Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don’t, you should. She has become a trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into—sustainable fashion. On her platforms, Cheong breaks it down into easily digestible, bite-size pieces of information to arm you with more sensible shopping tactics. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, we just had to knock on her virtual door. In this month’s column, she guides us through the only, yes only, five items she’s adding to her capsule wardrobe this season. Take it away Andrea…
I have a penchant for jackets and coats, a good trench coat being one of them. I was thrilled with Sezane’s affordable offering in 100% cotton. The khaki option is so classic and still, a refreshing alternative to the camel hued rainwear that we usually see. And as it’s a neutral colour, it still goes with everything! It’s one of the most reached-for items when we face transitional weather, and let’s be honest, most of the time it feels like that’s the case in the UK. I wear mine with everything, day or night, like throwing it over a silk slip dress and some pointy mules for an evening look. And if you’re looking for more ways to wear a trench coat other than with your trusty shirt and pair of jeans, I think it’s particularly good with a full monotone outfit.
Trainers are notoriously hard to recycle and therefore, very difficult to call sustainable. Therefore, the best thing to do is get a quality pair that’s stylish enough that you’re happy to wear with your daily outfits. I have been on the hunt for a white sneaker for the longest time (I have tiny, UK size 1-2 feet) so while everyone’s happily sporting their Vejas and Sambas, I’ve kept my eyes peeled. If you haven’t found a pair that makes your heart beat fast yet, I love a retro sports vibe and this tennis shoe from Autry is so easy to style with every look.
I’ve seen the football jersey come back in full force, tennis skirts dominate this summer and balletcore take centrestage. I love to see clothes transcending the category they were made for (which ultimately means more use), so I’m very much in favour of the return of the rugby shirt. I love this one because it’s so easy to find secondhand or add to the list of stolen clothes from your boyfriend. Better still, raid your parents’ storage and dig up your old P.E. kit. There’s something so comforting about throwing on a loose-fit cotton long sleeve top when the weather gets a little chilly. I love wearing mine tightened around the waist with baggy jeans or paired with a mini skirt for the contrast.
I know, I can hear the audible gasps from my fellow millennials. But hear me out, if you’re petite like me, low rise actually comes up as mid-rise for us. No knicker-skimming waistbands here. I love how flattering and most importantly, comfortable a wide leg is. I’ve been wearing mine almost everyday (and night) with a fitted top, even a rugby shirt, or a cosy jumper. My biggest denim shopping tip, especially for a style like this, would be to go for 100% cotton. Elastane is usually added to provide stretch so may be comfortable for more fitted looks, but there really is no need in this case.
Yes, she is back. Or perhaps she never went away. So first take a look at what jewellery you already own because more than likely you have a chunky necklace. If not, I constantly reach for my rhinestone embellished cuban chain which is 18k gold plated in copper. It’s such a fun piece to give a plain knit or a t-shirt a little edge and sparkle. A note for maintenance, any piece of jewellery that’s plated may need replating in the future, depending on how much you wear it!
Next Up: I’ve Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It’s Made Up of These 11 Pieces
