The Duality Presents: Sassy Mama’s Basic Wardrobe Upgrades

Each season unveils a fresh handful of pieces to covet and an equally large handful of excuses for why we need them. With multiple wardrobes to curate Sassy Mamas need to be wise about making every piece of clothing count! Turning to the catwalk is a great source for inspiration on new trends and items to lust over, but it’s important that you nail the basics. We’ve put together a list of basic upgrades for every woman’s wardrobe with two different price points to pick from – you decide! Versatile, durable and longstanding, these are pieces that you can depend on every day of the week. 

 

NAT

1) Cheap Monday Spray-on Super Skinny Jeans, 742

2) Saint Laurent High Waist Skinny Jeans, 4,400

Everybody needs a classic pair of blue denim, and a high-waisted style will make your legs look endlessly long whilst providing a more elegant silhouette. It’ll also help you to avoid inadvertently flashing your bum whilst chasing after little ones! A good amount of stretch is important so you can bend over and move around with ease too.

Cheap Monday jeans have been a staple in my wardrobe for years as they are perfectly stretchy and the dark denim can be washed a number of times without fading. Although there was some criticism that Saint Laurent under Hedi Slimane was too basic for the big price tags, the new rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic has proved pretty irresistible and we have both been won over by the perfectly executed boots, bags and blouses.

3) Jeffrey Campbell Soulman Boot, 1,536

4) Acne Pistol Leather Ankle Boots, 4,400

The Acne Pistol Boots are trendy, comfortable and durable, perfect for the school run and family field trips. The sturdy heel strikes the balance between high heels and flats as they’re low enough to walk around all day, and an ankle boot will go as easily with jeans as it does with floaty dresses or flirty skirts. These boots will last you for years, I’ve had mine re-heeled a number of times and they still look almost brand new. If you need a cheaper alternative, the Jeffrey Campbells are a bargain for real leather ankle boots.

5) Massimo Dutti Black Dress with Leather trimming, 1,190

6) 3.1 Phillip Lim Wool Leather shift dress, 12,190

There is an iteration of the LBD every season, and this time we are seeing many in the shift dress shape. These dresses are both in winter-appropriate wool and are given some edge with leather details. These LBD’s require minimal effort for a date with the hubby and can be easily dressed up with a pair of statement earrings and a slick bun to draw attention to the unusual turtleneck-style neckline. This is one failsafe item that you will grab again and again when you despair that you have nothing to wear!

7) T by Alexander Wang striped tee, 1,161

8) Seed striped tee, 320

Even the most fashionable mama needs a reliable t-shirt that she can throw on in a rush in the morning. I’ve chosen the classic striped tee in different silhouettes – the T by Alexander Wang version is a more classic fit tee that will look great with dark skinny jeans and a pea coat. The Seed tee, with its dropped shoulder and elongated hem is slightly oversized and relaxed so it is better suited to beach days or fitting over gym gear to make it slightly more appropriate for a school run. The looser fit of both of these tops give a perfect boyfriend slouch fit but it’s also useful if you’re feeling a little bit more self-conscious about your mid-section after pregnancy.

9) Gianvito Rossi Leather pumps, 5,600

10) Sam Edelman Leather pumps, 1,390

These are the shoes that you’ll carry in your handbag to swap with your flats, allowing you to spruce up any outfit with ease. The neutral hue of these heels in soft leather will look amazing during both day and night when a more traditional black pump may look too clunky or formal. Nude underwear may be boring but these heels will actually make a look that little bit sexier by elongating your leg if you pick the right shade to match your skin tone. I’ve also selected midi-heels rather than a stiletto as I find it makes all the difference in avoiding numb toes and blisters.

 

 

GABBY

1) Mango Pinstripe Blazer, 436

2) Theory Pinstripe Suit Blazer, 2,632

Ever since Stella McCartney rejuvenated the pinstripe in FW13, I’ve been inspired. I love a nod to strong tailoring and I find pinstripes quite sexy; the idea of a taking something with strong references to the intensity of Wall Street in the 80s, and reinventing it to be powerfully feminine and demure. And, it can fit the lifestyle of every mama! It’s sophisticated enough to wear to work with tailored pants, it’s no-nonsense enough to wear over jeans for a day out with the kids, and cool enough to wear with a leather pencil skirt for drinks with the girls. Theory is a failsafe when it comes to blazers, but if this is out of your budget, look no further than Mango – almost a spitting image, with a thin delicate pin stripe and a black navy base.

3) Everlane The Box Shirt, 426

4) Acne Lela Button Down Shirt, 2,575

Every woman needs a classic button down shirt, worn slightly loose, un-tucked, with the sleeves pushed up – whether it’s white or striped. It’s practical and forgiving, without compromising style. When it’s just one of those days when thinking about what to wear is the last thing on your priority list as you’re rushing to get the little ones off to school, this is a great go-to piece. It’s also a great pre- and post-natal item to add to your wardrobe. Everlane rivals Acne’s perfect cut, with The Box Shirt. If you’re new to discovering Everlane, you probably won’t look back; for every item, the brand dishes the dirt on their margins versus the margins of other brands in the market. You’ll be surprised!

5) Topshop Longline Thrown On Coat, 1,379

6) Gerard Darel Clemence Angora Baladur Coat, 5,430

If you don’t already covet this brand, then ladies, you need to – Gerard Darel is one to keep an eye on! With a history spanning over 40 years, Gerard Darel has recently refreshed its look and come out with some beautiful classic and high quality pieces, like this Angora Coat, a perfectly skinny coat with a clean silhouette. Regardless of your budget, these are two coats every mama should own and something that you’ll be wearing for the long run.

7) Office Nude Leather Loafers, 750

8) Tods Lacetto Leather Loafers, 2,920

I cannot get enough of loafers and moccasins! I’m always on my feet, and find these give a whole lot more support than ballet flats, also adding a slightly stronger look to any outfit. They’re great for Sassy Mamas who want to add some quick formality to what you’re wearing. Even if just paired with jeans, it gives it that instant life. This works well if you’re rushing between play dates and lunch with friends! Tod’s Gommino moccasins are iconic, but for less of an investment, Office hit the spot and come in an array of colours and styles. If you’re hesitant, start with nude, tan, or black. If you’re game, then go straight for a bright colour or leopard print! A super fun and playful way to add life any outfit!

9) COS High Neck Jacquard, 975

10) Carven Wool Twist knit sweater, 3,244

Knits are big this season, and there’s so many to pick from, with a lot more chunky weaves and longer cuts emerging. Burgundy is always a rich timeless colour and very versatile to work with, hence great to have in your wardrobe. Aside from black it pairs beautifully with grey marle, camel, or beige. Both knits have high necklines that border on being a roll neck / turtle neck, a definite favourite this winter. I find turtlenecks can be a little bit tricky to wear if you’re busty, so adding a bit of texture to any sweater means it won’t hug the figure like thin wool or cashmere would, making it a whole lot easier to wear and a great way to disguise any bumps or bulges!

Have a fashion puzzle that you can’t figure out, mama? Send your style dilemmas to us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to help!