I am obsessed with two things when it comes to effortless style and wardrobes that work.
The first is learning how to create an outfit.
The second is learning how to inject versatility into your wardrobe.
Time and time again I bang on talk about the need to relentlessly hunt down versatile pieces for your wardrobe.
Versatile pieces work hard and play nicely with most other pieces in your collection. They are both user friendly and upgraded* and they’re designed to adapt to many different functions or activities.
Good when you have a range of functions or activities to attend.
Not so good when you don’t. Like when you’re in lock down. And the only function you’re attending is the opening of a packet of loo roll.
So, if you don’t need a versatile wardrobe right now, what do you need?
I think we all need ease of dressing like never before.
And when I think of ease, I think of a wardrobe that is quick, nimble and light. One that can keep up with the highly varied demands of the day. Even if we don’t have so many places to go right now.
This is what I call agile style.
With increased isolation measures, it’s time to swap out our hard-working (and much loved) versatile wardrobes for tighter and lighter agile collections.
But what does an agile wardrobe look like in practice? One that supports you to go seamlessly from Zoom meeting to flourless pandemic bake off to the occasional (ok, daily) digital daytime dance party with a supermarket suicide run thrown in for good measure?
Generally, an agile collection includes:
- a smaller edit of clothes that doesn’t need the same level of curation that a versatile wardrobe does (I’m currently working with around 20 pieces give or take)
- a level of comfort, practicality and feel good factor in almost every piece
- a reduced need for jackets and blazers (unless WFH in which case a structured blazer still earns its keep)
- a reduced need for shoes (the white sneaker is my #isostyle shoe of choice but I’ll don a heel when I’m in work mode)(in fact, I’m wearing my off-white heeled ankle boots as I write this to maintain my ‘brain-brand fit’)
- less bulk and more refined pieces that are easy to layer on and off, keeping us temperature controlled
- more smart casual than business casual but still catering for all of the daily to-dos (and no, smart casual does not mean activewear. Ever).
Most importantly agile style needs to set us up to be intentional in our day; whether that means intentional pyjamas all day, intentional inspiration, structure and drive or something between the two.
If you would like to know precisely what this looks you can watch a short(ish)** FB live recording with my gorgeous client and cherished friend Katrina Andrew where we walk through a variety of #isostyle dressing scenarios as part of her fabulous new series ‘With a little help from my friends’.
You can also watch Katrina’s other guest chats from previous weeks here (Troy and Zara from Great Talk – performance coaches and keynote speakers ) and (Nikki Smith – Career Change Coach) here.
Let me know. Do you think agile style could work for you right now?
*By that I mean they’re neither boring/basic (user-friendly) nor statement/standout (upgraded). Rather, they are elevated while retaining an element of ease and effortlessness. Essentially, the backbone or core of your wardrobe.
**Anyone who knows me knows I like a good chat.
I’m Nicole, and I’m a personal stylist obsessed with helping women in business and corporate roles to experience effortless, stylish dressing, allowing them to stand out for all the right reasons. I bring strategy, solutions and expertise to my clients. I fully understand the challenges women face when trying to achieve a wardrobe that actually works and I take the pain out of shopping for clothes and deciding what to wear. I transform something that feels fraught and complex into a streamlined solution expertly tailored to you.
Image: Fi Mims Photography
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