As a millennial, having a waist has never really been high up on my sartorial agenda. I come from an era where man repelling is celebrated, toddler tracksuits are breeding and dropping your yearly disposable income on a Vetements hoodie celebrated.
When did we stop getting waisted?
For a while now I’ve been wanting to write a story on how to look stylish, STILL super practical, in the city… without falling asleep. Often when I’m in London, the diary schedule reads like the Krypton Factor. An 8am start at Farm Girl for a breakkie meeting can lead on to a river boat cruise for lunch and full on cocktail party in the evening.
.
Karen Millen tasked me with sharing my 24 hour dressing tricks, and it suddenly dawned on me that in every situation my silhouette remains the same: synched waist, killer heel and a pop of colour.
Their capsule summer offerings fully endorse this mantra; plenty of classic tailoring, to-die-for stilettos and the ultimate pop of red. Having outfit inspiration is one thing, but knowing where to actually get it is another.
Let’s applaud Karen Millen for delivering high octane, well cut classics that galvanise even the most introverted of wall flowers (not me) to show off those best assets… and fit like an impeccably stylish glove.
Let’s get waisted:
Step 1: Belt up
Synching a skinny belt over a volumous blouse isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel, granted.
The *trick here is ensuring the blouse has a tailored fit, sits slightly raised on the hip and has plenty of ruffle/bow action up top. A skinny black jean, classic tote and shiny heels tick that ‘put together’ box. And the leopard print (essential kit) belt says ‘look at me’.
I always carry a white plimsoll in my tote anyway – usually for when I’m running late for something – but the slightly wider fit on these black stilettos make them super comfy for day to night.
*The optical illusion of a teeny-tiny waist happens by virtually the fact everything else in this look is drawing the eye into the belt. Voila.
.
Step 2: The where-did-you-get-that white shirt
Stepping into 2017 like a high-fashion, long-collared lady-killer amirite?
Taking classic silhouettes and turning the volume up is what Karen Millen do best. I found ‘perfect white shirt’ shaded behind a rail of new season florals and it was LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT.
I love her deconstructed tie waist, the deliberately flared detail at the back and the ever so slight stretch in her shirting fabric which is a sheer joy to wear. Minimum fuss and maximum waist-synching effort.
The pop of red really amp up an otherwise simple look and can be a great confidence boost if you have an important meeting or event. FYI: The safety bow-tie straps on these puppies make them a possible contender for my weekday commute.
.
Step 3: The game-changer culotte
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about culottes per se. A school uniform first world problem for me personally. Answers on a postcard please.
But if you do buy one new statement piece this season; the seriously flattering fit of these high-waisted, paper-bag style cropped pants won’t disappoint. I love the volume of the silhouette and how it amplifies the narrowness of the waist. Pristine tailoring at it’s best.
This look is perfect for summer party season – super comfy and eye-catching in photos.
I won’t waist anymore of your time.
L x
LARGE O-RING HANDBAG out of stock (see similar)
a sponsored collaboration with KAREN MILLEN. All words, styling, creative direction my own