Newbie in the Wardrobe... Battenberg Cocoon Trousers.

When I'm considering adding another Stalf piece to my wardrobe (believe me, the temptation is endless!) I have a checklist I run through in my mind, just to make sure that this new addition is going to play well with my existing wardrobe, and to make sure it's going to work hard for me.

Here're my wardrobe newbie rules, maybe they'll help you with ways to get your existing Stalf multi-tasking, or perhaps they'll inspire you to create your own set of rules.

This month, I've taken home the Cocoon Trousers in Battenberg. Here's how these items measured up to my spec.

Dress Down.

I have a policy of not saving anything for best, so it's important to me that a new addition can be easily and comfortably dressed down for work or weekend.

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

Sweatshirt Vest, Stalf

Pink Shirt, La Veste

Jewellery, Night Time Holiday

Shoes, Adidas

Dress Up.

I love to get my glad-rags on as much as the next person. Items in my wardrobe should be versatile enough that I can make them feel special with some clever styling. (I'd allow sweats and some knits to be exempt from this clause, but it's amazing how well a pair of sweatpants can be styled up for something special.)

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

White Blouse, Isabel Marant Etoile

Gold Jewellery, Missoma

Bag, Jw Pei

Heels, The Outnet

Winter.

Here in England, the weather plays tricks on us regardless of the month, but I'm loathe to think of my new Stalf hanging lifeless in my wardrobe for half the year, so seasonal versatility is really important. For winter, I'm looking to layer, add boots and a coat, warm accessories and perhaps the rain/mud test for certain items.

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

Turtleneck, Everlane

Coat, Zazi Vintage

Gold Hoops, Daniella Draper

Necklace, Anni Lu

Hi Top Trainers, Veja

Summer.

Similar to the above, but flipped on its head. In Summer, I want my garment to take on a new lease of life, fresh, floaty and uplifting, it should work well with sandals and trainers, on the beach and in the garden.

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

White Flutter Blouse, Stalf

Bag, Baggu

Jewellery, Ninfa Handmade

Trainers, Vans

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Aside from making sure a new garment works for a multitude of occasions all year round, I also have a couple of looser and broader rules...

Print & Colour.

I love print and colour, and whilst I lean into black and neutrals at certain times of the year, I get so much joy and pleasure from playing with colour and print combinations. A new purchase should mix and match well with my fave stand-out pieces already in my wardrobe.

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

Shirt, La Veste

Socks, Socksss

Comb, Tort

Bag, Baggu

Shoessss.

I need a newbie to work well with the four main categories- Trainers, Boots, Sandals and Heels.

Credits:

Battenberg Cocoon Trousers, Stalf

Leather Trainers, Veja x Marni

Boots, Dr Martens

Black Mule Sandals, Jigsaw