These items are easy additions to the wardrobe, and most of them won’t break the bank. Some will make effective and attractive wardrobe essentials, thereby providing the necessary “glue” that transforms items into outfits. The implicit reminder is to not underestimate the importance of simple and basic neutral solid items that make your statement items shine.
1. Everlane Organic Cotton Cropped T-Shirts
These cropped T-shirts are longer than they look, so don’t worry too much about coverage. They come in three silhouettes with varying necklines. They have been winners with some of our forum members (petites too). You don’t need to tuck them at all so ignore the stock photos. In fact the point is to wear them UN-tucked over bottoms, and especially over bottoms with a bit of volume. The shorter length of these tees tempers the volume of their boxy silhouette, and the volume of what you are wearing them with. They can work well with skirts too.
2. Kit & Ace Wave Tee
An avant-garde tee with voluminous architectural drape and structure in all the right places. When paired together, the tapered hem will give voluminous bottoms some structure. It looks good on a range of body types, from curvy to straight. Does not cling. Don’t be put off by the high neckline if you’re larger in the bust because the roomy diagonal sleeve offsets that.
3. Tube Skirts
Knitted tube skirts at a midi length continue to be popular with my clients because they are very easy to wear, style and launder. Throw on an untucked knitted or woven top with the skirt, and you’re almost done. Here are some great ones in body-con and tailored fits. They almost always make the wearer feel streamlined and pulled together in a relaxed way.
4. Etienne Aigner Eden Skimmer Flat
These classic darlings are pretty and quite comfortable. The woven knot detailing is surprisingly soft and doesn’t dig into your skin because it’s made of soft suede. Can work for a wider toe and narrower heel. But make sure that your arch can handle the flatness of the soles.
5. Honeydew Intimates All American Pajamas
I’m a big Honeydew Intimates fan because my favourite lounge pants are by the brand. Very good quality and great fit. These sets are AMAZING and it’s no wonder there are many, many great reviews. They are super soft and drapey, but not clingy. The pants are floppy, but look neat and tidy. The silhouette is flattering if you don’t mind the high neckline. Very comfortable too. I have two sets in the darker colours and wear them as Summer loungewear, but you might wear them as pyjamas.
6. Boden Print Scarf
These Spring and Summer scarves are extremely luxiuous against the skin. Very soft and luxe, and with interesting patterns too. The dark pattern is for Team Cat (click on the link). They can double up as a swimsuit cover-up, and are useful at the beach or in Summer as protection against the sun. They provide a little insulation in air conditioning too. The white scarf earned a place in my wardrobe, and I have the linen shirt on the way to match.
7. Treasure & Bond Shoulder Pad Sleeveless Button-Up Top
This one is for Team ‘80s, and is a fun way to add a little architectural interest to basic black and white shirts. The sleeveless component keeps you cool. The models have broad shoulders so don’t think you can’t wear them if you do too. It runs big so size down, and you have to be okay with the roomy fit.
8. Birkenstock Siena Big Buckle Slide Sandal
Some of my Birkenstock Arizona die-hard clients have switched things up by adding the Siena to their Birkie capsules. The criss-cross strap with big buckle looks fresh and modern. Apparently it’s as comfortable as the Arizona and makes a nice change.
9. City Chic Laid Back Tie Front Top
This is a great way to wear a very fluid shirt with some structure. It’s flattering, breezy, dressier than a tee but not corporate looking like a regular button-through shirt. It’s the type of top that could mop up a flared orphan skirt. It works well with bottoms that are higher in the waist. Cute with shorts too. Interesting without the third layer.
