Sense of Style, with Ines Lopéz, Founder of WEAR United
In celebration of our limited-time online partnership with WEAR United, we are proud to present a different kind of conversation...
Ena's Lindy Lloyd and Inés López García of WEAR United share a love of style, with sensibility. What we wear – both on our skin and body – has a profound effect on the way we feel inside and out.
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Lindy: To me, a scent that is worn on the body is such an essential part of forming a connection with the self. I'm sure that with clothing it is the same. What is your view on personal style?
Inés: I believe style should be one’s signature, and intimately individual. My philosophy is that whatever you chose to wear should make you feel confident, comfortable and composed.
Lindy: In the world of fashion, there's an overwhelming amount of styles to choose from. How do you build a great wardrobe that truly expresses you?
Inés: I love trends and statement pieces; however I’ve discovered – no matter your look – what universally defines a good garment is its material, make, and tailoring. My top tip is to build your wardrobe off higher quality basics, and use them as your canvas for personal expression.
Lindy: You have so many beautiful pieces on WEAR United, what are your go-to investment pieces that stand the test of time?
Inés: These are my favourite five pieces to invest in that are guaranteed to span seasons, fads and every stage of your style.
Superior T-Shirts
T-shirts are often overlooked as investment pieces. They’re instrumental in day-to-day dressing, but also appear on red carpets and runways. Basic but timeless, turn the comfort and simplicity of a t-shirt into a standout by choosing ones made with premium materials with tailored, closer cuts. I prefer Twill & Tee because they use 100% organic, ring-spun, combed cotton to ensure that shirts retain their shape and fabric integrity wash after wash. Throw one on and look well-dressed without a second thought.
Black, Not Basic
The little black dress has earned its status as an essential for good reason. The challenge of choosing a LBD is making it distinct. For this style more than any other, it’s crucial to focus on tailoring, detailing and shape in order to make it standout. The Miss Fifty Bonded Poly Mini from dref_by_d is a perfect example, with pleats and a nip-tucked waist that instantly create a more flattering fit and creates eye-catching movement in the skirt.
Constructive Carry Alls
Practicality plays a big part for me when choosing a handbag. For durability and versatility, invest in high-quality leather in a core colour, such as brown, cream or black, but with an interesting shape for distinction. The locally designed and crafted KARMME La Plaza is my current carry all, because it compliments whatever I wear, holds everything I need, and has a sculpted structure that takes it out of the ordinary. The surprise of KARMME’s signature shibori hand dyed indigo interior makes it beautiful inside and out.
The Timeless Trench
Consider a coat your first impression. As it goes over everything, it’s particularly important that this piece is adaptable, sophisticated, basic but not bland with a tailored fit. A trench coat is definitively classic and chic. Look for a double-breasted style, wide lapels and raglan sleeves. Pop it on and look pulled together (even with just activewear underneath!).
Artistic Accessories
Accessories provide the best space for personal expression. The finest jewellery emphasises make over matter, with weight, material, and assembly being the determining factors in how a piece will wear. You’ll never go wrong with gold hoops, but this timeless bauble needs a bit of artistry to elevate it beyond the ordinary. For example, Brie Leon’s Organica Bent Hoop Earrings are crafted with the metal’s natural form for a varied texture and more modern and rawer look.
Lindy: Tell us about the core purpose of your business, WEAR United.
Inés: WEAR United is the newest online destination for fashion devotees to discover emerging and independent Australian designers and boutiques, while empowering consumers to support and shop local. You can discover new brands, your already favourite labels, and create a more conscious and uncommon wardrobe with www.WEARunited.com.au.