Wrap up in a style that shows you mean business
ON THE PARADOX OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD AND FASHION FIXES THAT WORK HARD FOR EVERY DAY
Ask any well-presented mother what her secret weapon is when it comes to getting dressed in the morning and she’ll probably tell you a great coat or jacket. It may be the last thing you throw on but it’s first thing others see, a periennal classic in between seasons with clever layering and the sweet spot between structure and ease.
My decade-old curation is testament to the fact that a good one lasts forever. In fact, I’d argue that well-worn, well-cut styles feel more at home.
This week I’ve focused on a small edit of statement styles rather than looks, now that most us are back flexi-working and need a smart/casual uniform on the run.
Mine is a softly structured number with lots of give in it from Zara’s Join Life offering, slung over over pair of smart jeans and a soft rib turtleneck. It’s easy armour for instant polish, adding sharpness to softer pieces when time is precious and you have spilled Corn Flakes and tantrumfuelled montessori drop offs to contend with in the morning. Sling it on and you can start the day on a high note knowing you have successfully mastered the tricky art of hybrid dressing.
Choosing the right style and fit is serious business and generally depends on whether you love investment classics or affordable trend-driven pieces. My outlook on the latter has definitely shifted from buying more to buying fewer and better since the pandemic but I still love the high street in moderation, especially the sustainable offerings.
I’m pretty amazed by the diverse range of brands that align with my new mindset and how so many of them hold a special place in people’s hearts when I talk about them. Boden, Marks & Spencer and Monsoon are beloved stalwarts for sustainability, while H&M and Zara are the conscious collections du jour.
On home turf, S.l.o.w Street, The Landskein and Kindred of Ireland design beautiful, timeless statement jackets along with old-school favourites like The Tweed Project, which has always stayed true to its vision for designing forever pieces.
Ultimately, I think it’s about finding a happy medium between style and sustainability. You want staple pieces that spark joy and work for you and your lifestyle, but that don’t cost the earth