It’s a combination of the usual day to day ones as well as things I didn’t quite get to before I left.

Often time away will reset my perspective — at least for a brief time. I’m noticing that now too and trying to figure out what to make of it.

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Last time I talked about discovering the versatility of denim knee length shorts (aka Bermuda shorts) on my trip —

They are super comfortable — feeling just like your favourite pair of jeans. Which means that when it gets a bit warmer you can throw them on any time as if they are.…and because they provide more leg coverage they are appropriate when shorter shorts just wouldn’t work.

In this vein I want to take a look at some of the other pieces that worked well while I was away.

But to summarise, the old faithfuls — sneakers, boxer short set and small cross body bag — kept on delivering nicely alongside my new Bermudas.

Sneakers

Walking was a big part of the trip so sneakers were a non negotiable and I had plans to purchase a specific pair on arrival in Italy.

I had a pair of the exact same sneakers with me but in a different colour. Although they still looked okay they had lost a lot of their internal support and I needed to replace them.

But as I found out the new sneakers, although widely available online weren’t stocked in stores in Milan — which is weird because they’re Italian.

This made a supposedly quick and straightforward purchase much less so. I didn’t have a lot of time so I made myself choose the first pair that felt and looked good.

The ones I bought ended up being a staple throughout the trip, so they worked out really well. They were super comfortable after the first day of wear and because they’re neutral in colour they went with most things.

Most things — except for my new Bermuda shorts. For me when I paired the longer length shorts with the closed in silhouette of a sneaker the outfit looked a bit heavy and unbalanced.

Boxer short and shirt set

I’ve talked about these before and the trip only consolidated my thinking further -

A set like this looks polished. Because the pieces match it somehow echoes the pulled together look of a suit, and yet you are cool and comfortable. You can easily split this set as well…[with the shirt being especially wearable on its own].

Small cross body bag

Normally when I travel I take my every day bag with me as hand luggage along with a tote bag.

Once I arrive at my destination I swap the bag for a small cross body bag and virtually never bring it out again until it’s time to fly home.

This time though, I left my everyday bag at home.

I carried my passport, wallet and other valuables inside my cross body which I either wore or stored in the tote. It worked like a dream and now I wonder why I ever thought it was necessary to bring my every day bag at all.

Either way the cross body has always done the job — holiday or otherwise.

It’s functional and practical. It keeps my phone, room key, lipstick and whatever else within easy reach while leaving me hands free.

At the same time its understated style adds a layer of interest to the rest of what I’m wearing.

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And now over to you. Do you have any travel staples to share? Or anything you’ve found that really doesn’t work when you’re away? I would love to hear.

Thank you so much for reading it means the world to have you here. Please know that I truly value every like, comment and share.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

As always these places put me (in a good way) into sensory overload. Scenery, architecture and objects almost too beautiful to take in, the incredible flavours of local produce and the singsong sound of the Italian language (or English spoken with an Italian accent). These are just a few of the experiences that grabbed me.

Two other elements added to the singularity of my time there. First, it was incredibly hot — as in heatwave hot. Second, being August it was the time that Italians have their summer holidays. As a result the streets were relatively empty especially in Milan.

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This is the brief backdrop and now that I’ve set the scene I want to talk about what I actually wore. Which in a word was shorts.

Both the mid length denim shorts I purchased before last year’s summer trip and the boxer short set I’ve had for years.

But also and often — knee length shorts.

The fact is I’ve come to realise longer or Bermuda shorts — especially denim ones —actually have a lot going for them. So much so that I purchased not one but two pairs when I was away and wore them a lot.

This despite having previously expressed doubts (read here).

So — what then can knee length shorts offer us?

First they are super comfortable — feeling just like your favourite pair of jeans. Which means that when it gets a bit warmer you can throw them on any time as if they are.

Next because they provide more leg coverage they are appropriate when shorter shorts just wouldn’t work. Think a smart lunch or dinner or when travelling for example. Possibly even in a professional setting depending on the dress code — see Lisa Ing Marinelli on Instagram for more on that.

A skirt or dress might be the natural choice for many when the weather heats up and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s just that to my mind Bermudas are cooler, more modern and altogether more interesting. A fresh silhouette if you like.

They are also super versatile since they can be dressed up or down. By day wear them with a barely there flat slide or flip flop or by night with a strappy heel.

All of which is to say that come spring summer — I’ll be wearing longer shorts. Of course I’m not abandoning my shorter ones completely, after all I still love them.

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I would love to hear your thoughts, do you wear longer shorts? If not would you?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this post and for sharing, liking and commenting. Your support really means the world.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

I’m in Sardinia in the second week of my trip, more specifically Arzachena in the north of the island in this incredible see through workspace at the resort where we are staying —

The island — or at least the small part of it we have seen — is of course beautiful serving up continuous dry heat, blue skies, striking rock formations and fabulous fresh produce. Small towns are dotted throughout, some catering to tourists others just sleepy.

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One of the things I love most about being on this side of the world is the opportunity to experience fashion and style in a way that isn’t available in Australia.

At home we don’t have access to the array of fashion brands on offer in Europe or the US. We have the big luxury names you might expect, the worldwide chain stores and of course some fantastic local brands.

In between though there isn’t much so it can be hard to find something that feels interesting or different. As a result I don’t shop for clothes that much at home.

But a bricks and mortar shopping experience awaits for the last week or so of my trip and it goes without saying that I’m really looking forward to it.

At the same time I’ve been thinking about what it is that actually prompts me to buy something when I come face to face with it.

There isn’t a lot of scope for this kind of analysis in the online shopping scenario. Because most things are returnable the act of making a choice is less fraught, less risky. And probably also less informed since product descriptions and images are patchy at best.

You might well ask what is the point of thinking about all of this?

Well — I figure if I’m more conscious of what triggers my decision to buy something it might lead to a more considered outcome.

Of course I like to think that each time I make a purchase it is in fact intentional. But when time is short, distractions are many and choices are overwhelming — like they are on a trip — it sometimes doesn’t turn out that way.

So maybe this can act as some kind of preventative for buyers remorse. It’s a feeling I definitely want to avoid particularly when I’m back at home tens of thousands of miles away from the point of purchase.

What then do these reasons look like?

An item I need…

The simplest of motivations I think occurs when I’m looking for a specific item I ‘need’.

Let’s face it I don’t need anything.

But despite this I am looking for an every day bag to replace the one I’ve been using for the last few years.

I’ve done some research and figured out the kind of thing I want. I’m hoping this will enable me to stay focussed and make it a relatively straightforward exercise.

An item I’m drawn to…

Liking an item, feeling a pull towards it seems an obvious precondition to purchasing it.

It means that the piece aligns with your personal taste whether that’s a conscious process or not. Ideally it also reflects the way you like to dress.

A pair of white loafers purchased on a trip two years ago fits this bill for me. They are super comfortable and go with a lot so I just about live in them —

But being drawn to something isn’t always a failsafe. On a trip last year I purchased a gorgeous hand made scarf — the problem was it just didn’t gel with the rest of my wardrobe.

An item that is more expensive at home…

Whilst there are no bargains over here it is possible to save a substantial amount on prices at home.

This specific temptation then is a familiar one.

My proposed approach to counter it is to keep in mind what I can actually use. After all there’s no value in an item I’m not going to wear — whatever the cost.

An item that I want to wear right away…

No matter how well I pack I usually hit a wall at some point on the trip.

I might get sick of wearing the limited clothing that I’ve brought or just feel like I want something fresh.

The problem here is that what works on a holiday might not work at home. So again it’s a case of being conscious of what will serve me in real life.

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Does any of this sound familiar? I’d love to know what makes you buy something, holidays or not.

Thank you all for continuing to read, like and comment on what I write. Your loyalty and feedback means the world to me!

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

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This makes packing much easier and tells me that a matter-of-fact attitude doesn’t go astray as far as personal style is concerned.

But it’s not that alone — I’ve been creating outfits with my own pieces via Pinterest. (PS not Pinterest sponsored!:)). The ability to see my clothes in this way takes a lot of the guesswork out of deciding what to take away with me.

My normal packing strategy

It’s a sharp contrast to the way I normally pack for a summer holiday.

I don’t actually own a lot of hot weather clothes because I tend to focus on trans seasonal pieces that I can wear year round.

When I go away I take most of the little that I have, convincing myself that they will all work because, well I’m going into summer and they’re my summer clothes.

But often they don’t. Take my burgundy leather bermuda shorts for example. Although I get reasonable wear out of them at home if I take them away they usually end up sitting in the suitcase.

They just feel too hot for outdoors during the day. And they don’t pair naturally with a lot of my other things because it’s not a colour I normally wear —although I do love it.

In the context of a day to day wardrobe this is fine but on a summer holiday they don’t really earn their place.

My new packing strategy and why it works

So my packing strategy is new but does it make a difference?

The answer to that is a big yes.

Why? Because it allows me to identify what pieces do go with a lot and what might be missing.

My trip will involve the following and more —

• sightseeing/ exploring/ shopping/ people watching

• time at the beach or pool

• walking/ hiking

For me the most challenging category to dress for is the first one. Because I’ll be walking a lot comfort is key and yet I still want to stay cool — in every sense of the word.

Cue Pinterest. For me the below clearly shows —

• which pieces go well together

• the potential for other outfit options (eg I could swap the shorts in outfits one and two or wear different shorts in outfit three)

• what another pair of sneakers would add (I don’t own the middle ones but they definitely work. With my blue pair having done a gazillion steps I’ll probably seek out this new option when I’m away).

Does any of this resonate with you? Do you have a packing method that works? Is there a holiday wardrobe category that you find especially challenging? Let’s chat!

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A huge thank you for reading, it truly means so much to me.

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Next time I’ll be coming to you from Italy!!

I’ll see you then, bye for now.

x

Jennie

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Deciding on where to go, how to get there and where to stay. Researching the options.

Then there’s the issue of what to pack, which begs the really big question — what to wear?

Thinking about, imagining and looking forward to the trip throughout.

The thing is you can really stretch out the process of planning a trip, going into each variable as widely or deeply as you like. Or not.

But when it comes to the travel itself it’s a completely different story. Of course time waits for no-one. But on a holiday it seems to evaporate at speed.

With a trip to Italy planned for next month I’m in pre travel mode right now.

I’m sure it won’t come as a surprise to learn that this stage usually sees me spending a decent chunk of time figuring out just what I am going to wear.

If it’s a summer holiday involving a lot of incidental walking — as this one does — a few questions normally plague me.

Except this time not so much because, well — I think I’ve finally resolved them.

Walking sandals

Is there such a thing as a sandal I can walk in all day? That is also stylish?

I have never been able to find the kind of sandal I’m describing. So I’ve decided to give up — for the time being anyway.

There is simply no way to walk 20K plus steps a day without wearing a sock — which for me means that sneakers are it.

Sneakers

What do I wear sneakers with — are shorts my only option?

I’ve come to the conclusion that for the most part the answer to this question is yes.

I think though it is possible to pair a sneaker with a dress that has a simple sporty vibe rather than an overly feminine one. More on that below.

Dresses

Does an easy summer dress exist?

I rarely wear a dress at home but I do sometimes like the idea of a summer holiday version. The problem is I can never find anything I really like and this is why —

Like most of my clothes the dress I want is something best described as understated yet interesting. Subtle details rather than bold design elements will set it apart. As a result, it’s not likely to leap out at me — not online anyway.

Before previous trips I’ve spent a lot of time and energy trying to find something that fits the bill.

But realistically this hasn’t yielded much of a result so I guess it makes sense to avoid that particular rabbit hole this time around.

Does any of this resonate? Let’s chat about it in the comments.

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As always thank you so much for being here and reading, it means the world to me. If you enjoyed this post please click the like button, it really helps me to get my writing out to a broader audience.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

And if you’ve been here since the beginning thank you so much for your loyalty — it means a lot to me.

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Some of you might remember my very first post. I talked about my lifelong interest in fashion and why — after decades in the law — I started writing about it.

In that context I confessed that one of the things I loved most about being a lawyer was dressing for the job. Especially because it allowed me to indulge my passion for tailoring which began — subconsciously at least — as child’s play amongst the suits and coats at my father’s clothing factory.

The two worlds are of course very different. Legal work is analytical, adversarial, grounded in rules and conventions. Personal styling on the other hand is creative and collaborative with empathy at its core.

And yet many lessons I learned as a lawyer also apply to personal styling — so there are unexpected synergies. Here are a few of them.

‘Don’t reinvent the wheel’

A saying I came across fresh out of uni, it was meant to convey that if you don’t know how to do something then ask questions because the task was unlikely to be novel.

In other words as a junior lawyer there was no real value in figuring out how to complete a piece of work alone when you could draw on the experience of others and achieve the end result more quickly and easily.

In an environment where every six minute unit of time had to be accounted for and billed — at least ideally — the sentiment was understandable.

The same can be true of our wardrobes. I often used to have the feeling that I was sick of my clothes and wanted something different.

I think that much less now. When a singular piece or outfit just works I take pleasure in re wearing it without feeling the need to change things for the sake of it. The blazer, denim and loafers combination that I wear often is an example.

Understand the big picture

As a lawyer, context is crucial. What does the client want to achieve? What is at stake? What is the end goal? You need to be across all of this before turning your attention to the legal issues.

In terms of personal style the big picture questions might look something like this —

How do I want to look in what I’m wearing? Or more importantly — how do I want to feel?

Details are important

If there’s one common thread to legal practice the importance of attention to detail could be it. Checking, double checking and triple checking. It’s what clients expect and pay for.

In terms of an individual wardrobe item the details lie in the way it is finished, the fabric, texture or shape for instance.

As far as an outfit is concerned I think of accessories as the details — a belt, shoe or bag. The best ones can take things to the next level.

On a mid winter trip to New York earlier this year, next level dressing was not on the agenda but still accessories were important —

I had one puffer and effectively one pair of boots to choose from so it felt like I was wearing the same thing day in day out. But I had packed three different belts and it surprised me that changing them relieved some of the monotony. A small detail like this made it feel like I still had options.

All of this I guess is another way of saying that a style reference can come from anywhere not just from fashion content.

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I’d love to know what you think. Does any of it resonate? Does your own occupation — or any other part of your life — have something to tell you about personal style? Let’s chat in the comments.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

I could almost stop writing here because this basically sums up my approach to style in general. It’s a theme that runs through all of it.

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Any item you can think of will sit somewhere on the scale between visual appeal on the one hand and utility on the other.

It’s often the case that a highly practical item is, well possibly not all that easy on the eye. The snow boots and puffer coat that kept me from freezing and slipping over in New York are good examples of this.

The opposite is also often true. As much as I love a mini bag (or silly little bag) the need to carry two pairs of optical frames means that a lot of them don’t work for me.

It goes without saying that I like nice things! I wouldn’t be writing this if I didn’t. For me though, what pushes an item to another realm is when it’s both aesthetically pleasing and useful in more or less equal measure. This for me is the sartorial ideal.

Here are three pieces I think of in this way.

Watch

I’m lucky enough to own this —

When I first got it more than 25 years ago I felt that I wouldn’t ever want another watch. I thought it was perfect then and — after wearing it every single day since — I still do.

Part of what I love is that it’s classic, understated and just a little bit masculine. It is pleasantly solid and substantial and therefore feels great to wear. And then there’s the sound of locking the band into place that I find weirdly satisfying. Basically I never tire of it.

On top of all of this it tells the time. What could be more essential than that? Jewellery at its most practical.

If all of this isn’t the ideal blend of beauty and utility I don’t know what is.

Loafers

These in particular which I’ve had for a couple of years —

I’d actually been looking for a white loafer for a while before that. There were lots around but when I put them on they just looked….well, white. And somehow lacking in subtlety despite the neutral hue.

These have a worn look, which lends effortless appeal. A substantial, slightly chunky silhouette completes the picture. These qualities I think, are what sets them apart in aesthetic terms.

They also work as outfit makers when I’m wearing slouchy denim or something black (which is often). The white just seems to lighten the overall look and balance everything out.

On the practical side of the equation, the loafers are super comfortable which means I can wear them all day. Their rubber sole provides good grip even in the wet, making them virtually an all weather option. And the vintage effect means they show no signs of wear.

I don’t think I could ask any more of a shoe.

Cashmere wrap

About ten years ago I bought a black cashmere wrap that I still own and wear. It’s light weight, knitted and opens in the centre poncho style.

At the time I wasn’t entirely sure how much I would use it. But I was completely drawn to its soft texture, potential for warmth and luxuriously large dimensions.

It doesn’t really look like much. Instead its aesthetic qualities are found in its simplicity and the way it feels.

And it’s turned out to be something that is practical and versatile as well — especially during warmer months. The perfect layer in an air-conditioned environment it’s easy to carry when not in use. It travels well taking up next to no space in my luggage and works day or night even when the dress code is well, dressy.

A huge thank you for being here and reading, I hope you know how grateful I am.

If you enjoyed this post please click on the heart — it really helps me to get the word out about my writing.

And let’s continue the conversation in the comments. I love hearing your thoughts.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

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Writing and reading about the subject here, on Substack has prompted me to think a lot about the items I’m drawn to. This has made me conscious of why some pieces seem to work well for me — such as a blazer or denim — while others do not.

As a result I’ve begun to focus more on my wardrobe staples and stepped away from wearing what feels less successful.

All of which is to say that this specific little universe has hastened my own sartorial evolution.

It’s not that my personal style has radically changed — it hasn’t. Rather it’s the subtle tweaks I make and the overall confidence I feel in my choices.

To flesh this out I’m taking a look at three categories of clothing I no longer wear, the reasons why and what I’m replacing them with.

Floral print

I quite like a print but I don’t wear one often and if I do it’s a subtle small scale affair. Then it becomes an understated way of adding depth to an outfit.

I rarely wear a dress or a skirt so the printed item is usually a shirt. I am almost always looking for interesting ones but they are so hard to find.

But exactly what print? A floral seems to be the most obvious example but I’ve come to realise it doesn’t quite fit my aesthetic. There is something a bit too feminine about it for my own taste.

Because of its ubiquity a floral also feels like taking the easy way out. I guess that might be something Miranda Priestly would agree with!

So I’ve just about stopped wearing anything floral. Instead I prefer the idea of a monogram, geometric or abstract print — none of which I have yet found. Alternatively a cool stripe could work or even a sheer shirt worn with a visible layer underneath.

Cardigan

For what seems like my whole life I have either worn a cardigan or brought one with me wherever I was going — just in case.

After all a cardigan is functional and versatile, providing varying degrees of warmth depending on the yarn, how thick it is and whether it’s undone or not. It’s also easy to put on or take off — more so than a structured piece such as a blazer. And it can lend textural interest to an outfit.

So there are a lots of reasons to love a cardi. But there are also some negatives, the main one being that it tends to lack shape. And lately I’ve begun to feel a bit dull when I wear one and frankly — older than I am.

This epiphany was prompted by my New York trip earlier this year. Because it was so cold I needed easy light layers that would sit well underneath my coat. This led me towards a simple jumper instead of a cardigan. I liked the way it looked with denim, slightly tucked in at the front to reveal a sliver of belt and buckle.

So that’s what I’m wearing instead. That or a sweatshirt styled in a similar way.

Handmade items

I have a thing for a hand made or artisanal item. I’ve mentioned this before in the context of a hand woven and embroidered scarf I purchased on a trip last year —

I love the scarf but to be truthful it doesn’t really fit all that well with my own aesthetic. I like things that are tailored and streamlined. Yet the scarf - with its hanging threads and abstract embellishments - has a more bohemian and artistic feel to it. Somehow I made an unconscious and automatic leap from admiring the piece and valuing its artisanal qualities, to feeling that it belonged in my wardrobe.

It’s helpful to have this understanding because it stops me from doing the same thing again. With that said I’m going to keep my appreciation for artisanal pieces on ice until I find another way to express it. In the meantime I still love and wear my handmade kaftan.

Thanks so much for reading — and I’d really love to know what you think. Is there something you’ve stopped wearing? Please share in the comments.

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I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

ED NOTE: I’m not that comfortable asking for a favour but I’m going to go out on a limb here and do it anyway.

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It’s where I share styling tips, outfit ideas and general inspo in real time — alongside all my Substack posts.

I like to think of this as a win-win and I hope you agree.

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Flat shoes are comfortable and that’s why we wear them right?

I feel like heels went by the wayside after the pandemic — especially for day to day. I’d be hard pressed to find anyone in them on my regular rounds, although it would probably be different if I was still working in the city….or would it?

In the winter I sometimes wear a low heeled boot. I only ever wear anything higher than that when the dress code requires something well, dressy.

Apart from these rare exceptions it’s a flat shoe all the way for me.

And now that it’s autumn in Melbourne the transitional weather means sandals aren’t appropriate and yet neither are boots. So a closed toe flat is it for the time being.

I wear loafers the most. I love what they contribute to an outfit — preppy, classic and masculine elements all at once. They look great with just about any denim or trouser style or even a short skirt. And they are super comfortable.

I also wear ballerina flats which bring a softer, gentler edge to the equation. These pair well with cropped or ankle length denim or trousers. Also a longer wide leg version of the same and a knee or midi length skirt.

For me they aren’t as comfortable as a loafer though and I wear them less as a result. Where a loafer generally offers a lot of foot coverage a ballet flat tends to be more minimal, leaving the upper of your foot largely exposed. Overall this means that a ballet flat feels less supportive than a loafer.

But could there be another option? Consider the following examples —

These appear to be neither traditional loafer nor ballet flat per se and yet they offer the elements and potential advantages of both.

But what to call them? I haven’t been able to find a name. Technically they could be a flat pump. Or maybe a slipper? A loaferina perhaps?

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And now I’d love to know what you think, do you prefer a loafer or a ballerina flat. Or something else completely?

Thank you all so much for being here. It means the world to be able to connect with you over what’s on my mind.

If you enjoyed this post it would be great if you can please click on the heart. This all really helps to get the word out.

I’ll see you in two weeks!

Bye for now.

x

Jennie

It’s hard to believe I’ve been on this platform for about two and a half years now. It goes without saying that I really value connecting with you all this way — a huge thank you for your continued support.

Equally I hope you enjoy my posts and find them helpful. A reminder that if you have a question or topic you’d like me to cover please let me know in the comments or DM me. I’d love to hear from you.

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And if you’re wondering what’s important about a 65th post then fair enough. To explain — I had intended to mark my 50th post in some way but that milestone came and went without me realising it.

So I’m going to do that now by way of a spot review. I’ve picked out three previous posts and asked myself the question —

What do I think about this topic now?

The everyday bag

I’m still using the bag I wrote about a while ago (image in the next section).

I love it even now after more than five years of daily use. But I’m ready to replace it and have been for a while. My list of key deliverables remains roughly the same -

• cross body (ideally with a top handle for hand carrying)

• leather

• neutral hue

• functional (accommodates my essentials and is easy to open and close)

• not heavy

To be honest I haven’t found a lot that fits the bill and this has got me wondering whether I should allow myself some flexibility. I tend to sharply focus on the prerequisites I’ve set when looking for a key item such as a bag. While this is necessary it can also limit the potential to see an alternative.

So I think there’s a balance to be struck between sticking to what I’m looking for and allowing my eye to wander off course. This might possibly be a life lesson too!

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The black trouser suit

In one of my first posts, I wrote of this classic wardrobe staple —

The black trouser suit can be worn almost anywhere. For day, a black blazer works well with jeans. In a corporate environment the whole suit with a flat shoe is a great option. Replace the flat shoe with a strappy heel and you’re covered for a dressy occasion.

I still agree with all of this. But personally I don't wear my own black trousers and matching blazer as a suit.

The main reason is that the trousers are high waisted and well, shall I just say tighter than when I bought them, which makes them uncomfortable. I think it would be different if this wasn’t the case and especially if I was still working in the city.

The blazer on the other hand is something I throw on with denim often especially when I want something easy but also pulled together —

Double denim

When writing about the denim jacket last year I was on the fence about double denim. I think I’ve now resolved the dilemma in the negative — which is to say that I love the look of a denim jacket paired with jeans just not on me.

I wouldn’t mind incorporating a denim jacket into my wardrobe to wear over leggings or tailored trousers. I like a longer version but there aren’t many around although this one could be it -

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Thanks for reading! Please click the heart if you enjoyed this post or better yet forward it to a friend. This helps enormously to increase my reach to other like minded readers. As always I would love to hear your comments.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

I’m beginning to think the answer is yes because to me the peplum jacket - which I wrote about last time - ticks these twin boxes.

Under the radar because as an alternative to a blazer it’s a much less obvious option than say a bomber jacket or a tailored collarless style (a la Chanel or Celine).

And wardrobe hero because it is so versatile, pairing well with just about all denim, tailored trousers and at least one type of skirt.

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But let me go back a step.

Consider ’s incredible outfit below featuring - if not an actual peplum jacket - then a peplum adjacent jacket.

There are so many layers of interest here and they all involve subtle contrast - in proportion, texture, colour and mood.

One of the elements I love the most is how the jacket with its gently fitted shape interacts with the trousers which are relatively voluminous. These two pieces are a match made in heaven and living proof that opposites really do attract.

It made me wonder what other peplum pairings could work similar magic - so I decided to look into this further.

The results I think prove that a peplum is perfect with so many silhouettes - virtually any denim or trouser - wide leg, barrel leg, straight or slim (skinny too if you dare) as well as a pencil skirt.

Although there are next to no rules I find a peplum works best when your denim or trousers aren’t belted or pleated. Having a smooth minimal surface underneath your peplum ensures that it sits the way it should.

To maintain a sense of balance and subtle tension I also would avoid pairing a peplum jacket with anything that mirrors its silhouette - such as flared denim or trousers or an a line skirt.

In picking the peplum apart so to speak I’ve convinced myself that it would more than pull its weight in my own wardrobe.

What about you - are you persuaded? Let me know in the comments.

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I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

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One thing I’m noticing more are slimmer or softer silhouettes. I guess there shouldn’t be any mystery in this. Here for example are slender shapes shown last year at Chloe for the current Spring Summer 2026 season -

And more at Celine again for the current season -

What does this mean for us?

Well firstly it doesn’t mean that oversized proportions are out - they definitely aren’t. So we don’t need to relegate our slouchy blazer or wide leg denim.

It also doesn’t mean that we have to wear skinny jeans or a fitted top if we don’t want to.

I think what it does mean is that we now have a variety of different silhouettes and combinations at our disposal.

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Take tailoring for example. I love a blazer and I probably always will - especially if it has a sharp shoulder and generous proportions. I wear one often especially with denim.

At the same time though the question of an alternative to the blazer seems to be on the style agenda at the moment. This is reflected in recent posts like The bomber jacket edit from and Tired of blazers from . It’s food for thought.

My own blazer alternative is in fact a bomber jacket. It’s a good weight for trans seasonal weather - it even works in the rain thanks to the technical fabric it’s made from. For these reasons it’s also perfect for travelling.

I love it but I do sometimes hesitate before reaching for it because, well it’s missing something I really love. Namely the structure offered by a tailored piece. As a result I also find it harder to style.

So for me the question then becomes -

If I’m drawn to tailoring is there a blazer alternative that I can really embrace?

In this context - prompted by a sighting in New York of the incredible piece below - I’ve been thinking about a peplum jacket.

The peplum in general offers both softness and structure - an internal contrast that makes it interesting. I think the best examples are found where the peplum component (or flare at the waistline) is gentle rather than stiff or frilly.

Here are more good ones -

If you’re not in the market for a jacket but like this shape you can also create the illusion of a peplum by adding a belt to an existing blazer. I love the way does this so casually -

And now over to you. What do you think of the peplum? Do you have a favourite blazer alternative? Or are you a die hard blazer devotee? I would love it if you weigh in on the issue.

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Please click the heart button or share this post if you enjoyed it. It means so much and helps me enormously in getting the word out.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

The topic threw up a personal challenge - a sartorial dilemma if you will -

Is it possible to stay warm, be stylish and also pack light?

Now that I’m back I can answer that question with a yes.

Not because I did it (you’ll see below that I didn’t) but because of what I saw on the street.

So often I found myself wanting to capture the multitudes of stylish New Yorkers but not really being able to do so - not easily anyway.

This from will give you a taste although I think the most compelling outfits in the post are actually her own.

Anyway, here’s some of what I learned in two weeks of being there.

The coat is the outfit

So goes the mid winter style adage - see for example here and here. And I’ve never seen it more clearly demonstrated than in New York.

I had planned to take both a wool cashmere coat and a long black puffer with me, having styled a few outfits with each of them.

But my coat is un-lined and light weight. This works perfectly well in Melbourne but I was worried it wouldn’t be warm enough for New York. In the end I decided to leave it at home and just take the puffer.

This meant that each day the puffer was the outfit and although I felt cozy I most definitely did not feel chic.

To me a coat is more pulled together than a puffer. A puffer definitely has its place when it’s wet or freezing cold.

But superficially at least puffers all look much the same so it’s hard to have any sense of individuality when wearing one. It’s a different story with a coat and I saw so many stylish women going about their day in one.

I guess the simple lesson here is that if your winters are cold, a coat is definitely a worthwhile investment.

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Snow shoes

I took three pairs of boots but for the entire time I wore only one of them - a pair of black fur lined ankle boots with thick rubber soles.

I have to say that I didn’t relish the prospect of wearing these boots. Call me shallow but I just don’t like the look of them.

But snowy sidewalks and 25K plus steps per day meant they were the only real choice. My other boots just weren’t right for the conditions.

As I came to terms with this reality it occurred to me that comfort and practicality are important elements of style. Without them it’s almost impossible to feel stylish.

Accessories

So - each day I had one puffer and effectively one pair of boots to choose from. As a result it felt like I was wearing the same thing over and over.

But I had packed three different belts and it surprised me that changing them relieved the monotony at least to some extent. A small detail like this made it feel like I still had options.

It’s a good reminder of the power of an accessory to change the vibe of an outfit. Even in the most extreme weather conditions.

Cashmere

I took three cashmere knits and alternated to a different one each day or two.

They were so good, it felt like I had some kind of secret weapon against the cold. So soft and light, warm but never too hot.

And I came to really enjoy the combo of a sweater and jeans. I hardly wear knits at home but I’m going to try it more often as winter comes around.

One thing I’m wondering is whether a sweater can take the place of a jacket in terms of making an outfit look and feel complete.

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And now I’m curious - have you learned something about style while travelling? How do you keep warm without compromising your personal aesthetic?

Thanks so much for being here - I’m grateful for each and every one of you!

Can I respectfully ask you to please click the heart or forward this post if you enjoyed it?

This will allow my writing to be read by a wider audience which would be well… amazing.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

Everywhere I look something is happening, the city literally buzzes even in the depths of winter. There’s just so much to see, eat and buy and the choices are endless.

I don’t think I can sum up this place in any useful way, not at this stage anyhow. So I’m going to drop a few images here with the aim of conveying a sense of what’s on offer.

A picture is worth a thousand words and so on…

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

One that consists of down jackets, wool socks, knit sweaters, long coats and cashmere scarves and has me almost obsessed with the whys and wherefores of each of them.

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All of this while it’s actually been as high as 40.7 deg C (105 deg F) in Melbourne.

Yes - I’m getting to the pointy end of preparations for my upcoming trip to New York. The part where I actually commit to what I’m taking and pack.

Although putting something in a suitcase isn’t necessarily the end of the matter as I often swap things out almost until I leave for the airport.

This time though I’ve approached it a little differently. Simply put the brief for my visit is to stay both warm and stylish and yet also pack light.

There are inherent challenges in all of this, not the least of which is that I’m completely unfamiliar with freezing cold temperatures and much less the probability of snow.

So - in an effort to more accurately choose the pieces that might enable me to realise my ambition, I’ve turned to Pinterest. Not necessarily for inspo although that’s welcome.

Where I find it really helpful is in the way I can put together a gallery of my own pieces and then play with different combinations.

This means I can identify things that pair well together and which I’m therefore likely to actually reach for when I’m away.

It has also allowed for a colour palette to emerge - black, grey, mid-brown, blue and white. No surprises there I guess but it’s helpful to see it come together ahead of time. And from here I can create and save outfits.

Here are some I’ve been working on -

If you’re interested in trying something similar there are lots of options out there apart from Pinterest. For example there’s also Indyx which is used and loved by many on this platform including , Ewelina from and Joy. Check them out for more!

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I’d love it if you would please weigh in on what I’m planning to wear in New York. Have I missed something? What would you change? Will I freeze? Please comment below.

Thanks so much for being here and reading, it really means the world to me.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie

I leave in early February so the lead time is short. It’s my third visit, the last time was almost 15 years ago and I’ve never experienced it in the winter.

It’s going to be cold - freezing in fact so my primary aim is to stay warm. Yet I have no real experience to draw on because the temperatures will be so much lower than in a Melbourne winter.

So my focus now is how to stay toasty. The polar (pun intended) opposite of my last send Be cool when it's hot.

And in line with mid summer sartorial aspirations, I’m hoping to also be able to reflect my personal style whilst respecting the severe weather conditions.

Beyond that - I want to pack light, as far as possible anyway.

So it’s a triple challenge of sorts.

Is it going to be possible to stay warm and stylish with a limited wardrobe? I have no idea so I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime I’ve turned to the Substack universe for intel and as usual it has delivered in spades.

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Base layers

I really don’t love the idea of wearing thermal tights under jeans or trousers. I guess nobody does.

I’d like to think I can get away without them by choosing a long coat or puffer as my outer layer but I suspect this is unrealistic.

So I plan to arm myself with these tights from Uniqlo. And woollen socks. from recommends them both and I thank her for pointing me in the direction of her highly relevant post.

Shoes

Jess also recommends adding a thin layer of rubber to the soles of your boots to prevent slipping on icy sidewalks.

Undoubtedly the perfect solution for New Yorkers, it isn’t really necessary in Melbourne where there’s no ice or snow (although grip is always good when it rains).

What it tells me though is to leave my leather soled boots and shoes at home.

I’m actually planning to pack at least two pairs of boots. One is a super durable pair with a thick treaded rubber sole and fleecy lining. These are, well not my favourite thing to wear but they will serve the purpose and it’s ok if they get wrecked.

The second pair I really love -

Denim

Both boot versions have a solid and chunky look about them. At the same time a lot of my denim is wide leg and longer in length. And I’m not a fan of combining the two because I think it looks heavy.

Problem solved thanks to from -

Since all of our jeans are a bit longer now, you might find that the jeans we’ve so painstakingly adjusted to the perfect pool…look too bunchy with [a snow boot or similar]. Cuff away! …or pair your booties with a jean that hits at the ankle or a barrel style that will fall easier over the boot.

Knits

I don’t often wear a knit sweater at home. A long sleeve t shirt, scarf and coat usually provide enough layers in winter. Sometimes maybe I’ll add a vest.

But I plan to take a couple of light cashmere sweaters with me for extra warmth and I’m hoping they make all the difference.

Coat vs puffer

I confess I own a version of the ubiquitous long black puffer.

I’ll definitely take it with me but it’s not something I particularly like wearing. So I’m secretly hoping the wool cashmere coat I’m also packing does the trick most of the time.

To this end I plan to layer a puffer vest under it a la from .

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How do you beat the cold? Please share, I would really love to hear about it.

Thanks everyone for reading, liking and commenting it means the world to me.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

X

Jennie

For those of us in the southern hemisphere the holiday period coincides with mid summer and hopefully also a meaningful break from work and routine. I’ve posted before on what to wear over this time (vol 1 and 2) and here now is an edited and updated version. Hope you enjoy it!

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It’s that time of the year when many of us are likely to be on holidays, whether or not we’re actually away. It’s quieter on the roads and in the city and a lot of businesses shut down altogether.

In Australia it also gets HOT! Although you wouldn’t know it in Melbourne where temperatures are currently averaging only 19C (66F).

For most of the year, when getting dressed we can look to trans seasonal pieces like jeans, t shirt, loafers, blazer - or leggings! If it’s really cold we can simply add a coat, scarf, boots and so on.

But what do you do when it’s super hot? It’s then that we want to peel off layers not add them! Meaning that pulling together separates to make an outfit is less of an option. Which makes it harder to reflect personal style. To properly frame this dilemma then -

How do we handle the heat of the holiday season and keep our cool - in all senses of the word?

I think the answer is to channel a summer holiday - even if we aren’t on one. And for day to day that means simple pieces in natural fabrics, like these.

Shirt and boxer short set

A matching shirt and short set can somehow feel polished, cool and comfortable all at once.

Pair one with a slip on sandal or (if you’re running around) sneakers. If you like, wear the shirt open with a tank underneath. Pop the set over bathers and add thongs (aka flip flops) if the beach or pool is on the agenda.

Happy to say my own favourite shirt and short set is still going strong.

Denim shorts

Denim shorts go with everything just like jeans do. And much like jeans it’s a matter of finding the shape, fit and wash you prefer.

Dress

The kind of summer dress that appeals to me is one that almost isn’t a dress at all -

Knit

A cardigan or similar does feel counter-intuitive in the blazing heat of summer. But for me, a lightweight something is essential to counter the freezing cold air-conditioning often found in public spaces.

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Thanks so much for reading and for being here, it’s been amazing to have your continued support this past year.

Please keep liking, commenting on and sharing my posts, it means so much to me. Plus it helps get the word out to new readers.

Wishing you all a happy healthy and peaceful 2026.

See you in two weeks!

X

Jennie

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A week ago two radical Muslim terrorists opened fire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the most normal place to be on a warm summer Sunday evening.

The gunmen specifically targeted a large group of Jewish people who had gathered to celebrate the festival of Chanukah.

Fifteen people died and many more were injured.

Without wanting to minimise the suffering of the innocent victims and their loved ones - to me this attack is very personal.

No words seem adequate.

I am, of course sad. I’m shocked - but also not shocked because there were warnings aplenty over the past two years that something like this would happen. And as a result I am angry.

Now doesn’t feel like the time to be writing about fashion and personal style but I will get back to it soon.

A happy and joyous Christmas to all those who celebrate and here’s hoping 2026 is peaceful.

Lots of love.

x

Jennie

But at the end of the day - what is a bargain?

The answer will be different for everyone but for me a piece of clothing, a shoe, or an accessory is a good deal when -

• I love it and can’t wait to wear it (is it only me that ever feels like this?)

• it serves my day to day needs as distinct from my occasional ones

• it fills a gap in my wardrobe

• it’s something I’ve been thinking about buying for a while

• it’s comfortable, fits properly and is well made

• it represents value for money bearing in mind its quality and versatility

I have to admit I do break my own rules more often than I’d like with the odd - or not so odd - impulse purchase. An in-season promotion, a deep sale discount or a reduction on something that isn’t normally on sale (and is therefore full price elsewhere) are particular prompts for me.

I have bought a couple of Black Friday/ Cyber Monday sale items which I’ll talk about in another post.

Right now though I want to share some worthwhile pieces I’ve come across while scrolling through what’s on offer. And I’ve done a lot of scrolling.

Of course there’s always a brilliant bargain available in a size that fits no-one. But these items are thankfully available in a reasonable range of sizes. And in some cases there’s the double bonus of stackable discounts.

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Blazer

A blazer is the most versatile of pieces making it a good place to start.

I found so many great ones on the Outnet which has an extra 25% off already heavily reduced prices for the next day or so.

Flat shoes

Sale shoe shopping has been a bit disappointing this time around. Or put another way nothing on my wish list is reduced!

The examples below are all wearable, versatile and interesting, to my mind anyway. But because they’re effectively duplicates of what I already have I’m not considering them myself.

All are from Farfetch which has an extra 20% off already reduced prices for the next couple of days.

Belt

I’ve recently discovered (rediscovered?) the sartorial value of a belt. It’s such an easy way to add interest to denim, which I wear pretty much every day.

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Now - I’d love to hear whether you’ve found anything noteworthy. Or have you resisted the urge to shop? Please let me know in the comments.

As always thanks so much for being here. I’ll see you in two weeks!

Bye for now.

x

Jennie

I mean there’s actually no other fabric like it. Denim goes with everything, functioning as the ultimate neutral. You can wear it almost anywhere - dress coded events and workplaces aside. And any time of the year whatever the weather. So it really is the very definition of hardworking and yet it only gets better with age. I could go on but you get the picture.

At the same time as realising all of this I’ve been thinking about jackets - ‘in between’ jackets to be specific - ones that I can wear when it’s neither very hot nor very cold. Which is most of the time. The reason? It’s only two weeks till summer here in Melbourne but temperatures remain as unpredictable as ever.

Most of my blazers fit the bill. They are all light weight wool or wool blend which means I can wear them year round.

Sometimes though, I want something a little less structured which is when I reach for my bomber jacket. And I’ve begun to wonder whether a denim jacket could also serve the same purpose.

I don’t think I’ve ever owned one so with no direct experience to draw on, I want to sort out a few fundamentals. Silhouette, colour and styling options for example.

The classic denim jacket

Although every jacket type imaginable has been done in this most universal of fabrics - blazer, barn jacket, shacket and more - what I really mean by a denim jacket is the classic kind.

The essential elements -

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Silhouette

Playing with subtle contrast is a great way to add depth and interest to what you’re wearing. And an outfit involving a denim jacket is no exception.

Take double denim (as in a denim jacket and jeans) for example. I should disclose at this point that I actually have mixed feelings about double denim. On the one hand I’d love to try it but on the other I feel like I should approach it with caution.

Either way, so far as silhouette is concerned the contrasting options are -

• a fitted or cropped jacket paired with wide leg or slouchy jeans; or

• an oversized longer jacket paired with straight or slim leg jeans.

I think a denim jacket is at its coolest when it has a bit of volume and movement so for me an oversized jacket is the way to go.

Colour

Mixing denim washes is another way to achieve a nuanced sense of the unexpected.

Pairing say a dark denim jacket with jeans in pale denim might feel jarring or disjointed. Combining two pieces in identical denim could be, well too much.

But two subtly different colours? To me a totally different story.

Styling options

Of course double denim is not the only option.

I do love the easy combo of jeans and a blazer and wear it often. A denim jacket though presents the possibility of turning this on its head - and pairing it with tailored trousers.

Or mix up every day active wear by pairing an oversized denim jacket with leggings. A paler wash with black leggings would look great.

Examples

A couple more oversized jacket examples.

Do you have a favourite denim jacket? Or a tip on how to wear one? Please share in the comments, I would really love to hear.

I’ll see you in two weeks! Bye for now.

x

Jennie