HOW TO WEAR LINEN
When it comes to updating your wardrobe, nothing quite lifts the spirits like a clean palette. That’s always a focus for OROTON’s design team however this season the passion is further fuelled by Eggshell, a pale and interesting shade of cream that the designers have spent weeks working on. The verdict: this warm neutral shade feels modern, it’s an interesting alternative to plain white, timeless and fresh – an idea that feels particularly inviting right now.
Central to the look is a heavier-weight linen which has been washed to create the perfect relaxed effect – not too rumpled or too crisp. This beautiful natural fabric was introduced in OROTON’s ready-to-wear launch and has been continued through the seasons due to its versatility, structure and weight. We love its slightly lived-in look, its luxurious touch against the skin. Tailoring and shape is also key: for Spring, the team worked around the theme of vintage charm – self-covered buttons, fuller sleeves. There’s an overall nod to history yet those nostalgic elements are made modern via clever utility-inspired silhouettes which can be worn in a multitude of ways. Here, a few tips from the studio:
1. OPT FOR TONE-ON-TONE
When it comes to thinking about a new collection, the design team builds around the idea that you should be able to wear two, or even three pieces cut from the same cloth. In the studio, we call it ‘set dressing’, a head-to-toe outfit that comes together effortlessly in either the same colour or the same fabrication: the philosophy is that the pieces will carry across the seasons, coordinate with what you already have in your wardrobe and work with new collections as they come through.
An enormous amount of time is spent thinking about foundation pieces and one of the easiest places to start is by layering them in the same shade. The team recommends pairing this seasons Linen Overshirt with the matching Relaxed Trouser or Button Detail Skirt in the same shade.
2. REDEFINE YOUR WORKDAY UNIFORM
Our workday uniforms have eased somewhat, embrace it, but then add a point of difference. Washed linen doesn’t have to be pressed to within an inch of its life, it’s purposely textured to look a little undone, there’s a coolness to the pieces with an overall polish. Take the belted linen robe jacket as the perfect example: it’s a more relaxed linen jacket style, yet the fabric makes it feel elevated, tailored and comfortable. Wear it with matching pants or pair it with a soft silk patterned shirt, such as the floral print, for a more romantic take.
3. MAKE YOUR CLOTHES WORK FOR YOU
Our collections are designed to be dressed up or down, and this heavyweight linen is particularly versatile. It can be worn in both a casual sense or something more elevated. This seasons linen fabrication certainly speaks to that; it looks relaxed yet still has structure. The team recommends styling your pieces according to your agenda: for Zoom calls or in-office meetings opt for buttoned and neatly-tucked shirts matched with pleated pants to keep your look structured and tailored, and then soften the mood with open shirts and soft body-moulding knits.
4. ACCESSORISE WITH TAN
Top off a tonal look with structured or textural accessories in tan or whiskey. The fresh Eggshell colour is a great neutral base that works back with buttery caramels or rich tans, it’s effortless and easy to build upon, and a great bag will anchor the look and serve as a kind of sartorial exclamation mark. Here, three styles we workshopped and love: the classic Margot in pebble leather, the upcoming Cole collection or for added texture the Savin Collectable in natural straw is a great addition.
5. FINISH WITH JEWELS
Think of minimalist gold jewellery as a wardrobe basic on par with a T-shirt, we’re in the habit of wearing them every day. Essentials include elegant hoop earrings, chain-link bracelets and organic statement rings which lend your head-to-toe look personality. It’s the finishing touch, a certain kind of polish or finesse that feels good, particularly when faced with a busy schedule ahead.
OROTON’s Senior Designer, sums up the mood: “Tone-on-tone layering makes for a really considered yet straightforward approach to dressing. It’s our point of difference – our textiles and fabrics, our prints, patterns and accessories all combine to build a strong message. It’s a direction that Sophie [Holt, OROTON’s Creative Director] has a wonderful eye for, and as a team we’re equally passionate about – ultimately, we’re working with really considered colours and the most divine fabrics that all coordinate beautifully together from one season to the next.”
