I like to end with trying on everything I’ve made a mental note of throughout the day. I couldn’t resist a black cashmere midi dress in American Vintage. It hugs the body and is so comfortable. It can easily be dressed up or down by swapping heels for boots in winter, so it was was an instant “yes.” I’ve been wearing Emin & Paul for a few years now and consider it one of my not-so-well-kept secrets. The collections are displayed on rails organised by colour palette, so it’s easy to find pieces in tones that speak to your style. Usually, I’m attracted to neutrals, but the green check of this wool coat and trousers was irresistible.
Later in A.P.C., my go-to denim brand, I put together a timeless transitional look that I’ve been wearing a version of for years: a white cotton shirt and jeans. Simple? Yes. But effective? Completely. The secret to elevating such a look is to think carefully about the accessories and shoes. They don’t have to be shiny statement pieces, but selecting styles that marry together ensures consistency, which is the key to harnessing the true essence of quiet luxury. Here, I opted for black leather pieces, so the belt, shoulder bag and Mary Jane shoes (shall we just give a moment to those, please?) all feel united.
Finally, Ba&sh, the high-end retailer with an accessible price point, is known for its classic French girl–inspired collections. Folky bohemian dresses and blouses, leather jackets and little black dresses reign here, but for me, the stand-out style I had to try on (and later buy) was this beige wide-leg two piece. A sucker for tailoring, I loved the silhouette of the waistcoat, thanks to its oversized fit that didn’t feel restrictive like tailoring often can. Styled with loafers for the office and strappy sandals for dinner, this is a winning ensemble that can be worn from 1 September right until the scorching weather next summer and beyond.