The changing of the season seems so much more complicated when compared to changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. Those guards know exactly what to expect, they are familiar with the drill. They’re in control, right?
However, we are conditioned to smile and be gracious, whilst, on the downside for the guards, they are not allowed to smile or react when anyone outside their regiment addresses them. I’d be fired within a week as I’d get bored wearing the same uniform every day, for starters, and might try to add a little scarf or bling to elevate the look. I’d also find it impossible not to smile or stick my tongue out at rude tourists gawking or trying to be comedians to get a reaction from the guards on a dare…
With our blue planet going through constant changes, especially our weather patterns, I hear sighs of despair from those not knowing what to wear from one day to the next in our vast country now in the throes of shedding its winter hues into magical spring.
While it’s been raining in Sydney, some Gold Coast ladies are complaining about having to wear knitwear. In Melbourne, we have a colder winter, which I adore, and now that the season is slowly changing to some warmer days, yet unpredictable in its mood swings between sunshine, chill and rain, being prepared is key to feeling fabulous and in control, whatever the weather.
Once we have our basics sorted, adding layers to a capsule wardrobe becomes fun and it gets our creative styling mojo working. Layers are our friends. Short-sleeve knitwear, basic shirts, lighter sweaters, short and longer cardigans, vests, scarves, and coats will never let us down.
Starting with a neutral palette works best for me as it’s so easy to keep it classic and to simply add a pop of pastel or deeper colour to lift the mood when required. We know our favourite colours, especially when they complement our complexion and appearance, so, stick to what works to avoid the chaos…
Items I cannot do without to add some class and verve to an outfit include ageless scarves, statement sunglasses in classic black or brown frames, a tweed coat, a structured leather handbag in black or brown, and some of my favourite colours to spruce up the neutral basics when I need that extra lift.
Colours currently trending include lilac, burgundy, utility/olive green, beige, rust and further shades of brown, tan, white, pastel blue, shades of red, and coral. Many of us already have these hues in our wardrobe. However, being different is always okay by opting for the colours we know enhance our style. This is not the army where we follow blindly, after all. We own us, double cheers and salutations to that!
Ah, and then there is the piece de resistance, our favourite perfume. A dear old friend recently told his wife there was nothing more alluring than a well-groomed, stylish woman wearing a beautiful perfume (and she certainly fits that profile). The man knows stuff and I understand why his wife adores him…
We, as a layered, complex, interesting species, own our look and when we’ve constructed an outfit in such detail for it to seem effortlessly gorgeous, we’re exactly where we deserve to be, on top! Confidence is the best accessory and feeling fabulous is important for our state of mind. We are older, not over.
Here’s hoping some of the ideas below will inspire you to be the best version of you during this journey from winter into spring. Carefully curating our individual look is simply another aspect of our many talents, right? For daily style updates, feel free to follow me on Instagram @tilly_thegoodlife_style and cheers to creating your personal style with flair.