As the pandemic lingers on and on, and with winter setting in, we asked 10 stylish women about the items in their wardrobe that spark joy. Because, frankly, we’ll take it where we can get it.
Arielle Davies, luxury public relations director, loves her statement heels
“I purchased these Amina Muaddi Begum slingbacks as a ‘self gift’ for my 30th birthday earlier this year. I usually dress in a monochrome palette, so I’ve always found that the best way to incorporate colour into my wardrobe is through accessories. I’m a bit of a magpie, and I’m easily attracted to anything that sparkles, but also love that the transparent green feels unexpected – like a modern Cinderella slipper.”
Zara Wong, content strategist and editor at Mecca, loves her Dries Van Noten feathered skirt
“Feathers are the one embellishment that I just can’t resist; I love the movement, the drama, the colour – it’s that something extra. I bought this skirt on a trip to Antwerp where I went to interview Dries Van Noten – he’s one of my favourite designers, so I wanted to mark the occasion (…being a bit of a fashion nerd!) by making a purchase from his flagship store.
It’s the very definition of ‘more is more’ but somehow, it doesn’t speak to a certain trend or era – it surpasses seasons so it’s basically timeless, to me. It’s the physical, sartorial embodiment of a piece that spells out JOY to me.
Felicity Brand, fashion buyer at Mode Sportif, loves her Loewe slogan t-shirt
“I collect slogan t-shirts and this one was one of my first true designer purchases as a buyer in London for Harvey Nichols. Whenever I put it on, it reminds me of a busy and exciting time in my life buying in Paris and Milan… Also: anyone who knows me also knows how much truly LOVE toast!”
Lucy Wood, stylist, loves her pink Sandro high-waisted pants
“I bought these pants a few years ago at a sample sale. I’d had my eye on them after I styled them into a shoot for InStyle magazine that year, and I ended up buying the matching blazer as well. It was a spur-of-the-moment purchase that has ended up becoming one of my favourite items. The way that these pants are just so perfectly tailored in the most relaxed way – I’ve never found a better pant since. Plus, as a lover of colour, this vibrant pink is just the trick to get me out of a slump.”
Ella Blinco Jury, stylist assistant, loves this Bec + Bridge tropical shirt
“I bought this Bec + Bridge top after seeing the sample on a shoot, about a year and a half ago. I’m a sucker for party shirt and fell in love with the colours and print. The fact that it’s a beautiful soft silk makes it even better – and it’s perfect for hot Australian summers. It always brings me joy because of the colourful tropical print.”
Alanna Quin, co-founder of The Ayu, loves her flowy Collina Strada dress
“This Collina Strada dress always makes me happy – it’s like wearing a rainbow. It’s super soft to wear, is loose but with an open back and is crafted with rose silk made from recycled rose petals which is pretty special. I didn’t buy it for any special occasion – I’m a firm believer in not keeping things in your closet to wear for those occasions but whenever you feel like it!”
Jade Sarita Arnott, designer at Arnsdorf, loves her bright Arnsdorf skivvy
“My everyday style is usually classic wardrobe staples with an element of surprise, whether that’s through proportion or an unexpected detail. When I need a lift or want to wear something that brings me joy, I use the power of colour. My merino skivvy in Apple instantly elicits these feelings for me. I wear it as a layering piece in winter to add brightness. Here, I’m wearing mine with my Arnsdorf Faye Top.”
Danielle Gay, beauty director of Gritty Pretty, loves her Low Classic blazer
“The piece of clothing that brings me the most joy also happens to do some serious heavy-lifting in my wardrobe. It’s a simple, black blazer by the Seoul-based brand Low Classic. It’s the perfect boxy shape and it’s not too structured, so it looks great with trousers or thrown over denim, and it even works with a dress. I bought it in early 2018 and all these years later, I still wear it at least twice a week—a true wardrobe staple.”
Ana Piteira, founder of Reliquia, Aeyre, Blanca, Valet Studio and Sueno Communications, loves her Sea NY coat
“This patchwork coat by Sea New York has been my go-to this winter. I love that it’s lighter and brighter than my other winter coats, and who wouldn’t love feeling like their bringing their duvet to work?”
Sarah Leaf, public relations director at Leaf Communications, loves her Ganni suit
“This GANNI suit is a recent purchase, but it’s already on high rotation in my wardrobe. I love wearing suits and co-ords to work – they’re so effortless and easy to dress up or down. It was the interesting and modern silhouette of this pinstripe GANNI suit that made me add to cart! I love this fresh take on pinstripe and the cool cut of the jacket.
“I’ve already worn it dressed up with heels, as a set with boots, the blazer with jeans and loafers and the pants with an oversize knit and sneakers. I know I’ll be wearing it for seasons to come and can’t wait to try with a chunky sandal when the weather heats up in spring.”
Sandy Dao, creative director of Real Living magazine, loves her tailored co-ords from Toteme
“I bought this Toteme ensemble at the beginning of 2020, purely because I loved the Boucle fabric and I knew it would be a timeless edition to my wardrobe. Not only am I an admirer of the label’s aesthetic, but it’s just one of those pieces that instantly makes me feel confident. It brings me joy because I know that it will be a treasured. There are many memories to be had in this ensemble – and it’s not going to end up in landfill.”
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