Trinny’s 10 (ish) decoded
because I’m obsessive like that, obvs
because I’m obsessive like that, obvs
If you’re a slavish Trinny Woodall follower, like moi (no shame any longer, I am 52 today), then you’ve seen her latest Sunday tradition, IG lives on a range of subjects. Most recently, this one, where she went to her (insert dramatic harp and angels singing here) closet to offer us the 10 transformative items. Which turned into 12. And like the little magna cum laude notetaker I am, I wanted to list them out for all of us and also suggest the best place to go to source each.
An interesting sequin top. Trinny recs something with a cool sleeve, but I think it depends on whether you’ve dipped into sequin before. For the unaccustomed, very fact of sequin may be interesting enough, and I’d stick to a shape you’re otherwise used to. Where to buy: A sale. People still think of sequin as “reserved for holiday,” so lots of sequin items end up on sale. Go to a site with a wide range of designers like Netaporter or Yoox. Remember: Extensive sequins with no break in the fabric, like a fully sequined T shirt, will be heavy and hot. Also, sequins do amazing things for skin, so your first foray should be near the face.
2. A belt that can change an outfit. Trinny is a big belt advocate. I go on and off them and love collecting. The belt Trinny’s suggesting right now is metallic, a true visual game changer against any swath of plain fabric. For me, I can only narrow it down to two, not one. More below. Where to buy: One belt I’m obsessed with is a traditionally* (I say this because now we know anyone gets to wear anything and everything!) men’s or men’s style oxblood croc look belt. It’s an idea borrowed from Amy Smilovic, owner/founder of Tibi, and I use it just the way she advocates, to add something “off” and therefore life-giving to black. It feels like the thing everything is missing. I got mine from The Real Real men’s department. You could also borrow from a guy in your life. I’m tempted right now by the men’s style belt on Tibi, in white as another option that would give a more dramatic update to black. The other belt I can’t get enough of these days is an Obi style. I now have 2 Loewe Obi belts, one was a My Theresa sale buy and one was NWT on TRR. These make ordinary pieces have so much oomph. (Note — the new price is always lowest at Selfridges.) But another option I am really into (and bought in white) is the Pritch London tie obi belt. It’s reminiscent of Trinny’s go-to DVF belt but IMO even better. Clean, sharp, soft, easy to use, one size fits all. Holly Pan (truly “your fashion BFF!”) showed me this brand and I’m grateful. I’m also curious about the cut out style that has a graphic, corset shape ala McQueen. Remember: Go large on the men’s belt and have your shoemaker add lots of additional holes if you want to pull through and slip it downward for that cool effect Amy and her gang do. And do a saved search on TRR if you want the Loewe. (Tips on shopping TRR here + here.) They’ve been around for a bit now and you shouldn’t have to pay full price.
3. The right underwear, specifically Spanx, specifically so you can wear white pants with confidence (no cellulite showing, and a repository for a tucked in shirt so it goes unseen). Where to buy: Hmmm. Maybe don’t. I think here I veer from Trinny into Amy territory. Amy’s position is that a little transparency never hurt anybody and in fact keeps white bottoms from looking too dowdy. Currently I am of the same mind. Seeing a colored tee show through looks low key and interesting to my eye. I want to be comfy, I’m not driven by looking pretty/nice right now (see above). I’d rather go with a “whatever” attitude and comfy undies that match my skin tone — I get them on Skims. Remember: Some family member will tell you your pants are see through. You can just say “Yep, I’m okay with that.”
4. A metallic scarf. To change a look, to pack a lot of impact without taking up much space, to give a boost to your face, to feel better on an I-hate-my-neck day, to serve as jewelry when you can’t pack jewelry, etc. I once bought Trinny a sequin scarf, which works the same way. Where to go: For instant gratification, Etsy. There are lots of accessible options. You might have to try more than one and give some that aren’t right for you as gifts. But otherwise, it’s going to be a long haul, a marathon not a sprint. Look in every local consignment shop, because… Remember: It will be better to touch and feel it since the way it lies can impact whether it works. Trinny’s go-to Saint Laurent is so good in part for this. The corners even came with weights. The holy grail! And also, if you want to look pretty, pick the metallic/shade that flatters you most. I say this because I don’t always care if I look pretty. I care more that I feel like myself or cooler. But that’s a whole other topic.
5. Something neon. Oh, yes. Neon is the best way I know to modernize an outfit. To things that look overly “right” it brings instant wrong, in a good way. A graphic designer I once worked with said everything needs a little poison. This is your poison. Trinny said maybe a bag, which is a soft way to wade in, but I think it’s not impactful enough because you don’t always have it on you! Where to buy: 100% save up and splurge on a Serena Bute oversized shirt in your favorite neon color. It’s one of the highest-impact items I own, if not “the one.” When I don’t know what to wear but need to look creative, when my mood is low, when I’ve committed to an outfit but it needs a shot of life. It even works if it’s nothing but the neon collar and maybe the long floppy sleeves peeking our of a gray crewneck. I also use my neon bralette from Skims quite a bit (currently have on with pale gray tank and white Tibi jogger pants). Alas, it was a limited edition, but I bet you could find something similar? A workout bra would achieve the same thing. Remember: If the Serena shirt is sold out, select “notify me” — this is one of her key pieces that does get restocked. Also, if in doubt go for the larger size.
6. A metallic jacket. Like the scarf, instant life to the face. The combo of a traditionally-shaped piece with such an “out there” fabrication makes this interesting and surprisingly easy — like over a graphic tee and denim. Or swapped for a blazer with an otherwise traditional outfit. Remember: Think about the overall jacket style that feels best to you, apart from the fabrication. For me, it’s long, below the butt, a traditionally “men’s” style, a little boxy, strong shoulder. I will wear it mostly on my shoulders. Where to buy: I’m still on the hunt, and it may be a long one. I went for one on TRR but it’s short — still using, but not THE ONE. I crave this one, but the price for an item like this is too rich for my blood. I think you could look on TRR, but make sure it’s not so discounted as to be final sale.
7. “Mad fun sunglasses.” Trinny says she likes an “out there” eyeglass to feel “myself as I sometimes feel.”.I also think it’s like a red lip, an instant way to feel like more is happening, and a Tibi-ictionary “one.” Plus you get to hide and protect your delicate eye area to boot. Remember: Go big or go home. Not big literally. Though that may be good. But don’t get shy on this buy. Color, jewels, shape. This is a low-commitment way to push your style boundaries. Where to buy: 100% in your local consignment store. You need to try them on. And it doesn’t matter how old they are. It’s not about “in” or “out.” Older is even better, more special. (Just make sure they’re not scratched.) Also, a great item to buy when traveling, ala Trinny’s recent Venice extravaganza. Less expensive than other things you might return with (say, a handbag) and arguably higher impact. Plus you’ll have a forever memory of the trip.
8. White trainer. Yes yes 100 x yes. A sneaker is the easiest way to “easify” an outfit. Where to buy: I am willing to big time invest here. Why? Because I love to walk. I have to be comfortable. And this is a workhorse purchase I know will make everything else work and get plenty of use (even though it won’t last forever). For me Prada is the most reliable pair. Every couple years I reinvest. Because sneakers wear out — — and so you can’t buy them used IMO. The tech just doesn’t hold up. A very similar style and comfort level is M.Gemi, which is also made in Italy (in the same factories as brands like LV, etc .— I know this b/c I worked there). I also recently bought a stacked Celine for when my pants are long but I want a sneaker not a heel. They’re also extremely comfortable. And another recent pair inspired by Amy who suggested shopping athletic labels on Ssense, because they curate them for you, an idea I love. Remember: Nothing hurts more than paying for an uncomfortable sneaker. Invest in comfort and stick with brands you can count on. Also, try them on. The Prada wheel bottom sneaker is stiffer than the other styles. The Hogan platform hurts me, where the Celine feels amazing.
9. A piece of leopard. Maybe it’s blasphemy, but IMO, not as useful as the others on this list, unless it’s something you crave. Maybe it’s more of an in and out piece that’s out for me right now. A perfect foray into renting (how about these), which my friend @thecreativeclassicist likes to do — check her Instagram page for discount codes. You could then see whether this is something you want to play with a little or actually own. Where to buy: If this is on your list, I’d then look for something new vs. used only because this print can look dated. Think: Mrs. Robinson. This could be fun to play with, it’s Raey, Matches Fashion’s house brand, which is always very cool. Also, Ganni is always doing leopard and is a fun, ageless brand. Remember: Since this is a *traditionally* feminine print, give it contrast by going to the opposite (ala Amy). So avoid a pencil skirt or frocky frock — think simple cotton pants maybe or a generous button up shirt.
10. A dress you love. Maybe it’s a slip dress; it is for Rose, check out her regular slip dress posts @thecreativeclassicist on Insta. Or something else from Tibi’s WOFs (Without Fail) section. For me it’s this one from Max Mara, and I really like it. You can put a turtleneck under it, you can fit a bra under it, it’s really easy and seasonless. Where to buy: Try someplace relatively classic for this to be timeless, like Tibi, Joseph, Co., or Max Mara. Remember: Look for something that flows, that’s easy, that you feel good in, a 12 mo-er, that you can layer over and under. For me, longer is easier. It might not be for you, though.
11. A crossbody that that will change an outfit. The most useful bag for me right now is a crossbody with a vertical quality to it. It’s just the easiest to reach my hand in an out of, and this is what I prefer to go on a walk, one of my favorite things to do. It’s also great for giving a tent dress just a tiny bit of shape, cutting up the uniboob. Trinny suggests a metallic one, which acts like jewelry and bag in one and goes with everything. I also like the freshness of white. Where to buy: Trinny favors Prada and Lutz Morris (I’d really love one of those). Neither appears on TRR often or for any decent price. I’d try a saved search for Jil Sander on TRR, because Jil makes a good crossbody and TRR undervalues them. Also, the Australian site Cettire has lots of options and is always lower than other places. Fun fact: If you return there but elect credit vs. refund, they give you more than your return value.
12. The perfect coat. Trinny likes a white one. For me it’s an Old Celine Chester coat in a neutral. The one I like isn’t wool. It’s like slightly thicker than suiting. And with a little bit of a dropped shoulder. I can wear this over my shoulders in spring. It’s easy in fall. And in winter you can get a nice cashmere sweater or even a blazer under there. Never goes out of style. Can be casual or black tie. Where to Buy: Ask Mia @oldcelinearchive to help you source the Celine. Stalk other contenders on Tradesy and Poshmark (I scored an ivory Marni number in perfect condition for $330). Remember: Less is more. Quantity-wise. A coat should be a workhorse or a major statement. As you’re able, work the middling ones out of your repertoire.