Newbie in the Wardrobe...Black Flutter Dress.

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 Flutter Dress in Black, here's how it 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:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Rose Quartz Claw Ring, Daniella Draper

Rose Quartz Stack Ring, Daniella Draper

Black Trainers, Vans

Jeans, Nudie Denim

Lilac Bag, Fjallraven

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:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Gold Earrings, Astrid & Miyu

Pearl Bracelet, Astrid & Miyu

Metallice Black Trousers, Missoni

Black Suede Heels, Penelope Chilvers

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:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Mint Rain Hat, Rains

Mint Raincoat, Rains

Lilac Socks, Tom Lane

Green Wellies, FitFlop

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:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Printed Slip-on Trainers, Vans

Multi-coloured Tote, SZ Blockprints

Crystal Bracelets, Roxanne First

Embellished Sunglasses, Gucci

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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:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Norwegian Knit Jumper, Toteme via Liberty

Lilac Coat, Stand Studio

Beaded Bracelets & Necklace, Anni Lu via Studio B Fashion

Red Floral Bag, Liberty

Embellished Trousers, Missoni

Shoessss.

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

Credits:

Black Flutter Dress, Stalf

Black Boots, Bottega Veneta

Black Trainers (both), Vans

Pink Heels, Jimmy Choo

Black Velvet Heels, Penelope Chilvers

Black Embellished Loafers, Gucci