Outfit Building - Earlybird edition.
Building outfits around my fave pieces in the Earlybird offer...
A new series I’m trialling- Outfit Building- where I take one Stalf piece and talk you through my step-by-step process of building outfits around it.
This first instalment is going to be slightly different for one big reason- you may have heard- WE HAVE AN OFFER ON!
15% off all made to order items through November when you use the code “EARLYBIRD”… and so, I thought this would be a great opportunity to let you know a couple of my most worn items (which also are included in the discount) and my thoughts on how to build them into your day to day.
Tulip Trousers
Starting with a classic black trouser. The Wide Trousers and the Cocoons are fool-proof, we know that. But the unsung hero of my day-to-day is the Tulip Trousers in black linen (would also be amazing in black double gauze.)
Tulip Trousers available here, Wrapper Jacket in Ice Cream here.
My thought process here is balancing out the width of the trousers. Truly, it depends on your style and whether you’re a fan of oversized fits. I am (I’d have no problem pulling on my Tulip Trousers alongside an oversized sweatshirt) but for a more universal outfit idea here, I’m playing with proportions to “balance out” the width of the trousers. The vest is a given (it’s November people!) incidentally, in Summer, I wore this combo on its own a lot and simply added chunky sandals and some jewellery. On top of the vest, I’m looking for texture/colour. I opted for a pink linen shirt (old high street, sorry!) This particular shirt is atually not that oversized and (crucially) it is softly malleable and fairly longline, thus a great one for layering up. I’ve added the Wrapper Jacket on top. It nips right in at the waist and the small of the back, and is the perfect balance for something with a looser fit on the bottom.
I went for crisp, white trainers with this look. I laced them up super tight and actually tied them round the back for a more streamlined look.
I love the way the Wrapper Jacket pulls a look together. Layered with a shirt in a harmonious colour, the whole vibe is ambient without being boring.
Next up, a quick-fire look for styling the Tulips for evening. This one is not reinventing the wheel, but demonstrates how well the Tulips pair with a heel and a sumptuous blazer for a super-simple but elegant look.
Tulip Trousers worn in black here.
Take the Tulip Trousers. Layer over a lacy bodysuit. Add an oversized blaser (this one is beautiful black velvet with shoulder pads and in two sizes bigger than usual.) Finish with a classic “sock boot” (I didn’t name them!) I went for a low heel and a stretchy fabric material. These ones are about 7 years old, but this particular style is so easy to find second hand. I’d also add chunky gold earrings and perhaps a necklace. Chic, no?
Flutter Blouses.
I’m going to demonstrate my point here with the Flutter Blouse in white double gauze. Simply because it’s classic and it’s my current favourite iteration of this style.
Here’s my theory- when paired with the correct “basic” partner-garment, the Flutter Blouse makes the most scary or wild pieces in your wardrobe work for everyday. The thing about a “scary” piece in your wardrobe that makes it potentially unwearable is often tied to the idea that the garment is wearing you (not the much more preferable reversal of this- we want to command our outfits, not be worn by them.) My approach is always to pair these scary garments with another item that has just the right amount of personality- this garment should partner with the wild card without overpowering it. Let me explain in pictorial format.
First up, layer your Flutter Blouse with that basic, wool cardi we were talking about in my previous article, as below-
Flutter Blouse in white double gauze here.
Now, you have a combo which you can pair with any of your wild-card bottoms.
The blouse has enough personality that it HAS to be a deliberate pairing- do you know what I mean? It’s like you HAVE to have thought the partnership through rather than just throwing on a plain tee. Either that or you’ve thrown it on with such nonchalance that you appear to totally know what you’re doing.
Next, try matching your Flutter Blouse with your favourite, most trustworthy jeans. Here you have a collaboration prepared for your most garish/outlandish jackets/cardigans.
It’s the same logic as above.
As a little bonus point here, the Flutter Blouse in dusty is also perfect with blue denim. Especially when paired with a tonal jumper with the sleeves peeking out. See below.
One last stop whilst I’m chatting Stalf blouses. The Crinkle Blouse. Specifically in black. It’s the perfect top for day with jeans/black bottoms etc. But! It’s also the perfect top for layering over a slip/slinky dress for night time. Here’s my take…
Gathered Flutter Dress
In black double gauze, once again (a favourite of mine at the mo.)
I dressed it down with ballet flats and left it wide and free flowing (felt very scandi.) For evening- a wide belt (this one’s vintage) and a long pair of black suede boots. I love how totally different these two iterations of this dress are.
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So that is the culmination of my styling ideas for today’s instalment, hope you’ve found it helpful!
Paris