7 RULES FOR TIMELESS STYLE
There are some women who, despite their age, have a quality about them that feels effortless and ageless. You get the impression that they were dressing the same way 20 years prior and likely looked just as sartorially relevant during that decade as they do today. Their sense of style has more to do with knowing what works for them and sticking to it than it does their age. That's not to say they don't dress for their age, but they don't let "what you're supposed to wear" dictate how they present themselves to the world.
Intrigued by what goes into achieving this timelessness that some women seem to naturally possess, we set out on a mission to study them with the purpose of honing in on specific tips. Ultimately, we narrowed it down to seven rules that they all follow.
1. They don't focus on trends
Wearing pieces and outfit combinations that never go out of style (eg. a black turtleneck, straight-leg jeans and ankle boots) ensures you'll never look like you're trying too hard. Effortlessness is key for timeless style.
2. They avoid sloppy silhouettes
Although oversize looks are a current trend, tailored pieces are the number one way to achieve polish, which timeless women always have.
3. They stick to classic shoe styles
Look at any timeless woman's shoe collection and you'll find an array of chic, classic footwear like loafers, ankle boots and block-heel pumps.
4. They have a go-to outfit formula
You'll never hear a timeless woman complain that she has nothing to wear. The reason? She has a go-to outfit formula that works for a variety of occasions and always makes her feel confident.
5. They don't over-accessorise
Wearing too many accessories at once can ruin a look, but timeless women stick to a select few sleek options that will only enhance their outfits.
6. They invest in outerwear
Since we wear outerwear on repeat and it's the first thing everyone sees, timeless women know to focus their wardrobe budgets on this all-important piece - and it shows. Gorgeous, versatile outerwear makes any outfit look more expensive and pulled together.
7. They stick to flattering looks
Timeless women know what works for their body and only wear pieces that will flatter it.
Staple Style File: Chrystelle Audette
The newest instalment in the Staple Style File series features Chrystelle Audette, a multi-talented actor/blogger/cosplayer/content creator based in Melbourne. Chrystelle was kind enough to answer a few questions about her jobs, her style and where she finds inspiration.
Chrystelle wears the Shadow Wrap Midi Dress
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
I've been working in the fashion industry since 2009 and feel like I've done it all! From model, fit model, fashion designer, costume designer to graphic designer and most recently, content creator.
I've always been creative and most recently moved onto another passion of mine, acting. After being featured in a few commercials, I was lucky enough to be cast in the upcoming SBS limited series, Hungry Ghosts, for a small role coming out later this year.
2. How would you describe your style?
My personal style really depends on my mood that day. Sometimes I'll wake up feeling a little beatnik or goth, so I'll it's classic black for that day. Other times I might feel a little girly so will style in some pinks or florals.
Chrystelle wears the Odyssey Belted Shirt Dress
3. What are you inspired by?
I don't believe there's a limit on inspiration. So anything and everything inspires me. From music, to art, to movies, to simply seeing an interesting person on the street!
4. What's your favourite trend for this season?
I'm absolutely loving all the hair accessories. The 80's and 90's style clips and super thick headbands definitely complete any outfit. Soft utility dressing is also a favourite. Softening up a trend with predominantly has been quite masculine.
5. Where did you shoot these images?
A few of my friends and I love to stay creative. Occasionally we'll have a wine and craft day with paints, so much fun, or just go for a drive and shoot content. A lot of my images are shot at locations we've accidentally stumbled across. We do often drive aimlessly to find a location, and it's all part of the fun.
Chrystelle wears the Isla Jumpsuit
IN THE TRENCHES
The trench coat is a wardrobe staple, and for good reason. Perfectly balancing comfort and style, a trench instantly updates and polishes even the most casual outfits.
Gold Coast-based stylist and content creator Sarah Johnston styles the new Atlas Trench Coat. Designed in a fresh stone shade and a soft, light fabrication that's perfect for spring, it's the ideal final piece to elevate a simple jeans and tee look.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
POLKA DOT TREND 2019
The print that never seems to go out of style - polka dots are chic and classic, and depending on how you style them, edgy and elegant all at the same time. In the words of Marc Jacobs, "there is never a wrong time for a polka dot."
Wear a spotty slip skirt with a simple white tee or a slouchy knit, or wear them head-to-toe in a feminine midi dress. An outfit all in itself, the polka dot midi requires little to no styling - grab your white sneakers or sandals and a straw bag and you've got an instant outfit that's perfect for work or weekend.
Feeling bold? Clash polka dots in different sizes and colours, or pair stripes and spots for an on-trend look that's cool and effortless.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR KNITWEAR
Good quality knitwear pieces are an essential part of any woman's winter wardrobe, not only for their ability to keep you warm and cosy when the temperature drops, but also for how versatile they are. Caring for your these pieces can seem a little daunting at first, but looking after them properly will ensure they remain as beautiful as the day you bought them.
1. How to wear
Knitted fabrics are of course delicate and prone to pulls and snags, so care should be taken when wearing to avoid snagging on jewellery, fingernails or hardware. If you do happen to create a pull, carefully cut it in half so you have 2 threads. Gently yet firmly, tie them together in a double knot, and carefully trim the ends. Give it a quick iron and the knit should look as good as new.
2. How to wash
Always check the care label on your knitwear, as some fabrics are safe to be machine washed on a gentle cycle, while others will need to be hand washed. Use a specialised detergent for wool, as it's gentle on delicate fabrics. Mix the detergent in warm water and submerge the garment for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
3. How to dry
Care should be taken when drying wool, as the wet fabric can easily stretch out of shape. To dry properly, lay the wet knit on a dry towel, and gently roll up to squeeze out excess water. Lay flat on a fresh towel away from sunlight until dry.
4. How to iron
Not all knitwear requires ironing, but washing can fluff up the wool fibres and some thinner fabrics can become creased, so a quick iron will have your knits looking like new again. It's best to use a steamer to work out the wrinkles, or use the wool setting on your iron with plenty of steam.
5. How to store
Knitwear should always be gently folded and stored in a drawer or on a shelf. They should never be hung on a coat hanger, as the weight of the knit can stretch out the shape. When packing away at the end of winter, ensure they are freshly washed and stored in an airtight container with a small pouch of dried lavender, which will keep moths away and prevent your knits from smelling musty.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
NEW SEASON COLOURS
Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it longer days, warmer weather, and a new colour palette to inspire your wardrobe.
The 2019 Pantone Colour of the Year is Living Coral - a vibrant and fun, yet soft and mellow shade that suits all skin tones and pairs back well with neutrals. Pantone describes it as "embracing us with warmth and nourishment", making it the perfect shade to wear into the new season.
Coral pairs perfectly with beige, which has also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in 2019. Once just a complementary shade to play down stronger, punchier colours, this year beige has been worn head-to-toe for refined and relaxed elegance. Wear it alone, or wear it with a pop of coral for the ultimate Spring 2019 look.
Scroll down for outfit inspiration on how to wear these new season shades:
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
WHY THE MIDAXI HEM IS THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD WEAR THIS WINTER
We're no stranger to a made-up fashion word. Throughout our sartorial travels, we occasionally encounter trends or movements so specific; they come with their own descriptor.
(Think you've escaped the influence of the fashion portmanteau? Think: Athleisure, shrobing and troulottes).
But now there's another fashion mash-up on our radars - one that we're happy to add to our styling vocab: midaxi.
Just as it sounds, 'midaxi' is a mix between 'midi' and 'maxi', in reference to hemlines. The perfect 'midaxi' falls below the mid-calf range of 'midi', but above the floor-grazing limits of the 'maxi'.
The perfect three-inch strip of skin that says 'Yeah this dress is pretty long, but at least I don't need to hitch up the hem to climb stairs'. There's a little bit of 'I might have scandalised a dandy in 1890, but this flash of ankle would have won me a husband in 1918' in there too.
"Midaxi - a length once considered only suitable for librarians - is perhaps the most stylish, versatile and sensible hemline this season" divulges ELLE's Market Editor, Samantha Wong.
"Don't dismiss librarian-chic entirely, the midaxi is worn best paired with a blazer and pumps - alternatively, embrace the offbeat length with a tall boot."
"For cold, early morning commuters whose offices are cranked to sauna-like temperatures, the midaxi hem is your chic saving grace," says Wong.
5 PIECES YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS
With the change in season and the promise of warmer weather just around the corner, it's the perfect time to re-evaluate and freshen up your wardrobe. The best way to start is to establish 5 key pieces that will form the foundation of your style. These pieces are ideally classic in shape and colour, can be mixed and matched with nearly everything else you own, and can be reworked for different occasions, whether it be to the office, on weekends or after-5.
The dress
A statement dress is a must in any woman's wardrobe. The Savannah Midi Shirt Dress is a perfect staple piece, the animal print is fresh and trending, yet classic. Throw a stylish black coat over the top while it's still cool, and pair with minimal sandals for when spring rolls around.
The skirt
A black midi skirt never goes out of style, and the number of ways it can be worn is only limited to your imagination. The Veronica Midi Skirt comes in a high-quality ponte fabrication, and the A-line fit is universally flattering. Wear with a cosy knit, a simple tank, or a delicate camisole. The possibilities really are endless.
The knit
A cosy knit is a must for those chilly winter days. The Mellow Crop Cardigan is a firm favourite for its ability to be worn multiple ways. Wear it buttoned up as a top, undone over a tee or tank, or even worn backwards for a unique take on the humble cardi.
The blazer
Every outfit becomes instantly more chic with a blazer over the top. The monochromatic houndstooth print of the Metro Blazer is an instant classic, and looks great paired with the matching pant, or simply thrown over a tee and jeans for an updated weekend look.
The pant
A pant in a matching or complementary colour and print to your blazer are a must. The Metro Pant works just as well with the matching blazer as it does with a blouse or knit in a neutral or pop colour. Wear them together as a set for work, or style them for the weekend with a knit or t-shirt and sneakers.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
Staple Style File: Sarah Johnson
Gold Coast-based stylist and influencer Sarah Johnson, recently shot the Staple the Label Prime Jacket and Prime Pant on location at the Calile Hotel in Brisbane - the modern lines and neutral tones made for the perfect backdrop accentuating her effortless style.
Speaking casually, Sarah discusses her style and where she finds inspiration for her work.
How would you describe your style?
Fifty shades of white? Haha.
For how long have you been a stylist?
I have been working as a stylist for nearly 3 years now.
What are you inspired by?
Texture and movement in nature excites my creative energy. I usually plan my work around the environment I wish to shoot in, and from there I build an outfit to cohesively become a part of it. I have mild OCD with things being 100% aesthetic.
Where did you shoot these images?
At the beautiful Calile Hotel in Brisbane. I love the architecture of this building and all the fine details and creamy textures.
What's your favourite trend for this season?
Statement sleeves.
This season's key colour?
Seafoam green and...ecru of course, because I couldn't leave out a tone of white.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.
ELYSE KNOWLES WEARS STAPLE THE LABEL FOR MYER
Tonal colours, cosy layers and luxurious textures such as knit and faux fur are popular looks this season. Current trends for autumn move away from stark black and grey monochrome and into warmer, more neutral shades of beige and brown; and classic prints such as animal and check.
Elyse Knowles wears our Cloud Nine Knit, Tanit Slip Skirt and Fleetwood Faux Fur Jacket
Elyse Knowles wears our Coupe Blazer and Coupe Belted Pants
The Coupe check print suit is a favourite this season. Functional and fully lined, the Coupe Blazer is designed in a brown heritage check and features tortoiseshell buttons. The fit is relaxed, so it works perfectly dressed down with your favourite denim, or matched with the Coupe Belted Pant.
Elyse Knowles wears our Nordic Faux Fur Bomber
Myer ambassador, Elyse Knowles, is featured here wearing Staple the Label for the latest campaign.
Written by Rachel James, Content Editor & Community Manager at Staple the Label.