When people mention Country Road the thoughts that instantly come to mind are elegant minimalism, everyday versatility and affordably on-trend sans ostentation. The brand has cemented its presence in the Australian market as a place for quality fashion and sophisticated living that appeals to a diverse demographic which goes beyond just womenswear.
A few years ago and I use the word few very loosely, I was foraging through my mothers clothing from the early 90s and came across this beautiful white linen A-line maxi dress that I instantly fell in love with. I ran over to mother dearest and asked if I could have the dress under the guise that she was no longer going to fit into it and I would graciously relieve her of this piece to free up space for her new clothes – cheeky, I know. I looked at the label and wasn’t surprised to find a Country Road tag and asked immediately how long ago she had purchased this and found out that the dress was about the same age as I was – nailing the definition of timelessness.
After previewing their new season collection a few weeks back I felt inspired to put together a story on how to turn their key pieces into wardrobe staples. The brand’s signature silhouettes are easy to work into your daily wardrobe and the combinations between all the pieces I’ve chosen is endless.
The Long Line Trench
I’ve always been an advocate for mixing textures and juxtaposing typically evening fabrics with casual accessories. The cotton long line trench is magic when it comes to elevating your formal look or dressing down for relaxed occasions. It doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing underneath this go-with-anything shade because it’ll perfectly raise your weekend denim uniform and will complement any corporate ensemble.
The Classic Suit (with a twist)
This is no ordinary suit – this is a velvet suit. It comes with all the Hugh Hefner goodness minus the robe but all the lushness that’ll make you go ga-ga over. Finding a classic suit for your wardrobe that makes you feel empowered can take time but if you’re searching and come across something different – velveteen different – then why not give it a whirl?
Country Road always has roomier cuts to suit all body shapes and wearing a suit jacket oversized is a great way to give the look a tomboy street twist. If you’re feeling really plucky then why not venture out with a suit with nothing underneath – a trend adopted by many of those who grace the red carpet. Alternatively you can lose the jacket and pair the velvet trousers with a crisp white shirt. Wear it un-tucked or half-tucked but never fully tucked – we’re no longer in school.
The Slip Dress 
The 90s are back and the simple slip dress can be your best friend when it comes to layering and the staple in your wardrobe that will never go out of style. It can be a lone wolf and styled on its own or it can be team player. Throw an open shirt, a leather jacket, a blazer or sweater over it and you’ll have yourself completely different looks every time. I’ve chosen to layer the slip dress over a classic striped top and dressed this with sneakers and the trench. Feeling confused as to whether this passes for a day look or a night look? I call it smart casual.
The Oversized Sweater
I think the oversized sweater essential is self-explanatory but wearing the comfy and oversized knit with denim is the easiest way to rock a weekend look. The permutations between these staples are endless and when you throw accessories and shoes into the mix then the possibilities are endless.
Set yourself the challenge and go into your wardrobe and pick out the pieces that you think are staples and then start mixing them up. You can thank me later when a multitude of looks start to magically form that you had never thought of before.
This post was created in collaboration with Country Road.
