'I never get more compliments than when I wear these 7 specific things.'

I'm a firm believer that it's the outfits we feel most confident in that make us look our best.

It's not a hot take, it's just something to remember when you're getting dressed or going shopping. If you put on a dress or a pair of jeans and you're not loving them in the changeroom, they're unlikely to spark much joy when you get them home.

For this reason, I try to pay attention to the clothes and accessories that first and foremost make me feel comfortable in my style — and it's no surprise these seem to be the pieces that I'm asked about the most as a fashion editor and content creator.

From a favourite matching set to a pendant with a sentimental meaning, here are the seven standout items in my wardrobe that always get the most compliments — plus, where you can shop similar finds.

But first, watch Leigh Campbell style Helena using the Style Maths method. Post continues below.

Striped shirt and short set.

Wearing a Friend of Audrey set and Quay sunglasses. Image: Supplied.

I'm such a fan of matching sets that I often wonder what I wore before this trend came along. Shirts and shorts that… didn't match? This striped co-ord from local brand Friend of Audrey is a favourite because of the high quality cotton and the beautiful cut of the separates. Both pieces look great on their own, but together they're a strong combo. When I wear them, I always have women stopping me on the street.

The trick with styling what is essentially elevated pyjamas is to make sure everything else looks polished — I scrape my hair back, add gold jewellery and finish with chic flats, so the overall effect feels pulled together.

Friend of Audrey Riviera Striped Shirt, $140.

Image: Supplied.

Oversized print tee.

Wearing a Sabbi t-shirt and Nude Lucy pants. Image: Supplied.

If you're new to the big tee club, welcome! Now you'll never leave. Once I discovered the comfort and ease of giant t-shirts, I didn't look back. I even wrote this entire article about my addiction to styling them with knit pants. But this is the t-shirt that got me hooked — it's from Queensland brand Sabbi, which has fast become a cult name for its clever printed tops that sell out faster than you can say margarita. I have lost count of the amount of people that have asked about this design. It still happens every time I leave the house in it (often.)

Sabbi The Very Oversized Tequila Made Me Do It Tee, $79.95.

Image: Supplied.

All the knit flares.

Wearing an Alemais shirt, Nude Lucy pants and Converse shoes. Image: Supplied.

This is actually a category of clothing in my wardrobe, not one piece. Sorry, I broke the rules. But I have to share the *category* of item that gets the most love when I wear it: knit pants. I started quite the collection of stretchy pants when I was pregnant and realised I wasn't prepared to let them go after my kid was born… almost two years ago.

So now I basically live in them, pairing woven flares from brands including Nude Lucy and Zulu and Zephyr with my oversized tees and collared shirts. It's become a foolproof uniform.

Nude Lucy Ana Knit Pant, $60.

Image: Supplied.

Emerald green flats.

Wearing a Rove dress and Bared Footwear shoes. Image: Supplied.

These ankle-strap flats by Bared were a real wildcard for my wardrobe. I loved the colour and I couldn't resist them, but I knew I'd get more wear out of a neutral shade like black or beige. That said, they've turned out to be one of those statement accessories that are so joyful, I'm often finding ways to tailor the outfit to them. 

Given they're a little unexpected, they also get their fair share of admiring glances out in the wild. If you're considering buying a pair of on-trend Mary Janes or ballet flats ahead of autumn, I'd encourage you to consider a bolder colour, texture or design (here's an edit of statement styles I've had my eye on.)

Bared Surfbird, $189.

Image: Supplied.

Black oval sunglasses.

Wearing Quay sunglasses. Image: Supplied.

I have a teensy bit of a sunglasses hoarding problem, but the pair I always come back to is a classic black oval shape from Quay Australia. This specific style is no longer in stock, as I got them over five years ago, but the trend for oval sunnies has really ramped up in the last year, so there are lots of lookalike options on the market. Despite my abundant collection of shades, these are always the ones the girlies ask about — they look good with everything and provide that chic finishing touch.

Le Specs Mermaiden, $70.

Image: Supplied.

Quay Vibe Check, $111.

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Tennis bracelets.

Wearing Arms of Eve and Saint Valentine bracelets. Image: Supplied.

I never thought a few strands of sparkly rhinestones could make such an impression. I love wearing my stack of tennis bracelets from Saint Valentine and Arms of Eve with everything from my Pilates kit to evening looks; the flash of glitter makes everything look more expensive. SO many people have inquired about them so I'm making this the official PSA.

Arms of Eve Zalia Gold Bracelet, $40.

Image: Supplied.

Saint Valentine Aspen Tennis Bracelet, $175.

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Beetle pendant.

Wearing YCL pendant necklace and Antipodean jacket. Image: Supplied.

I've saved the most popular piece for last. Literally every time I wear this necklace or post it on Instagram, someone inevitably asks where it's from. And there's a sentimental story behind it, which is what imbues it with such a special quality.

My beetle pendant is from Queensland-based jewellery brand YCL, from their Symbolism collection. I chose the charm because my daughter is obsessed with ladybeetles, and I threaded the pendant onto a vintage gold chain. She loves to play with it and is disappointed when I'm not wearing it.

When you're buying jewellery, I always think it's best to be lead by your own taste and what feels most beautiful on you, rather than being guided by trends. Shop for the best quality you can afford, and wear your pieces with intention.

Actually, that's a pretty good mantra for shopping in general.

YCL Rose Quartz Scarab Beetle Necklace, $148.

Image: Supplied.

Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_