10 things to consider when shopping and getting dressed.

Inspired by the mothers of What Mums Wear.

Good morning everyone!

This newsletter today is made possible my mother-in-law whose home we’re currently residing in for the next week or so. She is doing all the things grandmothers do and doting on my son, following him outside to the garden in the rain looking for lizards and picking fresh limes off the tree. While I sit on the couch and write this to you – she is one of my biggest fans and a great encourager of my work. Thank you Chrissy!

I must say the new year pressure to post something profound I have learned over the past 365 days has really had me frozen in a state of inadequacy. Which I guess for me is something I do tend to do. I procrastinate rather a long time on whether or not my work does help but you all seem to think so (thank you!), so I push through the noise of my own mind and push out words that I hope are helpful to you. Now, if I think deeply enough about it, what I want to take from a pretty well-rounded 2023 (for me, not the state of our world) – it’s not without its hard lessons on taking care of myself – it’s that after three-ish years into motherhood, getting dressed has become very much a joy for me again and I want to clutch onto that feeling in 2024 and beyond. It’s something we all need to do everyday so rather than marinating myself in negative self talk, wishing my thighs were slimmer/waist was that of my pre-baby self/insert any part that we feel as though should be hidden (note: fashion should not be used to conceal but to celebrate) before stepping into my clothes, I’m focusing on the good – what I enjoy wearing, and not feeling like I need to fit the clothes, but rather the clothes need to fit me. Not the old me, but the Jade, now. Which sounds so simple doesn’t it? Yet, I still find this challenging but enough about the things I don’t want to consider and onto the things that I do –

This generally is the outfit I like wearing all the time. Oversized white cotton shirt (this one is an old fave but here’s one similar from same brand), black elastic waist trousers, sandals and tote.

1. Clothes hold power – they have the ability to shift a bad mood, and even if you’re running off 4 hours sleep and all you want to wear is a tracksuit (or your version of a comfortable staple), make sure it’s your favourite tracksuit. One that feels soft and luxurious and sits just right. If you don’t have one, buy one immediately.

   

   This knit dress is sadly old but here’s the updated design which is much more bra-friendly. I wear this often dressed up or down, layered or worn alone.

2. Don’t leave items “for good” – otherwise you’ll never end-up wearing them. Wear the shoes, the coat, the tee, the dress, the silk pants, the sequinned skirt, and learn how to style them in multiple ways to dress-up or down.

Knit top, the pants I’m constantly obsessing over. As raved about here and worn here with a lace cami.

3. Consider a uniform to help streamline daily dressing – is it jeans, tee and blazer? Activewear with a trench coat? Wide-legged pants and a crisp white shirt? Or a simple slip dress? Discover what styles you feel good in and consider adding variations in the way of layering, swapping a single item, adding jewellery or changing up your accessories.

4. Often it’s better to size up – if it’s too big, you can always get it tailored. In fact, most items look better tailored. If you do go into a physical store, disregard the sizing and instead have a mindset of what falls best. The clothes fit the body, not the other way around.

   

   Forgoing shorts but I love wearing tailored pants (these are my exact ones and on sale!) and a shirt (size up!) and wear this variation a lot.

5. Not all trends or styles will suit you – so don’t beat yourself (or your body) up about it. There are things I just won’t wear. Shorts I love on others but I do not like wearing myself and that is completely fine. There’s nothing ‘wrong’ with my legs, I just prefer midi or maxi length dresses and skirts, so why fight it

   

   Wearing the sundress I think every woman should own and The Row mesh shoe – I did purchase these on eBay and will continue to wear them over summer (tip: if you own these or shoes with a slim sole, highly recommend getting them re-soled immediately or after a couple of wears.).

6. If it is a trend – decide if it’s one you’d like to keep. And if so, dip your toe in first. The easiest example of this is the colour red. If you have always been fond of the bold hue and the current wave of ruby has only solidified this then try a sock, a red lip or nail (as above!) or another low-cost accessory with highly wearability. Assess how that feels then add another piece such as a shoe, or even a dress or shirt in a classic style that adds to its longevity.

7. Think before you buy – are you buying it for or because of the gram. Or do you genuinely like/need this piece. Most of the time, you probably don’t need it nor will you actually wear it for longer than a selfie. Spend time researching the brand, the fabric and determine whether it’s on budget and right for you.

   

   I own this tank in both black and white, and these jeans in multiple colours (size up!).

8. Buy it in every colour – if you find a basic you like, buy it in a couple of colours. Perhaps it’s the perfect tee, a pair of tights, jeans or a shirt, if you are reaching for that item multiple times a week, it’s probably a sign to buy multiples. This also counts for underwear!

9. If you don’t know what you like wearing – track it. I’ve had a few women in our brilliantly smart and chic community who have suggested a wardrobe tracker and this is something I’m currently researching for myself to establish what I wear most and therefore what pieces to invest in or not purchase at all. The apps that have have been suggested are Whering and Smart Closet – let me know if you have any other suggestions for me to look into or if you’re interested in knowing more.

   

   The discovery of this jewellery brand was one of my favourite finds of 2023 (and Gab waller approves!). And these earrings - wow. Also wearing a 100% cotton poplin shirt and butter soft skims dress.

10. Invest in quality jewellery – you won’t regret it. This does not mean spending thousands on every piece but look for earrings that are weighty and made to last, and consider vintage or lab-grown options too. A great piece of jewellery can elevate even the most plain or casual of outfits and instantly add that bit of intrigue with minimal effort.

I’d love to hear if you have any style tips you have learnt?