You need to know about: Goat

I received an email ad today showing this outfit from Goat (a brand I adore, more on them in a minute).  It just stopped me in my tracks with its perfection. The fitted trousers with contrasting go-faster stripes down the side, the jacket which reads military/sporty/1960’s all at once and isn’t completely matchy matchy with the trouser stripe, and the loose not-trying-to-be-sexy top in the right length (doesn’t need a half-tuck to look tidy). I love the lack of jewellery in this photo as well; it lets the monochrome and the proportions do all the talking. It is part of goat’s Pre Spring Summer 2015 collection, but I want to wear it now.  Right now.

Goat is a brand that manages to be both stylish and timeless (“timeless” often means “BORING”, but not in this case) which is rare. There is often a charming 1960’s vibe about their clothing… a Mad Men era elegance, silhouette, and colour palette that are very flattering on women our age.  I have a few dresses and coats from Goat, and the quality of the fabric and the fit are superb.  The thing that I love most about their clothes is that they are beautiful blank canvases for you to put your own Style stamp on.  Take this simple, tailored, ice blue dress for instance.

First of all, it is my favourite colour! I love the subtle scallop detail at the top and the 3/4 sleeves.  This could easily be worn to the office, as is. You could go completely OTT Jackie O and style it with everything else in winter white: leather gloves, shoes, pearls, and coat.  I’d also love to style this dress with some colour clashing– a big multicoloured statement necklace, a bright shoe and contrasting bag.  It would even work well in winter with a black suede knee high heeled boot, some jet glass bead jewellery, and a black hat.  The point is, you get serious mileage out of a piece like this.  It isn’t disposable clothing that you wear for one season and then it looks worn and dated the following year.  I’d also file this dress (and several others at Goat) under What To Wear To a Wedding, which is a question I get asked frequently from friends and clients.

I’m sure part of the success of Goat’s range is that it is designed by a woman, Jane Lewis, who does not have a degree in fashion, but who understands what her clients (other busy women like her) want, which is a quietly luxurious staple that can be worn for years.  Here are a few other pieces to give you an idea of Goat’s pared down, wearable, aesthetic.