La Garconne

Hawes & Curtis white twill cotton shirt (c/o), Forever New ¾ evie trousers, Helmut Lang blazer, Celine greige heels, Celine trio (in lavender)

I’ve always been a bit partial to borrowing from the boys; both literally and figuratively that is. A soft slim cut suit, a jumper or a white shirt pulled from your boyfriends wardrobe, and a slick pair of masculine shoes. Or better yet, some sky-high, power heels – always a favourite in my books. It’s a simple contradiction of sorts, and a combination that I’ve been reaching for on those early morning starts. I sincerely can’t think of an easier way to look ‘put together’ than a trouser suit – especially when you’re dashing out the door in a scrambled effort to catch your morning bus, forgetting your lunch on the counter in the process; and this morning wasn’t the first time!

Given that I’m based in a corporate office (read: I try to bend the dress code to include a little Josh Goot & Dion Lee…), this about sums up what I’ve been wearing on a semi-regular basis, for those curious. Well, when I’m not wearing pencil skirts and silk blouses that is; or fancy free polka dots on a Friday! Finding the perfect pair of trousers, with just the right amount of sartorial insouciance does take time; trust me. I think I bought about 8 different pairs from Glassons, Karen Walker, and Cue, before finally settling on these trousers from Forever New. A skinny fit with a lot of stretch, machine washable, and travel-friendly. It’s as good a place as any to start, if you ask me.

As for the shirt? The simpler the better. I’ve been reaching for this Hawes & Curtis white shirt as of late, which is just the right length for tucking, loose throughout the body and a slim fit through the sleeve – pretty much all I’m after in a shirt. It makes for a more affordable alternative to my other love, from Dries van Noten, which hasn’t seen as much daylight as I’d hoped; mostly through my lackluster efforts to keep it in absolutely pristine condition.

And lastly, the blazer. Mine’s nearing on four years old now, but seems to get better with age. Only thing I need now is a backup – always buy staples in pairs, right?