The Model and Me: wYse autumn-winter 2018

There is a reason why you will see some labels featured every season in my Model and Me blog posts. I’m a huge champion of independent fashion labels and have been since before becoming a blogger.

In my days as a journalist and fashion editor, I loved hearing the stories behind the labels I featured. Starting your own label is no easy feat but building it and growing it, year after year, is something else again.

Liz Parsons has been doing that with her label, wYse, for the past 25 years. wYse looked very different back then, launching as an underwear label which became known for its comfortable g-strings. 

wYse grew from those beginnings to become a lifestyle clothing label, producing basics and seasonal pieces from its trademark biodegradable and environmentally sustainable modal fabric. wYse is Australian-made and ethically accredited. 

I’ve chosen to feature one of its signature style – the tube skirt – from the wYse autumn-winter 2018 collection for this season’s highlight.

The model

wYse Sylvie top | wYse pencil skirt – midi

and me

wYse top and skirt (I’m in L in each) | FRANKiE4 Footwear JACKiE sneakers in blush

I have quite a few of these skirts in my wardrobe – from wYse and other labels – because they just work for my lifestyle. I can wear them casually with sneakers (hello, FRANKiE4 I’ve fallen big time for the new JACKiE sneaker style) or dressed up with a heeled boot. I can also wear them now with bare legs but they work just as well layered over leggings or tights. 

The stretch brings with it supreme comfort and I tend to opt for a top that falls below my front and back bottoms – a half tuck can work to still create the illusion of shape but still cover any lumps and bumps I want covered.

As a colour combination for autumn-winter, I love the contrast of fern with navy. It’s a shade of green that will work on most colourings. 

The top brings the off-the-shoulder trend to autumn, which may not work for colder parts of Australia. For Queensland, it’s a great trans-seasonal option.

I have to talk about the modal fabric because it is the essence of wYse. If you’ve never felt this fabric on your skin, imagine the softest fabric enveloping your skin like a delicate hug. It’s so incredibly comfortable – and comforting – on.

The modal is made from the pulp of beechwood trees and knitted with a small amount of spandex for stretch and comfort. It’s anti-fade, anti-shrinkage and anti-crease, making it ideal for travel and busy lifestyles. 

So, tell me, have you tried this modal? Love a tube skirt for wardrobe versatility?

* These pieces were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.