If there’s a brand that has perfected the art of making everyday elegance feel effortless, it’s this one. But at $215 to $1,900 AUD, the question isn’t whether Jonathan Simkhai makes beautiful things — it’s which pieces justify the investment, and which you can safely skip.
Founded in 2010, Jonathan Simkhai has built a reputation for refined American sportswear with a European sensibility. The brand sits somewhere between contemporary and luxury — more elevated than Sass & Bide, less precious than Zimmermann. You’re paying for clean lines, considered details, and pieces that photograph exceptionally well. But not everything in the collection delivers the same value.
The 5 Pieces Worth Owning
1. The Valletta Strapless Embroidered Dress — Midnight ($1,450)
This is the kind of dress that earns its price tag. The Valletta strapless dress features embroidered detailing that elevates it beyond standard cocktail fare. At $1,450, it’s an investment — but the silhouette works for both structured events and warm-weather weddings. The midnight colourway is versatile enough to wear year-round, unlike lighter pastels that scream “summer only.”
The structured bodice means you won’t need complicated undergarments, and the midi length hits at a flattering point for most heights. Worth noting: strapless styles from this brand tend to run true to size through the bust, but if you’re between sizes, go up.
2. The Marley Suede Jacket — Black ($1,900)
At $1,900, the Marley suede jacket is the most expensive piece in this selection — and the one that will last the longest. Suede jackets are having a moment, but most trend-driven versions won’t survive more than one season. This one is constructed to be a wardrobe anchor.
The black colourway is the safest choice if you’re investing this much. It works over everything from slip dresses to denim, and the clean silhouette means it won’t look dated in three years. Compare this to similar styles from Aje (around $1,200-$1,400) or Camilla and Marc ($1,800+), and the pricing is competitive for the quality.
3. The Wynn Large Suede Bucket Bag — Desert ($1,305)
Bucket bags are practical, but they’re not always polished. The Wynn large suede bucket bag solves that problem. The desert colourway is neutral enough to work with most wardrobes, and the suede construction gives it a softer, more luxurious feel than leather alternatives.
At $1,305, it’s priced similarly to entry-level Strathberry or Wandler bags, but with more storage capacity. The large size means it actually functions as an everyday bag — not just a decorative accessory. The bucket shape sits well on the shoulder without sliding down, which is a common issue with looser styles.
4. The Marion Metallic Leather Shell Heel — Gold ($930)
Metallic heels can look cheap quickly, but the Marion shell heel in gold avoids that trap. The leather construction keeps the finish refined, and the shell-shaped heel detail is sculptural without being gimmicky. At $930, these are positioned as special-occasion shoes — and they deliver on that brief.
The gold metallic works particularly well with neutrals (black, navy, cream) and jewel tones. These won’t be your everyday heel, but for weddings, formal events, or occasions where you need something that photographs well, they’re a strong choice. The heel height appears mid-range based on the silhouette, making them more wearable than stiletto alternatives.
5. The Iris Egg Earrings — Cool Silver ($215)
At $215, the Iris egg earrings are the entry point to the brand. The cool silver finish is modern and pairs well with both warm and cool-toned metals, making these more versatile than traditional gold or rose gold options.
The egg shape is subtle enough for daily wear but distinctive enough to feel considered. These work equally well with tailoring and casual knits. If you’re testing the brand before committing to higher price points, this is where to start.
Shop Jonathan Simkhai at Miss Nelly
How to Style Each Piece
The Valletta Dress
The strapless silhouette means your accessories carry the outfit. Keep jewellery minimal — small hoops or studs, nothing that competes with the neckline. For shoes, the Marion metallic heels work beautifully if you’re going full-glam, or opt for simple nude strappy sandals for a more understated look.
Carry the Wynn small leather top handle bag in alabaster ($1,115) if you need something structured, or a simple clutch if you’re keeping accessories tight. The midnight colour means you can wear this in cooler months with a tailored blazer or leather jacket over the top.
The Marley Suede Jacket
This jacket works hardest when styled casually. Throw it over a white tee and straight-leg jeans, or layer it over a slip dress with ankle boots. The black suede is substantial enough that it doesn’t need much — keep everything else simple.
Avoid pairing it with other statement textures (patent leather, heavy knits). The suede is the hero. Add the Charlie belt in distressed chocolate ($285) if you’re wearing it over a loose dress and want to define the waist.
The Wynn Bucket Bag
The desert suede pairs best with earth tones and neutrals — camel, cream, olive, navy. Avoid matching it exactly to your outfit; let it sit in the same tonal family but with slight contrast. The bucket shape is relaxed, so it works better with unstructured pieces (oversized blazers, knit dresses) than sharp tailoring.
For everyday wear, pair it with denim, a simple knit, and loafers or trainers. For something more elevated, carry it with tailored trousers, a silk blouse, and the Marion heels.
The Marion Heels
The metallic gold works best as a neutral — treat it like you would nude or black, not as a statement colour. Pair them with black tailoring, navy slip dresses, or jewel-toned gowns. Avoid pairing them with too many other metallics; one is enough.
These are special-occasion shoes, so style them accordingly. They’ll elevate simple dresses (like the Signature Laura Dress in white at $1,600), but they’ll get lost under heavily embellished gowns. Let the heel detail do the talking.
The Iris Earrings
The cool silver works with everything, which makes these dangerously easy to wear on repeat. Pair them with tailored shirts, chunky knits, or simple tees. They’re substantial enough to feel intentional but not so bold that they limit your outfit options.
Avoid wearing them with other statement jewellery — keep necklaces delicate or skip them entirely. These work well with both warm and cool skin tones, which isn’t always true of silver jewellery.
What Pairs With What
If you’re building a capsule from this selection, here’s what works together:
- Marley jacket + Wynn bucket bag + Iris earrings: A cohesive neutral palette that works for daytime events or elevated casual wear.
- Valletta dress + Marion heels + small clutch: Full formal. Skip the bucket bag here — it’s too casual for this level of dressing.
- Marion heels + Charlie belt + any dress: The belt defines the waist, the heels add polish. Works for cocktail events or formal dinners.
- Wynn bag + Iris earrings + denim and knits: Everyday luxury. The accessories elevate simple basics without looking overdressed.
The key is not to over-style. Jonathan Simkhai pieces are designed to feel effortless, so piling too many statement items together works against the aesthetic. Pick one hero piece per outfit and build around it.
Where to Find the Best Pieces
All of these styles are available through Miss Nelly, which curates the strongest seasonal edits. The advantage of shopping through a curated retailer is that the selection is pre-filtered — you’re not wading through hundreds of SKUs trying to identify the pieces worth buying.
For additional styles, the brand’s direct site carries the full collection, but be prepared to sort through more trend-driven pieces that won’t have the same longevity. Focus on the core categories: tailored outerwear, structured bags, and occasion dresses. The basics (tees, casual knits) are fine but not where the brand excels.
Other stockists include Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi, but pricing is typically consistent across retailers. Sales tend to happen mid-season (January and July), with discounts ranging from 20-40% on select styles. The suede and leather pieces rarely go on deep discount, so if you’re waiting for a sale, focus on the dresses and smaller accessories.
Who Should Shop Jonathan Simkhai
This brand works best for women who want polished, contemporary pieces that don’t require extensive styling. If you’re drawn to clean lines, neutral palettes, and investment dressing, this is a strong fit. The aesthetic is refined but not precious — you can wear these pieces to work, events, or elevated weekend occasions without feeling overdressed.
Jonathan Simkhai excels at occasion wear. If you need dresses for weddings, formal events, or milestone celebrations, the construction and detailing justify the price. The brand also does well with leather goods — bags and shoes that feel current but not overly trendy.
The sizing is consistent and tends to run true to US sizing. If you’re between sizes, particularly in structured pieces like jackets or strapless dresses, size up. The brand designs for a streamlined silhouette, so if you prefer a more relaxed fit, account for that.
If you’re looking for everyday basics or casual wear, there are better options. The brand’s strength is in special pieces, not wardrobe workhorses. For everyday staples, look to Camilla and Marc or Bassike, which offer better value in that category.
This also isn’t the brand for bold prints or maximalist styling. The aesthetic is restrained, which works beautifully for minimalists but may feel too understated if you prefer colour and pattern. In that case, Zimmermann or Aje will offer more visual interest at similar price points.
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