French for "layering", Superposition is my number 1 personal style goal and inspires each and every Ille De Cocos design. Back in December, a lovely french lady wondered into my pop up shop on Belgravia's Elizabeth Street. I remember exactly what I was wearing that day, only because she asked me how I'd achieved my look. "I have a wardrobe full of layers" was my reply and explained that I wore most of my items throughout the year, layering up or down to create different looks depending on the season and occasion. A few days later, she returned with a suitcase full of pieces she was determined to get more wear out of. A fantastic experience for me, we created looks from her wardrobe that were unique to her and for the first time I put my own style into a series of top tips:
1. Build a capsule wardrobe
Since my mid-twenties, I have been sub-consciously building what I have come to know as my "capsule wardrobe": a collection of well-made investment items that are easily layered up or down, creating a wardrobe that is timeless, effortless and versatile.
2. Invest
An accumulation of smart choices....Pieces that to some might be deemed as a little plain from afar, I am in the habit of getting up-close-and-personal to discover those subtle, unexpected details; contrast-colour stitching, perfect french seams, intricate internal trims. These are the things that make my heart beat faster. When adorned with my usual classic denim/ cute skirt and box-fresh combo, these details are magnified. I walk taller, because they feel incredible to wear, each detail, a badge of incredible craftsmanship and inimitable style, so I continue to invest.
3. Be bold in some areas
Everyday I create a unique outfit from a wardrobe full of investment items, from classically cut shirts and blouses in pure cotton and silk, denim in my preferred skinny and boyfriend silhouettes from white to blues to black and in varying stages of distress. Plus of course my go-to collection of Ille De Cocos layers. I reinvigorate my looks with playful slogans, pops of colour and texture (sheepskin in the colder months and tulle pretty much all year round), as well as generous splashes of metallic. Where shoes and bags are concerned, the pendulum swings between minimalist and maximalist on a daily basis - whatever lifts my spirits.
4. Be playful with your layers
I love playing with layers, from slim to regular to oversized, from cropped to longline, with side-splits, zips and cold-shoulders, these subtle details will make each outfit unique if layered in the right way. With great foundation essentials, you can feel comfortable and chic and add interest to your outfit. I avoid layering essentials that are clingy, preferring pieces that gently skim my curves such as our new linen collection or bias-cut silk camisoles like these from Parasol Rose. These pieces add interest in texture, and the peep-through of fabric that comes with layering creates the perfect effect of superposition. Classic shades will be easier to layer, but as you build your collection of essentials you can experiment with a few colour pops for added interest.
I'm dedicating this blog post to Corinne, my new friend in Belgravia. We now share not only a name (my middle name is also Corinne) but also a passion for the art of Superposition.
By Deola
Founder of Ille De Cocos
Post features looks styled and modelled by Chloe Loves To Shop and N4Mummy.
