This was supposed to be a really thoughtful piece about building up a capsule wardrobe, but, in fact, I realised as I was packing for this shoot that this is basically all of my favourite, most worn items in my wardrobe. And what better capsule wardrobe is there?
LEOPARD PRINT ACCESSORIES
Yes, leopard print is having a huge moment (again!) but it is a print I have sworn by since working in fashion. Us fashion lot always go on about leopard print being a neutral but it really is a total outfit maker. My leopard bag from Sezane (a gift, I picked as my baby change bag!) is barely away from my side and I get so many compliments on it. Wear it with something simple like jeans and a tee and you’re done.
ANYTHING RED
I only started wearing red a few years ago. funnily enough, and now it has become somewhat my signature look!
Since having a baby, especially, I find a red lip (I’m wearing Trish McEvoy Lip and Cheek booster in ‘Red’) can really help you look less tired and lift a no make-up day (I often try and limit the amount of makeup I put on my skin due to acne issues).
JEANS
For me, jeans are such a failsafe staple to my wardrobe. Admittedly, so much so sometimes that I have to break free and have a series of wearing dresses or wool trousers to try and shake things up. But they go with everything and just so easy.
Since pregnancy, again, I only really have three pairs of jeans left in my wardrobe (most of my smart trousers don’t do up!) and thankfully, they’ve seen me through the last seven months. These are the crop kick from Gap (whch are instore only) but I am mainly wearing straight leg these days, the idea of pulling up skinny jeans post pregnancy fills me with fear now!
Quite a few of the items in this post cost me a lot of money. I remember I was working at Red when I bought these leopard boots, I knew they’d go with everything and thankfully they are super comfy. They cost almost half my monthly wage (I put them on my credit card which I have paid off now, thank god) but to this day I don’t regret it. Well, maybe it wasn’t financially the best decision I ever made but sartorially? Yes, yes it was.
And they’ve saved me money in the long run as I haven’t really bought many other boots over the last 5 years.
But the thing about good investments, and keeping to a style that’s ‘you’ means that you will always be able to pick out the pieces that will last in your wardrobe.
A TAILORED COAT
A good coat will get you everywhere. I am always drawn to the same style of outerwear: slick, tailored, quite long, usually oversized and often statement.
This coat ticks two of my style credential boxes – leopard AND tailored so I just knew it had to be mine. I picked this up from Maje in Bicester Village last year and although I was pregnant for pretty much the entirety of last winter, I knew it would come out the following year and make me smile. And it has done.
And when I think these items work the best? When worn all together at the same time…
Thanks to all the feedback on previous posts, I am no longer apologising for my clothes being old – it feels so nice to be appreciated for styling up my existing wardrobe. Instead, where I can I will do an edit at the end featuring some items that are relevant…hope this post has proven useful for items to look out for which will keep your wardrobe looking and feeling fresh, no matter what the trends are.
I just live your large leopard bag. In fact I would go as far as to say I have bag envy. Loving your post and looking forward to reading your next.
After everyone watched the Stacey Dooley program (still on iPlayer) old is the new new.
It’s funny, as this is kind of something I’ve always talked about! But takes a celeb for people to really take note…I haven’t watched it but have always known a lot of the implications of the fashion industry – and it’s hard as it’s my career! But I do take a lot of steps to try and change how I consume x
Can I add a striped t shirt to that list?
Can I add to that list, striped tee shirts/matelot stripes
ALWAYS xx
Inspirational as always – looks like youre enjoying life
Love your style and this piece. Trying to get my key bits in order and you always make it easier! #buywhatshehas ?
Thank you xx
Hi Alex, bang on trend as usual! Jess Cartner Morley has a new column in The Guardian on how to work new pieces with what you already have in your wardrobe so this post resonates with that. I just love how you put it all together. Wish I had the knack too. It is said we only wear a small percentage of our wardrobe anyway so new ways to combine things is spot on! PS. thought I’d seen that jumper before. I may have to try leopard for the first time?
oh I love leopard print, but it’s not for everyone, of course – but this is definitely the season to try! x
Love this Alex, and wholeheartedly share your philosophy about buying pieces we’ll love forever rather than just feeling obliged to wear the latest new pieces (I’m also trying to be less bothered about wearing ‘old’ pieces on my blog). And of course leopard is a neutral 😉
Briony xx
Great article and I agree that it’s a message you’ve always shared on your blog, but I think it’s no bad thing that the message is being linked to Stacey Dooley’s recent doc- it’s really worth a watch even if you feel you’re clued up on fashion’s impact on the environment, I was blown away despite feeling quite well read on the subject (or so I thought). Brands came out very badly, ‘influencers’ very well and responsive. I’m sure you meant celeb in nothing other than a positive way, but she’s first and foremost a fantastic journalist and documentary maker as well as a presenter- I’m worried that some people will misinterpret it as being just a celeb backed campaign, when actually all of her work is fantastic and that’s what she’s known for.
Anyway, thanks again for great content and thank you for always promoting a healthy attitude to fashion and consumerism. I’ve long been a fan of the way you promote mixing the new with the old and developing a personal wardrobe that is long lasting 🙂 x
Yes, sorry, not just a celeb! I was discussing with a woman on my team about it and she said that she didn’t really offer any solutions though? What can we use that’s better than cotton, fo example? It’s not always doom and gloom…I shall give it a watch x
I appreciate that you show us how to wear our existing clothes in new ways or by adding one new piece. I have no intention of constantly buying new. Such a waste of money that could be better spent on a vacation. Others waste does make for some great buys at consignment or thrift stores though.
Yes this is very true – and at least it’s being recycled! xx
I am 62 and folllow your blog – I definitely agree with all your staples – probs a white t shirt and shirt
in all its forms too ! I don’t wear red – am very pale but admire it on others!!
Oh yes, I live in a white tee in summer xx
I’m also trying to work out my go outfits. Tired of spending money on clothes I never wear. I want to spend my spare cash on the theatre, holidays or the house.
very good!