For the first fash chat of 2025, I wanted to delve into the specific trends and cultural touchpoints that are influencing how I want to dress right now.
Style muse: Joanne.
There’s a reason Joanne’s style on Nobody Wants This (via the glorious Kristen Bell) struck a chord with us all last year. It was the ease. The way she just “threw on” a cool top with baggy jeans, like just the right amount of thought (but not too much thought) went into it.
Better yet, her wardrobe looked shoppable. Not too expensive (hi, Shiv from Succession) or too fanciful (everyone’s outfits on And Just Like That). While covetable, it still felt attainable. That cut-out top was from Christopher Esber, her red fluffy cardi and skirt set from Reformation.
Her accessories were always the perfect low-key finishing touch: a great black buckle belt; a signature gold initial pendant or mini hoops. Real girl accessories. The kind you actually want to wear. Quiet Luxury bored the shit out of me, if I’m honest. But Joanne’s brand of LA girl-next-door chic? That I can get on board with.
Costume designer Negar Ali Kline told Marie Claire she looked to It-girls of the past, like Alexa Chung, to help define Joanne’s style, and ultimately wanted a female protagonist whose look “met the moment”. She definitely achieved that.
And no, I haven’t moved on. Even though we all watched the show months ago. So this year she’s on my moodboard!
Style cues: The life aquatic.
I’m not the yachting type, but lately I’ve been in the mood to dress like one (chunky sweaters! Polo caps!)
Here’s Kendall Jenner - via her stylist Dani Michelle - in one of my favourite outfits of 2024. Note the “hello sailor” energy of the cap and sweater. So cool.
I’ve noticed a big swell of ocean-adjacent clothing, but it’s coming through particularly strongly in accessories of the fishy persuasion - from Kendall’s cult Bottega Veneta Sardine bag (the one with the handle shaped like.. a sardine) to Staud’s beaded ‘Staudine’ handbag, a clever take on the “hot girl tinned fish” motif. You’ve likely noticed all those starfish earrings and shell necklaces doing the rounds, too. The trend also encompasses The Row’s rubber sandals, jelly thongs and all manner of webbed footwear.
In December I jumped on an episode of Nothing to Wear with Leigh Campbell and discussed what I called the ‘surfer chic’ trend and how to wear it. I’m now being served articles about the incoming ‘fisherman aesthetic’.
Surfers, fishermen, sea critters… they’re all part of the same big oyster!
Are we all feeling the need for a sartorial vacation? Maybe. I have to say I love the whimsy. It’s just right for the Aussie summer and it’s a look we can really have fun playing around with - or splash a bit of cash on a special piece and treasure for many warm seasons to come.
Style peruse… Novelty flatforms.
If you haven’t heard of Allison Bornstein’s “Wrong Shoe Theory”, the US-based wardrobe stylist basically suggests that every outfit can be improved by adding a shoe that… doesn’t add up. A nonsensical shoe to throw off the predictability (or play with the proportions) of your look. A heavy shoe with a light dress. A white shoe with neutrals. But things are getting very fun in the flats department, and I love it. It’s a reflection of what’s happening at a high fashion level, for sure, but here are a few high street pairs I’ve been lurking. Because things like rubber clogs and flatforms don’t have to cost a bomb to make a big impression.
Vissta Sandal Bone Satin, $79.95.
Crocs Stomp Clog, $80 (on sale).
Radical Yes Delphine Leather Clog, $299.
Zara Animal Print Flatform Sandals, $79.95.
As always, feel free to share what’s on your shopping list, or chuck your style questions in the comments below!
Chat again soon.
Tam xx
That Loewe jumper 😍😍😍😍 Kristen Bell has had a massive glow up- her styling on the publicity tour was next level incredible! Choc browns and leather and showing off her body like no mum of two should- AH-MAZING!
Now to shop my stash and see how to pull off the look without the buys 😝😝
Thanks Tam!
Yes! I love when costume designers understand not only their characters, but their characters budgets. Or when I notice pieces being re-worn on different days, I appreciate the understanding that normal people have normal sized closets.
My style muse of the moment is Lauren Daigle because I just adore all of the embellishments and colors she’s not afraid to play with. My version is just that of a mom with three kids being out and about, but I’m finally back to shopping outside of my young mom uniform of just nice black shirts and the jeans of the moment.