Newbie in the Wardrobe...Black Tulip 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 Black Tulip Dress 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 Tulip Dress, Stalf

Printed Denim, Ganni

Clogs, Kit + Clogs

Rafia Bag, Loewe

Necklace, Laura Lombardi

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 Tulip Dress, Stalf

Gold Jewellery, Daniella Draper

Red Bag, The Outnet

Red Shoes, 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:

Black Tulip Dress, Stalf

Black Wrapper, Stalf

Black Boots, Dr Martens

Gold Jewellery, Missoma

White Shirt, Dilli Grey

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 Tulip Dress, Stalf

Baseball Cap, Everlane

Sweatshirt, Everlane

Oatmeal Trainers, Goodnews London

Silver Tiny Hoops, Daniella Draper

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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 Tulip Dress, Stalf

Knitted Vest, Tach Clothing

Earrings, Crystal Haze

Silk Scarf, Liberty

Checked Trousers, Hunkøn

Shoessss.

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

Credits:

Black Boots, Dr Martens

White Trainers, Goodnews London

Clogs, Kit + Clogs

Red Heels, The Outnet