designchallenge-v2

In our latest video series, The Styling Challenge, see how this fashion editor creates eight looks for different occasions around these timeless Toteme trousers.

For our first edition, we chose a classic pair of Toteme tailored trousers. They’re a linen/viscose mix and come in this oatmeal beige colour, meaning they’re appropriate throughout the year. I’m sure you know of Toteme by now; it’s one of our most-loved luxury brands here at Who What Wear UK, adored for its sophisticated, high-quality pieces with a timeless appeal and enduring chicness. Let it be stated on record: Toteme is a brand that has never designed something ugly. To showcase how I work these trousers into multiple outfits, I’ve put together my favourite four looks below. Of course, if you wish to see more, be sure to watch the video above.

With Vyrao

THE SPRITZ

£190

(50ml)

Shop Now

£35

(30ct)

WORDS BY Rebecca Rhys-Evans | Photography BY Maddi Knight

Sometimes, the biggest challenge we face with our wardrobes is getting the most out of each item. We want our investment pieces to work hard and be suitable for as many situations in our daily lives as possible. So we present The Styling Challenge, where one of our expert fashion editors show how to style a single item multiple ways—dressed up, dressed down, pared back or with full-throttle glamour—this is a step-by-step, multiple-choice guide to get the best from your most-loved items.

Style Notes: This look demonstrates that you can still dress up without sequins, feathers and Rabanne bags (as much as I love them). It also showcases how to style a suit for occasions. Whether for Wimbledon, weddings (if the bride doesn't mind you wearing a colour this close to ivory) or other special events; with a slicked-back ponytail, some chic accessories and a soft silk camisole, a beige suit is easily elevated and completely fits the quiet-luxury mould. No big logos, no garish colours, no sparkly textures; just simple, elegant and timeless components to create a look that’s understated and sophisticated. I’ve opted for gold hardware and cream accents to create this head-to-toe neutral palette, accessorised with the Jil Sander Bamboo bag and some Gucci sunglasses and brought it all together with gold kitten-heel sandals.

£ 366

TOTEME BLAZER

£ 1,600

JIL SANDER BAG

£ 675

JIMMY CHOO MULE

£ 280

Altuzarra CAMISOLE

Style Notes: Every wardrobe needs a few looks like this. Classic, clean and simple, it’s a transitional outfit that works for multiple occasions, be it running errands, seeing friends, strolls around the city or going to the office. No matter the occasion, this combination of a tank top, striped shirt, tailored pants, basket bag and fisherman sandals—especially in a neutral palette—always works. For smarter occasions, you may wish to switch the bag for something smaller, or the shoes for a kitten heel, but I’d argue this would work as it stands. These are all capsule-wardrobe essentials, which when layered together like this create a perfectly curated outfit for any summer occasion.

£ 90

ANTHROPOLOGIE shirt

£ 890

Bottega Veneta SANDALS

£ 1,750

LOEWE BASKET BAG

£ 246

TOTEME TROUSERS

Style Notes: In my opinion, this is the best one—just for its ease and simplicity. My favourite way to do tailored trousers is with a matching suit jacket, and my favourite way to do a suit is to dress it down with sneakers, a T-shirt (and in this instance, not just any tee, but this iconic Victoria Beckham slogan tee) and my most-loved crossbody bag by Lemaire. I’d most likely wear this casual iteration of the suit for the office; it’s comfortable yet cool and professional yet not so heavy on the “work” vibes that I wouldn’t happily take it out afterwards for drinks or a low-key dinner.

£ 496

£ 80

ASICS TRAINERS

£ 110

VICTORIA BECKHAM T-SHIRT

£ 895

Jacques Marie Mage SUNGLASSES

Style Notes: Of all the looks I’ve featured, I think this is the one that proves you can make a pair of tailored trousers work for the biggest party occasions. It goes without saying that these trousers are, in the best way, simple and neutral, so you need to inject colour and texture in order to make them feel party-appropriate. This matcha-green, sequin top by Self-Portrait is the perfect addition. With its feathered cuffs and slightly cropped fit, it sits neatly with the waistline of the trousers. As the beige and mint green pair so well, I’ve gone for these Attico heels; the perspex heel adds another texture to the mix and gives the look an overall contemporary feel. And we have to talk about this Rabanne ball bag. In the brand’s signature chainmail, it’s a re-edition from the 1969 design, so it’s a truly timeless party accessory. I think this officially closes the case—tailored pants are the hardest working item in your wardrobe.

£ 440

Self Portrait Top

£ 1,020

Rabanne Ball Bag

£ 623

Attico Heels

£ 215

Shrimps earrings