BUY LESS, SHOP BETTER, TRANSFORM YOUR LOOK
Something I have done recently in my own wardrobe, is define what I love to wear. To work this out, I based it around what my go-to clothes are, what I feel good in and works vs what doesn’t. I hear often from clients and friends, there can be a sense of ‘wardrobe shock’ when you decide to do this process. Mainly because you have to be very honest with yourself, while taking out the emotion. You can get lost in the memory of, “oh I wore this when I met my husband”, or “that is too short for me to wear again, but I can’t get rid of it”. But what if you built your wardrobe around the idea you are establishing certain signature looks, while updating them with a hint of colour and seasonal new shapes? Well, this is the new 2019 way to shop and to dress. In fact, it is trending to be a responsible shopper!
The most stylish women in the world have their own uniform, they keep it simple, know what they look good in, and simply stick to this formula - especially when they’re choosing new pieces. In fact to have real style does not mean you need to have a huge designer only budget or the biggest walk-in wardrobe filled clothes. And trust me when I say this, you do not need a lot to look good, just sensible dressing decisions.
As the change of season is upon us, now is the perfect time to assess your wardrobe. Because rather than going out to buy all new season trends and spending a fortune in the process, I am here to teach you about building the perfect transeasonal ‘wearable’ wardrobe.
You can do it with just 13 items and three classic pieces of knitwear. Don't believe me??
I have always shopped at UNIQLO, as love their style aesthetic, designer collaborations, amazing basics …..and my kids are normally decked out head to toe. But I thought I would create this transeasonal wardrobe, by only shopping at UNIQLO, as a way of showing you how you don’t need a designer budget to look stylish. Every item I have selected and ‘styled’ for work, weekend and night - by selecting key pieces and showing you styling twists and tricks to get more out of your clothes. These lessons you will use every time you get dressed and think about when you are shopping.
THE RULES FOR A TRANSEASONAL WARDROBE
1. Invest in quality knitwear
The UNIQLO ever-expanding cashmere, lambswool and extra fine merino wool collections will have you spoilt for choice. Classic styles in an array or colourways, from the latest colour trends to the essentials. These knits will create the core of your dressing and will be what you use for layering. Layering not only keeps you warm, but these layers create personality in your outfits.
I like to layer knits over classic shirting - for work can be neater and more sophisticated by tucking knitwear into tailored skirts or pants. Or on weekends for a more relaxed look, style untucked, slouchy and what I like to call “dishevelled chic”. Also knitwear can be a more affordable way of injecting colour trends to your looks - the new pink tones and contemporary neutrals work with denim, classic suiting and even back with all the delicious new season textures of cord and tweeds.
I would recommend 3 necklines when buying knitwear. The turtle neck (this is very important this season), the classic crew neck (my favourite) and the v neck (the easiest option). And if possible (budget wise) invest in black, white/cream, neutrals (think camel or tobacco) and then add in a pop of colour. And the thing I love about the Uniqlo knit range, is the choice is endless! You just need to select your favourite yarn and knit weight and discover all the shapes on off
2. When outerwear becomes something more
Have you noticed everyone in the northern hemisphere is wearing a puffer jacket! I have always loved wearing them, as apart from them being very warm they are actually very very chic. And my most favourite thing is, they can be rolled up into a tiny little ball and put in your handbag - perfect for travel or if you aren’t sure what the weather is going to do! Buying black would be the most wearable, but I really love this tone of camel. It works so nicely back with denim, other similar neutral tones, black and even blue.
My style icons all wear a biker jacket. From the editor of French Vogue to my most loved movie stars - and when you see women in a biker jacket styled back with great basics, this is when it’s done the best. Also, the perfect piece to make a simple outfit have some edge.
The other jacket you need is a classic trench coat. I can wear this to the office, on a plane or to my sons soccer game on the weekend…it is probably the most used item in my wardrobe. Somehow a trench goes with everything, and without even trying, it instantly makes a simple outfit look wow.
A must must is a slouchy cardigan. Apart from being very comfortable, they are an easy item to rug up in. Black is essential however I love this rich tobacco tone that looks so beautiful back with denim or worn colour blocked.
3. The black suit set
A classic black blazer and tailored pant are items that can be mixed and matched - worn as workwear or streetwear or even to a cocktail party!
The secret is what shoe you wear. Sneakers for a more casual edgy look and heels for corporate or dressed up events. People underestimate how valuable a great suit can be in your wardrobe. Start with black and then explore other colour ways later.
You can create more outfits if you treat each element of your suit as a separate. The blazer with denim jeans or tailored pants with your knitwear - the combinations are endless and you will really be able to stretch your outfit options with just these styles.
4. Shirting
A shirt on a woman is classic and yet very sexy. Again you can style these for work or for casual and are like a basic in your wardrobe. As it starts getting cooler, layering your knitwear over the top looks great. My pick would be a classic cotton shape in white and a stripe. As you can see, both can be worn with all the other elements of your transeasonal wardrobe. Buttoned up, sleeves rolled, tucked in or worn out - and I always go up a size!
5. Fashion bottoms
So you don’t feel like you are wearing the same thing day in day out, buying a couple of fashion pants or a pleated skirts can help create new outfit combinations. Neutrals are really flattering and colour blocking in the same tones or shades is a way to update your style. I personally love wearing head to toe of the same colour, or try mixing shades of complimenting colours such a pink with tobacco.
6. Denim
Last but not least, the denim jacket and denim jean. You don’t need me to tell you how these two items work with every other element on the list. Wear them together, wear them dressy or casual - the key is finding the perfect styles that work on your body. Uniqlo denim is really great and I highly recommend you checking it out!
Now you know the secrets to how to buy less, shop better and transform your look. The new season can be your most stylish yet – and I am here to help you achieve that. No more holding onto old clothes that never get worn, or freaking out about buying pieces that only will have one outing. We make less than sensible decisions when it comes to our wardrobes. But, it doesn't have to be that way, you can make space, save money and look the best you ever have.
THE CHECK LIST
Black Blazer / Black Tailored Pant / Crew Neck Knit / Denim Jacket / Denim Jean / Turtle Neck Knit / Pleated Skirt / Fashion Pant 1 / Trench Coat / Puffer jacket / V Neck Knit / White Shirt / Striped Shirt / Slouchy Cardigan / Biker Jacket / Fashion Pant 2 PLUS Sneaker / Black Heel / Nude Heel / Animal Heel / Loafer or Ballet Flat
Imagery by Ryan Conduit
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This article is copyright and may not be used without the express written permission of Where Did Your Style Go. This article is sponsored by UNIQLO, however the advise is honest based on my own shopping experience.