Weekly Style Diary #4
Summer/silly season :)
As a parent to two young children, there’s a certain magic that comes with this time of year. On Friday we spent part of the morning decorating the Christmas tree (scroll down for the *finished product*), and it made my heart full watching them delight in adding, removing, rearranging and trying to stash their toys in the tree. They’ve continued to “redecorate” each day since, so have given up any half-flung notion of having a styled tree this year. Perhaps I’ll buy some ribbons and be that girl with bows all over her tree for 2023.
Weather-wise, we’ve had a mixed week. Rain. Kind of cold. Kind of hot. And really hot. Days where you almost feel like you need 45 outfit changes, but have to hedge your bets in the morning so your bases are covered. I have a lightweight rain jacket that I will tuck into a cotton tote to quickly throw on if it starts to drizzle.
MONDAY
I wore: Marle black tank (also here), Laing Home trousers, Andersons belt, YSL slides, Saben coco bag, Adornmonde pearl earrings, Monica Vinader bracelet, Karen Walker sunglasses
A rather simple, yet effective high contrast outfit. I was thinking a bit recently about the associations we have with colours. For example, when I pair red and black together (red top, black pants), I’m transported back to Year 7. My first day of Intermediate School. The colour teal - worn as part of a tonal/monochromatic outfit - makes me think of my High School uniform. Lime green worn with white, of an outfit my mum selected for school photos. Black pants with a white shirt; the time I spent working in a high end restaurant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as turning those associations on their head. How do we break out of that thinking. Make the pairing or the item feel fresh and different. You may find that you like those colours paired in reverse; if you spent time working in hospitality maybe opting for a black top and white pants - like I’ve done here - is the palette cleanser you need. Or maybe it’s an association with a specific piece. Think schoolgirl pleated skirts. Why not wear it with something that seems/feels unexpected to bring in edge or a new mood?
TUESDAY
I wore: H&M rib top (US link), Assembly Label jeans, Aeyde Maryjanes, Demaker bag (10% off with mademoiselle2023), Pamela Card earrings (10% off with JAMIELEE10), Monica Vinader bracelet
There’s this style trick called bookending, or sandwiching. Usually referred to when thinking about how to apply colour to your outfit. The same concept also works with the formality level of pieces in your closet. Tuesday’s outfit being a prime example. The top and the shoes both have more of a dressed up feel (and if you want to see how to take the top from weekend, to work, to an evening out, you’ll love this reel!). By comparison, the jeans are quite casual and chill - the wider straight leg leaning into this feeling. To me, it’s the key piece really helping to tone down this outfit for every day. Imagine it worn with a pair of tailored trousers. Instantly, it would feel more dressed up. Also works as a concept to dress down items in your wardrobe. You can throw on an elegant skirt with some sort of relaxed top/sweater, and a casual shoe, and it’ll work for everyday (albeit feeling a bit more elevated). Also, side note, the top is definitely one of my best recent affordable finds. Khaite vibes, budget-friendly price tag.
WEDNESDAY
I wore: Witchery vest, Everlane way high pants, Andersons belt (affordable), Tibi sandals, Polene nodde bag, Pamela Card earrings (10% off with JAMIELEE10), Mejuri necklace (10% off first order), Monica Vinader bracelet
Monochromatic outfits are my bread and butter, and there’s a key reason why. Aside from being sincerely effortless, if you build it the way I have here, you also create a long line. The effect being that it visually elongates the body. Secret is to use a gradient of colour. It naturally draws the eye downward with no serious visual breaks. Using my outfit here as an example, top is light, pants are slightly more saturated, and then the shoes are the deepest shade. Also, if you want your legs to look longer? A slightly wider leg pant in a full length will always do the trick. The amount of volume you can pull off will depend on your height. Taller girls will be able to carry more voluminous styles without it looking like too much fabric, whereas if you’re petite, you may find a style like these from UNIQLO do the trick (and are a good cheap and cheerful buy, too!).
A little reminder that the remainder of this week’s outfits will be available to paid subscribers only - if you want to continue reading or want to support my work then you may like to consider upgrading your subscription. If not, I’ll see you in the next one. You’ll continue to get a preview of my first 3 outfits each week.