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I’ve been getting into the habit of putting my online purchases to the test to see whether they wield the necessary styling power to earn a place in my wardrobe. Testing conditions are ruthless but necessary to keep me honest considering the spontaneous shopping circumstances I sometimes find myself (ie. 11:30pm in bed on a Wednesday night). But more importantly, I’ve built a decent wardrobe from sharing all the things I do here and I’m conscious not to let that get out of hand.
November has now become a huge month when it comes to shopping. And with the lead up to all the sales, by the time they kick off, the floodgates have opened and I become very trigger happy (both for my own purchases and when it comes to my Christmas shopping!). So in the days that follow as the parcels trickle in, I breathe a sigh of relief that I have a window to return anything that might have been frivolous or not quite right and I end up sending quite a few things back.
When it comes to clothing, the threshold I apply to assess whether something stays or goes is whether I can style the item in at least 5 different ways. If I can’t do this easily, it’s a no from me. It’s taken me some time to develop this discipline but having a conscious approach has really kept me on the straight and narrow as I contend with whether I really need something/whether it will be worn enough/clothing budget etc.
I normally keep these deliberations to myself, but I figured I’d share my thinking with you about this Anine Bing Bar Silk Skirt that recently arrived from 24S. I bought the black version earlier this year (read my dedicated post here) and have worn it constantly!
Test Outfit #1: Smart Casual
Anine Bing skirt (sz XS – also here and here), Arket tee (sz S – new season colour linked), Jane Debster loafers*
Thoughts: it nails the smart casual brief which means I can wear this to work. Also, it pairs nicely with brown and white. Looking good so far.
Test Outfit #2: Comfy Casual
Anine Bing skirt (sz XS – also here and here), Arket tee (sz S), Nike sneakers (style linked, similar here)
Thoughts: Huzzah! It works with sneakers!
Test Outfit #3: Dressy
Anine Bing skirt (sz XS – also here and here), Arket merino top (sz S – new season version linked), Sarah Flint heels* (use ‘SARAHFLINT-BAWHATVEEWORE’ for $50USD off)
Thoughts: Yes to this dressy look. The sheen of the silk looks great with the metallic heels. And my basic merino top looks dressy styled like this.
Test Outfit #4: Autumn Event
Anine Bing skirt (sz XS – also here and here), The Fold vest (sz UK 8), Vivaia shoes (watch my review here)
Thoughts: Not sure about the proportions with the vest but I like the combination of navy with the steel blue of the skirt.
Test Outfit #5: S/S Event
Anine Bing skirt (sz XS – also here and here), Tank top (sold out, similar here (I wear a size XS) and here), Leopard print mules*
Thoughts: I wasn’t sure this combination would work but seeing it all together like this – I’d happily wear this to a summer ‘do.
The Verdict
Well, the skirt has passed my test with flying colours so it’s staying put! Sizing wise, I originally ordered a size S in the skirt but it was a tad big when I tried it on so I promptly sent it back and bought the size XS instead. It fits me perfectly and I love the length. I’m such a fan of the steel blue colour – it’s a muted grey-blue shade that pairs nicely with the neutrals in my wardrobe.
I hope you found my thought process useful and as always, thanks for stopping by!
P.S. My ultimate 10 piece summer capsule wardrobe + I try on seasonal Gucci loafer styles!
