Seven Style Uniforms for Spring

The key to effortless dressing?

Oct 27, 2024

Ever wondered why French fashion editors always look so chic? During the mid-2010s, they often served as a source of inspiration for me, and what was always evident was a clear consistency in what they wore. It was in 2020 that I found my answer; each season, they’d curate seven style uniforms that they’d rotate through, ensuring they looked chic for every occasion. While I’ve long since lost the original source, Liza Belmonte is a great resource (her newsletter is a treasure trove, too!).

I suspect that this complemented the 5PFW - or Five piece French Wardrobe - concept quite nicely; the slow approach to adding to your wardrobe where you add in five key pieces for the season.

A little late in the season, but I wanted to share my seven style uniforms for spring. At the very least, I figure it’ll serve as some outfit inspiration, or perhaps it’ll ignite a spark in you to create your own seven style uniforms for the season ahead. The weather in Sydney has been a little all over the place, so a lot of these looks include some element of layering.

Oh, and before we dive in, it probably helps to have a little bit of context about what a typical week in my life looks like.

I’m currently working part-time, three days a week; Monday through Wednesday starts with daycare drop-off, then the other four days of the week I have the kids (aged 2 and 4 currently). I primarily work from home, but also need outfits that’ll work for in-person styling sessions and client meetings that incorporate comfortable yet chic footwear which can withstand long periods of standing. When I’m with the kids my clothing needs to be unfussy and robust. Often we’ll head out to the park, on play dates, or they’ll come with me to run errands. Some days are more active than others (currently trying to manifest more hikes in our immediate future!), and then 1-2 times a month I’ll head out for drinks or dinner with friends or to an event.

One of the things I like about this approach, is that it doesn’t need to be prescriptive. If I’m inspired in the morning by a piece I’ve love to wear, then I can style on the fly or use this framework of style uniforms to create a look I already know I’ll feel good in.

I’ve created a trio looks per formula so you can see how interchangeable these are, using like-for-like pieces that give off the same mood.

FORMULA 1 (Daycare drop off) - T-shirt or Relaxed Top + Pants with give + Comfortable flats + Lightweight Jacket

[1] Blanca tee, Arket trousers, MKDT jacket (old - similar here), Everlane day gloves, Oroton clutch

[2] Ceres Life denim shirt (old - similar)

[3] Sezane trench coat

FORMULA 2 (Styling clients face to face) - Easy Top in a Block Colour or Simple Print + Structured Trousers + Belt + Low Block Heels + Longline Relaxed Jacket

[1] UNIQLO tee, Facade Pattern trousers (10% off with MADEMOISELLE10), Whistles leather jacket, Aeyde heels, Acne Studios musubi bag

[2] Fabrique jacket (12% off with ToJamie12)

[3] Arket blazer