When I was employed at
Vogue
, previously, the editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman assigned three stylists the task of styling a single piece in three distinct manners. Long before this, we were urged to ”
buy fewer, buy better
And although it preceded the era of “investment” styling, this article eventually turned into one of my favorite pieces that we released during my tenure at the publication.
Those were the times when our lunch breaks consisted of 10-minute intervals.
Pret
, spending 40 minutes at one of numerous quick-fashion outlets just steps away from Vogue House. Every month, we would invariably embark on a Payday Pilgrimage to Topshop.
Oxford Circus
Perhaps Shulman assigning this story was her method of imparting knowledge to her team.
The feature was pioneering, far before our recently acquired understanding in 2024 that maybe it
is
able to achieve numerous additional wearings from our garments prior to purchasing our subsequent items. Now, in my post-
Vogue
Life, I’m constantly advocating for cost-per-wear and questioning “do you
really
Need some more of X, Y, or Z?
That’s why I decided to take up the challenge of selecting four items that most people likely already have in their wardrobe: loafers, a denim skirt, a little black dress, and a winter coat. The aim was to play around with these basics just as one would with those initial pieces mentioned originally.
Vogue
task of ensuring every item works as diligently as possible for both your wardrobe and mine.
What I strive for is to encourage you to take a step back and reflect, regardless of whether you’re browsing online or in a physical shop. At the instant you set your heart on an item, consider pausing before heading to checkout. Understanding how piece A complements B, which then pairs well with C, D, E, and beyond can make you a more savvy consumer. Envision all the occasions where this purchase could be useful, assess if it’ll remain appealing over time, and think about potential changes like weight fluctuations.
In the end, the desire is for shopping this manner to ensure you stay
in
fall in love with your wardrobe for just a little while longer.
Item one: The loafers
Recommended: Leather loafers, £170,
GH Bass
These shoes are actually a rich navy color, approximately eight years old, sourced from Church’s. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need to constantly search for black footwear. Whenever I desire comfort without sacrificing my sense of self-worth, I often turn to loafers. Currently, these versatile shoes can be found virtually anywhere, ranging from budget-friendly stores like Primark to high-end designers such as Prada, available in various interpretations—from sleeker, more delicate versions to bulkier, traditionally masculine models. It’s worth noting that they provide a light touch even with softer-toned outfits. These loafers never demand attention; instead, they blend seamlessly into your ensemble. Accessories such as my handbag or jewelry tend to draw more focus.
I channelled my inner
Emily in Paris
For the third outfit, since an overly long skirt paired with loafers can appear quite matronly, and perhaps due to my renewed interest in miniskirts—consider pairing them with charming polka-dotted tights to inject some liveliness into your ensemble. The plaid vest from By Soren serves as a great additional layer; it was added spontaneously during the photo shoot session. Such garments aren’t meant solely for rural settings—and occasionally, we simply require venturing beyond our typical wardrobe staples.
From a practical standpoint, adding a small heel to loafers provides better support for your feet compared to wearing ballet flats. This means you can walk longer distances comfortably.
1. With tailored separates
Herringbone wool-blend blazer, priced at £350,
Me+Em
; Knit polo shirt, priced at £69,
Albaray
; Cord trousers, £325,
Wiggy Kit
2. Opt for a stylish combination of a smart-casual blazer paired with jeans.
Boucle wool blazer, £99,
John Lewis
; Cotton top, £69,
Baukjen
; Cropped jeans, £195,
Citizens of Humanity
; Leather bag, £330,
Stow London
3. Opt for a miniskirt to achieve a contemporary prep style.
Wool gilet, £260,
By Soren
; Knit polo shirt, priced at £69,
Albaray
; Pleated skirt, £79,
Albaray
Item two: The sophisticated black gown
Recommended: Crepe dress, £149,
Ghost
It wouldn’t be right to exclude the (short or long) little black dress, something numerous women keep in their wardrobes. I hold a special affection for one model from Ghost. Being 5 feet 8 inches tall, I find the length perfect since many dresses end up being too short—this one offers a nice hem with attractive gathering around the chest area (which enhances my appearance of having more cleavage).
Actually, truth be told, each of us requires at least one elegant black dress for clear reasons; however, this doesn’t mean it can only serve as a somber addition to your closet. A vibrant leopard-print jacket—considered essential in fashion trends around 2024—is perfect for making a striking impression when attending gatherings. Leopard patterns complement the classic little black dress beautifully, thus feel free to pair these two anytime inspiration strikes (you could even incorporate accessories like leopard-print headbands, shoes, jackets, or handbags).
I opted for a more relaxed look by pairing the little black dress with a green cord jacket and Veja sneakers (a brand that has significantly stepped up its style lately). However, observe how the dress still forms the base of a rather laid-back ensemble, showing that you don’t necessarily have to reserve it for special occasions or formal events.
Lastly, we have the Granny Chic style. To be honest, even my husband commented, “this is really giving me
Mary Poppins
“Vibes,” but incorporating a statement-making bag (like this one from Radley—a sturdy shearling design)—along with a cozy knit—creates a stylish yet practical ensemble. The boots are what truly lift the overall appearance, so aim to include some modest elevation—personally, I’m still hoping for the ideal pair from Sweethearts of the Rodeo, should anyone happen to know Santa’s contact details.
What we learn here? Enjoy your little black dress (LBD) even more by choosing one that offers flexibility and pairs well with various shoe styles. To address the concern about whether this dress might be chilly during winters: consider adding a turtleneck from Lavender Hill Clothing – these fit seamlessly underneath any outfit, plus layering is currently very fashionable.
1. Party-ready
Cord trench coat, £199,
Albaray
; Leather boots, £230,
Boden
2. Make it casual
Cord jacket, £199,
Poetry
; Leather trainers, £120,
Veja
3. Granny-chic
Lambswool cardigan, £395,
&Daughter
; Leather ankle boots, $195,
Jigsaw
; Shearling bag, chosen from a range,
Radley
Item three: The blue jean skirt
Recommended: Denim skirt, £160,
Mondo Corsini
Denim skirts pose quite a challenge when styling them correctly—too long and flowy, they resemble something from a boho-chic look; make them too tight, and your movement becomes restricted (been there); opt for an overly flared shape, and suddenly you’re channeling the fashions of the 1950s, minus the charm. Thus, finding one that appears contemporary and adaptable is truly beneficial.
This particular skirt features pockets, a high waist, and a row of buttons down the center, allowing me to stay mobile – thanks, Mondo Corsini. Its design makes it versatile enough to pair well with dressy shirts, casual denim tops, tailored blazers, basic T-shirts, as well as both flats and heels. It fit perfectly from the start – earning top marks. Moving ahead to summertime 2025, a denim skirt might also make an excellent choice for traveling since it’s more flexible than regular jeans (I avoid wearing jeans when flying because they feel too bulky).
whole
other article).
1. Stay warm this season with knits and boots
Cashmere jacket, £450,
&Daughter
; Suede boots, £420,
ba&sh
; Gold bracelet in yellow, priced at £6,475,
Lylie
; Gold-plated bracelets, $530
YSSO
2. Smart yet relaxed
Cashmere tank
, £110, and
silk shirt
, $140 for each item from Boden; Leather sneakers, $120,
Veja
3. Create a bold look with dual denim
Denim blouse, £140,
Mondo Corsini
; Suede boots, £495,
Russell & Bromley
Item Four: The Coat That Lasts Forever
Suggested: Coating made of wool blend, priced at £379
Baukjen
It’s neither navy nor black nor camel. This coat comes in a stunning shade of green. My aim was to show that choosing something beyond those typical colors allows you to still adore it, wear it frequently, and rely on it for many years to come.
I’d recommend always trying on any coat to make sure it pairs well with your favorite jeans or casual pants. Then, subject it to the “Will it look good going from the car to the cloakroom?” dressy occasion test. Following that, consider the versatile-formality test. During this season, the coat may be needed for everything from commuting to work to attending a carol service and then heading out for festive gatherings—so it truly needs to serve multiple purposes effectively.
To add some softness to our discussion, let’s not overlook the beauty of Poetry. Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic floor-length skirt—alongside the corduroy jacket I’ve talked about earlier—at what might be described as one of the more understated labels around, known for their subtle yet assured style. The rich emerald-green skirt features an elasticized waistband which paired wonderfully with the jacket, providing just enough heft without being too light; unlike silk, it didn’t feel insubstantial, thus complementing the ensemble perfectly.
I adore when a hint of lace shows from beneath a long coat, but if you’re unsure, try directing attention towards your face with colorful accessories, stunning jewelry, or excellent makeup. (Observe the creamy bow detailing on this Aspiga blouse—the large bow really stands out in this ensemble.)
Ultimately, ensure your outfit can easily fit beneath your coat. We’ve moved beyond the era of cramming multiple thermals into our coats just because we were told to. Here’s what I suggest: begin with a basic vest, layer on a silk shirt next, followed by a sleeveless sweater for extra insulation, and finish with your coat. This way, you’ll stay comfortably warm! Additionally, adjust the number of layers based on the weather conditions—perhaps needing more layers during your morning commute but shedding some before attending a holiday party.
1. Pair with denim trousers
Merino wool tank
, £95, and
satin blouse
, $140, from Aspiga; High-waisted jeans, $200,
Sessun
; Leather ankle boots, $195,
Jigsaw
2. Cloakroom-to-car
Crepe dress, £149,
Ghost
; Silver hoop earrings, priced at £200,
Lylie
; Leather boots, £259,
John Lewis x AWAKE Mode
3. Tonal chic
Denim blouse, £140,
Mondo Corsini
; A silk crepe de Chine skirt priced at £259,
Poetry
; Leather ankle boots priced at £195,
Jigsaw
Ultimate guidance to achieve astute style
Look for items that stand the test of time. Picture yourself in that fitting room and seriously consider: which shoes would complement this outfit? Will I remain at ease after enjoying a delicious curry in it? Could this material make me uncomfortably warm? Does it have sufficient lining to ensure smooth movement without bunching up?
There are numerous queries — however, complete your homework, and you’ll enjoy the rewards. Say goodbye to impulsive buys. Embrace smart fashion instead.
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