WATCH - 'DAY-OFF' STYLE WITH 15 PIECES OF CLOTHING
Many women know how to dress for work, and it’s the weekends that freak them out, as they don’t have a “day-off” style. So I wondered, what about 'dressing for life' is so difficult?
I guess it comes down to having too many choices. With work wear you have boundaries set by office norms, but outside the office you have total, scary freedom.
Women struggle to dress when there aren't any rules, as it is easier when there is a dress code to consider. So when you think you don't have anything to wear day to day, going shopping and sifting through racks and racks of clothing is confusing because you don't actually know what you are looking for.
When dressing for life, what you need is 'constructive narrowness' to focus the mind. So here is my 15 piece “day-off” wardrobe to help you get a style for life. Xxx
THE GUIDE TO 15 pieces OF day-off style
1. Basics starting with white. I always talk about basics being the ‘must own’ piece for layering, and so many women don’t have them in their wardrobes. Start with white, but you should have a collection of black and neutrals also. T-shirts, camis, singlets, bandeaus etc.
2. Striped t-shirt or shirt. A stripe is just so classic, suits everyone and really can lift your outfit. I love a basic t-shirt stripe and an oversized striped shirt. I usually wear mens shirts and find the fabrics are much nicer than from womens brands - also love the slouchy fit of a mens shirt (I normally just raid my husbands wardrobe).
3. Oversized blue or white shirt. These shirts are so versatile as can be worn un buttoned with a cami underneath, buttoned up worn out, tucked in or used with my “cross over tuck” technique I show you in my videos. Wear over denim, leather pants etc.
4. Black casual pant. These are different to a tailored work pant, mainly because of the fabric. They could be a cotton, linen or even leather. Also the fit is more relaxed or tight, which wouldn’t be suitable for the office.
5. Neutral casual pant. Similar to the black pant, these pants are also in a more casual fabric. And the fit is more about ease and comfort, such as an elastic waist, longer crutch or wider leg.
6. Blue jean. An essential…but there are many variations so I hope to do a specific article/video about buying denim soon…..stay tuned! But in the meantime, I normally wear Levis as love the fit and the classic washes. No rips or holes is best for your wardrobe as a starting point.
7. White jean. A very fresh addition, and could also be a white trouser if you don’t like white jeans.
8. Slouchy knit. Perfect for trans-seasonal weather for layering. I love a neutral and black but you can also buy muted colours if needed.
9. Long cardigan. Again, like the slouchy knit, a cardigan is great for layering. Also perfect for travelling.
10. Casual jacket / blazer. This jacket is different to a tailored suit jacket, as it is a more relaxed fit and also in a casual fabric. Could be a blazer, anorak style, denim jacket or even a leather biker jacket.
11. Neutral coat or trench. Perfect piece to wear over denim, trousers or even your active wear - for trans-seasonal dressing and ideal for travel.
12. Black dress. Ideally this black dress doubles as a skirt - as you can style shirting and t-shirts over the top as styled in the video. Also can be worn for different dress codes with a change of shoe - sneaker to heel.
13. Printed dress. If you know my style, prints are not a big part of my wardrobe. Mainly because you are restricted with wearability as prints are very noticeable. However you can buy prints that are wearable like animal print, hippy style prints, dark florals, and neutral designs. Wear with sneakers, heels or boots.
14. Striped dress. The reason I love a striped dress is it’s a classic and non offensive - which means it never goes out of style and can be worn over and over again without it being noticeable like a print. Try long shirt styles or fitted styles.
15. Tights or track pants. Comfort is important on your ‘day-off’ and now more than ever active wear and track pants are OK to be worn not just for exercise. I am not a fan of bright coloured, large logos or crazy prints when it comes to leggings as find them very un flattering and unforgiving. Please stick to navy or black or block colours…..loud prints or bright colours do not suit many women.
