Off The Hanger // 01

Style conversations with… ME (AKA The Julia Style Edit)

Hello lovely people,

Welcome to the very first instalment of my new mini monthly series - ‘Off The Hanger’ where I’ll dive deeper into the world of style and fashion with some of the most inspiring people I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with through Instagram and Substack!

These incredible women have not only influenced my own style but continue to inspire me with their unique perspectives and thoughtful approaches to fashion. Through this series, I’ll uncover the stories behind their personal style, explore the influences that have shaped them, and discover the pieces and trends they’re loving right now.

I’ve always believed that fashion is about more than just clothes—it’s a reflection of who we are, where we’ve been, and how we want to show up in the world. I can’t wait to share these conversations with you, and I hope you’ll find them as inspiring as I do!

Before we dive into these incredible guests, I thought it would be fun this month to kick things off by sharing my own story first!

A little about myself…

I’m Julia, happily married to my husband Pete for 16 wonderful years (we’ve been together for almost 22!). We have three gorgeous kids—two boys and a girl (11, 8 & 3) and life with them is always an adventure. Originally from the UK, we took a leap nearly eight years ago after visiting my best friend in Australia. We sold everything, moved halfway across the world, and now proudly call Melbourne home. Last year, we officially became Australian citizens, so I guess you could say we’re true Aussies now!

I work almost full-time in marketing, but my lifelong obsession with fashion and clothes is something I owe to my mum. In my (limited!) spare time, I love getting outdoors—whether it’s reading on the beach, paddleboarding, yoga, or bushwalking, being in the fresh air always grounds me. I’m also a devoted Swiftie (yes, I went to the Eras Tour and sang my heart out all night!).

And when I’m not in the thick of family life, you’ll usually find me baking. I’m that mum who insists on making my kids’ birthday cakes from scratch—because nothing beats homemade, but I can assure you there have been a couple of Pinterest fails! Life is busy, chaotic, and full, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My story behind starting my Instagram & Substack? What inspired me?

I started my Instagram (The Julia Style Edit) a couple of years ago when I returned to work after my final maternity leave with my third child. It hit me hard that this was my last 12-month break in my working career—a bittersweet realisation. What bothered me even more was that I was in a job I didn’t truly love. After some reflection, I realised what I needed wasn’t a complete career change, but a creative outlet that was just for me.

That’s how my Instagram journey began—a space where I could rediscover my passions and share them with others. As a 40-year-old mum of three, I’m passionate about getting ready every day, even in the midst of a busy life. I know how tricky it can be to prioritise yourself, which is why I love sharing minimalist, effortless, everyday looks that I actually wear. I’m also a big believer in outfit repeating, slow fashion, and hunting for secondhand treasures—all things I love sharing with my community on Instagram and Substack.

I launched my Substack last year as a way to go deeper into conversations about style and sustainability, beyond the daily outfits I post. I wanted to create a space where I could explore wardrobe strategies, reflect on my personal style journey, and connect with like-minded people who are passionate about thoughtful fashion. It’s become my little corner of the internet—a place where I can write freely about what inspires me, with the hope of inspiring others too.

Let’s dig into my favourite topic…Fashion & Style

How I describe my personal style in three words…

Minimal, effortless.and polished

Who or what has had the biggest influence on my style evolution…

Motherhood, without a doubt. It’s taught me the value of comfort and practicality without compromising on style. I’ve also been inspired by the slow fashion and conscious style in recent years and I have a real love for secondhand finds, which has reshaped how I approach building my wardrobe.

If I had to name one style icon, it would be…

If I had to name one style icon, it would be Katie Holmes. She’s been a favourite since her Dawson’s Creek days, and I’ve always admired her effortless, timeless style. Whether it’s a knit and jeans or a slip dress, she makes every outfit look polished yet approachable. And when she got her nose pierced? I was ready to drop everything and get one too! I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to all my favourite looks!

As a mum of three, my best advice for feeling confident in your clothes post-kids..

Invest in pieces that make you feel good right now, rather than waiting for the “perfect time.” Comfort is key, but so is making an effort to wear things that reflect your personality—it’s an instant confidence boost.

The one trend I’m excited about right now and one I’m ready to leave behind…

To be honest I only dabble in trends if they align with my personal style, but one trend I’m loving the resurgence of wide leg jeans, —they’re comfortable and polished at the same time. As for trends I’m ready to leave behind, ultra-low-rise anything—it just doesn’t work for me or my lifestyle.

My go-to outfit when you’re in a rush but want to look put-together…

Always a pair of jeans and a white tee. There’s just something so effortlessly classic about it. It’s the perfect blank canvas—you can elevate it with a chic blazer and loafers for a polished vibe or keep it relaxed with sneakers and a tote bag. Add a few accessories, like a sleek belt or a pair of gold hoops, and suddenly it looks like you spent way more time getting ready than you actually did. It’s proof that less really is more!

Challenges I’ve faced with my style, and why…

Adjusting to the realities of dressing for a busy life with kids has been a learning curve. It’s a balance of staying true to my style while prioritising practicality and comfort.

The one underrated wardrobe essential I think everyone should own…

An oversized blazer. It’s the ultimate layering piece that can instantly elevate even the simplest outfit.

Style rules I’ve happily broken…

So many! I’ve embraced mixing black and brown—a combination I love—and I never shy away from repeating outfits or wearing the same piece multiple times in a week.

Things on my autumn wish list…

I only have a couple of things on my autumn wishlist for now, but I’m sure it’ll grow as we get closer to the cooler months (it’s currently 30 degrees most days!) and I complete a full closet audit. One of the key pieces I’m eyeing is a pair of loafers—specifically, these stunning ones from Freda Salvador. I’d originally pinned a similar pair from WHBass, but something I learned last year is to invest in the piece you truly love, rather than settling for an alternative. It always pays off in the long run.

I’m also thinking of adding another wool coat to my collection, ideally in black or grey. A fabulous coat has the power to elevate any outfit, and I know it’ll be a staple I reach for constantly once the temperatures drop. Classic, timeless pieces like these make such a difference when building a wardrobe you love.

And one final question, since this Substack is called Off The Hanger:

The one piece in my wardrobe that always comes off the hanger when I need to feel my best, and why…

For the cooler months it would be my Assembly Label oversized wool coat. It’s the perfect combination of structured and relaxed, and it elevates anything I wear with it. I can throw it over a simple tee and jeans and feel instantly put-together.

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for reading this far! I really hope you enjoyed this first installment. I’m beyond excited to introduce you to an uber-cool lady in next month’s edition—I just know you’re going to adore her as much as I do! Keep an eye out—it’ll be landing in your inboxes in February. (Not subscribed yet? Sign up to receive it via email!)

P.S. Stay in Touch!

If you’d like to see more from The Julia Style Edit in 2025 and have it delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to subscribe! Feel free to share this post with a friend who might find it helpful, too.

For more daily style inspiration, you can also follow along on my other platforms:

• Instagram - where I share all my daily outfits

• Pinterest - where I pin things I love (& my outfits too!)

• LTK - where I save all the outfit links & sizing details

• Indyx - where I track what I’m wearing & what’s in my wardrobe

Let’s stay connected!

Until next time,

Julia x