Tobi: Transitional Two Ways to Wear It

When it comes to style, I love pieces that do double duty, don't you? Those wonderful, design-led items that can really hold their own, allowing you to style them up multiple ways and really get the most wear out of them.

So when US-based fashion brand Tobi approached me to collaborate on a post, I was so excited to discover that their site was packed with items that would do exactly that - define a look and hold their stylish own in a variety of combinations.

From showstopper ‘going OUT out’ dresses to pieces suitable for a casual weekend or a day of meetings, it was all there. The design approach is modern classic - clean lines, subtle colours and quality fabrics - that reminds me of my other personal favourites like Reiss and Modern Rarity.  I was so impressed with the items when they came, and they were also super-quick to ship out - I had them within a week!

Inspired, I used some of my beloved wardrobe staples to style up each of the Tobi pieces in two different ways. It just shows that when you have stylish, well-made items, they can be dressed up or down with a few accessories…

Look One

Sincerely Yours Lace Dress | Tobi

Rockstud leather pumps | Valentino

Multistrand pearl bracelet| Hemswell Antiques

Raw agate bangle | H&M

Butterfly print box clutch | Ted Baker

This first look would be ideal for all those occasions where you want to look polished - like a wedding, or Ladies Day at the races.

The dress is so unbelievably pretty in this delicate grey colour, with cap sleeves and a high neckline, a pretty tiered skirt and sheer panels. There’s so much detail in the design!

To play up the pretty-pretty vibe, simply team it with some sophisticated nude court shoes like these classics from Valentino, a box clutch and some elegant bracelets.

Look Two

Sincerely Yours lace dress | Tobi

Black felt hat | & Other Stories

Quilted leather jacket | Zara

Black opaque tights | M&S

Black ankle boots | George

To give the dress a completely different spin and make it autumn-ready, offset the romantic lace with a tough leather jacket - my faves are always from Zara-  and black block-heeled ankle boots.

Add in some opaque tights and a floppy felt hat, and you have a look that's ideal for a concert or a date night and that will work in the colder weather. This just might be my favourite out of all the different outfits.

Look Three

Loveletter surplice blouse | Tobi

Black leather moto jeans | H&M

Leopard ponyskin ankle boots | Dune

So Black medium flap bag | Chanel

Crystal statement necklace | Zara

Loveletter is an apt name for a blouse that I fell in love with at first sight!

With its beautiful draped front and luxurious heavy fabric, I immediately knew how I'd want to wear this little lovely. The first look I did is a classic one that I go back to time and again. I adore leather jeans for nights out when it's getting colder- they're cosy but still very chic, especially when paired with this elegant cream blouse.

All I needed to add was a slick of dark plum lipstick and a sparkly statement necklace and the look was a winner. For extra impact, I popped on some leopard boots from Dune to add a jolt of pattern and then grabbed a classic black evening bag.

Look Four

Loveletter surplice blouse | Tobi

Burgundy cigarette trousers | Asos

Bayswater tote Mulberry

Nude patent wedge heels Aldo

To spin the blouse into an office-friendly look, I wore it back to front. Here you can see the pretty yoke detailing at the back and then the drama of the swooping back (if you don't want to flash your bra strap in the office, just layer a simple white vest underneath).

Smart burgundy cigarette trousers and nude patent wedges give a smart look that pairs well with the elegance of the top, and a chocolate leather tote like the ever-chic Bayswater means you'rere office ready.

Look Five

Taylor tencel jumpsuit | Tobi

Black leather cut out belt | Asos

Spike Soiree perspex heels | Jeffrey Campbell

Waverley Petite clutch in nude suede and black perforated leather | Stella and Dot

A great jumpsuit is such a strong piece in any collection, and I love how pulled together they look. They’re one of the hardest working items as well because they worked for a huge range of occasions.

For evening -  say a gallery opening or going out for dinner, the jumpsuit works so well paired with a statement leather belt and edgy perspex heels, along with a perforated leather clutch (from my favourite accessories brand of the moment, Stella and Dot). Unbutton it lower if you want a more daring look!

Look Six

Taylor tencel jumpsuit | Tobi

Long sleeved breton tshirt | Boden

Red velvet embroidered velvet loafers | Primark

Medium Lily bag  | Mulberry

To take the jumpsuit in a more casual direction, you can layer a long-sleeved striped tee underneath and button up the collar.

Some detailed red velvet loafers add contrast and a simple grey leather shoulder bag like the stunning Mulberry Lily pulls it all together. This look would work really well for a trip to the cinema or meeting up with friends for a coffee and a catch-up. I felt so comfortable and stylish in this outfit.

I’m so pleased to have discovered a new brand that's become a hot favourite of mine instantly for its quality design and execution.

It may hail from sunnier climes (let’s face it, everywhere is sunnier than the UK, perhaps apart from Iceland…) but all the pieces work perfectly as items that can be combined to make perfect summer to autumn or desk to dancefloor transitional outfits.