LOOK 1

A Stylist's Take On: Dressing For Yourself
A Stylist’s Take: Dressing For Yourself

What happens to be ‘trending’—a very overused term in fashion, we agree—seems to be, well, everything and anything, according to social media. Whether it’s coming from the runway, celebrities, TikTok or the streets, it’s safe to say we’ve reached a tipping point. And this over-saturation of trends leaves us yearning for something a little less ‘phase-y’ and a little more true to ourselves. Forget ‘in’, leave behind ‘out’, and consider mining your existing closet and vintage stores for the clothes of seasons past that are due for re-imagination.

It’s time to liberate yourself from the confines of trends and get back in touch with your own taste to find a style that is uniquely yours—with a little help from me. We get that this all sounds easier said than done, so here’s a stylist’s take on dressing for yourself.

dressing for yourself

DECONSTRUCTED ASYMMETRIC COTTON-JERSEY AND DENIM MINI DRESS, JW ANDERSON, SHOP SIMILAR. CALLIE SHOULDER BAG, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR. TWISTED CRYSTAL RING, GIVENCHY, SHOP SIMILAR. 1970S WEST GERMAN SILVER PLATED LARGE FANCY DOUBLE LINKS BRACELET, SHOP NOW, 80S GOLD PLATED CUBIC ZIRCONIA CLUSTER RING, SHOP SIMILAR, VINTAGE SILVER RING WITH JET PAVE, SHOP NOW, 1960S MODERNIST SILVER YELLOW GOLD RING WITH BLUE SAPPHIRES, SHOP NOW, GEMS ET CETERA. CAMDEN PENTALEGGING, BALENCIAGA, SHOP SIMILAR

Elongating your silhouette head-to-toe works best when you keep to one shade. In this case, with white thigh-high boots. Winterise your whites with a turtleneck underneath a deconstructed slip dress by JW Anderson. This layering makes for effortless elegance with an edge.

A party bag doesn’t need to be limited to nighttime use only. Daytime shine does wonders for denim and daywear, as seen here with this silver chain mail bag from Jimmy Choo. Don’t forget to go double duty with plenty of chunky silver jewellery.

LOOK 2

dressing for yourself

A Stylist's Take On: Dressing For Yourself

SUMMER 23 LK 42 PATCHED BIKINI DRESS, SHOP SIMILAR, CAMDEN PENTALEGGING, SHOP SIMILAR, BALENCIAGA. CALLIE SHOULDER BAG, JIMMY CHOO, SHOP SIMILAR

A bikini and dress in one. I must confess, this skin-baring patched bikini dress by Balenciaga should come with instructions as it did take some time to dress model Olympia. In the end, we did our own interpretation, which is precisely the point.

Consider layering last season’s cut-out dress with a body or catsuit for an instant winter update. If that’s not enough attention-grabbing, go for a bold hue like red as nothing is as seductive. Otherwise, ease in with some splashes of red accessories—a no-brainer for lifting anything neutral.

LOOK 3

A Stylist's Take: Dress For Yourself

SHIRT, COAT,  SHOP SIMILAR, HORSEBIT MOTIF SILK CARRE, SHOP SIMILAR, GUCCI. CROPPED METALLIC KNIT SWEATER, SHOP NOW, METALLIC KNIT TROUSERS, SHOP NOW, SANDRO. OVAL GOLD BROOCH, SHOP SIMILAR, 1970S PIERRE CARDIN WATCH, SHOP NOW, GEMS ET CETERA. FENDI FIRST HANDBAG, FENDI, SHOP SIMILAR. EMERALD ECLIPSE BANGLE, SHOP NOW, CAPRI BRACELET, SHOP NOW, ALINKA. CHYPRE SANDALS, HERMES, SHOP SIMILAR

Vintage-inflected but still contemporary, thanks to the citrusy metallic knitwear combo by Sandro. Whether afternoon cafe or evening lounging, knitwear is a staple for seasons to come. I couldn’t help but pair it with a silk shirt coat and scarf by Gucci. With its classic horsebit motif, it makes for a personal touch.

Hold your bag especially close when it’s an investment piece like this Fendi clutch. It not only has a conversation-starting shape but its timeless construction and versatility will sit above passing trends for years to come.

LOOK 4 & 5

A Stylist's Take On: Dressing For Yourself

LEFT: DRESS, SHOP SIMILAR, AVA BAG IN TRIOMPHE CANVAS, SHOP SIMILAR,  GOURMETTE BRACELET IN BRASS WITH GOLD FINISH, SHOP SIMILAR, CELINE. LARGE MULTIPOINT HOOPS GOLD, SENER BESIM, SHOP NOW. 1970S PIERRE CARDIN WATCH, GEMS ET CETERA, SHOP NOW

RIGHT: RIVE GAUCHE TOWEL TOTE BAG IN TERRY CLOTH, SAINT LAURENT, SHOP SIMILAR

Mini or Maxi. There are really no cons to either silhouette. It’s a personal preference and dependent on what suits your occasion—good thing there are plenty of options in both hemlines. Look out for the maxi low-rise column skirt as a hark back to sleek ‘90s minimalism, or lean into a saucier silhouette like this Celine bib-style mini dress reminiscent of the twee-like Tumblr girl style circa 2010.

LOOK 6

CONTRAST SHEER PANEL DRESS, CHRISTOPHER ESBER, SHOP NOW. LA PARISIENNE NECKLACE IN GOLD FINISHING METAL, WHITE RESIN PEARLS AND MIRRORS, SHOP SIMILAR, DIOR TRIBALES EARRINGS IN GOLD FINISHING METAL, WHITE RESIN PEARLS, SILVER CRYSTALS AND MULTICOLOUR LACQUER, SHOP SIMILAR, CHRISTIAN DIOR. GLAM SANDALS, HERMES, SHOP SIMILAR

Sheer transparency in all forms from lace, silk and mesh fabrics that cling to the body was the biggest style message this season. Celebrating the female form by wearing less can be deeply empowering. However, I can’t help feeling it leaves little to the imagination. Sexy and liberating? Yes. But I’m not sure how far sheer styles can transition to the realities of daily life. To practice wisely, I suggest clever panelling if you’re not ready to bare the nipple or layering sheer jersey tops with lace or leather bralettes for a high-impact but wearable look. Peel off the layers if you dare.

LOOK 7

Dressing For Yourself

CASPIAN COAT, CAMILLA AND MARC, SHOP NOW. CARDIGAN, SHOP SIMILAR, TOILE ICONOGRAPHE LIGHT BRALETTE, SHOP NOW, TOILE ICONOGRAPHE LIGHT SHORTS, SHOP NOW, TOILE ICONOGRAPHE PUMPS IN POLYMER AND PATENT MATERIAL, SHOP NOW, VALENTINO. HOSIERY, VOODOO, SHOP NOW

Give into the temptation for a pair of slingbacks or pumps in a practical kitten heel height. Stylish and smart, they instantly elevate an outfit when worn with just about everything from tailored pants, denim, or midi and mini skirts. For extra cool cred, wear them with sheer black or coloured stockings.

Photography: Sean Slattery
Fashion Director: Aileen Marr
Hair: Christine Tran
Makeup: Lorella Giannini
Fashion Assistant: Kelly Harty
Model: Olympia Christou/Kult

LOOKS WE LOVE:

dressing for yourself

METSA TEXTURED TURTLENECK KNIT, CAMILLA AND MARC, $450, SHOP NOW

GIANT CAGE PEARL EARRINGS, DION LEE, $390, SHOP NOW

AVERIL GATHERED MAXI SKIRT, BEC & BRIDGE, $240, SHOP NOW

PRINTED SILK SCARF, VALENTINO GARAVANI, $360, SHOP NOW

CANDY JODIE BAG, BOTTEGA VENETA, $2,380, SHOP NOW

BELTED PLEATED DENIM MINI SKIRT, DION LEE, $564, SHOP NOW

GABINE LEATHER SLINGBACK PUMPS, CHARLES & KEITH, $133, SHOP NOW

COSMOS KNEE HIGH BOOT, CAMILLA AND MARC, $1,200, SHOP NOW