The Model and Me: Arlington Milne Sinead roll-neck knit

It’s all so tempting when the temperature drops to reach for jeans and a nice top but why not switch it up by swapping the jeans for a midi or maxi skirt, boots and a knit like this Arlington Milne Sinead roll-neck knit?

Arlington Milne is a family-owned Australian label you might know for it’s stunning leather bags and accessories but you might not know that they design an exquisite collection of fashion pieces as well. The label describes its accessories and clothing as having a “cheeky sophistication” and I say that’s spot on.

The pieces are classics but they each bring a something extra that means you’ll confidently bring them out to play season after season and feel just as fabulous as you did on that first wear.

The model

Arlington Milne Sinead roll-neck knit, Delilah midi skirt and Paige wallet

and me

Arlington Milne Sinead roll-neck knit (I’m in L but could wear M); Delilah midi skirt (I’m in XL to wear lower on my waist) and Paige wallet in vintage tan | FRANKiE4 Footwear WHiTNEY boots

The colour of this Arlington Milne Sinead roll-neck knit is such a captivating cornflower blue. It’s definitely more the colour seen in my photo than that of the model. The design of the knit is intentionally oversized – if in doubt size down. Other colours in this style include blush, camel, charcoal, grey, navy and black.

The composition of the fabric (50% cashmere. 25% wool, and 25% lyocell) is one that delivers on warmth and comfort without any scratchiness. How a knit feels on the skin is so crucial to my wearing it. I’ve had to return many a knit purchase simply because they don’t feel good on my highly sensitive menopausal skin. It’s an individual thing but something I feel strongly about. Knits should be about cosy comfort and this one very much delivers on that. 

Dressing a knit up with a midi or maxi skirt is a great winter alternative for a dressed-up lunch or dinner outfit. You can layer underneath (or add a coat) to keep warm but still have fun, feminine look. I like boots for warmth but also to bring the “tough” contrast with the “pretty”.

This skirt is one that I’ve long admired on my friend Beth (@babymacbeth). It’s one that you can wear all year round, swapping out the knit for a blouse or cami and the boots for wedges, flats or sneakers. It’s a skirt that brings the drama thanks to its tiered, gathered frills. The winner for my shape is that the frills fall from a flat cumberbund waist that is elasticated at the back. There’s a side zip for access. I’m up a size in this piece but it works for me as prefer a skirt to sit lower on my short waist. If you have a long waist and would wear the skirt higher, stick with your regular size.

A cross-body bag is always a great way to complete an outfit. Technically this one is a wallet with an optional chain but it’s pretty much all the space I require when heading out. It also comes with a plain, long leather strap but I went with the gold chain hardware option for this look that I’d totally put together for a winter lunch with the girls.

About the Model and Me concept

If you’re new to Styling You, my Model and Me posts are in their 11th year. I know, I can’t believe it either.

I started them because so many of my then personal styling clients (I stopped seeing clients in 2012) could not imagine themselves in the clothes they saw on models in campaign images in store, in magazines or online. This is pre-Instagram. Just. And definitely pre-brands showcasing their garments on more than just the traditional model size. 

I wanted to offer a different visual perspective from what was visible to the fashion consumer. It’s not a better visual perspective. It’s just a DIFFERENT one. I took that six steps further in 2019 when I started my own label, choosing to invest in photographing all our garments on each size that we sell. 

The Model and Me posts have continued – they are designed to help you understand your size in a garment  but also to support and champion fellow independent fashion labels I love.

*My measurements: I usually wear size 12/14 depending on the shape of the garment. I’m 166cm tall. My bra size is 16C (104cm); waist 91cm; hip 109cm.

For more Model and Me, click HERE to see the archive.

Unless otherwise stated, the product has been gifted to me for editorial consideration. If it’s made it to one of these posts, it means I love it and would totally buy myself. Sometimes the links may be affiliate commission links, meaning if you buy after clicking through from my page, I may receive a small commission but you don’t pay anymore.