2021 Wrapped – Top 10 Style Favourites

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For another year that was mostly spent indoors at home, I managed to convince myself to get dressed on most days. As much as I love a cosy lounge set particularly when I have nowhere to go, I found it really motivating to get dressed for the day and continue to share my outfits and fashion finds with you all. My personal style aesthetic remained – classic, sophisticated and minimal. And while some might consider the classics to be boring, I don’t think that could be further from the truth! Since building a wardrobe of neutrals, I’ve found I’ve had endless outfit options at my disposal thanks to their versatility.

In this post, I wanted to look back on the year and share 10 of my style favourites that I’ve added to my wardrobe over the past 12 months. These are pieces that I have no hesitation in recommending to you as I’ve had the opportunity to properly road test them throughout the year, or they’ve been purchases years in the making that have finally been added to my wardrobe after much deliberation (and have not disappointed!).

In no particular order, here are my top 10 style favourites from the year:

#1 – Sezane Leontine Knit

Sezane jumper (sz XS), Everlane pants* (sz US 2, Short)

I was totally late to this party as I know a lot of fashionable people who own this knit, and it’s not hard to see why. This is one of Sezane’s most popular items and constantly sells out (at the time of writing it’s currently sold out but due to be restocked soon!). For me, it’s the perfect balance between style and comfort and has been a piece that I’ve heavily relied on when working from home and out and about with the kids on weekends. It’s a boxy cut with balloon sleeves. For reference, I wear a size XS and it’s the perfect size for me.

#2 – The Curated London Coat

L: The Curated London Coat* (sz XS), Everlane Cashmere Knit* (sz XS), Everlane jeans*, Celine bag, Sarah Flint boots* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off), Ray Ban sunglasses R: The Curated London Coat* (sz XS), The Fold blouse* (sz UK 8), Nobody Denim jeans, Gucci loafers (first impressions here), Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses

When it comes to timeless coats, it’s hard to go past The Curated. Their Tailored Coat was one of my favourite items of 2020 and I’m not surprised that my latest coat from the brand has made it on my favourites list for this year. The London Coat is the perfect oversized coat and it’s made of a super soft and luxe cashmere wool blend fabric that really elevates the piece. This double breasted coat is versatile enough to finish off any look – whether it’s a dressier ensemble for the office or a casual off duty outfit. For reference, I’m wearing a size XS which is a nice relaxed fit on me.

#3 – Senreve Aria Bag

L: Senreve Aria Bag (use this link for $50USD off any purchase over $300USD), Reiss blazer (sz UK 8, new season version linked), Arket tee (sz S), Everlane pants* (sz 2, Short), Sarah Flint boots* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: Senreve Aria Bag (use this link for $50USD off any purchase over $300USD), Nobody Denim Luxe Rib Dress* (sz S), Celine sunglasses, Atmos & Here sandals, Everlane Pea Coat* (my colour has now sold out – same style linked in available colours)

I present you the little bag that can do it all – my Senreve Aria Bag. This has been my go-to errand running bag and I really love how it can be worn in so many different ways. I have the bag in the Dolce Leather in Chocolate and out of all the Senreve leathers that I’ve experienced, this is by far my favourite. It is noticeably softer and more supple than the original pebbled leather without compromising on the durability that Senreve is renowned for. I’ve also got the additional chain strap, to transition it to a dressier bag for events. You can shop via this link to automatically take $50 USD off any purchase over $300 USD (no code required, the discount will automatically apply at checkout).

#4 – R.M. Williams Boots

L: R.M. Williams boots, Toteme Coat (new season version linked), Everlane knit* (sz S), Gucci belt (review here), Nobody Denim jeans, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: R.M. Williams boots, M&S shirt (sold out, similar here), M&S pants (sold out, similar here), Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses

You’d be hard-pressed to find a list of Australian fashion icons without an R.M. Williams entry.  With an almost 90-year history, R.M. Williams’ boots have earned cult status and are widely considered to be the national boot of Australia.  I tried on a few of their boots earlier this year and opted for the Lady Yearling – the stand out style in my opinion. I read a lot of reviews before making the decision to buy and there was a common theme throughout – they’re indestructible. While they have an overall ‘everyman’ aesthetic, the prices of RMs put them squarely in the luxury category.  You’re looking at upwards of $595 for a pair (and they hardly go on sale.)  But are they worth it? A thousand times yes!

#5 – Sarah Flint Natalie Flats

L: Sarah Flint Natalie Flats* (review here), Sarah Lloyd blazer* (review and discount code here), Arket tee (sz S), Frankie Shop trousers (sz S), Everlane bag*, Ray Ban sunglasses; R: Sarah Flint Natalie Flats*, Everlane cardigan* (sz XS), Everlane pants* (sz S), Senreve bag* (use this link to have $50USD automatically discounted at checkout for purchases over $300USD), Ray Ban sunglasses

I’ve raved about Sarah Flint many times on my blog this year. She’s been one of my greatest discoveries this year.  Royal watchers might recognise these Natalie flats as the shoes Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wore when she stepped out with Prince Harry for the first time at the Invictus Games back in 2017 (sparking a 25,000 person waitlist!).   I’ve written a comprehensive review of the shoes but in a nutshell, they’re a pointed toe flat with an asymmetric bow and I have these in the original Saddle Vachetta leather version. Since adding them to my wardrobe, I’ve learnt they can be worn with virtually anything.  The Natalie flats have all of the features that make them quintessentially Sarah Flint shoes: there’s additional padding, a wider toe box for comfort and a rubber sole to prevent slipping.  As is the case with all Sarah Flint shoes, they’re all handcrafted in Italy.  You can take $50 USD off with my code ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’.

#6 – Everlane Cashmere Polo Neck

Everlane knit* (sz XS), Everlane pants* (sz S), Everlane shoes*, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses

I have a very healthy collection of Everlane cashmere knits – but this one has to be my stand out from my wardrobe. The neckline is very of-the-moment and works to elevate the entire knit. It’s been a great WFH piece – striking the perfect balance between polished and comfort. This kalamata colour has since sold out but the style has been released in a suite of other hues. If you’ve had this on your radar, I say do it! It’s been such a welcome piece in my wardrobe. For reference, I wear a size XS.

#7 – Loewe Belt 

L: Loewe belt, H&M vest (sz S), Arket tee (sz S), Nobody Denim jeans (sz 27), Sarah Flint boots* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off); R: Loewe belt, Toteme coat (new season version linked), Nobody Denim jeans (sz 27), Sarah Flint boots* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off), Ray Ban sunglasses

Before I had any designer belts in my wardrobe, I had my doubts about their wearability and whether they were making too much of a statement. But I was swayed by all my style icons embracing the logoed belt in a totally laid back and cool way! Now, throwing a belt over whatever it is I’m wearing has become synonymous for me when getting dressed.  I was relying solely on my Gucci belt for the best part of 4 years so I decided to give it a new friend this year with my Loewe beauty, (which happens to be reversible so you get two belts for the price of one!). It has proven to be a real workhorse in my wardrobe. And the best part about a luxe belt?  They’re a (slightly) more affordable way to nab a designer item. 

#8 – Gucci Loafers

(From L to R) Look 1: Gucci loafers, Everlane knit* (sz XS), Everlane trousers* (sz 2, Short), Celine bag, Ray Ban sunglasses; Look 2: Gucci loafers, Reiss blazer (new season version linked), Sezane knit (worn as scarf), Everlane jeans* (sz 26), Celine bag (review here), Pared sunglasses*; Look 3: Gucci loafers, The Fold blouse* (sz UK 8), Nobody Denim jeans, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses; Look 4: Gucci loafers, The Curated coat* (sz XS), Arket tee, Everlane pants* (sz 2, short), Celine bag, Ray Ban sunglasses

I finally bit the bullet and bought these Gucci loafers in a moment of weakness on a Sunday morning in lockdown – and I’m so so happy with my decision. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve gone to buy these loafers having been on my wish list for years. They’ve proven to be one of my most versatile pairs of shoes, well, ever. Elevating the simplest of outfits while still being a sensible shoe option for the day. I only wish I bought these sooner!

#9 – Celine Small Phantom Cabas Tote

I know, I know, this is a really fresh addition to my wardrobe! But having had this bag on my wish list for years (and taking my sweet time deciding on which colour to go with after deciding to buy one), I’m so glad I have this in my collection. I’m still waiting for my bag liner to arrive, but in the meantime, I’ve popped my Sangle bag liner in as a temporary measure and have been making good use of the bag to work and when out with the kids on weekends. The bag has a beautifully minimal aesthetic but is also very fuss free when in use. I’m so pleased with this one!

#10 – The Fold Belleville Top

L: The Fold London top* (sz UK 8), The Fold London trousers* (sz UK 8), Gianvito Rossi pumps, Celine bag (review here), Ray Ban sunglasses; R: The Fold London top* (sz UK 8), The Fold London trousers* (sz UK 8), Nicholas Kirkwood loafers, Senreve bag* (review here, use this link for $50USD off any purchase over $300 USD – discount automatically applied at checkout), Celine sunglasses

And last but certainly not least, I’ve added a few workwear staples from The Fold this year, but my favourite piece of the lot as to be their signature Belleville top in their navy ‘Clever Crepe’ fabric. The Belleville style one of the label’s hero staple designs that is released each season in different fabrics and hues.  The draping on the top is both feminine and conservative and the top is dressy enough that you don’t need to wear a jacket over the top.  It’s the perfect top to wear to work and transitions well to an after-work-drinks-thing (or even a date).  For reference I wear a size UK 8 and I typically wear an AU 8 / US 2-4.

So there you have it – my style favourites of 2021! 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.

P.S. My style favourites from 2020 and my complete sunglasses collection.