STYLE EDIT: KATH & PRUE FROM THE WARDROBE EDIT
Great style isn’t about having more, it’s about knowing how to wear what you already own, and where to invest next. That’s the philosophy behind The Wardrobe Edit, the Melbourne-based styling service founded by longtime friends and seasoned fashion industry professionals Kath Power and Prue Webb. With backgrounds spanning fashion, retail, marketing, and events, not to mention life as working mothers, Kath and Prue bring a refreshingly real perspective to personal style. They’ve built a loyal community by doing what most stylists don’t: working from within their clients’ wardrobes, helping them make sense of overflowing hangers, and giving them the tools to feel confident getting dressed, every day. Their approach is style-centric but always practical, built to support women through the evolving rhythms of motherhood, back to work, and everyday life.
In our latest Style Edit, we get to know the story behind The Wardrobe Edit, their approach to outfitting and their advice on how to resurface your personal style in motherhood. Plus, we asked Prue and Kath to style three looks inspired by their favourite portier pieces.
Can you share the story of how you both met, your backgrounds, and what inspired you to start The Wardrobe Edit?
We met many years ago while working at one of Australia’s top fashion brands. With a shared love of all things style and fashion, we were instantly drawn to each other. Kath still says she remembers exactly what I wore that first day I showed up to work! When our career paths went in different directions, we vowed to work together again.
Having both worked with some of the most prominent Australian and international fashion brands, we understand that the power of an outfit can have a profound impact on how you feel about yourself and can ultimately dictate your day. We are inspired by a simple desire to help people look and feel great. That’s how The Wardrobe Edit was born. We started off helping friends and it grew from there.
Inspired by portier’s new Brio Belt Toddler Carrier we wanted to craft an outfit blending style and function, ensuring everyday outings can feel effortlessly chic while being practical and supportive too. We’ve started with a statement leopard print canvas jacket from Ganni, paired with the Camilla and Marc Matinee Long Sleeve Top to create a bold yet wearable edge to a neutral base. The viral Henne Valentina Jean offer a relaxed, on-trend silhouette, perfectly balancing structure and ease of movement. Grounding the outfit, we’ve selected the Avenue leather loafer in chocolate from Assembly Label - a timeless investment in your shoe collection for all-day comfort on the go. Finishing touches like the Vehla Felix sunglasses in black/choc bring a modern, polished feel, making this the ultimate outfit for stylish mums on the move.
Many mothers experience a shift in personal style after having children. Are there common challenges you find new mums face with their wardrobes and often seek your help with?
As working mothers, we understand firsthand the challenges facing the modern woman’s wardrobe, particularly after you have just had a baby. Your body is constantly changing, you have limited time to get dressed, you just want to feel put together. New mums generally just want quick and easy looks to pull together that they don’t have to think about.
Do you have any advice or strategies you recommend for women currently experiencing a loss of style identity and struggling to re-establish it after entering motherhood?
We always start by identifying key pieces in a wardrobe. The hero pieces. Then work from there to build a wardrobe that is going to work for your new lifestyle.
If that feels like more than you can take on right now (we get it), then we are here to help you! It’s so hard navigating new life phases, let alone what to wear that reflects this new you.
The On the Go Bag is the ultimate companion for busy mums allowing for hands free wearing, combining practicality with effortless style. Start with the vintage stripe long sleeve polo from Bassike, a relaxed yet refined essential, paired with the Cotton Poplin Pant from Venroy to create a casual base for all-day wear. Layer it with the Camilla and Marc Evans trench coat to elevate the look while remaining practical. Add these blue and choc Nikes - a colour combo we’re seeing everywhere at the moment - for a sporty edge that’s on trend and will keep up with you all day. Finish with the Align Aviator Sunglasses from COS for a chic accessory. Whether you're tackling errands, or hanging in the park, this outfit makes looking put-together feel totally effortless.
How do you approach creating a capsule wardrobe for clients who are balancing the demands of motherhood with their personal and professional lives?
We work with clients to identify the key areas of their life that they need outfits for and then create go-to looks for each occasion. E.g. Park playdates = a pull on pant, runners, a trench, cool accessories etc. Whether it’s ‘the weekend sports mum’, ‘the work mum’, ‘the social mum’ etc, we dive into your lifestyle and take a practical approach from there. You don’t need loads of options, just key pieces that suit your lifestyle needs, can be dressed up and down, and make getting dressed each day easy.
The Limitless Baby Carrier in Marle proves that practical can still be polished. This outfit is designed for mums who want to elevate their everyday, perfect for a dressier lunch outing, with baby in tow. The tailored silhouette of the Goddard Pant by A.Emery paired with the Elysium Tee from Camilla and Marc balances structure and softness. Layer on the Lucielle Jacket from Friends With Frank for a sophisticated outer layer that ties the whole look together. The Cherry Crinkle Heels by Tony Bianco in Liqueur feel understate but luxe, while these Poseidon Deux sunglasses by Le Specs and COS earrings tie it all together with a chic, metallic finish.
What key pieces do you believe are essential for a versatile and functional wardrobe for mothers?
We’re strong believers that you need outfits that serve all areas of your life. From work meetings and zoom calls to park plays and dinner dates. A trench coat creates immediate polish and is so practical. Paired back with jeans or if in a hurry to get out the door, simply wear over activewear with a cap and some sunglasses.
A great pair of jeans are a must. Cool trainers, a well-cut blazer, a comfy casual throw on dress, a statement dress, pull on pants, good tees, an oversized shirt, skivvy for layering, a cute cap, a statement top or two. Sunnies are a must!!! We could go on! But it’s important to note you don’t need lots of these items, just invest in the best you can afford and your wardrobe will serve you well for years to come.
Discover The Wardrobe Edit on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewardrobe_edit/
