT IN RED
3. Do I want it for mainly casual or mainly dressy? Is there any point in you having full formal attire if you’re wearing trackies every day?
ZW COLLECTION LONG TRENCH COAT IN RED
02 - The Ultimate White T-shirt
For years I searched for the perfect t shirt. One that’s not too thick, not too thin. That washes like a dream and that has the perfect balance of being not too fitted, not too boxy. COS comes up trumps every time. My true size is a small (I’m smaller busted and slightly shorter in the body) but I wear a medium as i like them to be a little looser. Perfect neckline for layering under knits, or on their own with jeans as a basic. They also come in long sleeve, over sized, v neck… you name it.
Their cotton long sleeved tops are also an amazing basic for layering under knits or as a super tailored top for suiting.
03 — The Barrel Leg Trouser
It’s not going anywhere and has been reimagined to become one of the most versatile and dare I say, flattering trouser. For us Northern Ireland lot, where there is always rain on the ground, the leg length is excellent for a flat or a heel. For anyone with shorter legs, try to opt for a slightly narrower version like option 2.
PURE COTTON HIGH WAISTED BARREL LEG JEAN IN DARK CLARET
04 — The Basic Knit
What I tend to look at, is what current knitwear in my wardrobe I reach for and figure out why? Eg. I’m better in slightly longer lines as it makes my short body look longer. I prefer finer wool, as it narrows my frame down a little and because I have curves, square, thick knits make me look all the same size the whole way down. I like a v neck but only tend to wear it in autumn as i am pasty white in winter and love a polo neck but am boiled alive after 10 minutes inside. These are some of my favourite basic knits
ZARA SOFT TOUCH KNIT JUMPER IN NAVY
COS ROUNDED CASHMERE KNIT JUMPER
04 — The Nice Knit
Cute cardis and soft tones to complement your basics. I keep these pieces well cut but lots of fun so i can add them seamlessly into the wardrobe.
PULL AND BEAR SHORT SLEEVE CARDI IN YELLOW
TOPSHOP FLUFFY EYELASH CARDI IN TEAL
05 - The-Go-With Everything Jeans
The minefield of denim. I tend to stick to a medium wash in Levi’s 501. The 501 originals are great for smaller bottom and finer legs and the 501 90’s are great if you’ve thicker thighs and a bottom! I keep the length long enough for a heel if going out or they sit on a loafer or trainer.
06 - The Not so Basic Blazer
Another favourite item in my wardrobe. A great piece for dressing up training leggings and oversized jumpers, or making a cute dress edgy. Worn the right way, a neutral blazer is an absolute non negotiable in your capsule wardrobe. Oversize it with structure in the shoulder and always look at the buttons…..if they’re bleugh, the blazer looks bleugh.
PS If you go for a suit, the pieces can be worn separately for more core items.
MONTEREY STRUCTURED WOOL BLAZER IN OLIVE GREEN
07 - The Boots
The eternal question of what do we wear on our feet with all these gorgeous clothes? We need to be able to walk so can’t do full heels but don’t want to resemble a hobbit. Here are a few classic boots that look great with jeans but also with your capsule wardrobe. Go brown suede if you’re doing olives, grey and navy or black if you’re going black, grey, navy or burgandy.
Currently Sam
Things I’m loving, discovering & recommending right now.