Don’t get me wrong, I’ve genuinely loved dressing this winter. I finally cracked my layering formula (I wrote all about it here) and for the first time in years my winter wardrobe actually felt like it was working. But despite that, I can’t wait for lighter layers, warmer mornings and the just the fun of dressing for spring

Spring is hands down my favourite season to dress for, I think it’s because it’s so flexible and anything really goes. It’s the sweet spot between the structure of winter and the freedom of summer. You can take a winter outfit and add just a hint of spring: swap the heavy boot for a loafer, ditch one layer, add a lighter bag. Or you can go the other way entirely and lean fully into summer dressing and anchor it back to the cooler weather with one winter piece. A linen dress with an oversized knit thrown over the top or shorts with a chunky sweater. Both approaches work, both feel effortless, and you get to play with your whole wardrobe at once!

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I’ve had a ton of DMs over on Instagram lately asking two questions that keep coming up again and again ‘how do I build a spring capsule wardrobe?’ and ‘How do I actually mix and match what I already own?’ So if you’ve sent one of those messages, or wondered the same thing, this one’s for you.

With spring literally two weeks away, it felt like the perfect opportunity to create an early spring capsule from my own wardrobe, where I can easily show you how I mix and match items to create lots of outfits for the new season. Honestly it was so much fun and you can see it motion here…

Where I started

I kept this capsule intentionally tight, making sure all the pieces would work together, that way I could maximise the amount of looks I created. Here’s everything I picked for this capsule… 12 items + 11 accessories (you could definitely recreate this with less accessories too.)

Everything included in this capsule is listed and linked below. A few of the older pieces I wasn't able to track down online, but I've noted where that's the case and linked to similar alternatives where I could.

Tops:

• Long sleeved white tee - I’m wearing a men’s small

• Mohair rust sweater - I’m wearing an XS/S

• White collar blouse - I sized up one size

• Brown wool cardigan - I’m wearing my usual size

Bottoms:

• Ecru barrel leg jeans - these are an old style, but these are similar

• Wide leg curve jeans - I’m wearing my usual size

• Gingham maxi cotton dress, this is sold out in the colour, but they have this colour (I sized down one size)

Jackets:

• Sage green quilted jacket - I’m wearing my usual size.

• Oversized denim jacket* - I’m wearing my usual size

Shoes:

• Cherry loafers* - I sized up one size as I found them small fitting

• Converse ecru hi-tops - I wear my usual size

• Black combat boots - I wear my usual size

Accessories:

• Black leather tote*

• Tan leather tote

• Rafia tote - I bought this in Bali, but this is a lovely one

• Tan leather crossbody - they only do this colour way now*

• Cotton scarf - Old from Sezane

• Silk scarf

• Beaded necklace - this is an old design, but this is similar

• Statement minimalist earrings*

• Rayban Clubmaster sunnies

• Black frame sunnies

• Yellow lens sunnies

Now for the good bit — every outfit, broken down

So now you know exactly what I was working with, here's the breakdown of the 16 outfits I made from this capsule. And honestly, I could have kept going and made more! A different shoe, a jacket swap, one small change and suddenly you've got a completely new look. The combinations really are endless.

How to do this with your own wardrobe

If this has inspired you to try it yourself, I've pulled together a simple step-by-step guide to get you started. All you need is a bit of floor space and a couple of hours. And remember, your capsule will look completely different to mine and that's exactly the point. Use what you already own, start with the pieces you actually want to wear, and just have a play!

1. Pull out everything from your wardrobe that feels relevant to the season and lay it somewhere you can see it all at once. This step is super important, as it’s really difficult to mix and match items if you can’t see them.

2. Start with one piece you really want to wear and build outward from there. Then swap one thing at a time, a different shoe, a bag change, one layer added or removed and see how many combinations you land on.

3. Don’t underestimate your accessories. A raffia tote versus a structured leather bag reads as two completely different outfits even when everything else stays the same. Accessories are the easiest way to multiply your combinations without adding anything new.

4. Photograph everything you love before you change, this helps you to build up your own little lookbook of combinations that work so you have something to refer back to on those mornings when you don’t have anything to wear.

And that’s my early spring capsule, 12 pieces, 16+ outfits, and not a single new purchase needed. I genuinely had so much fun putting this together and it reminded me that a smaller, more considered wardrobe really does work harder than a full one. I hope it’s given you a little inspiration to raid your own wardrobe before you reach for your credit card this season!

Until next time 🖤

Julia x

Let’s Stay in Touch!

For more daily style inspiration, you can also follow along on my other platforms:

• Instagram - where I share all my daily outfits

• Pinterest - where I pin things I love (& my outfits too!)

• LTK - where I save all the outfit links & sizing details

This article contains gifted PR items and affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.

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I may have spoken too soon about spring.

Last week Melbourne did what Melbourne always does, it waited until I’d written enthusiastically about warm weather and lighter layers, and then promptly delivered a complete 180. Cold. Wet. Very much still winter. I should know better by now, and yet every single year it catches me off guard.

There were bright spots. A couple of days where the sun actually showed up and I dressed accordingly, so I leaned into the spring energy from the spring outfit inspiration I’ve been saving all winter. A lovely morning in the city on Thursday, coffee with a friend, and a morning watching my daughter play hockey in the sunshine that felt like a genuine reward for surviving the cold days earlier in the week. But for the most part, it was back to layers. Always the layers.

MONDAY

barrel jeans ➕ flannel shirt ➕ sweater ➕ quilted jacket ➕ converse

Monday started with swimming lessons and ended with one of those moments I'll remember for a while — my little one attempting to ride his bike without training wheels for the first time. He very nearly has it, and watching him work it out was honestly the sweetest thing. The weather wasn't playing ball so I layered up accordingly: grey flannel shirt as the base, cream wool sweater on top (a combination I really loved and will absolutely be repeating), black washed barrel jeans, ecru Converse high tops and the trusty green quilted jacket making yet another appearance.

TUESDAY

wide leg jeans➕ long sleeved tee ➕ hoodie ➕ wool coat ➕ sneakers

The plan was to change after school drop off, I'd thrown on wide leg jeans and a hoodie in a rush (late, as always) and fully intended to put together something more considered once I got home. But my little one came home with a tummy ache and just wanted to curl up on the sofa under a blanket, so that was that. Some days the outfit you threw on in a hurry turns out to be exactly the right one. I did pull on my wool coat for the afternoon school run, small upgrade, same outfit, still counts.

WEDNESDAY

leggings ➕ tee ➕ crew neck sweater➕oversized denim jacket ➕ sneakers

Wednesday was another case of throwing something on for the school run with every intention of changing afterwards and then not changing. It was cold, it was wet, and I genuinely couldn't be bothered. Leggings (the absolute best I've ever bought. I now own six pairs which tells you everything you need to know), a tee, my light grey crew neck sweater and my oversized denim jacket thrown over the top. The one considered detail was the grey socks matched to the sweater, which is about as much effort as this look deserved, and honestly, that's completely fine. Some days that's exactly enough.

THURSDAY

wide leg jeans ➕ striped shirt ➕ mohair sweater ➕ wool coat ➕ boots

Had an appointment in the city and met a friend for coffee after, so I took it as a good excuse to get a little more dressed up than usual. These dark wash wide-leg jeans are honestly my go-to when I want to feel polished without overthinking it. Layering a shirt under the mohair jumper added a bit more interest than I'd normally bother with, and I really liked the result. The navy wool coat tied it all together with the jeans and the striped shirt, finished off with black heeled boots and my black tote.

FRIDAY

track pants ➕ denim shirt ➕ sweater ➕ leather bomber jacket ➕ sneakers

Friday was one of those mornings where the outfit practically put itself together. I woke up knowing I wanted to wear the track pants and leather bomber combination and once I had those two pieces in mind, everything else fell into place around them. A short sleeved denim shirt underneath, my pink sweater layered over the top to keep warm, and the bomber to finish. Sometimes starting with one or two pieces you really want to wear is the easiest way to get dressed — the rest just follows.

SATURDAY

barrel jeans ➕ denim shirt ➕ crew neck sweater➕ quilted jacket ➕ converse

Saturday I repeated Friday's dark denim short sleeve shirt and there’s absolutely no shame in that when a combination works. This time I layered my navy crew neck sweater over the top and paired it with my light wash barrel jeans for a bit of contrast, which I really loved. We took the kids out for a walk and bike ride to the local café (with a non-negotiable stop at Woolies on the way because every single one of my children is currently obsessed with the Ooshies, and apparently that's just our life now!) The quilted jacket and my Adidas SL72s made the most sense for an easy weekend morning, and honestly I wouldn't have changed a thing.

SUNDAY

wide leg jeans ➕ striped long sleeve tee ➕ wool cropped jacket➕ converse

Sunday was the slow kind — the best kind. A few more chapters of Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth (absolutely wonderful, highly recommend), a very overdue sort through the linen cupboards, and then over to friends for a long Sunday lunch cooked together which was honestly the highlight of the weekend. The wide leg jeans made yet another appearance. The cost per wear is getting embarrassingly low at this point and in a small act of rebellion against my own layering formula, just my striped long sleeve tee on top. When we headed out into truly grim weather I threw on my cropped wool jacket and immediately loved the contrast, the stripes and brown is such a good combination that I'm already planning to repeat it.

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes!

A week of Melbourne doing exactly what Melbourne does, spring one minute, very cold and very wet reality check the next. Wide leg jeans on high rotation, the green quilted jacket making its now iconic weekly appearance, and proof that sometimes the outfit you threw on in a rush is the one you end up loving most. Before I go, Friday's Substack is one I'm genuinely excited about — I've been saving spring inspiration for months and I'm finally doing something useful with it. Consider this your warning that a wishlist may be involved.

Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fuss, real-life take on getting dressed every day, please pass this along.

Julia x

PS. You might also like these…

Let’s Stay in Touch!

For more daily style inspiration, you can also follow along on my other platforms:

• Instagram - where I share all my daily outfits

• Pinterest - where I pin things I love (& my outfits too!)

• LTK - where I save all the outfit links & sizing details

If you don’t already follow I’d genuinely recommend it, she’s one of my favourite writers on here. A few weeks ago she wrote about a styling session with Reva Luft, and one section stopped me completely mid-scroll. Reva had pointed out that a lot of Anna’s wardrobe wasn’t really full of repeats in the obvious sense, it was the same piece, bought again and again in different colours. The same pants in four colourways. A tee purchased a second time not because she needed it, but because she loved the colour and mistook that for loving the piece. The result, as Anna described it, was a wardrobe bulked out with more of the same, rather than anything genuinely new. Have a read here…

The Wardrobe Edit

A Stylist Told Me What To Buy This Summer

I love to write a Substack debrief after a session with a personal stylist. The posts practically write themselves, and as I’m often working with stylists from overseas and having a virtual tête-à-tête early evening my time, early morning their time, it’s the one exception I give myself to working post 7 pm…

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2 months ago · 486 likes · 50 comments · Anna Newton

It completely resonated, though not in the way I expected. It also made me a little uncomfortable, because I’ve spent the last few years doing my own version of it. On purpose, and for what I thought were good reasons.

I was just buying the exact same outfit ingredients on repeat, meaning I was bulking out my wardrobe with, well… more of the same. Even the best chefs can only get so far with minimal ingredients. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with uniform dressing, but a little more variety and cutting out some of the bulk will give me a bit more space - physically and mentally. (Anna Newton)

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Why I built a basics wardrobe in the first place

After years of buying pieces that felt exciting in the shop and pointless at home, I made a deliberate decision to build a wardrobe of proper basics — neutral, mix-and-match, low effort. It was the right call at the time. But basics, by definition, don’t stretch you. A few years in, I looked at my wardrobe and realised it was extremely functional and almost entirely variations on things I already owned. Safe, useful, and completely static.

Anna’s post named the thing I’d been quietly avoiding: it’s easy to keep restocking the same successful piece and call it building a wardrobe, when really you’re just proving the same theory over and over. I loved how she simply summarised it when it comes to buying new things…

Stop buying repeats. No exemptions, no excuses. I know this, yet I still do it?! At the time, I think it’s helpful, but it’s actively making me lazy when it comes to styling. I deserve better in my wardrobe. More variety = more fun! (Anna Newton)

Where the mid layer comes in

This winter, separately, I’d been strict with myself about a layering formula: base, mid, outer, finished with a wide leg or barrel pant. It started as a way to stop overthinking mornings. But it’s what made Anna’s “repeats” point land properly, because it turned out I had my own version of the same habit. I wrote a whole other Substack just on this formula system.

I don’t have four pairs of the same pants. But I do have a wardrobe of tees and shirts in every colour I could reasonably want, and almost nothing built out beyond that. Every time I felt the itch to buy something, I reached for another base layer in a new colour, a new stripe, because it was the easy, safe repeat, the same trick Anna described with her pants. Meanwhile the mid layer, the actual gap in the formula, sat untouched, because restocking a base I already knew worked felt like progress when it wasn’t.

Once I saw it laid out against the formula, it was obvious. The mid layer was the one place the “just buy another colour” habit had never reached, with no entrenched repeats to push against, just a gap, and the closest thing I have to a blank page.

So that’s where I’ve let myself stretch: proper texture, proper pattern, silhouettes I wouldn’t trust myself with anywhere else in the formula. Low-stakes, and the only part of my wardrobe where I’ve actually surprised myself.

What I’m doing differently

This has genuinely changed how I shop this winter and I mean that in a really practical way. I've caught myself putting things back on the rail because I already own something too similar, which honestly felt revolutionary the first time I did it. So I thought it would be useful to share some of the recent purchases that have actually pushed me out of my comfort zone, the pieces that filled a real gap rather than just added another variation of something I already had.

None of these pieces are a reinvention. That’s the point. I didn’t need to blow up the basics wardrobe I’d built, I needed to stop treating “different” as a threat to it, and I needed a more specific target than “buy something new” to make that stick. Anna’s post gave me the permission. My own formula, unexpectedly, gave me the precision.

Where I’ve landed

I don’t think the answer is abandoning basics, they’re still the foundation, and I’d tell anyone starting from scratch to build that first. But there’s a real difference between building a foundation and quietly deciding you’re done developing your style because the foundation works.

A basics wardrobe is a floor, not a ceiling. I’d stopped noticing I was treating it like the whole house and it took my own slightly obsessive formula to go and find where the gap actually was.

If you read Anna’s post too, I’d love to know what it stirred up for you and if you’ve made a similar “different, not more” purchase recently, tell me what it was, and whether you could name the specific gap it filled.

Until next week, Julia x

Let’s Stay in Touch!

For more daily style inspiration, you can also follow along on my other platforms:

• Instagram - where I share all my daily outfits

• Pinterest - where I pin things I love (& my outfits too!)

• LTK - where I save all the outfit links & sizing details

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Another week, another outfit roundup, and can we talk about the fact that it will be Christmas before we know it? I genuinely cannot wait. We had the most teasing glimpses of spring last week and honestly, I wasn't mad about it at all. It's got me completely distracted thinking about my spring wardrobe and everything on my wishlist, So much so that I've spent this afternoon writing a whole Substack on exactly that. Keep an eye out for it — I think it's going to be a good one.

MONDAY

barrel jeans ➕ tee ➕ striped sweater ➕ oversized denim jacket ➕ converse

The gorgeous spring-like weather from the weekend carried into Monday and I took full advantage, ditching the heavier coat in favour of my oversized denim jacket, which has been an absolute staple since it arrived. I hadn't paired my brown barrel pants with my striped knit before and I genuinely don't know why it took me this long. It was such an obvious combination in hindsight. One of those outfits that just works from the moment you put it on.

TUESDAY

wide leg jeans➕ flannel shirt ➕ wool vest ➕ quilted jacket ➕ boat shoes

Tuesday I filmed a reel around this check flannel shirt I picked up before a recent holiday. I've reached for it so many times since that it felt like it deserved its own video. The idea was to show a few different ways I've been wearing it, but time got away from me and I had a lunch date with a friend to get to, so I ended up just throwing together one of the looks I'd been playing with and heading out the door. I'm really loving the sleeveless vest layered over a long sleeve top this season and these two came together perfectly, even if my kids did tell me I looked like a Grandad. High praise, honestly.

WEDNESDAY

wide leg jeans ➕ shirt ➕ crew neck sweater➕ rain coat ➕ converse

Those spring glimpses disappeared completely by Wednesday and were replaced with what can only be described as a LOT of rain. I am genuinely not a fan of getting wet, so a day of errands with my four year old called for something practical and a raincoat doing a lot of the heavy lifting. The oversized shirt underneath added just enough interest under the crew neck sweater to stop the whole thing feeling like a purely functional outfit. This is actually a great example of the winter layering formula I wrote about in a recent Substack, without thinking about it in that way, this could have been a very uninspiring combination. Instead it felt intentional, which is exactly the point.

THURSDAY

leggings ➕ cami ➕ jacket ➕ zipped funnel neck sweater ➕ sneakers

I had every intention of changing after my morning walk and bike ride with my little one, but we ended up having the most lovely slow day at home. By the time school pick up came around I simply couldn't be bothered. Some days are just like that, and honestly that's completely fine. I will say, and I know I've talked about these leggings endlessly, but they are genuinely the best pair I've ever owned. I have at least six pairs, which I think says it all.

FRIDAY

maxi dress ➕ wool vest ➕ oversized denim jacket ➕boots

This dress arrived on Thursday and, as with every new purchase, I couldn't wait to wear it. I'd had my eye on this style for a while, and after writing my winter formula Substack and really thinking about adding genuine variety rather than just buying more of the same, it felt like exactly the right kind of stretch. It hasn't disappointed. I had so much fun playing around with different ways to style it that I ended up shooting a whole reel. I made so many combinations that I genuinely lost track of time, which is why I ended up rushing out the door to meet a friend for coffee wearing one of the looks I'd just shot. Happy accident. And the fact that it'll carry straight through into the warmer months makes it feel like one of those rare purchases that actually earns its wardrobe space.

SATURDAY

wide leg jeans➕ long sleeved tee ➕ sweater➕ vest ➕ converse

Solo parenting three kids on Saturday, but the weather was on my side, so I bribed everyone with a walk to our local café and a stroll to the park. Honestly, I just love a slow weekend. The outfit came together in about five minutes and it all started with wanting to wear my mohair sweater (an Assembly Label sale find that I am still very smug about). Once I knew I was going to wear the sweater, everything else fell into place quickly. I added I long sleeve tee as a base layer to stay warm, and a vest instead of a coat because those spring glimpses were there and you absolutely have to take advantage when they are. The winter formula doing its thing again, this time in real life.

SUNDAY

barrel pants ➕ tee ➕ crew neck sweater➕ vest ➕ sneakers

Sunday didn't really call for anything other than a activewear outfit, a family walk, a lot of housework and pizza night at home. Leggings would have been the obvious call and honestly, no judgement to anyone who went that route. But I've learned that getting properly dressed, even on a nothing day, gives me a little lift that I just can't get from activewear. So I kept it casual but considered: cotton barrel pants (I now own them in two colours, which tells you everything you need to know), a crew neck sweater and the chocolate reversible vest that has been getting an almost embarrassing amount of wear lately.

A week of spring glimpses, a maxi dress that completely surprised me, leggings I can’t stop buying, and the winter formula quietly doing its thing in the background — I’d call that a pretty good week. Before I go, I have to mention that this Friday’s Substack is one I’m really excited about. I recently read Anna Newton’s post about what a stylist told her to buy and something in it resonated with me so deeply that I had to write about it. keep an eye out for that one, I think you’ll love it.

Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fuss, real-life take on getting dressed every day, please pass this along.

Julia x

PS. You might also like these…

Let’s Stay in Touch!

For more daily style inspiration, you can also follow along on my other platforms:

• Instagram - where I share all my daily outfits

• Pinterest - where I pin things I love (& my outfits too!)

• LTK - where I save all the outfit links & sizing details

For years I never gave my winter wardrobe much thought, I always prioritised summer pieces instead. And honestly, I’m sure I’m not the only one, it’s so much more fun to shop for an upcoming holiday than a grey Tuesday morning in July. The problem wasn’t that I had nothing to wear — I had plenty. The problem was that none of it really worked together. Pieces bought on impulse because something looked good on a rack or on someone else’s Instagram, with no real thought for how it would fit into my actual mornings.

This winter I did something different. I stopped buying randomly and started buying with a plan — filling specific gaps in a layering formula I’d been refining for months. And it changed everything. For the first time I’m actually enjoying getting dressed in winter, looking forward to wearing my winter pieces in a way I genuinely never have before..

The formula

It’s actually so simple, which is exactly why it works:

• Base layer — a tee, long sleeve tee, or shirt

• Mid layer — a knit, cardigan, or vest

• Outer layer — a coat, jacket, or blazer

• Add a pair of wide leg, barrel, oversized pants, maxi dress or skirt and that’s it. Three layers and one silhouette rule, repeated on a loop all winter.

I didn't invent this, I just started paying closer attention to the women whose winter style I admired most. The ones who always looked effortlessly put together, regardless of where they were going or what they were doing. And almost without exception, they were all working from the same structure: base layer, mid layer, outer layer. The outfits looked completely different from person to person, but the bones were always the same.

Why the formula changed how I shop

Here’s the bit I actually want to talk about, because I think it’s the more useful lesson than the formula itself.

Once I had the structure mapped out, it became obvious where my wardrobe actually had gaps and, more importantly, where it didn’t. I already owned plenty of tees and shirts. I had coats coming out of my ears. What I was missing was almost entirely in the mid layer — the vests, the lighter knits could be layered over something, and the cardigans with enough structure to layer well instead of just sitting there.

So that’s what I bought. Nothing else. If a piece didn’t slot into base, mid, or outer and it didn’t solve a problem in the formula — it stayed on the rack, however much I liked it. I just don’t need more duplicates in my wardrobe!

It sounds restrictive written down, but it didn’t feel that way. It felt like the opposite, if I’m being honest. Shopping with a formula in mind meant every purchase had a job to do. No more “I’ll figure out how to wear it later.” No more pieces that looked great in the changing room and then sat untouched from March onwards. If it didn’t complete an outfit I could already half-picture, I didn’t need it.

What actually changed

A few honest observations from refining this over the season:

I bought less and wore more of what I bought. This is the one that surprised me most. I made fewer purchases this winter than any previous one — and I wore every single thing I did buy, repeatedly and deliberately, without the guilt of a wardrobe full of “meant to wear that more.”

Getting dressed stopped being a decision. Once the formula is in your head, mornings become a matter of picking one from each column rather than solving a puzzle from scratch. Base, mid layer, outer, pants. Done. There’s a lot of freedom in a system — which sounds counterintuitive, but it’s completely true.

The formula is the same. The outfits never feel like it. Mixing up the type of piece within each layer, playing with different colours, textures and proportions — that’s what stops it feeling like a copy and paste exercise. The structure stays consistent but the result always feels fresh, and that’s exactly why it’s had real longevity throughout the season. I haven’t once felt bored with my wardrobe or defaulted to buying something new just to shake things up.

I got clearer on what I actually needed versus what I was simply drawn to. Those aren’t always the same thing, and I think that’s the gap most of us fall into when we’re shopping without a structure. A formula forces you to ask “where does this actually go?” before you ask “do I love this?” and that one small reorder of questions saved me a lot of money and a lot of wardrobe clutter.

If you want to try it

So if you are still in the midst like me in Melbourne, or you are dreaming of colder winter morning mid heat wave in the northern hemisphere, try by starting to map what you already own into the three layers. I now have these organised like this in my wardrobe for ease. You’ll very likely find, like I did, that you’re not short on pieces overall — you’re short in one specific column. Maybe you’ve got coats and bases covered but nothing in the mid layer that actually layers well. Maybe it’s the opposite. Whatever it is, that’s the only thing worth shopping for this winter.

The wide leg barrel pant or maxi skirt or dress is doing more work in this formula than it gets credit for, by the way — it’s the piece that keeps three layers from looking bulky or top-heavy, so don’t skip it in favour of something more fitted, however tempting that feels on a cold day.

My favourite layers this season

Base Layers:

• Tee — this one, and this, and I love this oversized one too

• Long Sleeved Tee — this is a reasonably priced one

• Blouses & Shirts — Dissh shirts are great, I actually think this is my favourite striped shirt, I also bought this blouse recently and this was a sale find

Mid Layers

• Vests — I adore this one, this was a great secondhand find COS usually have some great options too.

• Sweaters — I have so many recommendations, but Assembly Label are my go-to, this one, this one. These are my go-to casual crew necks & this is my favourite striped knit

• Cardigans — Sezane are always my first stop for cardigans, these are my favourite designs, this one, this is such a versatile one as you can wear it back to front too!

Outer Layers

• Wool / Trench Coats — I’ve had this one for 4 years now, best quality wool coat. I have a similar trench to this one

• Quilted / Bomber Jackets — this quilted jacket has been such a good investment this year. This is such a great colour bomber. This suede jacket is stunning

• Denim Jackets / Shackets — this is the best oversized jacket and I haven’t found a better denim shacket than this one

• Sleeveless Vests — I’ve been living in this reversible one, this one is also great value

Bottoms

• Barrel Pants — these ones are my favourite cotton ones, these are the viral ones that are great value and I also like these my casual ones

• Wide Leg & Barrel Jeans — my absolute favourite wide leg jeans (I’ve got them in 3 colours) these are the best barrel jeans I’ve found

  Track Pants - I’ve bought these, and these this year and van highly recommend

• Maxi Dress - I’ve just picked this one up in the sale and it’s perfect!

I hope this has been as useful to read as it was to write! This is genuinely one of those things I wish someone had broken down for me years ago, and I have a feeling I'll still be refining it for many winters to come.

Until next time,

Julia x

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Wear This Formula: the statement coat trick

Here’s something I kept coming back to this winter: the coat is doing more work than anything else in the outfit — so why was I still agonising over what’s underneath?

This is the formula I keep coming back to, and it’s about as low-effort as good style gets. A simple neutral base, one coat doing all the talking. That’s it.

And nothing has reinforced this more than receiving this message from a follower recently — she’s completely nailed it.

“I’ve upped my jacket game and it’s amazing the difference it makes! I’m feeling so much more confident and comfortable, and getting dressed in the morning is so much easier. I’m using the same bases but switching up the jacket to suit the day or my mood.”

Same base, different coat and suddenly getting dressed feels effortless.

Why this works

Outerwear is having its moment this season — saturated colours, quilted details, faux fur trims, that kind of energy, and the temptation is to think you need to build a whole “look” around that. You don’t. In fact, you shouldn’t. The more going on underneath a statement coat, the less the coat actually gets to say.

On those mornings when you don't have time, or you just don't know what to wear but still want to feel put together, this is the formula for you! Keep your sweater, pants, jeans, whatever you're wearing underneath, deliberately quiet: think camel, charcoal, cream, navy (or whatever your go-to colour is). Then let the coat do all the work. Everything else fades into the background and suddenly the whole outfit looks intentional — even if it took you three minutes to put together. It's part of why I love dressing for cooler seasons; outerwear just makes everything easier. Over the past couple of years I've purposefully invested in upgrading my coats and jackets, and honestly, it's been a game changer for how I get dressed every day. I’ve been preaching this all A/W and I was so happy to receive this note from a follower… (she totally gets it!!)

How to build it

Start with the coat — and it doesn’t need to be anything special. A colour you love, a pattern that catches your eye, an oversized silhouette, something with an interesting shape — any of these work. If it’s the thing you reach for and feel good in, it’s the right one. And before you even think about shopping, look in your wardrobe first. I’d be willing to bet there’s already something in there that’s perfect for this.

The base is simple on purpose. A fine knit, a plain shirt, jeans or trousers in a neutral tone. No statement jewellery, no patterned scarf, nothing competing for attention. The coat is doing the work — nothing else needs to. Shoes and bag follow the same rule: keep them quiet. Simple boots, a structured bag in black, tan or another neutral. The coat has already done the elevating.

Building this formula in practice

I had a play in my wardrobe and pulled together three simple base outfits, then added a coat or jacket to each one to show you how the formula works in practice. And honestly? I could have kept going — the combinations are pretty much endless. See them in motion here.

I’ve broken down each of the three outfits for reference:

Why it earns its place in your wardrobe

This formula is honest in a way I appreciate: it doesn’t ask you to buy a new “capsule” or rethink your whole wardrobe. It asks you to notice the one piece you already own that has more personality than you’ve been giving it credit for, and to stop burying it under outfits that compete with it.

Living in Melbourne, this approach just makes practical sense. Our winters aren't consistently freezing — it's cold mornings, milder afternoons, and constantly on-and-off layers. A coat you can take off without your whole outfit falling apart underneath is worth so much more than another chunky jumper you'll be too warm in by 2pm. Melbourne dressing is basically layering as a sport, and a great coat is your best piece of kit.

My go-to coats & jackets right now

A good 40% of my wardrobe is outerwear and here are a few (currently available to buy) that I’ve been reaching for on repeat this A/W

Insert image collage - from website

• Elka Dawson Bomber Jacket (Chocolate)

• Damson Madder Raincoat

• Assembly label Sadie (old colour, this is similar)

• Assembly Label cropped wool

• Nude Lucy Quilted Jacket

• Nimble Activewear Vest

• Gloverall (old)

• Marius Oversized Boyfriend denim jacket

• Lululemon Fleece Lined coat

The verdict

Buy: nothing, probably. Check your own cupboard first.

Wear: the coat you’ve been saving for “the right outfit.” This is the right outfit. The simpler, the better.

If you try this one, I’d love to know what coat you reached for, let me know in the comments!

*This Substack contains gifted PR items and affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.

There’s something so satisfying about the first week back in routine. The kids returned to school and kinder, I returned to my desk, and honestly both felt equally good. I got stuck into a run of Substack writing and worked through a to-do list that had been building for weeks.

The end of the week was a lovely one. I’d planned a little surprise for my husband, a 24 hour escape to the most gorgeous tiny home in Gippsland to celebrate eighteen years of marriage. Eighteen years! The weather was perfect — bright winter sunshine — so we made the most of it with an 18km bike ride along the Great Southern Rail Trail before a quiet evening together. I’ve written about the weekend highlights here if you want the full story.

Anyway, on to the outfits. Fair warning, it was a very casual week. Lots of layers, lots of practicality, and if I’m honest I’ve been so deep in warm weather dressing inspiration lately that I am absolutely ready to shed every single one of them. Beach days, please!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links,

Outfit Details…. an easy Monday called for an easy outfit — swimming lessons with my littlest one and a trip to Target for Hot Wheels cars that we absolutely did not need (and bought anyway). This is an outfit formula I've had on repeat all winter: wide leg jeans, a tee and an oversized sweater. The only difference this time was leaving everything untucked for a more relaxed, undone feel — I'd usually tuck the sweater in to elevate it slightly, but honestly, I felt utterly bloated all day and the untucked version was absolutely the right call. Comfort won, and I have zero regrets.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGININGS ➕ TEE ➕ ZIPPED SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit links,

Outfit Details…. a child-free morning— I did the school drop off and headed straight down to the beach for a headland walk on what was honestly a stunning morning. I kept it comfy and practical, fully intending to change when I got home, but I got stuck into writing new Substacks (keep your eyes peeled!) and by the time I came up for air it was somehow already school pick up time. I don't love being in activewear all day, but sometimes needs must — and at least I had a super productive day!

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ KNIT ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. my four year old and I headed down to the beach to make the most of a sunny but freezing cold morning — he jumped on his bike and I followed behind, finishing with a chai latte and hot chocolate at a little café on the way back. The outfit was simple and that was exactly the point: light wash wide leg jeans, a black tee, my alpaca sweater and the sage green quilted jacket making yet another appearance — the cost per wear on that thing must be extraordinarily low at this point. Finished with black Converse to tie everything together.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = PANTS ➕ STRIPED SHIRT ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ VEST ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. by Thursday I was ready for something a little more elevated and the perfect excuse to finally wear these gifted green pants. I paired them with my green striped shirt and, since it was pretty cold, layered my charcoal grey alpaca sweater over the top (a combo I've reached for before and always works). The chocolate brown reversible vest felt like a natural addition after getting so much wear out of it last week — and the green and brown pairing completely made the outfit. Finished with my brown sneakers and chocolate suede tote to tie everything together. It worked perfectly for a café date with my little one and held up just as well for a walk to the post office later in the afternoon too.

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ LONG SLEEVED TEE ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ BOAT SHOES

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. Friday I headed to Chadestone with a friend for a spot of shopping — and it turned out to be a really successful trip! I've been leaning into three-layer dressing this winter (base, mid layer, jacket) but knowing we'd be indoors most of the day, I ditched the middle layer and kept it simple: just my white long sleeve tee and jeans. There's something about a white tee and jeans that never fails — sometimes the most effortless combination really is the best one. I did throw on my quilted jacket for the trip there, though it was firmly off the moment we walked through the shopping centre doors.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ TANK ➕ ZIPPED FUNNEL SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. as I mentioned in the intro, the end of the week brought our little child-free escape — a tiny home in the middle of nowhere in Gippsland, and something I’d genuinely been wanting to do for the longest time. I can confirm: I’m completely hooked. There is something about a small, considered space with nothing to do but be present that feels like the most indulgent kind of rest.

I packed practically for once — no multiple outfit options, no “just in case” pieces. I knew it was going to be a quiet, unhurried weekend and I dressed accordingly. Saturday called for something that could handle an 18km bike ride and still feel put together afterwards, so I reached for a formula I’ve been on repeat with lately: leggings, tank, sweater and coat — all Lululemon, because at this point my loyalty to that brand borders on embarrassing.

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ LONG SLEEVED TEE ➕ SWEATER➕ JACKET / VEST ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. Sunday morning was the kind of slow that’s hard to come by. We woke up to a view I genuinely couldn’t stop looking at, took a gentle walk, and found the most charming little café for brunch, the perfect morning to celebrate our anniversary!

I made slightly more of an effort with the outfit — which, relative to Saturday’s leggings, wasn’t difficult. My favourite wide leg jeans, the white long sleeve tee that has barely left my body since I bought it the other week and my new mohair sweater I picked up in the sale — a combination I loved far more than I expected to. The sage green quilted jacket made its inevitable appearance, as it always does in these weekly roundups, and I have absolutely no intention of apologising for that!

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes!

A week of easy outfit formulas, a very loyal sage green quilted jacket, and a child-free weekend in Gippsland that I will be talking about for a very long time. From swimming lessons and Hot Wheels runs to an 18km bike ride and the most perfect slow Sunday brunch — it’s fair to say it was a week of two very different halves. Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fuss, real-life take on getting dressed every day, please pass this along! And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button above to land in your inbox every Friday.

See you next week 🖤

Julia x

PS. You might also like these…

I’ll admit it: I almost overpacked out of pure anxiety.

Last week we had a trip down the coast planned, and the weather forecast was doing that classic cold-snap thing where you genuinely can't tell if you'll need a heavy coat or just a light knit. Given it's July in Melbourne, I knew a layer or two was non-negotiable. Still, I'd been wanting to try the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method for this trip, and challenge myself not to overpack — which felt like a big ask with winter layers in the mix. Everyone I've seen use this method makes it look so effortless. Meanwhile, I was sitting on my bedroom floor thinking, but what if I need a sixth jumper?

If you haven’t come across it, the method is a simple numbers formula: 5-4-3-2-1. What’s genuinely flexible is which garment type fills each slot — the count stays fixed, but you adjust the categories to suit the trip. For a coastal trip in cold weather, mine landed as:

• 5 tops

• 4 bottoms

• 3 pairs of shoes

• 2 jackets/outerwear

• 1 catch-all category for everything else — bags, activewear, jewellery, accessories

Someone packing for a beach holiday might flex those same numbers differently (say, 2 swimsuits and 1 cover-up instead of 2 jackets and a scarf). The constant is the count, not the categories — and that’s what forces you into thinking in outfits rather than “just in case” items. But when the weather’s cold and unpredictable, that structure feels like it’s working against you rather than for you. So here’s how it actually went.

What made the cut under the 5-4-3-2-1 Rule

The tops: this is where layering saves you

I went with five tops that could all pull double duty depending on the day:

• Assembly Label pink sweater

• Uniqlo navy crew neck sweater

• Uniqlo grey check shirt

• Uniqlo white long-sleeve tee

• Everlane grey alpaca sweater

The trick with cold-weather capsule packing isn't packing more tops, it's packing tops that layer well with each other. The white long-sleeve tee became my base layer under every sweater I packed, and on the odd occasion it warmed up slightly, it held its own worn alone. Five tops gave me way more outfit combinations than I expected, especially paired with two jackets I could swap in and out.

The check shirt and the long-sleeve tee were actually both new buys before the trip, and honestly, best purchases I could’ve made. Both turned out to be brilliant warm layers, not just for day outfits but for walking and exercising too, so they were quietly doing double duty the whole trip. That’s the bit that pleasantly surprised me most: I was never once stuck for something to wear. With such a small number of pieces, I expected to feel limited by day three, but instead I found myself genuinely enjoying the mixing and matching. Fewer choices somehow made getting dressed more fun, not less.

The bottoms: comfort met structure

Four bottoms, and I made sure they covered very different registers:

• Country Road mid-wash wide leg jeans

• Elka Collective track pants

• Assembly Label brown Lola barrel pants

• Assembly Label washed black barrel jeans

This is where I felt the method really proving itself. Two denim options (one dressier, one more casual in different colour washes), one relaxed pant with elasticated waist, and one pair of track pants for lounging or longer drives. Nothing overlapped in purpose, which meant nothing felt wasted.

The shoes: the category everyone over packs

Three pairs, no more:

• New Balance sneakers, similar

• Jo Mercer Brown combat boots, old but you maybe able to pick them up on Depop

• Ecru Converse high-tops

Usually I'm a huge over-packer in the footwear department, especially on trips where I can just throw them in the boot, but I stayed firm to my challenge. The boots turned out to be the real MVP — versatile enough for anything cold or coastal-path adventurous, but dressy enough to hold their own paired with my wool long coat. Sneakers covered comfort and walking, and the Converse handled the in-between, slightly-dressed-up days. Honestly, this ended up being the easiest category to trust the formula on, because who really needs a fourth pair of shoes on a short coastal trip? (Me, historically. The answer has always been me.)

The jackets: the category that saved winter-anxiety-me

Two coats:

• Lululemon black fleece lined jacket

• Assembly Label brown wool coat, similar colour

If you've followed me for a while, you'll know I'm a jacket lover — so I can tell you, taking only two on a trip gave me genuine anxiety, especially knowing I'd need one (or more) every single day because it was going to be freezing. But I got practical: one super warm option for all the walks, and one a little more elevated but still warm enough to actually wear. I'll admit I cheated slightly and snuck a vest into my "one item" category too.

Having only two forced me to actually think about when I'd wear each one, rather than throwing in three or four "just in case" options that would've sat unused in the suitcase.

The “one” category: where I let myself breathe a little

Technically this bucket is meant to be one item, but realistically it became my catch-all for the things that don’t fit neatly into outfits:

• Assembly Label Black leather tote handbag

• Nimble Activewear Chocolate brown reversible vest

• Full workout outfit (Lululemon sweater, bra top, tank top, leggings)

• Brixton Red Beanie - I actually bought this on this trip

• Scarf - old from Sezane

• Sunglasses (I cheated here and brought this pair, and this pair)

• I’ve not listed them here, but I also took PJs, underwear & socks too!

I didn’t stress too much about sticking to a literal “one” here. The spirit of the method is really about intentionality, not a strict headcount — and having a workout fit meant I could still get a walk or a stretch in without needing a whole separate “activewear” category eating into my tops and bottoms count.

All the outfits I wore - broken down

Here's a full breakdown of every outfit I wore across the 6 days. I've linked everything here, along with sizing details in case that's helpful. I've also rounded up all these outfits in this week's "Everything I Wore Last Week" post, if you want a closer look.

So, was it enough for cold weather?

Yes — and that surprised me. The anxious part of my brain was convinced that fewer items meant being under-prepared, but the truth is the method doesn’t ask you to pack less warmth, it asks you to pack smarter layers. Between the alpaca sweater, the check shirt as a layering piece, and two genuinely weather-appropriate coats, I never once felt cold or caught out.

If you’re on the fence about trying 5-4-3-2-1 for a cold-weather trip, my one piece of advice: pick your jackets first. Once those two are locked in, everything else falls into place around them.

Would I use this method again? Genuinely, yes. My suitcase was lighter, my outfits were more considered, and I didn’t spend the trip lugging around three sweaters I never touched.

Have you tried a capsule packing method for a trip? I’d love to hear how you adapted it for tricky weather.

Until next time, Julia 🖤

Last week we headed down the coast to Torquay with the kids and had the best few days. Despite the chill, it was wonderful to get outside in the sunshine and explore — lots of dog walks along the headland (I was freezing just watching the surfers!), a beautiful day along the Great Ocean Road with picnics, waterfall walks and park hangs, and one of my husband’s infamous “Magical Mystery Tours.” If you haven’t experienced one of these: we all pile into the car and he drives us to a series of completely random destinations. This one included a gorgeous walk in Barwon Heads, a picnic by a lighthouse, cider tasting, and a few other stops I’ve already forgotten — which honestly just means it was a good trip.

For this one I also challenged myself to use the 5,4,3,2,1 packing method, and I’m writing a full Substack on everything I packed and wore, plus my thoughts on whether the method actually works — so keep an eye out for that later this week. In the meantime, here’s a full run-down of everything I wore…

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ SHIRT ➕ STRIPED SWEATER➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links,

Outfit Details…. with a day of errands to get through before our mini getaway, comfort was the priority — but I was really happy with how this one came together. I ended up reaching for two pieces I hadn't worn in a little while: my blue shirt and my striped cotton knit. They felt like a natural pairing, and the sage green quilted jacket pulled it all together (this jacket honestly makes everything look more elevated — I'm convinced it's one of those pieces that does the heavy lifting no matter what you put it with).

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ CHECK SHIRT ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ VEST ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links, vest*

Outfit Details…. this was my travel outfit, and I stayed true to my packing challenge — everything I wore came straight from the list. I don't usually reach for this vest outside of walks, but as you'll see throughout the week, I really loved finding more elevated ways to style it (the fact that it's reversible helps too!). The rest of the outfit was simple, warm, and practical: wide leg jeans (I own three pairs — there was never any question one was making the cut!), my new check shirt (the Uniqlo men's department is genuinely worth a visit if you haven't been), and my super warm charcoal alpaca sweater. A solid travel outfit all round.WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ LONG SLEEVE TEE ➕ ZIPPED FUNNEL NECK SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. we headed out for an early morning dog walk, and true to my leisurewear uniform, I went full all-black — one tone automatically elevates a casual look, makes everything feel more put-together, and takes all the guesswork out of getting dressed. Lots of layers to stay warm by the ocean and totally worked to meet a friend at a local cafe.

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ LONG SLEEVE TEE➕ SWEATER➕ WOOL COAT ➕ BOOTS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. in the afternoon we headed into Torquay, so I did a quick change into my black barrel jeans and a white long sleeve tee — a new purchase from the Uniqlo men's department (I think it deserves its own Substack, honestly — so good and brilliantly versatile). I threw on my new pink knit, which I loved paired with the washed black and brown tones in the outfit, then layered my wool coat over the top and switched into my brown suede boots for a slightly dressier feel.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕ LONG SLEEVE TEE ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. Thursday we headed further down the coast to Lorne — one of my favourite spots on the Great Ocean Road. It was beautifully sunny but still chilly out of the sun, so layers were a must. I reached for my burgundy track pants, which are such a good option for this kind of getaway — casual enough for a coastal walk, but easy to dress up for dinner. That white long sleeve tee came in handy again (I really got my wear out of it this trip!), and the charcoal alpaca sweater worked beautifully with the burgundy — a combo I've leaned on before and will absolutely lean on again. Finished with my black jacket and Converse.

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ LONG SLEEVED TEE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ VEST ➕ BOOTS

outfit details, vest*

Outfit Details…. Friday was my husband's "Magical Mystery Tour" day, taking us around a few spots on the Bellarine Peninsula. This look had a bit of a 70s feel to it and I was completely here for it — the blue and brown combo is always a winner. I brought the chocolate brown vest back out, but this time wore it reversed on the fleece side, and I think I actually prefer it that way, especially styled into a non-leisurewear look. The boots and scarf pulled everything together perfectly.

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ LONG SLEEVED TEE ➕ ZIPPED FUNNEL NECK SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. in the afternoon we headed out for a walk — racking up over 10,000 steps, in one day! I switched into my black leggings and swapped the navy sweater for my black zipped funnel neck, and instead of defaulting to my black jacket I threw on my brown wool coat. Such a good trick for elevating a pair of leggings instantly — it takes the whole look from gym kit to actually put-together in seconds.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ CHECK SHIRT ➕ALPACA SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ BOOTS

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. we had a relaxed morning before heading into Torquay in the afternoon for a warm drink at one of the cafes in town. I went back to the black barrel jeans, this time paired with the grey check shirt and alpaca sweater. The base was all dark tones, so the brown coat and boots were the perfect way to break it up and add some warmth to the palette.

outfit details, beanie

Outfit Details…. we took the kids and dogs down to the local playground and BMX track before heading out for dinner — and it was absolutely freezing, so I swapped the wool coat for my super warm black jacket and switched the boots for Converse. While we were in Lorne I picked up the cutest red beanie (I'd been after one for a while), and I loved how one simple accessory completely transformed the look. Safe to say it'll be getting a lot of wear now we're back home!

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ LONG SLEEVED TEE ➕ SWEATER➕ JACKET / VEST ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details, vest* beanie

Outfit Details…. Sunday was our travel day back to Melbourne, and I kept the same base for the whole day — brown barrel pants, white long sleeve tee and pink sweater with my Converse — just swapping out the jacket and beanie depending on where we were headed. It's a small thing, but I loved how each switch gave the look a slightly different feel. Honestly, this week reminded me just how far a well-chosen set of pieces can stretch — I could have easily mixed and matched my way through another week without repeating a look!

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes!

A week of layers, coastal walks, 10,000-step days, and one red beanie that completely stole the show — I’d call that a pretty good few days. It was such a fun exercise proving just how far a carefully chosen set of pieces can stretch, and it’s given me a lot to say in my upcoming Substack on the 5,4,3,2,1 packing method — so keep an eye out for that one this week!

Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fuss, real-life take on getting dressed every day, please pass this along — word of mouth is everything. And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button below to land in your inbox every Friday.

See you next week 🖤

Julia x

Last week was the first week of the school holidays here in Melbourne, so this roundup is full of relaxed, comfy fits that worked hard for days out with the kids. And what a week it was — a cinema trip to see Toy Story 5 (loved it!), a brilliant day in the city taking in the Cartier exhibition at the NGV with friends (all those diamonds...), swimming, and plenty of cosy craft and movie afternoons when the weather just wasn't worth braving. Because it was such a busy one, this week's roundup is a little shorter than usual, but I've added extra outfit photos to make up for it!

Last week's Instagram post where my 13-year-old rated all my outfits was a huge hit — almost 500 likes, which blew me away! So naturally, I had to get my four-year-old's take this week... and it did not disappoint. Go and check it out if you need a giggle!

What I’m Loving Lately

But before we get into the outfits, three things I’ve been loving lately — I’d love to know if any of these are on your radar too.

#1 What I’m Reading another great reading week, I found a series I absolutely could not put down and ended up racing through all three books in one week! The Sunday Morning series by Jewel E. Ann is one of those rare finds that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for your next series to get completely lost in, this is it, I cannot recommend it enough!

#2 Activewear Love after a month of dealing with a sore back, I was finally back to my usual workout routine last week — and it reminded me just how good these leggings are. I genuinely recommend them to anyone who asks!

#3 What I’m Watching I started Rooster on HBO last week and absolutely loved it — such a great find, and just what I needed to stop me rewatching Off Campus for the hundredth time! Highly recommend if you're looking for something new to sink into.

Right, now that’s covered — here’s the full recap of everything I wore last week. Let me know which looks were your favourites!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET➕ SNEAKERS

outfit links, jacket, scarf sweater*

Outfit Details…. first day of the holidays and we kicked it off with a trip to see Toy Story 5 — a little cold and wet outside, so warm layers were a must! I finally reached for these boiled wool barrel pants that I bought a couple of months ago and, I'll be honest, haven't worn nearly enough. I think if I were still in an office they'd be on constant rotation, but on casual days at home I always seem to default to jeans. That said, I'm so glad I gave them a proper outing — paired with my chocolate quilted jacket and navy scarf (a total Depop steal!)

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ STRIPED TOP ➕ RAIN JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit links, jacket

Outfit Details…. Tuesday was a wet one, I don't think it stopped raining all day! But that didn't stop us heading into the city to check out the Cartier exhibition at the NGV with friends (highly recommend if you're a Melbourne local, so many diamonds!). With the rain, my new rain jacket was a non-negotiable, it's been such a great addition to the jacket rotation. I kept the rest simple with wide-leg jeans and a striped long-sleeve top, and made a last-minute shoe swap from my brown suede boat shoes to my Adidas SL72s. A much more practical call, and honestly the right one!

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ TEE ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ BIRKENSTOCK

outfit details, jacket*

Outfit Details…. if you read last week's roundup, you might recognise this one — I actually forgot to take a photo last week, so I did what any sensible person would do and wore it again! No complaints though, it's such a comfy and simple outfit, and it was perfect for a beach walk with the kids. And never underestimate a little scarf — that green triangle scarf is such a great way to elevate the simplest of looks!

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ SHIRT ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ BOOTS

outfit details, jacket*

Outfit Details…. a similar formula to last week, but with a few tweaks — I swapped to my black barrel jeans and reached for my light grey crew neck sweater instead of the charcoal alpaca. My black combat boots made another appearance with the barrel jeans (still loving this combination!), and the sage green quilted jacket did what it always does — pulled the whole outfit together and totally made the look. Some formulas are just worth repeating!

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕ SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, jacket*

Outfit Details…. I had every intention of showering and changing after swimming with the kids - but a chilled afternoon of Lego and movies got in the way, so wet hair and all, this was the look! (No regrets.) These track pants are a firm favourite and such a great alternative to full activewear. I kept things simple and warm with a black sweater and my fleece-lined jacket, and dusted off my New Balance sneakers which haven't seen much action lately - but the more elongated toe worked really well with the pants.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ BARN JACKET ➕ FLAT BALLET SHOES

outfit details, scarf jacket*, sweater*

Outfit Details…. Saturday was a special one, my bestie and I had facials to celebrate her birthday and they were absolutely incredible. 60 minutes of pure relaxation, and my skin was glowing afterwards! We had a cheeky pre-appointment prosecco, so I made a little effort with the outfit too. My favourite wide-leg jeans in the lighter wash (I think I'm favouring it over the dark wash at the moment!), a white tee layered under my navy crew neck sweater, and my barn jacket thrown on top — the navy collar and cuffs matched the sweater perfectly. I couldn't resist adding my TBco wool scarf again either... those ruffles just add the best little touch of interest!

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ STRIPED SHIRT ➕ SWEATER➕ DENIM JACKET ➕ LOAFERS

outfit details, denim jacket*

Outfit Details…. I'd been eyeing this Assembly Label pink knit for months, and when it hit half price in the sale I couldn't resist — I knew it would get plenty of wear! Now, pink and brown is a combo I've always loved on other people but never really tried myself, so I decided to give it a go. I paired it with my barrel pants, layered a striped shirt underneath for some depth, and threw on my oversized denim jacket. I'm so glad I took the risk — I absolutely loved how this one came together, and the loafers gave the whole outfit that little bit of extra elevation

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes!

A week of simple, casual outfits that worked hard throughout the school holidays — sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Next week we’re heading down the coast, so look out for everything I wore in the next roundup. I’m also challenging myself to pack using the 5,4,3,2,1 method, so I’ll be writing a full Substack on how that goes — wish me luck!

Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fluff, real-life take on getting dressed every week, please pass this along — word of mouth is everything. And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button below to land in your inbox every Friday.

See you next week 🖤
Julia x

P.S you might also like these…

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Hello lovely readers!

Last week I promised myself I’d break the winter pants cycle, and I can confirm I failed completely. Not one single outfit. In my defence, and I’m not sure this fully counts as a defence — not working in an office has genuinely changed my relationship with winter dressing. Dresses and skirts in summer feel easy and casual. In winter they immediately feel dressy in a way I can’t quite shake. Is that just me? Please tell me it’s not just me.

Either way, I'm putting together a reel with some options from my own wardrobe to try and talk myself into it — watch this space. In the meantime I did pull together a few winter date night outfits over on Instagram this week, so if you're heading out and have absolutely no idea what to wear, that one's for you.

In more successful news, last week’s outfit roundup rated by my 10 year old daughter was apparently a hit, so this week I handed the job to my 13 year old son. He was half as brutal as his sister, which either means he’s kinder or he just couldn’t be bothered. Jury’s out.

What I’m Loving Lately

But before we get into the outfits, three things I’ve been loving lately — I’d love to know if any of these are on your radar too.

#1 What I’m Reading BookTok has been dangerous this year and I have no regrets. Last week I finished Please Don’t Go by E. Salvador in under 24 hours — genuinely couldn’t put it down and cannot believe more people aren’t talking about it. Brilliant. Go read it.

#2 We Finally Saw a Whale Almost nine years of living in Melbourne. Nine winters heading down to the coast. Nine times seeing absolutely nothing. Until last Sunday — a Humpback, right there, in all its glory. Spectacular doesn’t cover it. Weekend entirely made.

#3 Assembly Label Sale EOFY sales are in full swing and Assembly Label’s is a good one as always. I’ve already bought a pink knit that’s currently making its way to me, and I have zero regrets about that either.

Right, now that’s covered — here’s the full recap of everything I wore last week. Let me know which looks were your favourites!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ BLOUSE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ BOOTS

outfit links

Outfit Details…. I was totally inspired by the lovely Sandie last week to dig out my combat boots (I have them in brown suede and black!) after she styled hers so beautifully with barrel jeans. I’d worn them loads last winter, but since moving to a slightly longer barrel jean, I wasn’t convinced they’d still work - well, I was very happily proven wrong!

I paired them with one of my cute summer blouses layered under a simple navy crew neck sweater, tried on a few jackets, and landed on this brown wool coat - which tied in with the boots perfectly. A keeper of a look!

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ STRIPED TOP ➕ CARDIGAN

outfit links,

Outfit Details…. After a morning in activewear, I changed into this simple outfit for a stay-at-home day - no shoes required! Those wide-leg jeans made another appearance (honestly, best buy of the season - I can't stop reaching for them!). I didn't overthink this one at all - grabbed this striped long-sleeve top since I hadn't worn it in a while, and with Melbourne being absolutely freezing on Tuesday, threw my wool cardigan on top to keep warm.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ TEE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. I fancied a jean-free day for a change, so I reached for my favourite barrel pants from Assembly Label. The elasticated waist is everything - so comfortable, but still feels elevated (my kind of pant!). With a full day ahead with my four-year-old - cafe, park, cake baking, and bike rides - comfort was non-negotiable. A white tee layered under a crew neck sweater is one of my favourite winter combos, and throwing on the sage green quilted jacket and black Converse pulled it all together. A simple outfit that worked hard all day!

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, jacket*

Outfit Details…. I debuted this coat last week and the compliments have not stopped - it was definitely a good purchase! It was the perfect addition to an otherwise simple outfit for a day of errands. Monday's navy crew neck sweater made another appearance (seriously, if you need one versatile piece in your wardrobe, this is it!) - this time layered over a simple blue tee and paired with my mid-wash wide-leg jeans. I added a little scarf for some extra interest, and the light blue tied in perfectly with the trimming on the jacket. Sometimes an outfit just comes together!

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ BIRKENSTOCKS

outfit details, jacket*

Outfit Details…. with all the kids at school or kinder, I had a rare quiet morning to catch up on content before an early end-of-term finish, which meant staying in activewear until absolutely necessary, and then changing into something only marginally more considered.

Barrel jeans, black tee, charcoal alpaca sweater thrown over the top — comfortable but pulled together enough that I didn’t look like I’d given up entirely. The Lululemon fleece-lined jacket came with me (genuinely one of the best things I’ve bought this year) and for a change I went with my taupe Boston Birkenstocks instead of my usual Converse or sneakers — black socks, which matched everything else and felt more intentional than it had any right to.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ SHIRT ➕SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ BOAT SHOES

outfit details,

Outfit Details…. a lovely family morning at the farmers market and a walk along the yacht club — sunny, crisp, completely perfect for it. I was firmly in practical Melbourne winter mode: black leggings, sweater, long puffer coat. Not stylish. Necessary.

Quick change before heading out to help a friend with her wardrobe edit, and this one ended up being my favourite look of the week. Barrel jeans, green striped shirt, charcoal alpaca sweater (making its second appearance — no notes), sage green quilted jacket to tie it all together, and brown suede boat shoes with black socks for a bit of contrast. Done in under five minutes and one I’ll definitely be repeating.

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ ZIPPED SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, zipped funnel sweater*, jacket*

Outfit Details…. perfect sunny winter Sunday so we headed down the coast on our annual whale hunt — nine years of looking, nine years of nothing. Until Sunday. Our first Humpback, right there in front of us. Kids’ holidays well and truly made.

Outfit-wise it was an outdoorsy day but I wasn’t feeling activewear, so I kept it simple — black wash barrel jeans, black sweater and coat, the hooded scarf I picked up in the UK last year (one of my favourite impulse buys), and New Balance sneakers. Practical, put-together enough, and apparently the perfect whale-spotting outfit.

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes!

A whale sighting nine years in the making, an end of term, a friend’s wardrobe sorted, and a Sunday coast trip with the family — it was a good one. The kind of week that reminds you that the best outfit is usually just whatever lets you show up for the actual moment.

Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means everything.

If you know someone who’d enjoy a no-fluff, real-life take on getting dressed every week, please pass this along. Word of mouth is everything. And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button below to land in your inbox every Friday.

See you next week 🖤

Julia x

P.S you might also like these…

Hello lovely readers!

I’m really enjoying being back writing Substacks again — documenting and recapping my outfits every week has been so fun, and I hope you’re enjoying it too! One thing I’ve noticed since it turned cold in Melbourne (and since I’m not in an office at the moment) is that I’m almost exclusively reaching for pants. Next week I’m making a conscious effort to work a skirt or dress into the mix!

But before we get into the outfits, here are three things I’ve been loving lately — I’d love to know if you’re into any of these too. If you’d like to see how my daughter rated all last weeks looks, be sure to check out today’s post

#1 What I’m Reading I’ve almost hit my 50 book reading challenge for 2026, and the last one I couldn’t put down was Lauren Connolly’s P.S. I Hate You. If you love a second chance romance, this one is for you.

#2 Merit Bronze Balm I’ve been using this for a while, but I’ve just run out and cannot wait for the new one to arrive! I wear the ‘Clay’ for reference.

#3 Podcast Obsession I’ve recommended this one before, but if you love conversations about style, fashion and beauty, this is for you — the Stylish podcast drops weekly and I listen the moment it’s out.

Right, now that’s covered — here’s the full recap of everything I wore last week. Let me know which looks were your favourites!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links

Outfit Details…. A very casual outfit for a day with my four-year-old - swimming lessons in the morning, then a beach bike ride and cafe stop in the afternoon. I’m all about comfy-but-elevated, and this one hit the mark perfectly.

I wasn’t 100% convinced about pairing the orange sweater with the sage green quilted jacket, but I was pleasantly surprised - turns out it might be a colour match made in heaven! My favourite barrel jeans and Converse finished the look off nicely.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL PANTS ➕ STRIPED SHIRT ➕ KNITTED SWEATER ➕ LOAFERS

outfit links,

Outfit Details…. ah, Tuesday was one of those indecisive days where getting dressed felt harder than it should have been - and honestly, I still wasn’t 100% happy with the outfit. But I think it’s important to share the misses too, because often it’s not the whole outfit that’s not working, just one piece - and I think that was the case here.

I love all these pieces individually, and the barrel pants and shirt worked well together, but the sweater was just a little too oversized for this look. I’m going to have a play with these barrel pants and see if I can find a better formula for them.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ KNITTED SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details, sweater*

Outfit Details…. After a pretty rubbish night's sleep (honestly, what is with the shitty sleep after 40?!), I defaulted to the outfit I'd worn the night before for dinner with a friend. To keep things casual for a day of errands and WFH on some Instagram and Substack content, I swapped the heeled boots for my black Converse high tops, and traded the dressier navy wool coat for my sage green quilted jacket again - easily the best purchase of this A/W.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ CAMI ➕ CARDIGAN ➕ DENIM JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, denim jacket*

Outfit Details…. Thursday I had errands to run and felt like mixing up my winter look — I've been defaulting to tees or shirts under a sweater, but this time I reached for my Sezàne navy floral cami (it got lots of wear over summer, but none since it turned cold). I paired it with my dark wash wide leg jeans, then layered up since the cami is short-sleeved: the Sezáne Gaspard cardigan in caramel brown, plus my oversized denim jacket instead of a warmer winter coat, since it wasn't too cold out. And finished the outfit with my brown Adidas SL72s to tie into the cardigan..

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕ SWEATER ➕ LEATHER BOMBER JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details

Outfit Details…. Friday was officially my first 'Wardrobe Edit' appointment with a client, and I can't tell you how much fun I had — sorting and editing a wardrobe, and creating wearable outfit formulas. If you're interested and live in the Melbourne area, be sure to send me a message. Anyway, on the outfit front: I kept it comfy but elevated with my Elka Collective track pants, white tee, and cream wool sweater. I popped on my chocolate leather bomber jacket — I loved this pairing with burgundy track pants last week and just had to repeat.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ ZIPPED FUNNEL SWEATER ➕JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, zipped funnel sweater*, jacket*

Outfit Details…. We had a relatively easy Saturday (the kind of weekend I love) — headed out for a family walk along the beach headland and popped into the local bakery for a little treat for the kids. Instead of activewear, I decided to wear my new wide leg jeans (the light stone wash ones — I've written a whole Substack on how good these jeans are, I had to buy 3 different colours). I love how casual this colour feels, and it was perfect paired with my black zipped funnel Lululemon sweater, black tee, and warm jacket. I probably should have worn my Merry People gum boots, though, as the path turned out to be rather muddy as my Adidas SL72s were a little messy by the end!

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ SWEATER ➕ QULITED JACKET ➕ BOAT SHOES

outfit details, quilted jacket*

Outfit Details…. I was lucky enough to be gifted this gorgeous quilted jacket from Wovien, a small Melbourne-based brand, and I couldn't wait to style it up. Sunday was the most perfect winter's day — sunny and not that cold. I kept the base simple: black wash barrel jeans, a white tee (it definitely got a workout last week!) and my charcoal grey alpaca sweater. The statement jacket elevated the whole look, and that blue trimming is just divine. I'm also contemplating a brown and blue striped wool triangle scarf, because it would be a match made in heaven with this jacket. The chocolate brown suede boots tied everything together and made the whole look feel intentional.

And that's a wrap on this week's Honest Style Notes! A week of sunny winter days, layers done right, a gifted jacket that stole the show, and a navy floral cami that finally came out of hibernation — I'll take it! A first client appointment, a muddy beach walk, and a bakery stop made for a pretty good week overall. Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means the world. If you know someone who'd enjoy a little everyday style inspiration, please pass this along — word of mouth is everything. And if you're not already subscribed, hit the button below to get it straight to your inbox each Friday. See you next time! 🖤

Julia x

P.S you might also like these…

I want to tell you about a pair of jeans. Not because a brand asked me to — because they are honestly the best pair of wide legs I’ve come across, and I couldn’t gatekeep any longer.

The jeans are the Country Road Curved Wide Leg. I now own them in three colours (Indigo Rinse, Mid Wash & Faded Stone Wash , because they were that good.

Years in the making

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect pair of wide leg jeans for what feels like actual years.

Here’s my honest starting point: I love a wide leg jean. There’s something about them that feels effortless and put-together at the same time, and I have the Pinterest board to prove it — years of pins, all chasing the same silhouette. And yet, despite owning more pairs than I’d like to admit, not one had hit the mark. There was always something not quite right. The fabric wasn’t heavy enough, so they clung in all the wrong places. They weren’t as wide as I wanted. The waist sat more mid-rise than I needed it to.

So when I spotted these on a [xxxx] TikTok, they looked exactly like what I’d been chasing, but I headed instore to try them on myself, with the same tired scepticism of someone who has been let down by this category one too many times. I pulled the dark wash into the changing room expecting the usual list of small disappointments.

Instead, I was genuinely surprised by how good they were.

What actually happens when you wear them

The curve in “curved wide leg” is doing real work. It’s not a straight leg with extra fabric thrown at it, there’s a genuine shape through the hip and thigh that means the volume starts from your actual body rather than your waistband.

The fabric has enough weight to drape rather than balloon, which is the difference between “wide leg” reading as intentional versus reading as a denim tent. I’ve worn them standing all day, sitting at a desk for six hours, and some longer drives in the car, three genuinely different tests of a trouser’s structural integrity and the shape held in all three.

The length is the one place I’d flag a caveat: I’m 165cm and they are actually the perfect length for me, who is wearing both sneakers, flats & small heeled boots with them. Depending on your height, you may need a tailor. Not a dealbreaker. Just worth trying on with the shoes you’ll actually wear them with, not the shoes you wear to the changing room.

Why I bought three

This is the part that surprised me. I’m not someone who usually buys multiples of anything — but denim is the exception. If I find a fit I love, I’d rather buy it again in a different colour than go looking for a whole new style. The second pair came home when they went on sale; I’d been wearing the first ones constantly and wanted a lighter wash in the rotation rather than a different jean entirely. The third was almost an accident — a very light wash, reduced in the sale, with an extra 30% off and a $20 Country Road voucher on top, bringing them down to $50. I couldn’t say no. It was also a wash I didn’t already have, and exactly the kind of light, easy colour that works for more casual outfits.

What’s surprised me most is that despite being the exact same style, all three have found their own place in my life. Playdate. Lunch date. Date night. A relaxed top and trainers for the school run. A structured shirt and a loafer for lunch. A fitted knit and a heel for the evening. Same trouser, three completely different versions of a week. I put together a reel showing exactly this — one pair, three colours, three outfits — but honestly, I could have made a hundred more from pieces already in my wardrobe. That’s how versatile they’ve turned out to be.

That’s the real test of a “wardrobe staple” claim, I think not whether something looks good once, but whether it keeps showing up as the answer when you’re not trying to make a point about your style. These did that, again and again, without me ever deciding it should be a feature of the jeans. It just became true.

Let’s talk about the catch (because there’s always one)

I want to be straight about where these aren’t perfect, because a review with zero caveats isn’t a review — it’s an ad in disguise. So here’s mine: the price.

At $179, these are not an impulse buy. They’re the kind of purchase that makes you stand in the changing room doing quiet mental maths, weighing up whether “I’ll wear these constantly” is actually true or just what you tell yourself before a big-ticket buy. Fair warning, if you’re working with a tighter budget this season, full price might sting more than the jeans are worth to you right now.

Here’s the workaround, though: two of my three pairs were bought on sale, and Country Road discounts often enough that patience genuinely pays off here. My third pair came down to $50 with a voucher stacked on top of a sale price — so if $179 feels like a stretch, this is one of those rare cases where waiting isn’t a compromise, it’s basically the strategy. Add them to a wishlist, set a price alert if you’re that way inclined, and let the sale come to you.

As for fit, this is the part where I expected to have more to complain about, and genuinely don’t. They run true to size. I’m wearing my usual, and the shape through the hip is generous enough to flatter a range of bodies without anyone needing to size down to make them work.

One thing worth flagging properly, though: these are high-waisted. I love that — it’s exactly the rise I reach for and a big part of why these work so well for me — but it’s not a universal preference. If you’re someone who lives in a low or mid-rise, this might take some adjusting to, or might just not be your jean. Worth knowing before you buy rather than discovering it in the changing room.

Ways I’ve styled them

Here are a few ways I’ve been wearing them…

All the links to these outfits can be found on my LTK

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Hope you enjoyed this one — let me know in the comments if you’d like more posts like it. And if you know someone deep in their own denim dilemma, send this their way. Sometimes all it takes is a friend’s honest opinion to stop the endless search.

Thanks for reading, Julia x

Hello lovely readers!

Last week absolutely flew by - is it just me, or does that always happen on a public holiday week?! I’ll be honest, my getting-dressed game wasn’t fully switched on. A Monday migraine left me feeling fuzzy-headed for days, so I kept things simple while still (hopefully!) looking put together. That said, a couple of looks turned out to be real winners, and I’ll definitely be repeating them this winter.

It was a busy week over on Instagram too, with a few posts that really got people talking! If you're curious about 'things I stopped buying after 40', need some winter outfit inspiration, or want to hear about 'the sizing mistake nobody is talking about' - go and check them out!

But before we get into the outfits, let’s talk about three things I’ve been loving lately... and I’d love to know if you’re into any of these too!

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#1 What I’m Reading Last week I started the Liz Tomforde Windy City series - yes, the BookTok favourite - and by the time I'm writing this, I'm already on the fifth and final book! It might just be my new favourite sports romance. Ah, so good!

#2 The Best Sale Find I don't usually repeat items in my top 3, but these jeans deserve it! Country Road had a 30% off sale, and I snagged the lighter wash of my favourite wide-leg jeans.

#3 Days Out With The Family There's nothing better than a sunny winter's day for getting out and about as a family - and last week gave us exactly that! Walks, picnics with friends, bike rides, and ice-cream treats... winter perfection.

Right, now that's covered, here's the full recap of everything I wore last week - let me know which looks were your favourites!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ RAINCOAT ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit links

Outfit Details…. Monday was the King’s Birthday public holiday here in Melbourne, and what a gorgeous sunny day for it! We headed out for a walk with friends and kids, packed a little picnic, and soaked up the fresh air.

I’ll be honest, this probably wasn’t my most put-together outfit of the week - but I’m always about dressing for the life you lead, and running around after kids called for something comfy! That said, throwing on this rain jacket (despite there not being a rain cloud in sight) gave the whole look a lift without really trying. The power of a good jacket, hey!

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕ SWEATER ➕ COAT ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links, jacket*, sweater*

Outfit Details…. Tuesday my littlest one and I had a lovely morning exploring St Kilda pier - he rode his bike like the crazy four-year-old he is, while I ran behind him trying to keep up! Luckily, we made it in one piece to the cafe at the end of the pier for an ice-cream and coffee.

I knew comfy was the way to go, so I opted for these track pants (Elka Collective has been so good this year!). Without overcomplicating the look, I kept everything else simple - black knitted sweater, jacket and Converse - and let the pants do all the talking.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ HOODIE ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, sweater*, jacket*

Outfit Details…. If I’m being totally honest, I almost left Wednesday’s look out of this roundup - it was hands down the worst outfit I wore all week! I wasn’t feeling 100%, and apart from school pick-up and drop-off, I stayed firmly under my blanket watching TV. But I think it’s good to keep things real, and we all have those shitty outfit days, don’t we?!

If I were to repeat this look, I’d swap the oversized hoodie for something more structured - a sweater or cardigan layered over a shirt. I haven’t worn these jeans since it turned cold (I loved them in summer with a shirt and sandals), so I think they’re a pair worth having a play with and restyling. Would that be something you’d be interested in seeing?

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ SHIRT ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details

Outfit Details…. Thursday was a beautiful sunny day, so I took the opportunity to wear my ecru denim - I’m a fan of white bottoms in winter, but only on dry sunny days... I’m not crazy, I promise!

This look was all about the layering - a blue oversized shirt paired with a rusty alpaca sweater for texture (both secondhand finds!), with Converse for a morning of errands. Then for dinner with a friend, I simply swapped the Converse for cherry loafers, threw on my chocolate leather bomber jacket, and I was good to go. Easy outfit, two ways!

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ LEATHER BOMBER JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details

Outfit Details…. These track pants have been on heavy rotation since I bought them in autumn - I love how they feel elevated compared to your usual trackies, and that deep burgundy colour feels almost luxurious! I kept the rest of the look pretty casual for a quick shopping trip with the kids though - a simple light grey crew neck sweater, my Adidas SL72s, and that chocolate brown leather bomber jacket making another appearance. Honestly, I loved this pairing!

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ WOOL SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details

Outfit Details…. A simple outfit where the coat did all the heavy lifting - perfect for a Friday lunch catch-up with a friend! I slightly regretted the wool sweater and coat combo though, as I forgot this jumper sheds a little and the coat picked up absolutely everything. Nothing a lint roller couldn’t fix, but noted for next time!

I’m wearing the new Assembly Label barrel jeans - I have the previous design and they’re my absolute fave, so I was excited to try these. They’re a little straighter in the leg, so if you’ve been sitting on the fence about this denim style, these could be a great place to start!

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ TEE ➕ ZIPPED SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

leggings, jacket, zipped sweater

Outfit Details…. There's always one day that calls for a good leisurewear outfit, and Sunday was that day! After a chilled morning with the kids, we headed to the beach to meet friends for a walk and playground hang. I've been living in these black leggings, zip-up top and coat since they arrived a few weeks ago - I love how they feel a little more elevated than my usual leisurewear. Effortless, but still put together!

If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend who loves a good outfit!

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And that's a wrap on last week's Honest Style Notes! A week of sunny winter days, layers on layers, heavy rotation of burgundy and merlot tones, and more than one outfit saved by a great jacket - I'll take it! A Monday migraine meant I kept things simple, but honestly some of my favourite looks came out of that mindset. Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means the world. If you know someone who'd enjoy a little everyday style inspiration, please pass this along - word of mouth is everything. And if you're not already subscribed, hit the button below to get it straight to your inbox each week. See you next time! 🖤

P.S You might also like these too…

Hello lovely readers!

Last week marked the 1st of June, and just like that, Melbourne flipped the switch to winter. The temperature dropped, the coats came out, and honestly? I couldn't be more thrilled. As much as I love a long summer day, dressing for the cold is where I truly come alive. There's something almost addictive about layering, the way you can take the same few pieces and completely transform an outfit just by how you stack them. Consider this my official love letter to the season.

Before we get into the outfits, here are three things I’ve been absolutely loving lately… and honestly, I’d love to know if you’re into any of these too?

#1 What I’m Reading I just devoured Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series — all of them, in a single week. If you’re a sucker for small-town romance with a lot of heart, do yourself a favour and start downloading. Fair warning: you will not be putting your phone down.

#2 Chai Lattes A brisk morning walk followed by a chai latte has quietly become the highlight of my day. There’s something about crisp winter air and that first warm sip that feels almost ceremonial — especially when the sun is out and the world looks impossibly pretty.

#3 The Perfect Wide Leg Jeans I have been searching for the perfect wide leg jean for what feels like an embarrassingly long time. Too stiff, too short, wrong rise, wrong wash — nothing ever quite landed. And then these ones happened. I have no notes. Absolute chef’s kiss.

Anyway, onto the outfits! Here’s a full recap of what I wore last week, let me know which looks were your favourites ♡

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ SWEATER ➕ DENIM JACKET ➕WOOL COAT ➕ LOAFERS

outfit links

Outfit Details…. Monday called for serious layering — it was absolutely freezing, and I'd been itching to finally style my red sweater after saving what felt like hundreds of Pinterest outfits all winter. I kept the base intentionally simple: barrel jeans, a white tee, and the red knit sweater. From there, the denim jacket was the unexpected hero — tying back to the jeans in a way that gave the whole look a pulled-together, tonal feel without being too matchy. Then came the long oversized wool coat to finish it off, and honestly, this might be one of my favourite outfits in a while.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ STRIPED SHIRT ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit links

Outfit Details…almost an exact repeat from the week before and I have zero regrets. Each piece on its own is pretty understated, but layered together they just work in that effortless way that's hard to explain but easy to feel. The coat is the real secret weapon here honestly, throw it over almost anything and it instantly elevates the whole outfit. Finished with a contrasting sneaker to break things up, and this look was exactly right for a coffee catch-up with a friend.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = PANTS ➕ SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit detail, jacket

Outfit Details…I gave denim the day off — and as much as I live in my jeans, sometimes a break is exactly what the wardrobe needs. These burgundy trousers from Elka Collective have been such a good find, and I can't recommend them enough. The fabric quality is genuinely beautiful, but the detail that really won me over? Little poppers at the hem that keep the fabric off the ground on wet days. Genius — truly. I paired them with my cosy charcoal alpaca sweater and a warm black jacket, and the whole outfit landed in that sweet spot between casual and effortlessly put-together.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CASHMERE SWEATER ➕ LEATHER BOMBER JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details

Outfit Details… full transparency, I was in head-to-toe black activewear right up until the moment I had to leave. This outfit came together in under five minutes, which honestly makes me love it even more. I reached for a colour palette that required zero deliberation: burgundy, brown and deep denim — warm, rich tones that do all the work for you. The cashmere sweater has quietly become one of my most-reached-for pieces lately; there's something about it that just feels instantly elevated without trying too hard. Layered under the leather bomber jacket, it hits that perfect sweet spot between cosy and put-together. And the sneakers with a little hit of burgundy in the fabric, tied the whole thing together like they were always part of the plan.

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details

Outfit Details… my daughter took one look at my all-black outfit on Friday morning and asked if I was heading to a funeral. Honestly, the audacity — but also, fair. We were off for a girly day out bowling and shopping at Chadestone, and I'll admit the vibe was giving very somber. Enter the sage green quilted jacket and black Converse, and suddenly the whole look had life. I'm so glad I didn't let her comment send me back to the wardrobe, because this ended up being one of my favourite outfits of the week. And this is genuinely one of my go-to tricks — when you're not quite feeling an outfit in the morning, a statement outer layer can completely transform it. The jacket really is doing everything here.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ ZIPPER SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

leggings, jacket

Outfit Details…long weekend energy and I was reaching straight for my cosiest activewear for a coffee and park hang with the kids. I fully intended to change when we got home, but somewhere between cleaning and cooking, the day just disappeared and honestly? The activewear stayed on and I have no complaints. After a big Lululemon refresh as my old sets were well overdue for an update, I went all in on black matching pieces, and it's genuinely been a game changer. There's something about having everything coordinate that makes throwing together an elevated, comfortable look almost effortless. Less decision fatigue, more time actually enjoying the long weekend.

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CASHMERE SWEATER ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ LOAFERS

outfit links

Outfit details…Sunday morning was reel filming — because honestly, those wide leg jeans are too good not to document. And in true efficient fashion, I liked the outfit so much I basically wore a version of it straight to Sunday lunch with friends. Wide leg jeans again, my merlot cashmere sweater making yet another appearance, but this time paired with the sage green quilted jacket — and that colour combination absolutely delivered. There’s something about merlot and sage together that just feels so right for this time of year. To take it up a notch for lunch, I swapped the sneakers for my burgundy loafers and was out the door.

That’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes! As you can see, it was a week of layers, lots of burgundy and merlot tones, and at least one outfit saved by a great jacket. Thanks so much for reading and following along — it genuinely means a lot. If you know someone who’d love a little everyday style inspiration, please pass this along. And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button below to land in your inbox each week.

Until next time, Julia x

P.S You might also like these too…

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Can I tell you something that feels a bit embarrassing to admit?

I run an Instagram page all about getting the most out of your wardrobe and helping women find their style after 40. And for the last few months I have been standing in front of my built-in wardrobe every single morning, completely unable to find anything.

Not because I didn’t have clothes. I had plenty of clothes. It was that nothing had a home, nothing was visible, and everything I actually loved was buried under everything I was just... keeping.

Sound familiar?

The actual problem

My wardrobe isn’t full of clothes I never wear and it’s definitely not a perfectly curated one-rack capsule either. I love clothes, I love getting dressed, and I edit regularly. But despite all of that, mine simply wasn’t set up to function.

My knitwear was hanging on hangers, squished together, which meant I had to pull half the wardrobe out to find the piece I wanted. Unsurprisingly there were pieces I hadn’t worn in a little while, out of sight, out of mind. My denim came off the hanger creased every single time. And my bags, some of my absolute favourite pieces, were pushed to the back where I couldn’t see them, so I’d stopped reaching for them entirely.

Every morning I’d open the wardrobe, feel immediately overwhelmed, and reach for the same things hanging at the front. Everything else may as well not have existed.

The fix wasn’t a dramatic overhaul. It wasn’t a new wardrobe or a professional organiser or getting rid of half my clothes. It was one shelving unit.

How I did it — the exact steps

Step 1 — Take everything out All of it. I know it feels counterintuitive to make a bigger mess before you make order, but you cannot reorganise around clutter. Clear the whole wardrobe out onto your bed, a chair, the floor — wherever you have space. This is also the moment you actually see what you own, probably for the first time in a while.

Time: 20–30 minutes

Step 2 — Add the shelving before you put anything back I picked up a shelving unit from IKEA for under $100 — nothing fancy, just a simple addition that gave me dedicated space for folded pieces. I added it before putting a single thing back in. Get the structure right first, then fill it.

Step 3 — Assign everything a home This is the step most people skip and it’s the most important one. Every category of clothing needs a designated place before you start putting things away:

• Knitwear — folded on shelves, never hanging

• Denim — folded and stacked so you can see every pair

• Bags — on display on a shelf, not buried or stacked

• Hanging pieces — I like to organise by category (eg. shirts, dresses, tees etc.)

Mix of open shelving for things you reach for daily, and a couple of baskets for smaller items that don’t stack well. If you can see it, you’ll wear it. If it’s hidden, it doesn’t exist.

Step 4 — Do the edit last, not first Most wardrobe advice tells you to edit before you organise. I’d argue the opposite. Once everything is visible and has a home, the pieces that don’t belong become completely obvious — you don’t have to agonise over them.

Ask one question about anything you’re unsure about: have I worn this in the last 12 months?

If the answer is no, it goes. Not because it’s a bad piece, but because it’s not living in your life right now, and keeping it is just adding noise to every morning.

Step 5 — Deal with the edit pile the same day Don’t leave a bag of discards sitting in your bedroom for three weeks — that’s how things creep back in. I split mine three ways:

• Anything with resale value → listed on Depop

• Good condition pieces that I don’t think will sell on Depop → donated to local Op Shop

• Anything worn out → binned responsibly

Same day. Done.

Step 6 — The check Stand in front of your wardrobe and open it. Can you see everything? Can you reach everything without pulling other things out? Does every piece have a place?

If yes — you’re done. If not, something still doesn’t have a home and that’s the thing to fix before you close the door.

Total time: a few hours on a weekend afternoon. Total cost: under $100 for the shelving. Outcome: I haven’t had a nothing-to-wear morning since.

Before and After

Before — everything in, nothing visible, same five things on rotation every morning.

After — everything has a home. I can see it all. I wear it all

Why this hits differently after 40

Here’s what I’ve come to understand: the nothing-to-wear feeling that so many of us have in our 40s isn’t really about clothes. It’s about a wardrobe that hasn’t kept up with who we are now.

Our bodies have changed. Our lives have changed. Our taste has changed — often significantly. And yet most of us are still storing clothes from three, five, ten years ago, from a version of ourselves that doesn’t quite exist anymore.

Keeping those pieces isn’t optimistic. It’s just noise. And that noise is what makes getting dressed feel hard every single morning.

When I removed the pieces that belonged to an older version of me and gave everything that remained a proper home, something shifted. Getting dressed stopped feeling like a problem to solve and started feeling like the easy part of my morning.

If your wardrobe is driving you mad

Start here — before you buy anything, before you do a big edit, before you watch another wardrobe transformation video:

1. Add storage that makes things visible. Folded knitwear you can see. Bags on display. Denim stacked rather than crammed.

2. Ask one question about every piece you’re not wearing: have I worn this in the last 12 months? If not, let it go.

3. Keep only what works for who you are right now, in this body, in this life.

Your wardrobe doesn’t need to be beautiful. It doesn’t need to be a walk-in. It just needs to work.

Outfits styled from the reorganised wardrobe

Reorganising also brought a few forgotten favourites back to life. My Sézane ecru Emile cardigan had been buried for months, the moment I could see it again I reached for it immediately. Same with my Republic of Florence crossbody bag and my Sézane navy Betty cardigan, the one my husband bought me last year. There's something genuinely lovely about rediscovering pieces you already own and love. It feels like shopping without spending anything.

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If you know someone who’s been complaining about having nothing to wear, send this to her. It’s a genuinely easy fix and an afternoon well spent.

Until next week, Julia x

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Hello lovely readers!

It’s been a little while since I’ve sat down to write here, but I’ve officially got my Substack mojo back and I’m kicking things off with a roundup of everything I wore last week.

Before we get into the outfits, here are three things I’ve been absolutely loving lately… and honestly, I’d love to know if you’re into any of these too?

#1 What I’m reading
It’s only May and somehow I’ve already read 34 books this year (a personal best, honestly). I just finished the Elle Kennedy Off-Campus series and completely flew through them, soo fun, addictive, and the TV adaptation is genuinely so good. I also finished the new Carley Fortune, Our Perfect Storm, which was such a beautiful read.

#2 Jackets, jackets, jackets
Now that Melbourne has officially entered its cooler-weather era, I’ve fully embraced jacket season. Considering half my wardrobe is outerwear, this is truly my time to shine. I’ve been reaching for everything from my favourite raincoat to the best oversized denim jacket and a black casual jacket I genuinely haven’t stopped wearing.

#3 What I’m watching
My Instagram and TikTok feeds have been completely taken over by the new Prime Off Campus series and I’m not even mad about it. I’m already on my third watch and still obsessed.

Anyway, onto the outfits! Here’s a full recap of what I wore last week, let me know which looks were your favourites ♡

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ KNITTED SWEATER ➕ RAIN COAT ➕ BOAT SHOES

outfit links, raincoat, sweater*

Outfit Details…. When I put outfits together, I almost always start with one key piece and build everything around it. On Monday, that piece was this raincoat and honestly, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Melbourne weather lately.

It arrived a few weeks ago and I’ve been reaching for it on repeat ever since. The print feels playful without being hard to style, which is exactly what you want from a statement piece.

I kept the rest of the look simple to let the jacket do the talking - barrel jeans, a black knit, chocolate brown suede boat shoes, and an oversized black leather tote to finish things off.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ CARDIGAN ➕ QUILTED JACKET ➕ FLATS

outfit links

Outfit Details…not being in my corporate-job era right now means I’ve been craving looks that feel a little more elevated in my day-to-day — even if jeans are still very much involved. I wore this one for a coffee date with a lovely friend and felt genuinely put together from the moment I left the house.

And I can’t gatekeep these wide-leg jeans any longer. They are that good. The fit is incredible, the denim is thick and structured with absolutely none of that awful stretchy fabric, and they come in at a really reasonable price point. They’re the kind of pair that instantly makes any outfit feel more polished — and I’ve been reaching for them constantly.

I paired them with my navy Sézane Betty cardigan, a sage quilted jacket, and cream leather flats. The longer, elongated shoe is such a good trick with a wider-leg silhouette — it balances the proportions perfectly and keeps everything feeling sleek.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = LEGGINGS ➕ZIPPED SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details, leggings, sweater, jacket

Outfit Details…I don’t often stay in activewear all day, but honestly, Wednesday’s weather was absolutely miserable, so I wasn’t about to fight it. Luckily, I’d just received some lovely new pieces from one of my favourite activewear brands, Lululemon, which felt like perfect timing. I used to be someone who never really invested in activewear, but after giving my wardrobe a big overhaul a few years ago, I started buying pieces that felt a little more elevated and put together. Sometimes you just want to be comfortable without looking like you’ve completely given up!

The Lululemon Align Pants (with pockets) are still, without question, my favourite leggings of all time. I wore them with this new cropped black zip-up sweater, which I loved so much I’ve already bagged it in the rust colour too, and the cosiest fleece-lined black jacket.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ CASHMERE SWEATER ➕ CROPPED WOOL JACKET ➕ LOAFERS

outfit details

Outfit Details… anyone who’s been following along for a while will know that I’m slightly obsessed with Assembly Label, so this outfit felt like a little love letter to one of my favourite basics brands. I’m wearing their new Low Curve Mid Rise Jeans in my usual size, paired with the softest cashmere sweater in the most beautiful rich merlot shade. I decided to have a play around with styling and threw on my wool jacket, and I ended up loving how the colours worked together. To finish the look, I added a pair of black loafers and my oversized black tote — simple, classic, and exactly the kind of outfit I reach for again and again.

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ STRIPED SWEATER ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ SNEAKERS

outfit details

Outfit Details… this might have been my favourite outfit of the week — and I was genuinely happy it was cold enough to pull out my beloved Gloverall navy wool coat (last season). It’s one of those pieces that makes you feel instantly put together, regardless of what’s underneath.

I leaned fully into the navy theme, layering a striped oversized shirt with collar and cuffs on show, always and a crew neck sweater on top. The deeper navy tones against my lighter wash barrel jeans created such a nice contrast without feeling too matchy. Finished with my brown Adidas SL72s and a tan crossbody bag, the warm brown tones the perfect counterbalance to all that navy.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ STRIPED LONG SLEEVE TEE ➕ SUEDE JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

outfit links, jacket

Outfit Details…after a week of leaning into cosy, casual looks — colder weather and zero reason to get dressed up will do that to you — I was desperate to make an effort for a shopping trip with my daughter and lunch with my bestie.

And while I’ll never fully escape the pull of denim (sorry, not sorry — I am a jeans girl through and through!), my new wide-leg, dark wash pair felt like a step up from my usual go-tos. Paired with a long-sleeved striped top, the whole look instantly gave off that effortless Parisian vibe I’m always chasing. You might have spotted this gorgeous suede jacket on my Instagram recently — it felt like the perfect third layer to pull everything together. And for footwear? Converse, always. Style and comfort, no compromise.

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ ZIPPED SWEATER ➕ JACKET ➕ LOAFERS

outfit links, sweater, jacket

Outfit details…Sunday called for something relaxed - a coffee date with the family doesn’t need much more than that. I leaned on two fairly casual pieces, a zip-up sweater and a black jacket, but anchored the look with the darker wash jeans I wore on Friday. A little outfit repeating never hurt anyone!

The finishing touch? My wine-coloured loafers. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure they’d work against the black and rust tones, but sometimes you just have to commit and see. I ended up loving the contrast; that unexpected pop of colour added so much interest to what could have been a pretty straightforward outfit.

It’s a good reminder that you don’t need a full outfit overhaul to elevate a casual look. One more polished or unexpected accessory can completely change the feel and help you squeeze even more wear out of the pieces already hanging in your wardrobe.

That’s a wrap on this week’s Honest Style Notes! Thanks so much for reading and following along, it genuinely means a lot. If you know someone who’d love a little everyday style inspiration, feel free to pass this along. And if you’re not already subscribed, hit the button below to get it straight to your inbox each week. 🤍

Until next time, Julia x

*This newsletter contains gifted PR items and affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.

Hello lovely readers!

It’s been a minute, but I’m back to rounding up my outfits from the week before. I’ve honestly really missed doing this, life just kept getting in the way. But in 2026, I’m trying to put more energy into the things I actually love, and writing this Substack is definitely one of them.

Before I dive into everything I wore last week, here’s my top 3 things I’ve been loving lately… any of them resonate with you?

#1 — What I’m currently reading...
Reading is my current obsession (24 books in four months—a personal record!). I’m currently reading Here One Momentby Liane Moriarty and really enjoying it. I’ve been deep in my romance era lately, so this feels like a nice change of pace.

#2 — Day tripping...
Since I last checked in, I’ve taken redundancy from my corporate job, and I’ve been soaking up the summer with my three kids. We’ve been making the most of it with beach days, shopping trips, cinema visits, and lots of café hangs.

#3 — What I’m watching.

I’ve been counting down the days to the release of People We Meet on Vacation ever since it was announced (I love all Emily Henry books), and it did not disappoint—easily one of the best rom-coms I’ve watched in a long time.

Anyway, here’s a full recap of what I wore last week—let me know which outfits you loved!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = SHORTS➕ TEE ➕ DENIM SHACKET ➕ SANDALS

outfit links

Outfit Details…. I felt a little out of sorts getting dressed last week, so instead of spiralling into a mini outfit crisis, I went straight to photos of last summer’s outfits. I pulled out this trusty formula (shorts + tee + denim shacket) and immediately remembered why I leaned on it so heavily last

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = MINI DRESS ➕ SANDALS

outfit links

Outfit Details…the weather in Melbourne has been all over the place these past few weeks (44-degree days followed by much cooler ones), which has made getting dressed a little tricky. Tuesday was a warm one, so the kids and I jumped on the train and headed into the city. I reached for my favourite Daughters of India mini cotton dress and paired it with this season’s go-to sandals.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = SHORTS➕SHIRT➕ SANDALS

outfit details

Outfit Details…Wednesday hit 44 degrees (truly like walking straight into a hot hair dryer), so we bravely tackled Chadstone, along with half of Melbourne and actually had a lovely day escaping the heat. I didn’t overthink my outfit and leaned on a formula I’ve relied on all summer: cotton shorts and a button-down shirt. The tan leather tote ended up being a nice way to break up all the blue.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = DENIM SHORTS ➕ KNITTED VEST ➕ THONGS

outfit details

Outfit Details…I’m not sure why I was so indecisive about my outfit on Thursday—this was actually the third one I tried, and I still wasn’t completely sold. (It’s fine—we all have days where our outfit feels a little off.) I really liked both pieces on their own, but together they didn’t quite click. Still, it didn’t take away from a beautiful morning walk along St Kilda Pier!

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = MAXI LINEN DRESS ➕ SANDALS

outfit details

Outfit Details…Friday was another scorcher, and I honestly wasn’t sure what to wear, so I went with this breathable, relaxed dress—and it turned out to be the perfect choice for a trip to the cinema! I wore this dress a lot last year, and this time I paired it with my Birkenstocks and a tote bag for a bit of extra texture in this simple, neutral look.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ CROPPED LINEN CAMI ➕ THONGS

outfit links

Outfit Details…this was my favourite outfit from last week - pretty simple with the basic black base (barrel jeans and linen cami) but I just loved the pop red with the Thongs (I can’t recommend these ones highly enough - so comfy)

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS➕ STRIPED TEE ➕ KNITTED SWEATER ➕ THONGS

outfit links

Outfit details…It wasn’t boiling on Sunday, so I threw on my favourite barrel jeans again (this time in the blue wash), a striped tee, and thongs. I love casually draping a knitted sweater over my shoulders, just in case it gets chilly! It ended up being the perfect outfit for a morning boating trip up the river with the kids and lunch with friends at a nearby restaurant. I just love Sundays like this!

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That’s a wrap on this week’s Substack! Thanks again for sticking around since my last article—I hope you’ve enjoyed this instalment. If you know someone who could use a little wardrobe refresh or some styling inspiration, feel free to share this with them. And if you’d like to receive these updates straight to your inbox each week, along with a few extra style musings, be sure to subscribe below!

Until next time,
Julia x

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*This newsletter contains gifted PR items and affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.

Hello lovely readers!

First off, a huge thank you for all the sweet messages and likes on last week’s post—it was my most engaged yet! After a little break, it truly meant the world to hear from so many of you. It’s so good to be back.

Last week, I kicked things off with a new format—sharing my top three things I’ve been loving lately before diving into the Monday-to-Sunday outfit diary. So let’s get into this week’s round-up!

#1 — OK, I know this is a total repeat, but...
I’m still fully obsessed with The Summer I Turned Pretty. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do when it ends—I’m in deep. My entire Insta feed is TSITP reels and you know what? I’m not even mad about it.

#2 — A wishlist dream come true.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a sucker for a new season wardrobe refresh—especially when it comes to well-researched, versatile pieces. These Sézane sandals have been on my wishlist forever, and they finally arrived last week. I’m in love. Expect to see them styled very soon!

#3 — Back in my reading era.
After flying through all three TSITP books in less than a week (yes, really), I was on the hunt for my next reads. Thanks to some amazing recs from you over on my Insta stories, I’ve just downloaded:
– Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
– Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
– Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Can’t wait to dive in—will report back!

And now that we’ve covered this week’s obsessions, let’s get into what I wore over the past seven days. Let me know which outfit is your fave!

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS➕ SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ LOAFERS

outfit links

Outfit Details….I don’t usually head into the office on a Monday, so I had to pull together an outfit quickly — something comfortable but still office-appropriate.

I knew I wanted to wear my Sézane loafers (honestly one of my best autumn investments!), so I built the look around them. My black-wash barrel jeans are perfect for the office — polished but still super comfy. I paired them with a simple oversized cream knit, and to break up the neutral base, I threw on my caramel wool coat. Effortless, minimal, and just the kind of outfit I love for a crisp spring day.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL CORDUROY PANTS ➕ BLACK WOOL SWEATER ➕ BOMBER JACKET ➕ WOVEN FLATS

outfit links

Outfit Details…after a denim-heavy week of outfits, I was wanting to make a conscious effort to reach for some non-denim pieces in my wardrobe — and these COS corduroy pants have been such a great winter purchase.

They’re incredibly versatile, and I’m really enjoying styling them for the slightly warmer weather we’ve been having. I kept the top half simple with a black knit and a bomber jacket, then added a little polish with one of my favourite thrifted finds — this silk scarf. Just a small detail, but it really pulls the whole look together!

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = MAXI SKIRT ➕ TEE ➕ DENIM JACKET ➕ LOAFERS

outfit details

Outfit Details…I thought it’d be fun to kick off spring dressing with a little Insta series: ‘Easy, Effortless Spring Looks’ — and this was the first outfit I featured!

It’s one of those easy mix-and-match combos that makes me love transitional spring style. I picked up this Unison maxi skirt a couple of weeks ago, thinking ahead to warmer days, but I’m loving it styled for now with loafers, a simple tank, and my black denim shacket. It keeps the look balanced — not too summery, just the right amount of spring.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ LINEN CAMI ➕ CREW NECK SWEATER ➕ TRENCH ➕ LEATHER FLATS

outfit details

Outfit Details…I headed into the office on Thursday in a pretty casual outfit to start — wide-leg jeans and my new orange Uniqlo sweater (which I’m totally loving right now!).

One of my favourite spring styling tricks to elevate a look is simply throwing on a trench coat — it adds instant polish and works every time. What I really love about spring dressing is the mix of seasons — pairing cosy pieces with lighter accessories, like this oversized tote. It’s the perfect in-between weather combo!

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ STRIPED SHIRT ➕ CARDIGAN ➕ CONVERSE

outfit details

Outfit Details…This look was totally inspired by an outfit I spotted on the Assembly Label website (see pic below)— jeans, a blue shirt, and a camel sweater. Right up my street, so I thought I’d try recreating it with pieces from my own wardrobe!

I wore my Arket wide-leg jeans with a sweet light blue striped shirt from Feather & Noise*. I didn’t have the exact style of sweater, but my Sézane Gaspard cardigan worked perfectly — I just wore it back to front for a similar vibe. Finished it off with my ecru Converse and a chocolate brown suede bag. Love when you can take inspo and make it your own with what you already have!

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ ALPACA SWEATER ➕ DENIM SHACKET ➕LEATHER FLATS

outfit links

Outfit Details…I’m absolutely loving this spring weather — finally layering without a big coat in sight! We headed out for a quick café stop and a sunny stroll, and it felt so good to dress light.

I went for my wide-leg jeans and a classic white tee (Uniqlo is always my go-to), layered with my cosy Everlane alpaca sweater. Instead of reaching for a heavy coat, I threw on my black denim shacket — the perfect in-between layer. To brighten up the darker tones, I added a pop of colour with my new red beaded necklace, which I’ve been wearing on repeat lately!

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS➕ KNITTED TEE ➕ TRENCH ➕ FLATS

outfit links

Outfit details…we had the loveliest Father’s Day — a slow, chilled morning at home, then off to the movies and dinner out to celebrate the best dad we could ask for. Such a fun, relaxed day!

I was so excited to finally wear my new barrel jeans (truly obsessed) and paired them with this cute burgundy knit tee (gifted from Feather & Noise). Now that it’s warming up, I’ll definitely be reaching for it more! I’ve been loving accessories lately, so I added this sweet little scarf from Sézane, threw on my classic trench, and finished the look with my current fave — these dreamy off-white leather flats.

That’s a wrap on this week’s edition—thanks so much for being here!
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Until next time!

Julia x

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Hello lovely readers,

It’s been a hot minute since my last weekly style diary—and I’m sorry for the silence. Honestly? Life got in the way. I wasn’t in the mood to document my outfits, and as the weeks slipped by, it somehow got harder to jump back in.

But this past weekend, something shifted. I suddenly felt that familiar urge to open the Mac and start writing again. I’ve really missed this space—and I hope you’ve missed these little weekly check-ins too. Thank you, as always, for sticking around. Your presence here means more than you know.

I thought I’d kick things off by rounding up my top three highlights from the past seven days before diving into the Monday-to-Sunday outfit diary.

#1 —if you follow me on Instagram, you already know I’ve been fully obsessed with The Summer I Turned Pretty. Yes, I’m a 41-year-old grown woman and mum, but I won’t lie—I’m counting down the hours to every new episode on Wednesdays like it’s my job. The teenage love triangle? I’m shamelessly invested. (Team Conrad, obviously.) Anyone else hooked too?!

#2 — This burgundy tote that totally stole my heart. I first spotted it a few weeks ago and couldn’t stop thinking about it—so naturally, I had to go back and make it mine. Lately, I’ve been loving the way a pop of colour from a fun accessory can lift an outfit, and this tote does exactly that. I was especially happy with how this whole look came together.

#3—Warm weather has been on my mind all week (even though Melbourne decided to slip back into winter). I love this time of year when the seasons start to shift and I can plan all the outfits I’ve been dreaming up. My wardrobe is already in a really good place after lots of careful curating, but this season I’m focusing on adding a little extra interest. Here are a few new pieces I’ve ticked off my wish list.

MONDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ SHIRT ➕ BIRKENSTOCKS

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Outfit Details…. a simple WFH look—with a chic twist. I was in the mood to break out of my usual jeans-and-a-sweater combo. I wasn’t quite ready to give up the jeans (no complaints there), but I swapped the sweater for my oversized navy button-down from Dissh. Honestly, it’s one of those endlessly versatile pieces—I even wore it recently for an anniversary dinner in the city. To keep things comfy (because let’s be real, it's still a work-from-home day), I slipped on my Birkenstock Bostons, and the whole look just worked.

TUESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = BARREL JEANS ➕ SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ LOAFERS

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Outfit Details…Tuesday’s office look called for a little colour. I couldn’t resist wearing my new purchase—this gorgeous orange sweater I picked up from Uniqlo (side note: they are so on fire right now!). Orange isn’t typically in my wardrobe rotation, but this season I’m trying to lean into more playful, colourful pieces to complement my solid lineup of basics.

When I’m trying something a little outside my comfort zone, I like to ground it with pieces that feel totally “me”—in this case, barrel-leg jeans, a classic wool coat, and my go-to loafers. It’s the perfect formula for feeling confident in something new. A touch of gold jewellery pulled it all together and kept the look elevated, yet easy.

WEDNESDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS ➕SWEATER➕ BOMBER JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

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Outfit Details…Lately, it’s been all about jeans—but I’m counting down the days to warmer weather. I don’t know about you, but I always feel a bit more adventurous with my style when the sun’s out—bring on the shorts, skirts, and breezy dresses! Until then, I’ve been reaching for comfy-but-polished alternatives, like these Noah pants from Feather & Noise. They’re the perfect mix of relaxed and elevated.

I kept the rest of the look simple: a black wool sweater, my go-to black bomber jacket (also from Feather & Noise*), and a pair of classic Converse to tie it all together.

THURSDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ CARDIGAN ➕ TRENCH ➕LOAFERS

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Outfit Details…Another day in the office, another excuse to channel a bit of Sézane-inspired chic. I reached for my dark-wash jeans (this pair’s from Assembly Label) and styled them with my all-time favourite navy Sézane Betty cardigan—still can’t believe my husband picked it out for my birthday with zero hints! Major points.

Navy and tan is one of those combos that never fails, so throwing on my Assembly Label trench was a no-brainer. I added a little neck scarf to seal the Parisian vibe—and voilà, a look that felt polished but totally effortless.

FRIDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ WOOL SWEATER ➕ BOMBER JACKET ➕ SNEAKERS

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Outfit Details…Friday was a day with my littlest, and I couldn’t have picked a better outfit for it. After watching my daughter’s school swimming, we made a quick café stop and squeezed in a chilly park hang—classic Melbourne weather, absolutely freezing! I was glad I’d dressed for comfort and warmth: wide-leg jeans, my wool Assembly Label sweater (easily one of my best Depop finds this year), and a cosy grey bomber jacket.

To break up the neutrals, I added a pop of contrast with my chocolate brown Adidas SL72s and matched them with a chocolate suede bag. Functional, warm, but still pulled-together for a casual day out.

SATURDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = WIDE LEG JEANS ➕ TEE ➕ KNITTED VEST ➕ CROPPED JACKET ➕ CONVERSE

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Outfit Details…Saturday was a pretty chilled one—the highlight being a trip to Bunnings to finally choose paint for our new upstairs rumpus. (It’s taken me forever to decide, but I’ve landed on a beautiful green and I’m so happy with it!)

With spring on my mind, I wanted to try a look I’ve had pinned for ages: a white tee layered under a knitted vest. I finally gave it a go—and I really liked how it turned out! It was still freezing, though, so when we headed out I threw my Lululemon jacket on top, which gave the whole outfit a totally different vibe. I’ve been seeing these jackets pop up for autumn in the northern hemisphere, and I think I’ll have fun styling mine beyond just pairing it with leggings.

SUNDAY

OUTFIT FORMULA = FLARE JEANS ➕ STRIPED KNITTED SWEATER ➕ WOOL COAT ➕ SNEAKERS

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Outfit details…We had a cosy little family outing to a local café in the morning, and I took it as the perfect excuse to actually get ready. It was still absolutely freezing, so I couldn’t bring myself to wear anything but jeans—again. But honestly, no regrets.

I pulled out a striped sweater I hadn’t worn in a while—it's warm, effortless, and one of those pieces that makes you feel put-together without trying too hard. I layered on my wool coat (definitely necessary), and finished the look with my new favourite necklace from Boniet. If you're looking to elevate your jewellery game, I highly recommend checking them out.

That’s a wrap on this week’s Substack! Thanks so much for reading and following along especially after my little break. If you know someone who could use a little wardrobe refresh or some styling inspiration, feel free to share this with them. And if you’d like to receive this straight to your inbox each week—along with some extra style musings—be sure to subscribe below!

Until next time!

Julia x

*This newsletter contains gifted PR items and affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase products that I recommend at no additional cost to you.