Usually it makes me laugh when an item of clothing is described as a game changer. A piece of fabric that’s going to ‘effect a significant shift in the current way of doing or thinking about something.’ That’s the Oxford Dictionary definition of game changer btw. Really?!
But the latest addition to my wardrobe, a figure-hugging below-the-knee skirt that looks like a Persian rug (it’s actually called the Persian rug skirt on the Topshop website) has, well, totally changed the getting-dressed-in-the-morning game for me. I can’t stop wearing it.
With a couple of meetings in the diary I’d been looking for something a little smarter than my usual uniform of yoga pants and denim shorts, but nothing had caught my eye. That is until I spotted Jasmine Hemsley, one half of the healthy foodie sister duo Hemsley and Hemsley, wearing the aforementioned skirt in Vogue’s totally addictive Today I’m Wearing… feature.
Fearing a designer piece that would be way out my price range I hesitated to look at the credit. I looked anyway. It was from Topshop. OK, but it would probably be from earlier in the season and no longer available. I checked online. It was there.
Unsure of my size in a skirt that’s a long way from my usual style and, already running late, I resisted the temptation to order it online in multiple sizes, deciding to go to an actual bricks and mortar shop and try it on there instead. Stopping by Topshop Oxford Circus I spotted half a rail of what I already thought of as my skirt. It was attracting a lot of attention.
Running even later than I was before and with long queues for the changing rooms I did what any sensible person does in these circumstances and hid a couple in various sizes on a nearby rail. Or is that just me?! They were still there when I got back.
Slipping it on the changing room I was sold immediately. As Jasmine Hemsley says, it’s super easy and comfortable but it’s also feminine and flattering and, at least compared to my usual wardrobe of denim shorts and yoga pants, a little bit sexy as well. I’ve already worn it dressed down with a t-shirt and flip-flops to a sunny weekend lunch and dressed up with a scoop neck vest and heels for a night out.
The only thing it hasn’t worked for yet is cycling. Have you ever tried getting on and off a bicycle or actually cycling in a tube skirt? I don’t advise it. The potential for knicker-flashing is huge.
You too can look like you’re wearing a Perisan rug by clicking here.
Got a game changing item of clothing that you always reach for in specific (or multiple) situations? A power dress you always reach for when you have to have a difficult conversation with a team member at work? A first date outfit that always scores you a second date? A jacket you can throw on over ANYTHING? As ever do share below!
I have a half cap sleeve floral type Warehouse cotton stretchy dress with a zip back and peplum – totally not what I would usually buy but everytime I wear it I think… I should wear this more often – its a multitasking number. and was in the sale. winner.
Ooh, sounds gorgeous, and a game changer you snagged in the sale, even better!
White blazer is the one for me. It goes with everything and is easily cas with a pair of holey boyf jeans or totally glam with a pair of sequinned shorts.
Love this though, am definitely going to order and try 🙂
I love the idea of a white blazer Becky, but I fear I would spill something down it the second I put it on!
Mine is a kind of crochet posh cardi with metallic beading and shoulder pads, really quite glitzy and glam for me but it’s such a useful piece to throw on with denim shorts or black jeans to dress them up. A few weeks after I bought it Olivia Palmero was photographed wearing it, it promptly sold out in Topshop and I felt very cool indeed 🙂
Ooh, love the sound of your posh cardi Charlotte, I’m partial to a bit of metallic beading!
Without hesitating I can say my Whistles leather jacket is my game, no… life-changer.
Yes, it’s pricey but cost per wear it’s been completely worth it. Dressed up or down it’s the perfect jacket and it just gets better (and softer) with age!
I invested in a Whistles jacket a couple of years ago Katie. I wait to get a discount voucher from a magazine before I shelled out, I figured it was one of those kinds of items that would never go into the sales. I’ve worn it so much since, worth every penny!
I have a really simple black and white dress that I bought in the Zara sale several years ago. I still get complimented on it every time I wear it (even though I think it’s a little too short…)
Katie I am very envious of your coat! I’m still on the search for a perfect leather jacket x
I need one of those compliment dresses in my life! x
Lauren you should check out Massimo Dutti. I got my leather jacket from there (a few years ago now, mind) and it is the softest leather!
Oooh I’m on it! Thanks Emma x
I bought the same shape skirt in red tartan from Topshop just before Christmas and, like you, found that it goes with everything (especially a sheer leopard-print camisole – odd but true). It always attracts compliments and envious looks, plus it gives me a bottom to rival Kim Kardashian (in my head, anyway…!)x
Ooh, I missed it in tartan – gutted. Love the idea of it paired with leopard print! x