The new season is always accompanied by the formidable urge to clear out last year's seasonal wardrobe and replace it with whatever trends the social media crowd are rocking that week. Although there is value in buying into trends that repeat season after season, falling for fleeting styles that go out as quickly as they came in, is not only detrimental to your bank account, it isn’t great for the planet either.
The trick is to build a staple wardrobe with essentials that can be styled up or down and worn time after time to maximise on value and to ensure there is longevity in every purchase. We have teamed up with Lone Design Club who share their top styling tips to build a timeless wardrobe and walk you through wardrobe essentials we can't live without.
The Blazer
The blazer is the ultimate staple in any wardrobe, we can get tricked into thinking that this piece is reserved for super high-key or formal occasions, but they are way more versatile than that. The formal nature of a blazer lends itself to be the go-to piece for any ‘smart-casual’ dress code, perfect to style up or down to adapt to any situation, a styling secret used by the Instagram ‘it’ girls and stylists alike. It also becomes the perfect wardrobe essential due to the fact it is somewhere between a coat and a jacket, enabling you to layer over a t-shirt in the spring or a turtle neck in the winter.
Get your blazer in a neutral hue or a timeless black shade to ensure that you can style with any look. We love the Rose Jacket by Paula Nadal, a structured shape with feminine details can be paired with the matching Rose Trousers to create a power suit with a Parisian edge, alternatively layer over a slip dress for a 90s inspired feel. Aggi's Isabella blazer is perfect to match with jeans and a simple white t-shirt for a sophisticated off duty look with an abundance of style, add trainers to keep it casual or heels if you're heading into town. If oversized is more your style, the Alex blazer by Ketevanna features a contemporary relaxed fit in menswear inspired grey check, channeling wall street with a high fashion edge; match with the Alex trousers for the full look and pair with trash planets white billie trainers for a street style inspired ensemble.
The White Shirt + T-shirt
The word essential was made for the white shirt & T-shirt, key pieces that are so versatile you can basically make them whatever you want. Style a white shirt with jeans and trainers for a classic put together weekend look, wear oversized with wide leg trousers or a skirt for an effortlessly romantic feel or layer under a sweater and match with straight leg trousers and loafers for a smart yet stylish outfit - the possibilities are quite literally endless! The same goes for a crisp white t-shirt; layer under a blazer or slip dress to transform your formal pieces into everyday looks- you simply can’t go wrong.
Go classic with the Organic White Boyfriend Shirt by Fallow, a luxe organic cotton texture and oversized fit elevate the overall look, a go-to time after time. Add a little drama with the 3 layer organza white shirt by Chen Chen, layered organza cuffs fan out to create a highly stylised finish, perfect to layer under a silky slip dress or pair with wide leg trousers for a day to night look fit for any occasion. Elevate your T-shirt game with the optimist t-shirt by Birdsong, ethically made in London this positive tee is going to bring a smile to your face with each wear.
Well Fitting Trousers
We put emphasis on the 'well fitting' because if they fit you well, it makes for a good investment and also ensures you ALWAYS have something to wear. Good trousers are a key piece for transitional seasons when bare legs aren’t always a guarantee, from formal, casual and everything in-between a well fitting pair of trousers can be worn until they can’t be no more - and even then, everyone knows someone who can sew up a hole or two.
The book equips you with a myriad of ways to mend, rewear and breathe new life into your wardrobe to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. Sadly, the fashion industry still has plenty to do to up its game in the way of sustainability, but what’s great about this book is that it is full to the brim with actionable tips. Teaching you to scrutinise your shopping habits and make sustainable purchases, she will inspire you to “buy better, care more and reduce your carbon footprint by making your loved clothes last longer”.
Our favourite wide leg trousers for the season come from Aggi, in the form of the Andie pants - black trousers will never go out of style, and the flattering bow tie at the waist and exaggerated wide leg lends itself to styling with heels, trainers, loafers... the list goes on. Jeans are also a timeless piece that you know will remain a go-to in your wardrobe forever, Fanfare use re-purpose materials to create high quality pieces that will last. The Face embroidered jeans are full of personality and the classic mum cut will ensure they are a staple in your wardrobe.
Sneakers
No matter your style, age or gender, sneakers are a must have for any wardrobe. They aren't just a go-to for any day time look, they can change the whole aesthetic of an outfit. Depending on the sole to trainer ratio, lace up or velcro, black or white, they can convey a whole style and mood just from the ankle down. Buying into the right pair means you can effortlessly style any outfit; match with a summer dress and gold jewellery for a cool take on a feminine fit or pair with jeans and a blazer for the ultimate smart-casual feel. New LDC brand Trash Planet creates recyclable sneakers in a rage of colours and styles that are perfect for spring. Or if you prefer things on the maximalist side of life, Ganor Dominics face embossed sneakers are the perfect addition to a striking look.
Timeless Jewellery
Investing in essential staples for your jewellery collection is a good idea for so many reasons, with the right pieces you can elevate any look, day or night and will have jewellery that will last for years to come. Jewellery trends come and go just like any other fashion so it’s best to invest in simple yet statement pieces that will stand the test of time whilst adapting to any trend. The perfect example of this is the Bella chunky rectangular gold earrings by sustainable jewellery brand Amadeus, the modern chunky take on the classic gold hoop is contemporary yet timeless. The tiny initial necklace by A Metal Story is also a modern yet everlasting piece for your collection, the initial charm adds personality whilst the subtle gold chain is elegant and wearable. Wear alone for a dainty addition to a dressy look or layer with chunky chains over a white shirt for an edgy everyday feel.
About Lone Design Club
Lone Design Club, founded in 2018, is where independent brands and conscious shoppers meet. It started by creating short term concept stores appearing for 1-2 weeks at a time, first around London and then internationally, where designers are in-store telling you first-hand accounts of how the product was designed and made. Shortly after, Lone Design Club launched its online store, giving our community a new avenue to discover and shop independent fashion and lifestyle brands with traceable and mindful practices, selling exclusive and one of a kind items incomparable to that on the high street. Discover brand stories, values and shop the very best in sustainable and ethical independent fashion and lifestyle at lonedesignclub.com.
