A Style Guru Shares Her Fashion Dos & Don’ts
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DO keep it simple
A go-to look for me is linen trousers and a waistcoat. Waistcoats have quickly become a city summer essential and matching linen sets are an easy way to look chic. Reformation and Faithfull the Brand do some great ones. Everyone needs a linen shirt, too – throw it over a swimsuit and shorts on holiday.
DON’T be lazy with workwear
I find a good pair of sandals does the job when it comes to making your office looks that little bit more interesting in the summer – I love slip-ons and chunkier styles. Also, try swapping tailored trousers for longer tailored shorts – I have my eye on this Rohé pair.
DO take an inventory of your wardrobe
It helps to know exactly what’s in there, what’s missing, what you haven't worn – and therefore what to get rid of. Then, start adding good basics that can be styled in myriad different ways – a good pair of jeans, tailored trousers, a slightly oversized black blazer, tank tops in neutral colours etc. In the summer, I find a basket bag, high-waisted shorts, linen trousers and lightweight dresses are my go-tos.
DON’T forget to mix & match
Owning pieces in similar hues helps with mixing and matching – almost everything in my wardrobe works together as a result. My key pieces this summer would be my A.Emery chocolate brown suede sandals, my waistcoats and an Agolde denim jacket.
@RUERODIER
DO focus on modern basics
Staples don’t have to be boring. I’m loving Rohé’s tailored pieces and block-coloured styles. House of Dagmar is another firm favourite for elevated basics and dresses – I have a tube dress in two colours which I wear on repeat. Tove is great for event dressing and elevated tops – I have a lovely chocolate brown top that I bought last year. I also really like By Far and I wear its off-white Miranda shoulder bag all the time.
DON'T forget about footwear
I recently got a pair of Neous sandals and I can’t wait to wear them for a dinner date on holiday. I also love ATP Atelier and have its Rosa sandals in three colours – such an easy style to wear.
DO experiment with fit & shapes
I only wear high-waisted trousers and shorts because I find they’re more flattering on me. Just remember you need a more oversized leg to balance out the silhouette – and a racer-back tank will instantly flatter your shoulders. I also like oversized shirts, as they look cool over chinos and can double as a beach cover-up.
@RUERODIER
DON’T ignore colour altogether
I don’t wear a lot of colour – except maybe a fun swimsuit here or there. However, this summer I’m loving chocolate brown. If you’re looking to add colour in a subtle way, stripes are a safe place to start. I have an ARKET shirt I can’t wait to wear on holiday and this Faithfull The Brand blue-and-white set is also high on my wish list.
DO have pieces you can style for all occasions
An oversized black blazer from ARKET is my most worn item. I wear it all year round – it’s great for throwing over dresses when it’s chilly, elevating jeans or shorts and it also looks great belted over jeans to create a more elegant silhouette.
DON’T ignore all the trends
I try not to follow trends too closely – as they tend to last for only one season – but some can be worth buying into if you can justify that they’ll work with what you already own. This season, I’ve loved wearing cargo pants and long skirts again.
@RUERODIER
DO understand the power of accessories
Right now, I'm loving my ATP Atelier basket bag – it’s been everywhere with me and it will be coming on holiday in a couple of weeks too. As for sunglasses, I have pairs by Celine and Bottega Veneta, but the ones I wear the most are the Outta Love tortoiseshell style by Le Specs. Jimmy Fairly also does some great affordable styles. A silk scarf can be such a multipurpose hero, too. You can wear it as a top or as a neckerchief, but it can also double as a hairpiece or bag accessory.
DO invest in swimwear
These days I buy mainly one pieces as I don’t spend much time sunbathing – but when I do invest in bikinis, high-waisted styles are my go-to. My favourite brand is Hunza G as the pieces are genuinely so flattering on so many body types – plus, they’re seriously comfy. I also like swimwear by Matteau, Peony and Haight.
DON’T forget to plan your airport outfit
When I’m travelling, I usually wear tailored trousers or my Goldsign high-rise jeans, a t-shirt and a jumper over my shoulders. This is usually teamed with New Balance trainers, a denim jacket or a trench. The most important thing to think about is layers so you’re not too cold on the plane or too hot when you land.
DO experiment with new brands
This is the way to keep your wardrobe interesting and fresh. For resortwear, I’ve recently come across Parisian brand Tressé. The pieces are a lot more colourful than I’d usually wear, but it does some lovely dresses with some interesting cuts and silhouettes. I really love the long, lingerie-style black dress.
For more inspiration, follow Marissa @RueRodier & @HomeByRueRodier on Instagram.
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