Everything I wore last week | 20
Summer has arrived early in Melbourne: some favourite effortless warm-weather looks, a desk-to-dinner win, two new purchases I’m excited about, and a couple of style misses
Last week felt never-ending—anyone else?! I’m counting down to the Christmas break, even though I’m completely unprepared (so maybe not too fast!). Thankfully, my lovely husband treated me to a much-needed Friday lunch, and I had a fun girls’ night on Thursday tackling an escape room - if you haven’t done one of these, I totally recommend booking one in! I also ticked Longrain off my Melbourne restaurant bucket list, so I really can’t complain!
A couple of new purchases made their debut in my outfits this week (beautiful dress from Daughters of India* and a pair of flats from Sezane), and I’m pretty happy with them. So this seems like a good point to dive right into last week’s looks…
MONDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = PJ STYLE PANTS ➕ TEE ➕CASHMERE SWEATER ➕ DENIM JACKET ➕SANDALS
Outfit Details…I had big plans on Monday to take my littlest one out for the day, but after three days of solo parenting my almost-three-year-old, I was shattered. Instead, we kept it simple—playdoh at home and lunch out together, which turned out to be absolutely perfect!
My outfit had to be super comfortable and adaptable because, true to Melbourne, the weather kept shifting. These PJ-style pants have been a game-changer—such a great alternative to jeans. My Uniqlo cashmere sweater (can’t recommend these enough) was the perfect light layer for staying cozy in the shade, and my black denim jacket once again proved its versatility.
TUESDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = BLACK LINEN PANTS ➕STRIPED CROPPED TEE➕CONVERSE
Outfit Details…I was feeling pretty average on Tuesday—courtesy of yet another cold from my kids! Sitting in jeans at my desk was not going to happen, so I reached for my incredibly comfortable (yet still stylish!) elasticated black linen pants instead. I paired them with my cropped striped tee, and when it was time to do the school pick-up run, I slipped on my Converse to tie the black-and-white look together without too much effort!
WEDNESDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = TRACK PANTS➕KNITTED SWEATER ➕SNEAKERS
Outfit details / sweater is old
Outfit Details…Definitely not one of those Insta-worthy outfits, but I’m all about keeping it real and sharing what I actually wear. I was still battling the cold that was lingering and so, spent the day working from the couch with the TV on in the background—and honestly, I think it was just what I needed because I felt so much better by the end of the day!
Comfort was key, so I reached for my trusty black track pants and a preloved neutral knit sweater. It was the perfect combo: cosy enough to lounge in but still made me feel like I’d put in a little bit of effort!
THURSDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = ECRU JEANS ➕ VEST ➕DENIM JACKET ➕ LEOPARD PRINT FLATS
Outfit Details…Completely inspired by binge-watching The Anna Edit’s summer outfit videos—I just love how she nails simple yet polished looks—I pulled together an outfit that felt effortlessly chic. I wore my wide-leg ecru jeans with a black linen vest and debuted a brand-new purchase: my Sézane leopard-print flats! I was so excited for these to arrive. I’ve admired the Totême ones forever, but they’re way out of my budget, so when I found these, I knew they’d be the perfect addition to my wardrobe.
This outfit was a winner for a day at the office (I threw on a denim jacket because of the icy A/C) and transitioned seamlessly into a night out in the city for an escape room (so much FUN!) and dinner with girlfriends.
FRIDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = DENIM SHORTS ➕ CROPPED LINEN TOP ➕ SNEAKERS
Outfit details / shorts are last season, similar ones linked
Outfit Details…Friday was a beaut of a day—Melbourne summer has definitely arrived a little early this year (and I’m not complaining one bit!). I decided to make the most of the sunshine with an early morning walk along the beach headland—my absolute favourite way to start the day and an iced chai latte in hand (my new go-to coffee order!).
Now, onto the outfit: it was totally warm-weather appropriate, but I’m not 100% sure I’d pair these pieces again. I went for my trusty denim shorts with a black cropped linen top, but after seeing the photos, it just didn’t quite vibe for me. And you know what? That’s OK! We don’t have to nail every outfit—we just learn what we’d tweak next time. I’m thinking a more oversized tee or top might work better. What do you think?
After work, I finally got around to visiting a local Preloved store (I had a quick change into my black linen mini dress) and tried on so many fabulous pieces! PSA reminder to remember to shop secondhand, there are so many treasures to be found!! I ended up purchasing a Loame linen mini dress (top left) and black square neck top (bottom right)
SATURDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = DRESS➕ SANDALS
outfit links / Daughters of India dress (15% off alL purchases)
Outfit Details…It was a hot and sticky Saturday, and the last place I wanted to be was shopping—but needs must when you’ve got an almost 3-year-old with a birthday coming up! At least there was air conditioning!
Instead of saving a beautiful new dress gifted to me by one of my favourite slow fashion brands, Daughter of India, for a “special occasion,” I decided to wear it right away. And I’m so glad I did—it ended up being one of my favourite looks of the week!it was so easy to style: I paired the dress with my Assembly Label sandals and a tan leather tote bag. The colour combo—brown, navy, and gold—worked so beautifully together, and it took me from the shops to a catch up with friends!
SUNDAY
OUTFIT FORMULA = DENIM SHORTS ➕KNITTED STRIPED SWEATER ➕SNEAKERS / BIRKENSTOCKS
outfit links / denim shorts preloved
Outfit details…It was a wet, humid Sunday, and dressing for this kind of weather always feels tricky—I’m either too hot or too cold! By the time I finally changed out of my workout clothes (better late than never!), to take my little one out for a walk (& nap!!) it was almost lunchtime. I reached for my darker denim shorts and my Arket striped knitted sweater for an effortless, laid-back vibe.
For comfort while walking, I wore my New Balance 327s, but something about the outfit felt a little off—like it wasn’t quite coming together. So, for the rest of the day, I switched to my Birkenstocks, and instantly, the look felt more polished but still relaxed. Funny how a simple swap can make such a difference!
And that's a wrap on another week! Thank you so much, as always, for reading my Substack and following along, it means the world! If you have a question about any of last weeks looks, be sure to leave a note below. If you know someone who could use a little wardrobe boost, feel free to share this post with them. Until next time!
Julia x
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Everything I wore last week | 19
Last week wasn’t as hectic as the one before, but I just couldn’t seem to find my groove and was lacking that usual drive to get things done. I think it took me longer to recover from all the social events than I expected – definitely a sign I’m not as young as I used to be! 😅 On a brighter note, the sun has been out for most of the week, and it’s got …
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