Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit, where we break down the topic we spoke about on the podcast each week. This week Annaliese Todd filled in for Leigh Campbell and was joined by award-winning personal stylist Melissa Murgana to talk about trans-seasonal trends.
When I bought a long white mohair cardigan from Zara six years ago, I never could have predicted how much wear that thing was going to give me.
The bar was low; I just hoped it wouldn't pill all over my other clothes.
But it's a piece I've pulled out time and time again, styling with countless outfits, throwing in overnight bags and suitcases, snuggling into with my newborn and shrugging on at the park on mornings with my now-toddler.
Watch: Em Vernem tries the Style Maths method here. Post continues below.
It's given me the kind of wardrobe longevity you hope for, but can never guarantee.
My cardi is one of those true trans-seasonal staples, and pieces like that are hard to come by.
While we tend to think of 'trans-seasonal' as meaning they'll be able to be worn from summer through to winter, it might be more helpful to consider them as styles that aren't earmarked by a season at all. Rather, they're the pieces in your closet you can turn to at any time.
My Zara mohair cardigan has lasted years of constant wear. Image: Supplied.
They outlast trends, deliver the best cost-per-wear return, and don't feel dated six months after you bought them.
What other items can give you that payoff? Here are four more, in my humble opinion.
A neutral blazer.
I probably don't need to sell you on the merits of a blazer. But I will try to convince you to invest in a "safe" colour like black, taupe or tan. A bold colour limits your options: people will remember you in the hot pink blazer — but they'll never recall you wearing your tan one three meetings in a row.
Whether it's oversized, cropped or cinched at the waist is up to your preference, as is how much cash you spend. Obviously quality tailoring can come at a steeper price — that said, I've had years of repeat wear from an H&M blazer that could very well be a Camilla & Marc dupe. Spend what you're comfortable with, and you won't regret it.
Wearing my H&M blazer. Image: Supplied.
A 'no bells and whistles' jean.
We all have a different idea of our denim unicorn, but for me, a straight-leg blue jean is as close as you'll come to a style that feels truly evergreen.
While I've been on a mission to find my perfect pair for years, I've come very close with a classic straight leg fit from Levi's. You can definitely embrace trending silhouettes like the barrel leg or shades like cream and khaki in your denim wardrobe, but ensure you have that essential blue pair in your arsenal.
A favourite pair of high-rise blue jeans. Image: Supplied.
A throw-on-and-go dress.
All through the year, no matter the season, I can be found wearing lightweight, long-sleeve maxi-dresses. Are they the most current dress shape? No. Do they immediately identify me as a millennial? Probably. But they're easy to wear, comfortable, and don't make me feel like I'm trying too hard.
I can style them up with heels or wear them casually with sandals. I was wearing them five years ago and I'll be wearing them five years from now. If you're a person who likes dresses, I can't recommend having a stable of effortless throw-on-and-go options enough.
In my favourite Kinga Csilla "throw-on-and-go" dress. Image: Supplied.
A statement sneaker.
Before you come for me, I'm aware that sneakers are not trend-proof. Like, at all. This year we're seeing low-profile styles in metallic shades and last year it was all about a pop of bright suede.
That's why it's safest to choose a style that feels true to your authentic taste. If you can't imagine your shoe closet without white canvas trainers, get yourself a fresh pair every few years.
The sneaker you choose should complement your activewear or casual looks and make you feel confident. It shouldn't come loaded with the pressure of buying into viral trends.
Because sneakers themselves, outside all the internet rhetoric around them? They'll never not be cool.
My cream Converse sneakers go with (just about) everything. Image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_.
While there's been plenty of reporting on the "next" Adidas Sambas, that doesn't mean the originals don't deserve a place in your regular rotation.
If something feels like a timeless choice for your wardrobe, it probably is.
Feature image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_.
