CONVERSATION WITH
KIRSTIE CLEMENTS

Why did I buy that?

We sat down with former Editor-In-Chief of Vogue and acclaimed Author, Kirstie Clements, for an incredible conversation about how she made her way to the top, her top capsule wardrobe picks, and even a step inside her personal wardrobe!! Watch below for a great conversation of laughter, tips & tricks, and get inside the mind of Kirstie.

Kirstie’s Love For Fashion

Kirstie’s love for fashion is infectious. Having been in the industry for so many years, Kirstie has some great tips on how to find joy in fashion. 

We’ve all watched a runway or browsed Vogue magazines and dreamed of owning the garments featured. Kirstie says you can. Take inspiration from the beauty of the garments, whether it’s the colours or the print, and then have fun recreating it with your own budget. It’s a great way to have fun with fashion and potentially step outside of your comfort zone.

What Fashion Should You Invest In

In this new era of the fashion industry, it can be so easy to get sucked into trends and spend money on garments that just don’t last. We end up with a wardrobe full of mix-matched items that we don’t know how to style or where to even start.

We need to step away from the trends and find styles that truly speak to us; that’s how you find longevity in style. The only way you can buy less is to be confident in your choices.

Kirstie recommends buying the best quality your budget can afford. When you spend time finding your style and invest in quality pieces, you are guaranteed to build a wardrobe of garments that will last the distance. While following trends can be exciting in the heat of the moment, it often involves purchasing fast-fashion garments that either sit in your wardrobe waiting to be worn or end up in landfill.

There is a real journey of empowerment when you understand your own style and aren’t trying to compete with anyone or trying to fit in with a trend that doesn’t reflect who you are. Kirstie encourages people to build a capsule wardrobe with staples that will last a lifetime.

Make sure the garments you choose work for your lifestyle and make sure they fit well. When you invest in a few staple pieces, you can have fun with reimagining each piece for different occasions. You can have a beautifully cut pair of pants and completely transform your look based on how you style your hair and accessorise. 

Shop Your Own Wardrobe

Pull away from the urge to always be looking for new outfits. Take the time to really reflect on what’s in your wardrobe and try to reimagine the garments you already have. Kirstie calls it shopping your own wardrobe. Invite a friend over to take a look inside your wardrobe and help you find new outfits. They will be able to offer you a fresh perspective and show you unexpected ways of wearing garments you already own.

If you want to find out more about Kirstie Clements and her amazing fashion insights, make sure you read her book, ‘Why Did I Buy That?’. Musings, style tips and thoughts on being a woman from Australia's leading fashion insider - all delivered with a good dose of wit, common sense and chutzpah.

About the Book

Including loads of clever style tips, musings on fashion trends and thoughts on everything from how to successfully edit your wardrobe to how to spend your money more wisely. Why Did I Buy That? is for those who want to know what to wear, what to buy and how to age stylishly in these changing times.


About the author

Kirstie Clements

Kirstie Clements is a bestselling author, editor and journalist. She served as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Australia from 1999 to 2012 and Features Director at Harper's Bazaar Australia from 2019 to 2020. Clements is currently a columnist for The New Daily and writes regularly for various media outlets. A seasoned public speaker, she is often sought out to host high-profile womens' and fashion events.