As the fashion world riffs on ‘slob chic’, a rarified version of off-duty dressing, we round up the best high-low outfit formulas we’d like to wear now …
Jeans, knit and a statement bag
Insider tip: get the right handbag – in this case, a striking and slouchy leopard print one – and nobody will notice that you’re recycling the same jeans, loafers and knit combination that you’ve worn all week.
Maxi coat and ballet flats
Unsurprisingly, when the fashion crowd says ‘slob chic’ (see this Substack and this TikTok for further research) it’s an, ahem, elevated riff on how we actually look in slob mode. That being said, we firmly believe that a long-length double-breasted wool coat, in a classic black or navy, hides a multitude of sins. In fact, the contrast of a loose knit and leggings underneath makes for a cool juxtaposition of tailoring and off-duty dressing. A pair of ballet flats is the final (sleek) flourish.
V-neck knit and an XL collar
Unsure of what to wear? Perhaps the zenith of travel inspiration is Claudia Schiffer taking the Eurostar wearing a V-neck grey knit layered with an XL Peter Pan collar. (The presence of Chloé’s Paddington bag certainly elevates the look, too.)
Leggings and a structured bag
The cheat’s guide to wearing leggings when you’re not working out? Ensure the rest of your outfit is structured. Think: a classic bowling-style top handle tote and a long coat in a heavy fabric like wool or tweed.
Canvas tote and colour-pop trainers
Those chic canvas carry-alls you’ve been seeing everywhere? They’re the next move from traditional book bags that communicate a discerningly laidback look. The original Boat and Tote bag by US label LL Bean was carried by stylish dressers such as Carolyn Besstte-Kennedy, and now brands such as Merci Paris and J Crew are also on the case with similar styles. Team with bright trainers for a look that’s easy but refined.
Cardigan, scarf and bold jewellery
Just a cardigan? We think not. Look to Alexa Chung, who takes a leaf out of Miuccia Prada’s styling book by jazzing up a simple cardigan with an embellished sleeve garter. Finish with a scarf to ground the look in autumn dressing.
Brown suede trench and a navy polo top
Image: Instagram @anoukyve.
Brown suede is the texture of the season and we love seeing it offset by sporting touches such as a polo knit which, with its preppy connotations, does all the heavy-lifting in your outfit.
Trench coat, blue shirt and white T-shirt
In case you needed a gentle nudge that we’re still in trench season, let this outfit – with its crisp blue shirt and white tee combo – be your reminder.
Black leather jacket and white jeans
A black leather coat gives a gothic edge to trusty white jeans and ballet pumps. (Note the slight wedge on these, which could work if you wish to turn the dressiness dial up a notch.)
Silk pyjama trousers and a pinstriped blazer
Topping our wishlist of autumn wardrobe hacks is a pair of lace-trim silk trousers, which not only look luxe, but feel like pyjamas (of the most elevated variety, naturally). Wear yours with a pinstriped blazer for a novel take on high-low dressing.
Kick-flare jeans and a basket bag
Do as the French do (after all, they are masters of a refined yet casual look) and team a basket bag with a low-key outfit to imbue it with a wordly off-to-the-market vibe. Channel a Parisian feeling with cropped, flared jeans and ballet flats.
Any outfit and a red knit
The message from the fashion crowd: a statement pop of red is still in vogue. Key buys include a bright red knit – knot one around your waist for ultimate ease – or a cape-style scarf.
Main image credits (clockwise from top left): @kasiachin @lauravidrequin @clairerose @lindajuhola @lucywilliams02 @amaliemoosgaard @anoukyve @theannaedit.
READ MORE: 15 Leopard Print Buys We’re Craving Now
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