An Influential Lawyer Shares Her Autumn Wishlist

What Thandi Maqubela Has In Her Basket This Autumn

Bianca Foley

As the colder months approach, many of us are refreshing our wardrobes with pieces that reflect both personal style and practicality. For some, it’s all about balancing functionality with fashion—and this is no different for multi-hyphenate Thandi Maqubela (also known as The Sartorial Lawyer) who is a Legal Director, mother, and co-founder of The Lawyers’ Dining Club. In a recent conversation, she shared her thoughts on her evolving style, the key items in her shopping basket, and how she navigates her hectic days while maintaining a sense of style.

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On Autumn/Winter Essentials

“Being from South Africa, it took me a while to figure out what my personal style would be during autumn and winter,” she reflects. “But now, I’ve taken to it quite well—and I might even say I actually enjoy dressing for autumn! I feel like we have more range in what we can do with our outfits.” One standout piece currently in her shopping basket is a reversible coat by Aligne, which perfectly captures her blend of practicality and chic sensibility. “It’s substantial enough to take you through the whole of AW and even into the colder spring months,” she says.

Juggling Motherhood, Career, and Personal Style

Balancing a busy career as an in-house lawyer, co-founding The Lawyers’ Dining Club, and raising a child is no easy feat. When asked how she manages her day-to-day, she gives a candid response: “I wish I had a polished PR answer for you, but honestly, every day is a bit of a juggle, both personally and professionally.”

Finding that elusive balance, she admits, is a constant challenge. “For me, balance looks like a pie chart that changes depending on where my priorities are at any given moment—family, friends, well-being. It’s always shifting.” As for her professional life, the unpredictability of in-house counsel work is something she thrives on. “No two days are the same, which is one of the things I really enjoy about it.”

Amid the chaos, there’s one constant: movement. “Running and working out keep me grounded. It’s my way of releasing pent-up energy, and it’s something I can do just for myself.” This emphasis on wellness naturally ties into her approach to fashion, where comfort and practicality are essential.

Go-To Autumn/Winter Staples

When it comes to her wardrobe staples for the season, she gravitates towards versatile pieces that combine comfort with professionalism. “I always default to dresses because they make me feel comfortable and confident. Plus, they eliminate the decision-making—it’s one item of clothing, and you’re done!”

One dress she particularly loves for autumn is from Vivere. “The colour is perfect for the season, and it’s chic without being restrictive. That’s important when you’re moving between meetings or presenting,” she explains. Her style tip? Pair it with white boots for a pop of contrast and add gold accessories like a cuff or bold earrings to elevate the look.

“No two days are the same, which is one of the things I really enjoy about it.”

A Style in Transition

When asked about her approach to fashion, she reveals that she’s currently in a “style transition.” “It’s something I’m figuring out as I go, and I think it’s closely tied to where I am in my career right now.” She notes that her wardrobe choices are often driven by practicality. “Before I hit ‘add to cart,’ I ask myself, ‘Can I wear this to work?’ followed by ‘Can this work for nursery pick-up or downtime activities?’”

Comfort, she insists, is always at the forefront of her fashion decisions. “I require a lot from my wardrobe, and I like to go for pieces that can be styled in different ways for different settings. Life’s too short to wear uncomfortable clothes!”

In blending sophistication with functionality, her personal style not only reflects her busy, multifaceted life but also her refusal to compromise on comfort or quality.

Thandi is the queen of effortless chic, creating a perfect balance style and functionality (Images: @thandimaq)

As she wraps up her autumn/winter wardrobe picks, she shares a few more versatile pieces that effortlessly blend style and functionality.

For those days when you need something simple yet stylish, she highlights a go-to top that works for both casual and professional settings: “This Agolde top is the embodiment of the nice top—just pop on a pair of jeans, and you’re good to go. It would work equally well in a more professional setting with black or brown trousers.”

When it comes to dresses, one particular winter piece stands out: “The shade, the ribbing, the length—it’s complete perfection!”

And although you will see leopard print EVERYHWERE this season – when it comes to prints, she admits, “I’m less of a leopard print and more of a snake print girl!”

In each selection, it’s clear that Thandi’s wardrobe choices—like her life—are all about striking the right balance between looking good and feeling comfortable, whether she’s at work, at home, or on the move.