I love a good basic, you know the kind, a workhorse piece in your wardrobe that becomes a ‘go to’ item. One that’s got your back, a piece you can depend on and will never let you down. Ladies, don’t ever underestimate what a great foundation wardrobe can do for your personal style.
A great foundation wardrobe will give you ‘options’. If you have your basics right then gone will be the days of the floordrobe, you know…the wardrobe on the floor because you can’t decide on what to wear. Instead you will have items that you can build on, items that will allow you to create multiple looks from less. Sound dreamy?
Living the dream
It’s not a dream, ladies you can have this with a few well thought out purchases. You don’t need to make ALL the purchases ALL at once. Instead take your time, collect quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Take some time to edit your wardrobe, write down what pieces are missing and what you ideally would like to collect to make your wardrobe work seamlessly every day.
One thing that my wardrobe can’t do without is a long, straight maxi dress. I have several, some in colour, a striped one and a few black ones. Recently I welcomed a new workhorse piece to my wardrobe, and I’m more than a little bit in love.
The team from Harlow deliver…again
The ‘Love is a stranger’ black maxi dress from the talented team at Harlow Australia also comes in limited edition denim marle in sizes XS-XL (12-26).
This trans seasonal dress is made from luxuriously soft viscose/elastane jersey, with a scoop neckline, dolman sleeve and a hidden inbuilt tie on one side, the added twist to style up multiple looks from just one dress – pretty neat right?!
Tips for how to wear a long black maxi dress.
-Wear this black maxi dress long and lean or ruche up the sides for a dramatic asymmetrical hem.
-Team with a street sneaker for a dressed down day look. I added the Nat sneaker from Frankie4 in cream.
-Layer like a player. Add a denim jacket or vest, tie a chambray shirt around the waist, slip into a leather jacket for evening or even a puffer vest for travel or lazy Sunday afternoon coffee dates. This dress will take you through all seasons, treating it as the foundation piece it is and layering will give you endless options, day or night.
-Boots will add a dressier vibe. Whether its a colourful ankle boot or longer length boot have some fun, get cheeky and ruche the side to show them off.
-If a fitted black maxi dress scares you buy one size up for plenty of room or try a gentle control knicker to give you a smoother line. On days when I need some help I personally wear the ‘Body Wrap’ control brief from Buxom Envy, it’s the kind of pair that won’t roll down or break a rib.
You could also hold an oversized clutch in front of your belly bulging with Easter eggs…works for me 🙂
Stamp your style and make it your own.
I teamed the ‘Love Is A Stranger’ black maxi dress with a custom denim vest and handmade rose neckpiece. This vest was once a jacket that was too big and boxy, instead of ditching it I got creative. I removed the waistband and sleeves , frayed the edges and shredded the vest with a grater ( yes, a cheese grater) and some sand paper. There isn’t another like it, so it speaks directly to my style personality.
The neckpiece was made by a local designer and just adds a little feminine twist, teamed back with an oversized pink clutch they take this outfit to the next level…amped up the style 🙂
I’ve also teamed the maxi with a puffer vest, same sneakers and switched out the feminine neckpiece for a white and grey pendant. It’s more monochrome and sporty…especially with the addition of the cap that actually belongs to the huz 🙂
I know that you guys are going to be seeing more of this black maxi dress, that’s what good foundation pieces do…they get worn often. Stay tuned to see how else I wear it.
Details
Harlow ‘Love is a stranger’ maxi in black and in denim marle
Elizabeth Hartmann-Smith pendant in blush– other designs available. Message her via IG.
Frankie4 Nat sneaker in cream sizes 6-13
Similar style clutch
Similar puffer vest
Similar denim take to it with scissors and a grater
Don’t forget most places now offer AFTERPAY, this helps you to purchase what you want, receive it now and pay it off in agreed equal installments. Look for the logo when shopping online.
Would you like to see more good basics? Let me know.
Til next time,
Jen x
some items sent to me for editorial consideration. This post contains affiliate links, full disclosure policy HERE
Love this look Jen. I’m all about basics as they can be styled so many different ways, I’m going to invest in a black maxi. I have the striped versions but need black. Love the look of the denim Jacket you attacked its original which I like the idea of. I’ll let you know how I go with the dress xo
More please, my wardrobe is overflowing with nothing to wear. I have a few staples but the rest, well……..
I took to my old denim jacket last week when I read something you had on Facebook. I looked on YouTube and did some research then cut off the collar and took to the rest with a grater.
Thanks for the inspiration, I haven’t quite finished with it yet but I’m much happier with it!
I brought this dress love it also quite roomy I am Size 22 however medium works fine!
Great advice and style tips looks great.?
I love a black maxi. I have a favourite that I’m ashamed to say I’ve had far too many years and it’s time to update. I think I’ll pop over to Harlow for a look. I wear mine to work, dinner, play, shopping – just teamed up with different accessories to suit the event. Thanks Jenni❤
I currently have a black maxi in a soft t-shirt material (it was just a cheapie from KMart) and after lots of washes it has stretched out a bit longer. Never thought to just tie a knot on one side like you could with a long kaftan. This post just made me think of it! Oh, and I love the denim marle….blue is my thing usually…and am loving that navy is everywhere at the moment! Thanks for the inspo!
Love your tips, and on Monday (I think), you wore a Kennedy Blue top. Well I fell in love with it. So now waiting for my delivery. Have my 70 yr Birthday next month and family are doing something to suprise me. Looking forward to wearing it. Will be looking for a necklace to wear with it. Love the way you put cloths together. A Huge Thanks.?
I love this dress and was only ‘pondering’ over buying it the other day! Seriously! I think now I might just have to ? I bought a ahio cape the other week & was looking at a maxi dress to buy to go with it. I’m new to the whole ‘styling thing’ (on me anyway, I wear a uniform to work so it’s always a ‘no brainer’)! Just a quickie, how could this dress be worn on cold days with the short sleeves? Am I just clueless?!? ?
And a huge thank you too! ❤️?
Can’t go wrong with a workhorse black dress and love how versatile this one is! Adjustable length for shorties is gold!
Genius…and kinda essential these days too.