Alison Lennard, Designer and owner of Philosophy Australia
Who Magazine November 2025
What are the key summer pieces that form the foundation of a timeless wardrobe?
I truly believe clothes should have versatility as their number one factor. Every item should take you wherever your day leads, from morning errands to dinner with friends. Dress up, dress down is my ‘philosophy’.
If a piece can do that, if it can be reworked, reimagined, and restyled, especially across seasons, then it’s a winner. Your year round staples should be hardworking, adaptable, and ones you genuinely love wearing on repeat.
When it comes to fabric and fit, what should we look for to keep classic pieces feeling modern and breathable in the heat?
Always start with touch. I never get caught up on composition labels; I care about how a fabric feels on the skin. Does it move with you? Does it still feel comfortable after a few hours of wear? That’s the test. Once you find a fabric that feels good, it becomes your go to.
And we all have a different favourite touch, so that’s why there are varieties across cottons and linens especially. Personally, I like my cottons “crispy”, and my linens enzyme washed for softness.
At Philosophy Australia, we spent a lot of time developing our signature fabrics, materials that have a beautiful hand feel, hold their shape, and breathe well. They’re the fabrics our customers come back for season after season in new shapes and colours.
How can we style wardrobe staples like a white shirt or linen trousers, so they feel fresh each season?
Style the clothes, don’t just wear them.
Roll the sleeves, cuff the hem, do a half tuck. Pop the collar or wear it open over a tank. Add a statement necklace right over the top, it’s one of my favourite tricks.
A white shirt and linen pant can be endlessly reimagined when you play with proportion, layering, and accessories. The more ways you wear something, the more timeless it becomes.
Are there any new classics you think deserve a spot in our capsule this summer?
White is having a moment, more so than it has for a few years.
We’ve moved on from dopamine dressing and its bright, saturated colours, through quiet luxury with its muted beiges and chocolates, and now we’re in what I call our fresh era, crisp whites, airy cottons, and a touch of broderie anglaise, which look beautiful next to pastels.
Personally, I’m loving subtle details like puff sleeves or bubble hems. They’ve been around for a few seasons already and aren’t going anywhere soon, they add just enough femininity and fun without being over the top.
What’s your advice for balancing investment pieces with more affordable seasonal buys?
Invest in the pieces that truly earn their keep, the ones that form the foundation of your wardrobe and work across seasons. If you can style a piece into four or five different outfits and see yourself wearing it next year, that’s where your money should go. Personally, I go for White Shirts, Black Pants, Relaxed Denim and Stripe Tee’s as my signature look.
Use more affordable items to bring in seasonal colour or trend updates. For example, a pop of red is always fabulous in summer, or you might try a statement print. But those trend driven pieces shouldn’t take up the bulk of your budget.
How can accessories elevate a summer capsule wardrobe without overpowering it?
Accessories are what make the outfit. Beautiful basics are your foundation, but the right shoes, bag, or sunglasses tie it all together and give it personality.
That said, accessories also date a look more quickly than clothing, so choose carefully. This season, aviator sunglasses are back, chunky sandals remain strong, (I don’t love thongs) and smaller slouchy bags are looking most relevant.
The look I think is the most adaptable for everyone to try is to add a scarf. That will be this summer’s MVP for sure!
And don’t rule out suede, it’s traditionally seen as a winter fabric, but in soft, neutral tones it can add a lovely texture for summer too.
