This blog post & shop widgets use affiliate links.
Items that were received as PR product are marked with an asterisk *
Click here to read the disclaimer about affiliate links and PR product.
It’s hard to believe that we’re almost at the end of 2020, and what a year it has been for everybody. We’ve watched a global pandemic rip through our communities and there has been heartbreak of people losing loved ones as well as the devastating economic impacts that have closed businesses. It’s been an adjustment spending time at home, particularly for those who have experienced or are currently experiencing life in lockdown, and contemplating what life will look like when we go back to ‘normal’.
Over the past nine months, like many of you, I’ve been working from home. Apart from occasionally throwing on a blazer for an important video conference, my corporate wardrobe has been largely cast aside for less structured pieces. It took some time for me to strike a happy medium between polished and comfortable but I managed to strike the right balance after a couple of weeks!
There has been a lot of outfit repetition (no surprises there!), and while I’ve still been adding a few pieces here and there to my wardrobe, I’ve had several wardrobe culls and I’ve been shopping my wardrobe more than ever.
I don’t like playing favourites (at least that’s what I tell my kids) but there were some stand-out pieces that I heavily relied upon more than others. The pieces that feature on my favourites list are ones that I’ve found easy to style, comfortable to wear and make me feel put together.
And while I did post my workwear favourites from last year, considering I haven’t spent that much time in the office, this year’s favourites list won’t be workwear centric and encompasses the pieces that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed wearing year round.
#1 – Arket T-shirt
Arket tee, Nobody Denim jeans, Dior slingbacks, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses
If you’ve been hunting for the perfect white tee, I’ve found it. This crew-neck tee from Arket is made from 100% organic cotton which looks and feels much noticeably smoother than any other cotton tee I’ve ever tried. The ribbed piping around the neckline is also a great detail. It comes in a host of other colours, and at $20 USD / $27 AUD a pop, it’s hard to go wrong. For reference, I took a size S.
#2 – Reiss Lara Dress
Reiss dress, Tony Bianco mules (similar here), Celine bag (review here)
I doubt this will come as a surprise to anyone who has been here before! The Reiss Lara Dress in Stone has sat at the top of my favourites list since I pulled the trigger on it earlier this year. Despite the hefty price tag (particularly because it isn’t made of natural fibres), I’m such a fan of the dress and think the flattering silhouette and lush neutral tone makes it worth every penny. For reference, I took a size S and have previously shared a comprehensive review of the dress.
#3 – Acne Studios Canada Scarf
Acne Studios Scarf styled with The Curated coat*, Nobody Denim jeans, Celine Trio (review here), Wittner boots, Ray Ban sunglasses
If you read my post featuring my best and worst luxury purchases of 2020, you’ll know that I had this scarf on my wishlist for the longest time and I bit the bullet earlier this year. The scarf feels incredible luxe and is wonderfully oversized making it versatile enough to be worn as both a wrap and a scarf. It was a trusty companion during the cooler months as I’d drape it over me most days while sitting at my desk working, and while I think it’s exorbitantly priced, you really just need one!! For reference, I have the Oversized Canada Scarf in Grey.
#4 – Everlane Curvy Cheeky Straight Jean
L: Everlane jeans*, Jac & Jack tee (sold out), Marks & Spencer Trench Coat*, Dior slingbacks, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: Everlane jeans*, Everlane knit*, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Dior slingbacks, Ray Ban sunglasses
These jeans ticked off a few firsts for me – my first pair of white jeans and my first pair of jeans from Everlane. While I was apprehensive about the concept of white jeans at first, given how clumsy I am by nature, I totally embraced these from the moment I got them! They’ve freshened up many a winter ensemble and the Japanese denim that it’s made from is fantastic quality. I opted to go for the curvy version of these popular jeans as my bottom half is proportionately larger than my top half. I’ve shared how I’ve enjoyed styling them in this post as part of my styling series as well as my thoughts on the jeans here. For reference, I went with a size 26 and I’m typically an AU 8 / UK 8.
#5 – Everlane 40 Hour Flats
L: Everlane flats*, Reiss coat, Everlane knit, Gucci belt (review here), Everlane jeans*, Celine bag; Ray Ban sunglasses R: Everlane flats*, Uniqlo trench, Everlane knit, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
My first foray into knitted flats and what a win these were! These flats have been a WFH staple – they’re incredibly comfortable, breathable and aesthetically a winner. I’ve worn these on many mornings to drop the kids off at school and on lunch time walks with my husband. I’ve written a comprehensive review of these flats (as well as the original leather version) and they’re currently reduced and I cannot recommend these enough.
#6 – Celine Seau Sangle Bag
Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Uniqlo trench (sold out, similar here), Everlane jeans*, Dior slingbacks, Ray Ban sunglasses
I’m sure this will come as no surprise to you, particularly if you read my post featuring my best and worst designer purchases of 2020. The perfect relaxed minimal handbag and fits all my day’s essentials and is comfy to wear. The fact that I nabbed it preloved makes it a much sweeter purchase! You can read my comprehensive review of the bag where I talk sizing, wear & tear and pricing.
#7 – Everlane Cashmere Square Turtleneck
Everlane knit*, Everlane jeans*, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Dior slingbacks, Ray Ban sunglasses
I’ve got a thing for Everlane cashmere (as you’ll know from this post where I share all my Everlane cashmere pieces). This particular style sits at the top of my list. The mock neckline is a perfect balance between comfortable and chic and the style just works with both my work and off-duty ensembles. I have both the sage and camel versions and have my eye on the other colours it comes in too! I’ve shared a comprehensive review of the knit here if you wanted to have a read.
#8 – Nobody Denim Siren Jeans
Nobody Denim jeans, Everlane knit*, Everlane boots* Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses
My MVP when it comes to skinny jeans – I’ve been wearing Nobody Denim jeans for years, and the Siren style is one that I’ve embraced after giving birth to my first several years ago. My body completely changed after childbirth which meant my existing denim collection at the time no longer fit me. These jeans signalled the start of a new chapter for me and I’ve got three pairs (and counting!).
#9 – Marks & Spencer Trench Coat
Marks & Spencer trench*, Jac & Jack tee, Gucci belt (review here), Nobody Denim jeans*, Everlane boots*, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses
One of the best high street gets has been this trench coat from M&S. Not only is it totally stylin’, but it’s a proper trench coat with water resistant fabric, storm flaps and double button fastening. It’s premium quality at a high street price. It has served as a trusty outerwear piece on rainy and windy days. I’m totally in love and have my eye on the beige one too.
#10 – The Curated Coat
The Curated coat*, Everlane knit*, Nobody Denim jeans, Gucci belt (review here), Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Atmos & Here sandals (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses
And last, but not least, is my coat from The Curated. I have the Modern style coat which is due to be back soon as it’s currently undergoing a design revamp. Aside from the minimal style, the colour (light khaki melange) is a lovely off-white hue and the cashmere-wool blend is incredibly luxe. I’ve recently added the Tailored Coat to my collection and I’m convinced that every one of you needs a coat from The Curated in your wardrobes!
Honourable mentions
I couldn’t round off my favourites without mentioning my Frankie Shop Bea Trousers in Latte and my Barrel Pants from Everlane. Both of these relaxed styles have been WFH workhorses for me – they’ve made me feel put together when I’ve struggled to find the motivation to get dressed for a work day. I’m wearing a size S in the Bea Trousers and a US 2 in the Barrel Pants.
So there you have it – my style favourites of 2020! On a personal note, I just wanted to thank all of you for supporting my blog and paying a visit to my little corner of the internet. Your comments, emails and use of my affiliate links allows me to continue to do what I do. I hope my reviews and posts have served some inspiration for your own personal style.
I’m going to take a short break to rest and recuperate with my family but I’ll see you all in the new year. Happy holidays! xx
P.S. My best and worst luxury purchases of 2020 and my top 10 Everlane favourites of 2020.
