PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR MOOD USING COLOUR

I was having a conversation with some friends and clients recently, talking about the weather (which has been quite depressing lately), and it was interesting to see the different perspectives people had. Some were saying, "This weather makes me feel depressed, so I wear black," while others (myself included) were expressing the opposite view: how wearing brighter, bolder colours can actually help us feel better on dark, grey days.

And it’s true—when we’re feeling low or when the weather is bleak and dreary, we should react by embracing colour. I’m sure you’ve heard of Colour Psychology, which suggests that colours have hidden meanings and can influence not just the way we look but also the way we feel.

So, here are some examples.

What effect can colour have on our mindset?

Psychologists and marketers have dedicated countless hours to researching how colours can affect the mind, and this is just a brief summary of some of the research I’ve found, with a focus on specific colours. Colours can significantly impact our moods and also how others respond to us. Research by Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer in 1974 found that colours can even alter our heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.

Understanding these basic elements of how people respond to certain colours might help you choose colours that not only make you feel good but also align with the mindset or response you’re seeking. Whether you’re aiming for a particular mindset or hoping to elicit a specific reaction from others, considering the impact of colour can be incredibly useful.

Black – the discriminated colour

Let’s start with black, a colour often associated with negativity, yet it’s one that many gravitate towards. Black is often worn to convey authority, elegance, or sophistication. However, it can also evoke feelings of sadness or detachment, especially in darker, gloomier weather. But black doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom—it can be balanced with a pop of colour or an accessory that adds vibrancy and lifts your mood.

Even if black isn’t traditionally considered the “right” colour for a client’s skin tone, it often makes them feel great. If black boosts your confidence, then by all means, incorporate it into your day—especially if you have important meetings or need to record a professional video for your business. Adding a hint of another colour, such as green or blue, can introduce a touch of personality to an all-black outfit.

image source: from luxe with love

Something I always recommend with black is using different textures and fabrics. Black on black can look a bit flat, so adding layers with different textures or patterns is a great way to make an outfit look more polished.

Pink – for warmth and nurturing

Pink is often associated with warmth, love, and nurturing qualities. Wearing pink can evoke feelings of compassion and calmness, making it a great choice when you need to feel more connected to those around you or when you want to introduce a gentle, soothing presence into your day.

image source: nicole bozzani

While cool, darker colours such as black and navy work well as base colours for pink, you can also pair it with warmer oranges and reds to make a real statement. For a more professional look, greys and whites work well, while a cobalt blue or even greens can be other unique options.

Purple – for creativity and inspiration

Purple is linked to creativity, luxury, and spirituality. It’s a colour that can stimulate the imagination and inspire you to think outside the box. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, incorporating shades of purple into your outfit could help reignite your creativity and add a touch of sophistication to your look.

image source: sydne style

Colours that complement purple include mustard yellows, blues, and greens, while more neutral colours such as black and navy blue are excellent base colours. In this look, the addition of a pop of purple makes a more simplistic navy outfit feel more creative and fun.

Red – for energy and confidence

Red is a powerful colour that exudes energy, passion, and confidence. It’s the perfect choice when you need a boost of self-assurance or when you want to make a bold statement. Wearing red can increase your heart rate and stimulate excitement, making it an excellent colour to wear on days when you need that extra push.

image source: jadore fashion

Red can pair beautifully with pink, as in this outfit, and can calm the red significantly. For a more paired back option, consider creams, blacks, or navy.

Blue – for calmness and stability

Blue, a colour I love to wear and is known for evoking feelings of loyalty, stability, and tranquillity. It’s a great choice when you need grounding, as it can bring a sense of calm and truthfulness to your day. However, blue can be a tricky colour to wear, so consider your skin tone and which shades of blue work best for you to feel confident and serene, while deeper tones can be strong and powerful.

image source: the trend spotter

Yellow - for happiness and optimism

Yellow is a beautiful, happy colour, and one I can’t mention without bringing a smile to my face. I’m sure many others feel the same. This is a colour that brings happiness, optimism, and joy to your outfit. However, it can also evoke feelings of instability, as it’s such a bright colour. Wearing an all-yellow outfit can be challenging, and it might be over-energising for the workplace. But if you’re working from home, yellow can be a fantastic choice to boost your energy levels.

Yellow can be tricky for some skin tones, so I recommend having a colour consultation or trying different shades near your face to see which ones brighten you rather than drain you.

image source: 40+ style

In this outfit, you can see how blue and yellow have been brought together, adding the stabilising effect that blue can have on yellow. If you’re hesitant about wearing yellow in this way, try a yellow bag or perhaps yellow shoes for a fun pop of colour!

Green – for freshness and success

Green is an intriguing colour to wear! It’s associated with healing, hope, and success. It’s also a great colour to wear if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, as it’s known to cause the least amount of eye strain. Incorporating green into your outfit can bring a sense of freshness and harmony, making it an excellent choice for business meetings. The association with success can also provide a sense of security to those you’re meeting with.

image source: savvy southern chic

Deep greens can be a great starting point if you’re new to this colour. Lime greens and bright greens can be quite bold, but if they complement your skin tone, they can be fantastic. I love the use of the lilac with the green in this outfit—it’s perfect for a personality-filled work outfit.

Orange – for energy and fun

The final colour I’d like to highlight is orange. This colour is a good middle ground between red, which is often seen as too passionate for the office, and yellow, which can be overly bright. Orange is excellent for these times, as it brings energy, fun, and warmth. It’s a vibrant colour, similar to yellow, but it suits a wider range of skin tones and is perhaps less daunting. Orange can stimulate enthusiasm and boost your energy levels, so if you’re feeling a bit sluggish, adding some orange to your outfit could make a difference!

image source: color me courtney

A great way to wear orange is to base your entire outfit around it, with accents of black or green. If this feels too bold, start with an orange scarf or shoes—just a small touch of the colour can give your mindset a positive boost!

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: SUMMER HOLIDAY LOOKS

The sun is out, and whether you're embracing the heat and revelling in it, or feeling overwhelmed by the absence of your autumn/winter jumpers, knowing what to wear during the warmer months can be daunting. If you're seeking some summer outfit inspiration, you're in the right place! In this blog, I'll share five of my favourite summer outfit ideas for you to experiment with during the sunnier season.

Midi Skirt and a Tee

If you know me, you'll know I adore the combination of a graphic tee and a midi skirt! Not only is it perfect for feeling summery and free, but it also suits a variety of occasions. Whether I'm heading to work meetings or having brunch with friends, I feel my outfit is always appropriate with just a change of accessories.

As the weather heats up, you'll want to feel cool and comfortable. The beauty of this outfit is its simplicity and ease, perfect for those rushed mornings when you need something stylish that suits your personal taste.

You can express your style through the graphic tee you choose – whether it’s a glittery quote, a classic rock tee, or a v-neck white tee – it works across different personality types. The same goes for the midi skirt. From pleated, colourful skirts to leather-look midis that bring out your inner rock chick, there are plenty of options to make this outfit your own!

Floaty Dresses

Floaty dresses are a staple for summer. They’re breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. You can choose a floral print for a classic summer look or go for bold, solid colours to make a statement. Pair with sandals for a casual day out or dress it up with wedges for an evening gathering.

Denim Shorts and a Blouse

Denim shorts paired with a lightweight blouse create a stylish yet comfortable look. Opt for high-waisted shorts for a flattering fit and choose a blouse with a fun pattern or unique details. This outfit is versatile enough for running errands or enjoying a day at the beach.

Source: an Indigo Day

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are a fantastic all-in-one option that can be dressed up or down. Choose a lightweight fabric for maximum comfort in the heat. A sleeveless jumpsuit with a cinched waist can be incredibly flattering and easy to accessorise with statement jewellery or a cute hat.

Linen Trousers and a Tank Top

For a more polished summer look, linen trousers paired with a tank top are a great choice. Linen is breathable and perfect for hot weather. Choose a neutral colour for versatility, and complete the outfit with a pair of espadrilles or slip-on loafers.

With these outfit ideas, you'll be ready to take on the summer months with style and confidence. Enjoy the sun and have fun experimenting with your summer wardrobe!

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WHAT NECKLINES WORK FOR LARGER BUSTS?

Depending on your needs, body shape, and personal style, finding the perfect neckline to complement you can be tricky. For example, if you need to remain more conservative at work, but want to lower the neckline for out of hours, or have a larger bust, the necklines in your wardrobe can vary drastically.

The right neckline can enhance your silhouette, boost confidence, and make you feel your best every day.

In my Colour&Style Clinics in London, Kent, and online, I've had the pleasure of assisting numerous clients in discovering the most flattering necklines for their body shapes (as well as the colours, styles, and patterns!) and I’m pleased to share here some universal tips that always work well:

Make sure your underwear is the right fit first

One of the most important elements for the comfort and confidence you can feel when wearing any garment, but in particular those that have lower necklines, is the right bra. Whether you prefer a softer, non-wired bra, a balconette, or a push up bra, you will want to find the one that fits you well, and is appropriate for the neckline.

For example, a v-neck is best with bras that go lower down so you aren’t showing the lingerie, whereas a scoop neck may be best with a t-shirt style bra that is full coverage so there aren’t obvious lines underneath the material.

When you have found the right selection of bras, you can then play with some of the different necklines with more confidence.

Here are some of my top tips for the best necklines for those with larger busts:

V-Neckline: A classic V-neckline is a go-to option for those with larger busts. It creates a vertical line that elongates the torso, drawing the eye upwards and away from the bust area. Opt for a moderate V-neck that doesn't plunge too low to maintain a balanced look.

Scoop Neckline: Scoop necklines are another fantastic choice for larger busts. They offer coverage and support while still showcasing the décolletage in a flattering way. Look for scoop necklines that aren't too high or too low to achieve the perfect balance. For this, understanding your ideal cleavage point - that comes with the face shape analysis – could be a game changer!

Square Neckline: Square necklines can work wonders for those with larger busts by providing structure and support. They create a visually appealing frame for the bust area without adding unnecessary bulk. Experiment with different variations of square necklines to find what suits you best.

Photo via: @jazy_g

If you prefer a softer line, try the sweetheart neckline which is similar but less angular.

photo credit: TheMomEdit

Wrap Neckline: Wrap necklines are incredibly versatile and flattering for all body types, including larger busts. They offer adjustable coverage and can be cinched at the waist to enhance the silhouette. With a larger bust, finding a wrap neckline with sturdy closures will ensure proper support.

photo credit: Curves Next Door

When shopping for tops and dresses, pay attention to the fabric and fit in addition to the neckline. Fabrics with a bit of stretch give added comfort and invest in pieces that are tailored to fit your body shape perfectly, while more flowy fabrics will complement your curves and result in a very flattering look. Remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear, so wear whatever neckline makes you feel fabulous!

Finding the right neckline for larger busts is all about balance, support, and flattering proportions. By experimenting with different styles and paying attention to fit and fabric, you can elevate your wardrobe and feel your best every day.

If you're unsure where to start, don't hesitate to reach out to a personal stylist like myself for expert guidance tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

There’s a fantastic promo running until the end of May, where you can have an Online Colour&Style Clinic at HALF PRICE! We’ll help you take your style to the next level, from the comfort of your home, and at an unbeatable price.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: THE BASICS OF PERSONAL STYLING - HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE STYLE

Personal style is often something my clients feel is “out of reach” or only for those with their own team of stylists to help them curate expensive, large, uneconomical wardrobes. But what if I told you this isn’t what personal styling is about?

Your unique style is something you can curate, enjoy and discover, with a few simple tips and insights. As a personal stylist myself, I have gone through a few style changes. When I was in Italy, in a fashion house, then when I became a Mum, following that when I launched my own business, and when I celebrated certain milestones. These may be moments for you where you feel you need to mould your wardrobe slightly, but that doesn’t mean your core unique personal style changes.

In this article I wanted to share with you a few tips to help you discover how to create your own personal style, and make a wardrobe that you love.

Why is a unique style something to embrace?

Do you have a wardrobe that feels scattered, unauthentic or filled with garments you feel you should love but just don’t quite sit right? This is a wardrobe that doesn’t reflect your personal style. You may have to wear a uniform, or feel that you have to follow certain expectations in your own life, so you’re making investments in clothes that others impose upon you, rather than your own.

A unique style is something that can help you find the stores, clothes, outfits, patterns, and shapes that you feel your best in. It will reflect your personality (as is in the name!) and you will finally feel “yourself” in the pieces you put together. The transformation and relaxation this can give you is priceless. I promise you, when you discover your own unique style, your wardrobe and confidence will fall more in place than before. Just like finding a hobby you love, a personal style that is truly yours will bring you joy and comfort.

Start by finding inspiration

The easiest way to start finding your personal style is by finding others who have a style you love. Look on Instagram, find celebrities, and utilise Pinterest to collate a storyboard of inspiration for your style.

Being able to quickly look at a collection of those you find inspiring in terms of fashion, then helps you consider how you can reflect this in your wardrobe.

If you’re finding it difficult to do, speak with a friend and ask them to share who they feel are the top celebrities that are similar to your personality. This can then help you search for similar people to get more ideas!

Backwards picture search/Link to Know

You may have seen that plenty of Instagram “influencers” share in their content to “click the link in my bio” to shop their wardrobe. This is done with an app called “Link to Know”. The great thing about this app is you can search based on styles, trending, and even follow creators you like. This gives you the opportunity to physically shop their wardrobe so you can replicate your own creations. This is great if you find it difficult to create outfits on your own.

Another way to do this is to “backwards picture search” on google, by inputting a picture to Google and using the shopping option. Apps like Asos also have this option in their search function too, and they will use the picture you have uploaded and suggest garments that the AI can see.

Consider the personality you have

One of the first things I do with my clients during a colour and style clinic, is finding out all about their own personality. We go through different styles like abstract and romantic (there are lots of different ones!) to then make a board that reflects them. There may be mixes of the different styles with one main style at the top. This can then influence the pieces that you’ll feel your best in.

You can find out even more about the different style personalities, and how to define them, in our blog post, here, or book a colour and style clinic with me to work together.

This personal style base can then work for your outfits, while you can curate outfits that work with your daily needs such as work and family, without feeling outside of yourself.

Find the colours and patterns you love

When you find colours and patterns that make you joyous, your wardrobe will be filled with pieces you love! Colour has a strong relationship with mindfulness and happiness. Whether you love deep rich colours or bright ones, find the colours that make you feel joy.

It may feel a little overwhelming to pack your once neutral wardrobe with colour and pattern straight away, so take it in stages! Accessories, handbags, even nail varnish, can be an inexpensive solution for you to start.

If you want to find the colours that would work best for your skin tone, book in for a Colour Clinic, and we can do this together. This will also provide you with your full fabric book of the colours that work together, including your base colours, neutrals and accent colours. This will help you put colours together in your wardrobe and create outfits that work in synergy.

The most important thing that fashion should do for you is make you feel great. On days when you may feel low, an outfit should be easy to pull together, because you have a wardrobe that feels truly “you”. If this isn’t how you are feeling right now about your wardrobe, I’d love to support you.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: FASHION TRENDS FOR SPRING 2024 AND DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

Understanding our body shape is not just about embracing who we are; it's also about empowering ourselves through fashion choices that highlight our best features. As we step into Spring 2024, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes with the latest trends while staying true to our unique silhouettes. Let's explore the fusion of fashion and body positivity to create looks that exude confidence.

But before diving into the spring trends, let's revisit the fundamentals of body shapes. From Triangle and Inverted Triangle to the Neat and Full Hourglass, each silhouette tells a unique story. Rectangles boast balanced shoulders and hips with a straight waist, while Ovals embrace curves around the middle. Meanwhile, Triangles and Inverted Triangles play with the interplay of wider hips or shoulders, defining their distinctive contours. Let’s explore the upcoming trends and how these can complement the different body shapes.

Spring 2024 Fashion Trends

Let's unveil the top trends dominating the Spring 2024 runways and explore how to tailor them to your body shape:

1. Crisp Lines and Geometric Patterns:

• Angular Body Types (such as Inverted Triangles, angular Rectangles and Neat Hourglass) can embrace structured shapes and geometric patterns to complement their features.

• Top Tip: Opt for crisp fabrics and constructed silhouettes to add enhance your look. Embrace stripes, checks, and angular designs for a modern edge.

Source: Cosmopolitan

2. Soft Fabrics and Romantic Patterns:

• Curvilinear Body Types (Like Full Hourglass, Triangle, and Oval) thrive in soft, fluid fabrics and romantic patterns that enhance their natural curves.

• Top Tip: Choose fabrics that drape gracefully over your figure, such as silk and jersey, viscose or soft knitwear, and embrace floral motifs, paisleys, and polka dots to complement your body features.

Source: Vogue

3. Deconstructed Shapes and Fluid Layers:

• Oval and Curvilinear Rectangle Body Types can explore deconstructed shapes and fluid layers at the top, to create the illusion of longer torso, and create interesting looks without adding too much unnecessary volume.

• Top Tip: Opt for cardigans, waterfall jackets, and wrap tops in soft, flowing fabrics. Keep the lines straight and simple to flatter your silhouette.

Source: Harpers Bazaar

4. Short Shorts:

• Inverted triangles can add volume to their lower half with shorts that have larger pockets or are a paper-bag style; while hourglass shapes can taper in at the waist with a belt.

• Top Tip: Pop on a pair of tights in the same colour as your shoes to elongate your legs, or pop on a pair of nude shoes for the same effect.

Source: Vogue

5. High Rise Trousers:

• Super flattering for many body types, this high rise trouser trend can be worn at work or for play. For triangles, opt for a wide-leg that glides down past your hips; while for rectangles and inverted triangles you can opt for a cargo-style pant to add some definition to your hips.

• Top Tip: if you are wearing a wide leg or baggier style, look for a tighter top to bring you in at the waist.

Image source: Vogue

6. Metallics

• Depending on your skintone, you can play with rose gold, silver, gold, or bronze. As a general rule of thumb, gold tones are best for warm-toned skin, while silvers complement cooler tones.

• Top Tip: You can go all out with the trend and dress up in a metallic gown (perfect for a special night out), while touches of the trend can be added to your look through accessories such as hair bands, your purse, shoes, or layering.

Image from: Net-a-porter.com

Dressing for Your Body Shape

Now that we've decoded the trends, let's discuss how to dress for your specific body shape:

• Neat Hourglass: Emphasise your defined waist with clothes that highlight your mid-section and natural overall proportions. Opt for waist-defining pieces and avoid shapeless garments.

• Full Hourglass: Follow your body's natural curves with soft, flowing fabrics and gentle silhouettes, while enhancing your waistline. Avoid heavy or stiff materials that may constrict your figure or oversized and boxy shapes that would add unnecessary volume, hiding your natural body balance.

• Oval: Create the illusion of verticality with long coats and jackets, and create vertical lines with your clothes. Choose straight clothing lines and soft fabrics to minimize bulkiness around the middle. Focus the attention to your face and top bust, and to your legs and feet through the use of colours, accessories, and jewellery.

• Rectangle: Add subtle details to create the appearance of curves, and go for shapes that create the illusion of a longer bust. Minimise the details and volumes at the central torso, while focusing on hip and bottom with colours and details.

• Inverted Triangle: Highlight your hips and bottom to balance your silhouette, playing with fabrics, volumes and details, while keeping your shoulder details minimal and opt for clean, sharp lines in your clothing.

• Triangle: Draw attention to your upper body with voluminous shapes and bold patterns and colours, as well as accessories and jewellery, and balance your figure with structured tops and more streamlined bottoms, to complement your curves. Waist is usually very defined in triangles, so highlight it as much as possible, as your point of strength.

As we embrace the fashion trends of Spring 2024, let's celebrate our individuality by dressing for our unique body shapes. Whether you're a Triangle, Oval, or anything in between, confidence is the ultimate accessory.

Remember, fashion is not about fitting in; it's about standing out and owning your style with pride.

So, let's step into the new season with a renewed sense of self-assurance and flair!

Life of a personal stylist: What I learned from the V&A Gabrielle Chanel Exhibition

I’ll admit – I love heading into London, and while most of the time I am there at my studio helping clients, I sometimes get the opportunity to have some time for inspiration.

One of the more recent examples of these is visiting the V&A Museum and their Gabrielle Chanel exhibition. It focused on the influence this world-renowned fashion designer had on the fashion world.

Here are just some of the most important influences in the modern fashion world that we owe to Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel.

1. The Little Black Dress (LBD): A Timeless Classic

Coco Chanel's revolutionary impact on fashion is perhaps most evident in her popularization of the Little Black Dress (LBD). Witnessing the 1926 design showcased in Vogue, I couldn't help but marvel at how this simple yet elegant garment became a symbol of sophistication and versatility. Chanel's LBD challenged prevailing norms, offering a more accessible and functional option for women. As a stylist, I understand the power of a well-chosen LBD – a wardrobe essential that effortlessly transitions from day to night, epitomizing timeless style.

2. Chanel Suit: Redefining Elegance and Comfort

The iconic Chanel suit, a two-piece ensemble consisting of a collarless jacket and a straight-line skirt, showcased Chanel's commitment to redefining women's fashion. The suit provided a comfortable and stylish alternative to the corseted and restrictive clothing of the time. Chanel's emphasis on elegance without sacrificing comfort resonates in my work as a personal stylist, reminding me to prioritize both style and ease in every client's wardrobe.

3. Innovative Use of Jersey Fabric: Practicality Meets Style

Chanel's groundbreaking use of jersey fabric in women's clothing was another revelation at the exhibition. Prior to her influence, jersey was primarily reserved for men's underwear. Chanel's visionary use of this fabric allowed for comfortable, unstructured designs that appealed to modern, working women. This emphasis on practicality and comfort echoes in my stylistic choices, emphasizing the importance of clothing that not only looks good but feels good too.

4. Costume Jewellery: Making a Statement

Chanel's bold incorporation of costume jewellery was a testament to her innovative spirit. Faux pearls, oversized brooches, and long necklaces became staples of her collections, transforming accessories into statement pieces. As a stylist, I draw inspiration from Chanel's fearless approach to accessorizing, encouraging clients to embrace bold jewellery as a means of personal expression.

5. The Quilted Handbag: Timeless Luxury

The Chanel 2.55 handbag, with its quilted pattern, chain strap, and signature CC logo, represents timeless design and luxury. Introduced in 1955, this iconic accessory set the standard for handbags and remains a coveted item. Chanel's emphasis on quality and enduring style serves as a reminder to prioritize investment pieces that stand the test of time.

6. Empowerment of Women: Beyond Fashion

Chanel's impact extends beyond aesthetics. Her designs liberated women from the constraints of corsets and extravagant clothing, providing a sense of independence and self-expression. As a personal stylist, I find inspiration in Chanel's commitment to empowering women through fashion, influencing my approach to styling as a means of enhancing individual confidence and identity.

There are few designers that make such a mark on the world of fashion, and Chanel is among the top tier.

What are the top designers you find inspire your wardrobe?

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: FINDING THE PERFECT JEANS AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When it comes to the “go to” casual look for many of us, it’s got to be the jeans and tee/top combination. However, when we are looking for jeans that suit our body shapes, it can be a minefield!

Which of the countless styles, colours, rises, and shapes work for our body shapes so we can feel confident in the outfit? Well, if you are wondering which styles will best suit your body shape, this blog will help you.

Wide Legged Jeans

Wide legged jeans are back from the 90’s, and they are the comfortable, cool style we want to wear but can be tricky to style depending on your personal style type.

Depending on your body shape these can be a great option for your day to day looks.

You may already be wearing your wide-legged trousers for your workwear, so these can be an easily approachable style of jeans for more casual days. Pairing with a blouse for a chic look, pop on a blazer, and a pair of heels and your jeans will elevate this style. Match the wide-legged look with a chunky knit (best for rectangle shapes or oval shapes). Or for hourglass and pear shapes, you’ll want to bring the eye to the waist with a belt and tuck in your blouse or a vest on top.

source: StyleIdealist

How to style low rise jeans

All of us who went through the low rise 90’s and 00’s looks are gasping at these, but what if there were certain ways to style them that work beautifully? While this style of jean can be more approachable for certain body shapes, it can be quite freeing to no longer be pulled in by a tight waisted jean that is mid or high rise!

For an easier move into the style, look for a mid-rise that you can size up in so it’s more relaxed and sits below the navel. Try out the wide-legged look with a lower rise for more comfort – great for pear shapes and rectangles too! While hourglasses could work this look with confidence, a top that stops at the waist (either a cropped tee or a cropped jacket to bring in the waist) will be the best option for styling. A straight leg can be another option, paired with a looser top casually tucked to elongate those with a shorter torso.

source: SylvieMus_

Ultimately, this style of jean is meant to be all about comfort and ease – moving away from the structured pulled in styles of tighter high rises – so go for the comfort and play with the style!

How to style straight leg jeans

Straight leg jeans are as they say on the tin – straight cut! They are cut straight from the waist to the ankle. They’re a great shape for oval, rectangle, and triangle shapes. They can be more tricky for pear shapes & hourglasses, but if you style them with a waist-sinching belt this can be a good option.

Styling your straight leg jeans can be more professional due to the shape, but you can rock them up by wearing a pair of black straight cut jeans with a pair of combats, and add on a leather jacket. Pop on a pair of vintage denim straight cut jeans, a fluffy cardigan and tuck it in at the waist, with your statement belt and heeled boots, and you have a chic look ready for running errands.

source: an Indigo Day

Due to the shape, they work excellently with your cowboy boots, heels, and your chunky sneakers – so these are a great accessory to play with to make the style more or less casual.

source: Style Du Monde

How to style cigarette style jeans

Another shape often reserved for the more formal trouser, cigarette styled jeans have a slim silhouette and, unlike it’s counterpart the “skinny jean”, the cigarette jean is cut straight from the knee to the ankle. They are also, often, ankle length. They are a much more approachable slim-fit style than the skinny jeans, while showing off more of our curves than the straight cut.

source: Rag & Bone

You can style them with a pair of heels, blazer and a beautiful top for a comfortable yet sexy date night look. Punk them up with a leather jacket or trench. Or, for running around with the kids, pop on an oversized blouse and sneakers and you’re ready to go.

These are my top picks for the trends this year, and you can find even more in my guide here with more styles including flares, cropped jeans and skinny jeans.

No matter the current trends, jeans should make you feel confident and comfortable. They are a versatile staple in the wardrobe and should feel approachable.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO STYLE A COLOURFUL SUIT

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO STYLE A COLOURFUL SUIT

When you want to feel formal, business/casual, comfortable, or even sexy, you may not instantly gravitate towards a suit if you a more of a feminine dresser. However, if you play with the styling, colours, and shapes, you may be surprised to hear how versatile a suit can be.

With so many beautiful suit styles out there, aimed at more feminine shapes, now may be the perfect time to try out a suit, one with colour or pattern, to transform your day to day dressing.

How to find the perfect shape of suit

It’s all about the shape. When your suit is fitting in a certain way, this can change how it is viewed as an outfit. For example, a less form-fitting blazer with wide leg trousers oozes modern-style with casual comfort at its core, without removing the professional edge that a suit can provide. The baggy blazer and wide leg style is best for those who are more rectangular or an apple shape, and quite tall as well; but if you look for blazers with shoulder pads you can work them for a pear shape, and whether you are a pear or an hourglass, tuck in your shirt within your high rise trousers and your waist will come back on full force.

For a more professional look, a tailored suit is the right option – perfect for work, meetings, or special events where you just don’t feel like wearing a dress. A tailored suit will work for all body shapes, depending on the bottoms you choose – for example, a pear shape will want to wear a more flared style, whereas an upside down triangle shape will want cigarette trousers, and an apple shape will look fabulous in a wide leg (just make sure to match it with a flowy blouse).

With a whole world of suit shapes out there, I highly recommend trying on different styles and forms to see which one/s you feel best in.

Finding a colourful suit

Now we know the shapes that we want to play with, you can inject personality to your suit! This all starts with colours and patterns.

The high street and high end fashion retailers are filled with amazing varieties of colours and patterns. When you have your colour palette, you can then pick and choose the suits that fall within your season to maximise the way it will make you look and feel. Some of my favourite suit makers for colourful options right now are Marella, Theory, Veronica Beard, Asos, and Max Mara.

You may want to look for a few options in your palette – try bringing some of the bolder colours and more neutral colours into your wardrobe with the suits you invest in, to make them more versatile.

How to style your colourful suit

With your colour palette in hand, and the shapes you want to wear, you’ll now be thinking about how to style them, right?

A few of my favourite ways to style your colourful suit are below, and remember – this is your style, you can play with fashion to make it work for you.

Colour blocking your suit

One of the easiest and boldest ways to make your suit work for you is to colour block it. This means to take one colour, and utilise different shades of it throughout the whole outfit. Let’s say purple is your favourite colour and you find a gorgeous lilac blazer. You can pair this with a pair of purple wide-legged trousers in a lighter or deeper hue of purple, and bring in a blouse that is also in a shade of purple. Top it off with a purple briefcase or shoulder bag, purple heels and a purple belt at the waist – and your suit is ready for showing off to the world.

For many, colour blocking feels a little daunting – it’s a lot of the same colour, but with a suit you’ve already got two items in your “colour block”. So, if the selecting of all the items feels a little much, start with the two items within your suit – the blazer and the trousers, shorts or skirt. You can then complement the suit with the accessories in the hues that work within the suit’s shade and voila – you’ve colour blocked your suit!

You can try to match the shade if you prefer to keep within the one shade for your entire outfit – while this can be trickier to do as different designers may make different hues, if you look into purchasing from one store, you may be able to colour match the items exactly.

Play with analogue colours

Analogue colours are the colours that are next to each other on a colour wheel (something we use in our colour clinic). For example – red falls within red-orange and orange; blue is between blue-violet and violet; while yellow is between yellow green and green. You can pick your main base colour for your suit, for example blue, and then add one of the analogue colours from the wheel such as blue-violet. This makes a more subtle and approachable outfit with a variety of ways to style it.

Picking your main colour as your suit already checks off most of your look, you can then pick an analogue colour as your shirt, accessories, shoes, or even jewellery, and keep the rest of the look in a neutral tone.

Go bold with complementary colours

One of the boldest ways to make your colourful suit pop is by adding a complementary colour to the look with your accessories. Complementary colours are those which are on opposite sides of the colour wheel such as fuchsia and chartreuse, or burgundy and forest green. This makes the colours stand out and pop in your outfit – and can be complemented beautifully when you select them from your seasons.

For example, go really bold and pick up a fuchsia suit and add on a chartreuse shoulder bag to pull the look together. Keep the rest of the look neutral with whites or creams to really make the complementary colours shine.

How to style your suit

Now you understand the ways in which to utilise the colours of your suit and make them shine, you can have a play with the styling. A suit can, in fact, be an incredibly versatile outfit. The blazer alone can have a multitude of outfit options.

1. Go fully professional – this is best for meetings or office work where you need to feel the most professional. Add a classic blouse under your blazer, your heels or brogues, and a work-bag and you’re ready to go.

2. Smart-casual suit styling – simply changing the shoes or the blouse will transform your suit to a more casual look. You will still want high quality professional pieces to fall into the smart-casual style, but you can be a bit more comfortable. A pair of comfortable yet work-appropriate shoes such as platform sneakers; or a high quality cotton tee can be another way to do this.

3. Comfortable suiting – this is where the form of the suit and the accessories can work to your advantage. A looser fit is usually more casual looking, so a wide or flared leg or shorts can work for day to day suit styles. Add a cotton tee, your favourite sneakers (or why not try sandals during the summer), and roll up the sleeves of your blazer to feel pulled together yet comfortable.

There are so many ways to make your colourful suit work for your style, body shape, and colours. Let the suit be the base of your outfit and then swap in and out accessories, colours, tops, and even cross over your suits to really make a statement, to make your investment work for you. If you have wanted to try a colourful suit but you’re not sure where to start, please get in touch about my Colour & Style Clinic.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: SUMMER OUTFIT INSPIRATION 2023

The sun is out and whether you’re embracing the heat and wanting to relish in it, or you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to wear without your jumpers of the Autumn/Winter, it can be daunting to know what to wear during warmer months. If you’re looking for some summer outfit inspiration you are in the right place! In this blog, I am going to share 5 of my favourite summer outfit ideas for you to play with during the warmer months.

Midi skirt and a tee

If you know me, you will know that I love a graphic tee and a midi skirt combination! Not only is it great for feeling summery and free, but it also works across all different occasions. Whether I am heading out to work meetings, or having brunch with friends, I feel like my outfit is appropriate, just with a change up of accessories.

When you get into the warmer months, you want to feel cool and comfortable. The great thing about this outfit is that you can quickly and easily put it together when you are in a rush, if it suits your personal style.

You can reflect your style in the graphic tee you choose – whether it’s a glittery quote, a classic rock tee, or a v-neck classic white tee – it works across the different personality types. You can then also do the same with the colours or styles of your midi skirt. Whether it’s a pleated midi length colourful skirt, or a leather look midi skirt that brings out the rock chick in you, there are plenty of options for this outfit!

If you are heading out and there may be a chance of cooler weather, you can pop on a blazer or a leather jacket for that added warmth.

I personally love to elevate this look for meetings with heeled sandals, or for more casual events I wear platform trainers or slide on sandals, depending on the weather forecast!

Linen two-piece set

For a beautifully chic yet cool look, linen is the perfect way to go. This works well for people who are more of a Classic or a Creative personality type. If you are a Classic, you can make a clean, crisp yet comfortable look with a white or neutrally toned two-piece set. Whereas, if you are a creative, you can discover sets with patterns or colours that reflect your personality.

With linen looks they can sometimes feel a little more casual, so you’ll want to embrace the flowy nature of the fabric. However, fashion designers have worked to take away the usually flowy nature with more figure hugging options, to help bring you in at the waist. You also don’t have to reside with wide-legged trousers and an oversized blouse, consider finding a skirt and cropped top option for a unique look.

Cropped jeans and a blouse

Cropped jeans are a must try style as they work beautifully for both petite and standard height people with a range of body types (depending on the cut). When you pair them casually with a blouse the look is very chic and laid back. If you want to go for Classic styling, wear a fully monochromatic look of white cropped jeans, a white blouse, white heeled sandals and a crossover body bag in white with hints of gold to elevate the look. Whereas, for a romantic look, bring some of your favourite ruffles or bows with your blouse – also a great option if you are more pear shaped to balance out your shoulders!

For more inspiration on how to style up your cropped jeans, visit this blog!

Midi dress with sandals

If you love to dress up and dress down a look in a flash, without having to worry about what works with what, a midi dress is a great option to add to your wardrobe. Thanks to the length, it is suitable for both professional and relaxed events. Paired with sandals you can style up or down the look with just the change of heel! Flat sandals, with a sun hat and your midi dress are a great option for late afternoon drinks, whereas heeled sandals with a laptop bag and perhaps even a blazer works well for meetings during the day.

Midi dresses come in all shapes, styles and patterns so you’ll want to check out which style of dress may work best for your body shape. For pear shapes, a dress that comes in at the waist, with structured or detailed shoulders are a good option for you. For ovals, you will want to have a more flowy option around the waist and have perhaps a v-neck or wrap dress style. If you are a rectangle, you’ll want to find a shift dress shape. For inverted triangles look for a midi dress, that has minimal details at the top while adding volume at the bottom to create balance.  

Wear the shorts!

Finally, my summer go-to for us is to wear the shorts. Many clients I work with feel overwhelming fear of wearing shorts (myself included!) but this is because we hadn’t found our perfect style or length.

If you have thighs that touch – which is many people by the way – then you’ll want to invest in shorts that come down long enough to prevent any discomfort. There are plenty of excellent styles of shorts that you can try out in a variety of fabrics that work for the summer weather helping you feel cool and comfortable, as well as confident.

A few of my favourite types of shorts, depending on your body shape, are:

Rectangular: Straight cut or Mom shorts. Finding a pair of mid to short shorts work perfectly for you, in a straight cut. This is because they ensure your shorts aren’t too tight, but continue to show off your leaner legs. Whereas a Mom cut will add definition to your hips where you may want to add a little volume to create an hourglass effect. If you have slightly shorter legs, this will also help to elongate them. Match with a pair of heels or platforms to lengthen, or just go all-out summertime and pair with your favourite sandals and a loose tee.

Hourglass: High rise shorts. Because you go in at the waist, you want to show this off. Look for high or mid rise shorts that cover your thighs about half way between your pelvis and your knee for an elegant option. Look for trouser-style fabric shorts, to keep the look feeling professional, and match with a blouse in a monochrome style for a chic option.

Apple shapes: Short shorts to show off those legs! When you are an apple shape, you tend to have longer and leaner legs. This means you can go for those shorter options to help show off the length of your legs. Look for a pair with an elasticated waistband too, to make you feel more comfortable. Match with a flowy top tucked in loosely for a casual option.

Pear shapes: High waisted looser shorts with minimal detailing. You may want to look for shorts without pockets, and definitely without pleats. Feel confident and comfortable with shorts that are tailored to feel slightly “wider”. Paperbag style shorts are great for pear shapes, as they bring your eyes up to your small waist. Look for a pair that come with or allow for a belt to add that extra oomph to your waist and make sure the fabric is soft, rather than stiff. Elongate your legs with a pair of neutral stilettos, and add definition to your shoulders with a blouse that has volume at the top.

Summer shouldn’t be a time of year where you are feeling daunted by the prospect of what to wear. Your clothes should be an extension of your personality and help you feel your best no matter what the occasion! If you are feeling conscious that your wardrobe isn’t reflecting your personality, or you want support from someone who can help you discover outfits that help you shine with confidence I’d love to help.

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON?

With February fast-approaching, this means Fashion Week is coming to London from the 17th – 21st February to showcase the Spring/Summer trends to look forward to.

With the catwalks filled with warm-weather looks, you may be wondering what new items may work in your current wardrobe that you may want to invest in.

While I work around the ethos of a sustainable and capsule-like wardrobe, there are sometimes seasonal pieces that certainly feel right to add to my wardrobe. As long as they work alongside at least 3 of my current outfits, and make me feel great (and will last!) then they are worth purchasing.

Being a considered shopper makes each season more exciting as you take a moment to consider if the pieces you quickly react to will have a long-term effect. This is one thing to bring into your mindset each time you go shopping – give yourself the time to question if you have pieces that work with that garment, or if you love it enough to make some!

With this in your mind, let’s share a few of the new season favourites I have found.

Baggy jeans

I shared a guide to the top jeans to suit your body shape (which you can download here) last year, and baggy jeans are one of the most approachable pieces. They are often comfortable, and work beautifully on a range of body types.

If you are an hourglass or a triangle you will want to make sure you have a waist height that comes in at your natural waist. Tuck in your shirt, blouse or light jumper, and then add a belt to really level up your shape!

For an inverted triangle shape, a pair of wide-legged jeans that fall more on the flared side are a great option for you. Pop on a pair of heels to lengthen your legs and a form-fitting top to finish off the look.

Or try a pair that have a little bit of volume or pockets to the front will make a definition to your hips. And a square neck top, a crossover body bag and a pair of platform sneakers to make this cool-girl look complete.

Oversized Blazers

My favourite piece to have in any woman’s wardrobe – the blazer! This season it is coming in an oversized form, which can be comforting yet sometimes tricky to wear depending on your personal style and body shape.

Blazers can upgrade any look, and add that extra layer of warmth that can be so needed in the spring in London. With an oversized blazer you have more freedom for the layers underneath, and you can also play with the shapes and fits of the clothes you choose.

For example an oversized blazer that is just shorter than your skirt, with tights, boots and a comfy jumper is a great brunch or date night look. While the same blazer can be worn with a detailed blouse, your favourite wide-legged trousers and your heels for a day of meetings.

For a few ways to play with blazers and how to style them, click here.

Going Sheer

Now, bear with me here, but the sheer trend that has been shown across countless catwalks can be a great additional layer to add warmth, intrigue, or style to your outfit. While the catwalk stylings feel less approachable (but if you love it, go for it!) adding a covered layer beneath the sheer garment is a great way to make this trend-setting garment more likely to work in your wardrobe.

If you want to add colour to a look, for example, but you want to keep your neutral tones across your look, then adding a sheer long sleeved top over your vest will perk up the look in a flash.

For the sheer skirts, you can add these over another skirt of a similar length, or add definition to your waist by adding the skirt over a full length dress.

Sheer pieces are also great for adding texture, definition, and flair to your outfit. If you are cautious of going fully sheer, you can find several fashion houses that have added a sheer element to a piece such as the bottom of a midi skirt or in panels to just show a little skin.

So, what do you think of these three spring/summer seasonal trends? Will you be trying a few of them in your wardrobe? If you feel a little overwhelmed by all the changing trends, and don’t know where to invest and where to walk away, I offer a Personal Shopping experience, so you and I can go together to view and select the best items to match your style, needs, and body shape.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: PARTYWEAR OUTFIT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

The party season is upon us, and I am sure many of us are aching to get together this Christmas. Whether it’s a corporate party or a celebration with friends, we want to feel festive and appropriately dressed.

With this article I will be sharing a few of my favourite party outfit ideas for you this season, based on the party you are heading to!

Colour Trends to inspire you for your winter party

Looking at some of the colours from the Autumn/Winter 2022 catwalks, there are some beautiful colours to inspire us for our party outfits.

The bright colour trends of Autumn included zesty lime, lilac, burnt orange and cobalt blue, which are wonderfully bright and enticing colours for this season.

A few deeper colours could be chosen for the evening which include burgundy, emerald, or brown which can feel more approachable versus the brighter colours, if the event is more professional.

Outfit ideas for the work party

When it comes to the office work party, you want to remain professional, yet bring in the festive feeling. Depending on the venue, you can dress up a little more formally, should the dress code require it. The first tip for dressing for any event, in particular work events, is checking out the venue and if there is a dress code.

You can’t go wrong with a dress at these parties. I do tend to recommend a longer hemline, from midi to maxi length can be the best option. However, if you do work in a younger more laid-back profession, you could opt for a shorter hemline, keeping yourself warmer with a bolero, or blazer.

A velvet wrap dress can be a good choice, this fabric is much warmer than others, and can feel quite luxurious too. With the wrap shape, this can work well on most body shapes as it pulls you in at the waist. Pop on a layered necklace for that little bit of sparkle, and a pair of heels for the finishing touch.

Another option, if you prefer to cover your legs, is a velvet jumpsuit, with a defined waist. Jumpsuits can be a little more tricky to wear as our heights are so different, so make sure to find one that feels comfortable and stops in the right areas for the best waist definition. A pair of strappy heels, long earrings and a clutch will finish the outfit with a little sparkle for your party.

If you prefer a two piece, then a satin midi skirt paired with a roll neck or a mesh top with a fun sleeve can be an approachable 2 piece look. However, you could go all out and swap the skirt for a pair of sequinned trousers, or even a sequinned suit with your roll neck underneath!

The great thing about sequins is that they can sparkle in the party lights, and when in a more professional shape such as wide leg trousers, they can be a little less garish.

Festive looks for your party with friends

A party with friends means that you could be a little more risqué with your look. A shorter hemline, more sparkles, and a little more personality can shine through.

One option that is a great start to a fun, festive night with your friends is a sequinned dress that has all of the party in the back! With a longer hemline you can play with the backless option, adding a bit of sexiness to the look. Thanks to the high neckline I wouldn’t recommend a necklace, instead, put your hair up and wear a pair of hoops or longer earrings. Pair with some comfortable block heels if you’re going partying into the night, and you’re all set.

For some fun, edgy inspiration, why not try a sequin covered top with an almost fringe-like quality? Pair with your favourite leather trousers, or even a pair of gold foil trousers to keep that sparkle throughout the entire outfit! Pop on a pair of heeled square toed boots which are all the rage right now, and party the night away. If you choose an all-black look, you could add a pop of colour with the shoes, such as a pair of pink heels, or even pink heeled boots!

So, will you be heading to a party this Christmas? I hope some of these ideas have inspired you to get an outfit together that you’ll love to party in, no matter the occasion.

If your wardrobe feels uninspired, and you’d love to find out how to create looks no matter the occasion, please get in touch. From helping you discover the styles that reflect your personality in the best way through a style masterclass, to helping you with a one-off personal shopping experience, I help people like you feel confident with their wardrobes.

Ready for a sparkling Christmas?

I put together a very special Christmas and Black Friday offer: the first 5 people who will book a Style Masterclass will get a 50% discount on a service of their choice, between:

Personal Shopping
Curated Online Shopping
Wardrobe Edit
⁠
What a great way to end the year, and start 2023 with a wardrobe that serves you, and boosts your confidence. ⁠
What's more, you can decide to claim one of the 2 services (or both) as a gift voucher.
⁠
Limited space and time offer. Please get in touch for bookings.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: TOP 3 WINTER HATS AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When you see someone wearing a hat do you think "I wish I could do that"? I know a lot of my clients feel like the styles of hats available can be either the perfect fit for their style or, more often, can be out of reach for them to try!

Autumn and Winter are a great time to try adding this great accessory to your outfit, as the weather asks for an additional option to keep us warm and dry.

If you want to try out wearing a hat this season, then you’re in luck! In this article I will be sharing my top 3 stylish hats to add to your wardrobe, and how you can style them for Winter.

Beret

The classic French girl hat (created in 1889 for the Mountain Infantry!), and one that works beautifully any time of year, really! The beret is a round hat with a flat crown, with a bulb-like form when you wear it.

This hat can be worn dressed down, in a classic Parisian style, with a trench coat, jeans and a striped long-sleeved jumper, or why not change it up and wear it with a leather jacket and midi dress.

This style of hat can also work with many types of hair styling. Whether you have a low pony tail or bun; a cropped or bob-style, or a beachy waved long hair look. The beret can work beautifully for your outfit, particularly if you perhaps fall into the Classic, Dramatic, or Creative style personalities.

As it is available in so many colours and styles, you really can find a beret to suit your personality and colours. A simple cashmere beret in light blue or berry; or even an animal print beret to add a real eye-catching piece!

Fedora 

The fedora feels like the coolest of the cool hat options. With a wide rim, well-known shape, and coming in a selection of fabrics and styles, you can upgrade your look with a fedora. 

The caveats here are that a fedora can work for most face shapes, but you need to consider the rim and the height of the crown. The fedora is, in fact, a great hat if you have an oblong face.

For heart-shaped faces, look for smaller brims so you can complement your jawline.

Some of my favourite ways to make an outfit with a fedora as your accessory is by going full-on rock chick! A leather coat over a pair or black jeans (or a mini skirt and tights) with your combat boots, layered necklaces, and rings, topped off with your favourite belt.

If this is out of your personal style, then why not go romantic or bohemian? A floaty midi dress, with a brown or tan fedora, with knee high suede boots, and cross over body bag.

Baker boy 

If you want to work the androgenous look and mix that with an almost vintage feel, then the baker boy hat is a perfect option for you. 

With its small brim, and puffed out crown, this hat is best for those with an angular face such as a heart or square. 

These hats work beautifully with neutral suiting with a classic navy or black option and your hair down.

You could also style this hat with a thick roll neck knitted jumper tucked into a midi skirt with tights and knee high leather boots, with a belt to pull you in at the waist.

You can also add a little extra edge with a leather or even a velvet version, while this may not be best for the rain.

With these three hat options for your outfits, I hope I’ve inspired you to try out one of them if not all three! If you want to add new accessories or styling to your wardrobe, I specialise in helping people like you find their personal style and how to reflect this in their wardrobes. Find out more about my Style Masterclass for image consultancy to see how you can transform how you create confidence through your style.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: TOP COLOUR TRENDS FOR AUTUMN 2022 (and how to style them)

As the seasons change, the catwalks and shops will show off the latest trends. From colours to shapes & styles, you may want to invest in a few current pieces to update your wardrobe.

What are the top colours to add to your wardrobe for your season and how can you style them?

Here are my favourite colours for Autumn 2022, and how you can make them work in your wardrobe, so you can invest wisely!

Zesty Lime – perfect for Springs

A bright and fun colour to add to your wardrobe that works perfectly for springs this season. Plus, it will add a dash of brightness to any look.

It can feel like a daunting colour, due to its brightness, but when you use it appropriately, it can truly make you shine!

I love that such a bright colour is coming into fashion for an often darker season, so using it to brighten your wardrobe as you add more layers, and welcome darker mornings and evenings, can bring a spring to your step!

How to try lime green this Autumn

If you want to add a dash of lime green to your outfits, you can do this with your accessories such as your handbag or even your shoes. These accessories can last a long time, so investing in the pieces you want to wear throughout the years to come will mean you can play up your outfits no matter the season.

Another option, particularly for Autumn as it gets colder, is with your layers. A unique cashmere jumper, or even a blazer can be a good option for the colder days, and in lime green you’re sure to make a statement and a big smile to your face.

Lilac – perfect for Summers

Lilac is a strong contender for my favourite colour for Autumn 2022. This almost pastel colour is a feminine and easy starting colour to add to your wardrobe as it's not too obtrusive. As it is quite feminine, it may feel like a tricky colour if you are a more abstract or edgy dresser, but you can make it work for you, if you use the right materials like leather or strong cable knits.

How to wear lilac this autumn

To fully embrace the femininity of this colour, you can look at investing in a lilac silk midi skirt (pair with tights and knee high boots for this time of year to remain warm, and it will last all the way to the summer as you change up your accessories and shoes!). You could also invest in frilled, long-sleeved blouse in lilac to pair with wide-legged trousers, or even with your lilac skirt for a monochromatic look.

For a more edgy look, why not try a lilac leather jacket and pair with combat boots, or invest in a leather trench coat in this on-trend colour.

 Burnt orange – for Autumns

Burnt orange is a truly Autumnal colour, and I love it! It can be a rich addition to your wardrobe no matter the time of year, but during this season it can be reflective of the gorgeous changing leaves around us. I'm delighted it's hitting the catwalks for 2022/23.

Whether it’s in your eyeshadow, or in your clothes, this rich colour is an elegant colour that can work from day to night.

How to style your burnt orange colours this Autumn

As it is such a warm, rich, and intense colour, you may want to go all out and wear it as your entire outfit such as with your dress paired with gold jewellery and deep rich accessories. If this feels like too much, dip your toes into the burnt orange colour trend with your heels – such as these almost metallic heels, or these burnt orange ankle boots.

You can also never go wrong with a handbag, so why not simply change up your outfits and add this on-trend colour to your looks through an elegant, burnt orange handbag?

Cobalt blue – for winters

For a cooler tone that works on your skin, while remaining bright and colourful for the seasons to change, cobalt blue is the perfect pick for Winters this season.

Cobalt blue should be a go-to colour in your wardrobe as a winter, so I was excited to see this colour across all of the Autumn/Winter 2022 fashion shoes.

How to wear cobalt blue this Autumn

You can bring this beautiful, bright yet deep blue into your wardrobe in a unique way with a suit! Perfect for those of you who prefer a more androgenous look, that can pair with different blouses, and be changed up based on the top or bottom. 

For a warm and easy to throw on option, this long-sleeved mock-turtleneck belted jumper can be worn at any time of day. While these slide-on heels with a black heel have a dash of cobalt blue that can just add this pop of on-trend colour to your outfit.

These are just four of my favourites, on-trend colours for Autumn 2022, and I hope you’re feeling inspired to try out these colours in your wardrobe too!

If you'd love someone by your side to help you find the perfect colours, new trends, and outfits to suit your personality, body shape, and colouring, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: SPRING OUTFIT INSPIRATION 2022

Spring is such a beautiful time for inspiration for our wardrobes – out go the grey and dark days, and in come the beautiful colours of pinks, purples, greens and yellows.

If you are looking for what to wear this spring and how to add a touch of colour, then here are my personal styling tips for your spring wardrobe!

Adding colour with your shoes

One of the fun, effective, and most approachable ways to add colour to an outfit, in my opinion, is through the shoes! Why? 

Because you can choose to show just a flash of the shoe when you are wearing flares or longer jeans, or show off the full shoe when you wear skirts, cropped jeans, or dresses – which are a great outfit choice for the warmer days. With these shorter hemlines, you can truly bring out your colour personality, but without feeling like you have overdone it with the outfit.

From finding a pair of beautiful heels in a spring-perfect green or pink, to wearing a pair of sneakers in a bright orange or pattern you love, the world is your oyster when it comes to colourful shoes available. 

To truly show off your beautiful shoes, you may want to try out cropped trousers or jeans! 

What I love about cropped jeans is that they not only allow you to show off your favourite shoes, they are also an easy to wear item that still feels fashion-forward. If you prefer to wear trousers or want to try out the cropped look at work, you can find several styles of cropped trousers in a variety of colours. 

Why not go all out and bring in the springtime with a pair of cropped culottes in green (Spring 2022's top colour choice!) or even a pattern (best if your body shape is wider at the shoulders to bring definition to your leaner legs). 

Adding a colourful spring bag to your outfit

A colourful bag can be a great way to transform a more neutral look, as it isn’t taking up your full body, but brings just a spark of colour to the look.

When looking for a colourful bag, you'll want to make sure it is practical as well as beautiful. Consider what you will be using it for, which items you need to fit in the bag, and where you want to wear it (will it be an "every day", "work", "special occasions"?) this will help you find the perfect bag for you.

A few spring bags to add to your wardrobe are this gorgeous pink and orange small shoulder bag for just carrying your essentials; this Kurt Geiger rainbow shoulder bag; or this slightly larger crossover pink bag from Aldo.

Colourful clothes for spring

We're now onto the big addition to your colour journey - the clothing!

When you want to bring those springtime feelings to your wardrobe using colour, you can truly transform your mood with the colours you bring to your outfit. 

If a full suit is perhaps a little too much, why not try a skirt? While I love dresses, and if you feel the same way, I'd recommend adding a spring dress to your wardrobe at this time of year, skirts are often overlooked!

Spring/Summer 2022 runways saw the return of the mini skirt, and if you are ready to try out a trend that feels young, and fresh, then I'd highly recommend getting a mini skirt for this spring. Whether it's an asymmetrical orange skirt or a quirky colourful patterned a-lined skirt, now is a great season to try them out. They will help you embrace & get used to the shorter hemline as you can wear tights if you would feel more comfortable.

If miniskirts just aren't your "thing" then a midi skirt matched with a tee or a blouse is also a fantastic option to add to your spring wardrobe. Try a multi-functional option in a colour block or even a pleated easy-to-wear option to throw on and upgrade your jeans and a tee style this spring.

Depending on your style, you can pair it with a pair of heels, platform trainers, or even combat boots - and you'll feel ready to take on the sunshine. 

Admittedly, it can seem daunting to create a fully monochromatic outfit with a bright colour, so take gentle steps if you're someone who is new to the colourful game. Tone down a suit with a neutral blouse underneath, add a neutral tee to your colourful skirt, or wear a colourful jacket over a neutral outfit below. 

Start by finding the colours of spring (greens, purples, pinks, oranges) and then make sure they are in your colour wheel, and then enjoy the springtime vibes!

If the changing of the seasons is a daunting time for you, and you’d love to welcome them with open arms, or an updated wardrobe that you can treat yourself to with confidence, I’d love to help. I provide a bespoke personal shopping experience to help you find the right pieces to add to your current wardrobe, or even a personal styling session so you can discover your personal style.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: BEST HOLIDAY-WEAR LOOKS FOR 2021

Many of us are delighted to once again be able to travel – whether choosing to have a staycation or heading to the beach overseas, it has been some time since we had to pack for the summer so you may be feeling a little unsure on what to pack and feel confident!

I wanted to share some of the trends and essentials for your summer holidays, to make sure you feel organised, confident, and prepared!

Pack crossover pieces

What are crossover pieces? They are items in your wardrobe that work across outfits! One of the key ingredients to a well-planned travel bag is having multiple outfit options and this is where crossover pieces come into play. Having crossover pieces will make sure you are prepared for the holiday needs throughout the day!

Pack your favourite easy to wear shorts if you’re heading somewhere warm, particularly if you are planning on taking in the sights around you, or a great pair of jeans that are comfortable and easy to throw on if you’re staying in cooler climates. You’ll also want to pack a couple of cardigans for cooler nights that work with your outfits, as well as tees that you can easily throw on over your bikini with your skirt, shorts, or jeans.

Summer dresses

When you’re on holiday, you may not want to consider the outfits to throw on in a hurry to get to the beach, forest, or activity, so a dress can be a whole outfit in one. For warmer climates a floaty dress can be perfect such as a maxi dress that you can easily wear over your bikini or swimsuit. They are easy to wear, and can be dressed up for the evening with accessories for dinner, or dressed down for the beach with your sandals.

Keep your colour palette minimal

To make sure you can match outfits quickly throughout your holiday, I suggest keeping the colours in your baggage to a simple palette. Adding a few pops of colour to update the look for a different activity can make sure you don’t feel too neutral on holiday, but you’ll be able to quickly grab a few items that you know will match together. Neutrals, blacks, or whites can be a good option, but if you are a colour lover, have a few monochromatic options that you know you’ll feel great in.

Patterns can be brought into the look through a tee, skirt, or jacket if you want to feel more playful in your wardrobe, but I suggest only taking one or two depending on the length of your stay so you don’t end up pattern clashing (unless that’s a style you love!).

Have a change of shoes

When I go on holiday, something I always regret not packing is my favourite pair of heels. We want to save space on our luggage, of course, but when you are planning to go out for the evening, and all you have is flip flops or the shoes you wore on the plane you may feel a little underdressed. Make space for your favourite shoes so you have the option to dress up and feel more formal for a special occasion. I’d suggest, in a perfect world when you’re planning to pack is to have a pair of sandals, a pair of comfy trainers, and a pair of heels/smart shoes.

Use tissue paper

If you have items in your baggage that crease, then you’ll want to save yourself the hassle of trying to find an iron while on holiday! Using tissue paper for those garments can be a real time-saver, and make sure that everything is neat and ready to wear as soon as you arrive.

Travel with your big bag, and pack a smaller one

When you travel, you’ll want to keep all the essentials with you on the plane in something like a backpack or a beach bag, but having a smaller option for the essentials while you enjoy the scenery will be a great way to save your back! I suggest finding a crossover body bag, as they can make sure your items are safe on you, they work well with many outfits, and can often fit things like a camera, your wallet, your phone and some sunscreen!

Wear your jewellery

Jewellery can be something we love to use in outfits, but I don’t suggest packing them for your holidays, as they can be easily lost or forgotten while in the rush of packing on your last day. I recommend wearing the jewellery that are your go-to pieces on the flight, and then add or subtract the pieces throughout your vacation. Items like a few rings, a necklace, and your earrings are just the right things to keep you feeling well put together, while also preventing attracting attention for sparkly beautiful jewellery while out and about. It’s sad, but true, that tourists are often targeted based on their clothes, so if you can steer clear of any expensive pieces, this will prevent any problematic encounters.

And of course, don’t forget the essentials like your bikini/swimsuit and sliders/flip flops (or beachwear) if you're planning to go to the seaside. I hope you have a wonderful time on your holiday, no matter where or how long you are staying. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of what outfits will work, please get in touch – we can have a personal styling session to help you feel more confident in what to put together for your holiday, and for any occasion!

PERSONAL STYLIST TOP TIPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR RETURN-TO-WORK(WEAR)

If you’re anything like me then you will be getting very excited about what the next few months will hold for us. Not only are we now able to once again see one another (within the government guidelines) but also, many of us will be beginning to go back to “normal” working lives. Whether it’s coming out of furlough, seeing clients face to face, or returning to the office after months at home, your wardrobe is going to need to return, potentially, to a more professional style. But how can you reorganise your wardrobe to reflect these changes?

Give yourself time

We have indulged, sat at home, and simply started to get used to the comfort of our working from home wear. This means that your previous professional outfits may feel uncomfortable or different to how they used to. Give yourself enough time to retry on your professional clothes, and permit yourself self-care should they no longer fit. Prevent yourself from holding onto clothes that are too big or too small, and just donate them. Take them out of your mind, and give yourself a little boost knowing that now you can upgrade your wardrobe to reflect your personality a little more with some clothes shopping. If you want to know my tips for making your online shopping experience successful, read my blog here.

Plan ahead

Now you have your clothes sorted in your wardrobe, and you’re ready to get back to your working routine, you’ll want to save yourself valuable time! For some, this return to work means extra early wake ups, and long commutes, so any time saved means more time in the shower, having breakfast, with the family, or just simply saving stress in the morning. Plan your outfit the night (or even the week!) before, so you know exactly what you’re going to pick up and put on.

If you are unsure on what outfits work well, then why not head to Pinterest for some inspiration (or give me a call to discuss a Personal Styling Session!) to help create outfits that you love. You can then plan them in a “flat lay” on the bed, see what accessories and shoes work well, and make some fun out of the whole planning process. Once you’ve curated outfits for the week, you can hang them all together so they are easy to pull out of your newly organised wardrobe in a flash.

You may also want to prepare a bag for your change of shoes if you are someone that does a lot of walking but needs to transform into high heels or less comfortable smart shoes for the office.

Create capsule spaces in your wardrobe

If you are changing up your routine with flexible working, meaning you may be working from home some days and then at the office on others, then you may want to create easy to access capsule areas in your wardrobe so you can easily switch between office workwear, and home workwear, as well as the fun clothing for outside brunches and, soon, date nights! When you know the area to pick and choose from for your outfits for specific days, it will make the experience so much more fun.

Manage your expectations

If you are feeling overwhelmed by what to wear, as it’s been a very long time for all of us living in the sort of “half professional” look, then you deserve to give yourself some time to manage your expectations for what the coming weeks and months will look like for you. Planning your outfits, getting clothes together in advance, and making sure there are no items in your wardrobe that don’t fit or suit you, will be one way to help keep the process smooth and calm. If you work in an office, or have networking events that you attend with close friends or contacts, you could all chat together before the working week to see how you’re getting on, help one another with outfit choices, and make it a more fun experience for you all.

My final piece of advice is to enjoy these changes – remember how fun it can be to dress up, create workwear outfits for a meeting, and feel professionally pulled together, and embrace that fun. If it doesn’t feel fun (or if you have always dreaded getting your clothes together for any occasion) then please get in touch – I can help you feel confident, comfortable, and make every morning an enjoyable one when it comes to clothes.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: THE GIFT OF (THE RIGHT) COLOUR

With the arrival of Spring, and lockdown being lifted, clothing brands are reacting with colour – and boy do we need it in our lives.

Something I love about what I do is helping my clients find clothes more enjoyable, with a focus on the colours that work beautifully for their skin, personal style, and personality.

So, what are the new trends in terms of colour, available to us during Spring 2021, and which colours can work best for you? Let’s dive in!

Ice cream sorbet colours

While we may only be in spring and ice cream may not be as enticing as in summer, ice-cream pastels have been a colour trend coming through fashion shows for 2021. As the name suggests, these colours have cool features, which means they work particularly well on people with cooler skin undertones.

From pinks to purples, these pallets are a great way into this fashion trend for summers and winters, depending mostly in the saturations of the hues, and will match amazingly well with silver! While if you believe, or you know, that your features are warm, but you’d still love to go for ice cream sorbet colours, don’t despair, you can find ways to “fix” them through a nice match with one of your best colours, especially neutrals (like browns, beiges, greys, navy blue..) that usually goes with pretty much everything.

Yellows

A perfect colour for welcoming the sun is yellow, and this softer hue is a gorgeous colour to embrace in your wardrobe if you want to dip your toe in bright colours without overwhelming yourself. However, be careful, yellow is not an easy colour to wear. I personally recommend this colour for lighter skin tones such as Spring and Summers. Try out the soft yellow tones with a scarf, or go all out with a comfortable spring-ready light jumper, or dress for brunch with your loved ones.

Whereas Autumns can opt for a more golden tone, or even mustard (that will be available too) and Winters may want to only wear soft yellows as an accessory rather than all over.

Monochromatic white

I love a monochrome outfit – using one colour or shades of the same colour – it can work beautifully for a pulled together, professional look. Spring/Summer 2021 appears to have fallen in love with white monochromatic outfits and this can be a stunning way to welcome a warmer season. Consider keeping the look clean and minimal, with a small number of accessories – like metals - both gold and silver work beautifully with white, one making it warmer and the other cooler, so it can be your way to make your monochromatic white outfit truly work for you.

White can be a difficult colour to wear though, and I recommend you opt for a cream if you think you have softer features, as it isn’t as harsh against your skin. While you can wear a bright white if you are a winter.

Try a stunning jumpsuit or go for separates with a lush suit that can make you feel powerful & professional.

Pretty in pink

With previous years showcasing neon hues of pink, 2021 seems to have embraced a more bubblegum shade, as well as lighter shades – and it can be a very fun colour to wear, for the right skin tones. With the multitude of shades, I recommend finding one that suits you and your personality. Light pinks can be beautiful on Springs and Summers, depending on the hue temperatures, whereas the brighter, shocking pink hues can stand up to Winters. Autumns need to stay on warmer and softer tones, like peaches and apricots.

The lighter pinks can work well with white and light denim, whereas darker shades of pink work really well with darker denim or even black. But if you have a more dramatic or creative style, you can have fun mixing pink with greens or blues in your outfits, like some celebrities are showing off proudly.

It can be a very girly colour, so if that is your style go all out and get yourself a beautiful pink dress and enjoy the spring sunshine!

Green Hues

If you are a vibrant colour fan, then this green trend is fantastic for you! If you are an Autumn, you can pick lime greens, which go fantastically with your skin tone, why not try a beautiful halter-dress for Spring to welcome the warmer weather with the green trend? You may gravitate to a flowy, lime green wrap dress (that is a little more on budget), or a lime green bag can be a less domineering step into the lime green trend. 

For Autumns and Winters, the darker green will work very well with your skin tone and I can suggest a structured strappy dress that will transition well into the Spring and Summer, if you are an abstract style of dresser. Whereas, for my Romantic Autumn and Winters a more flowy deep green dress with florals on it will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe.  This stunning Chloe bag in deep green is a great accessory to add to your wardrobe, for a green addition without having to dedicate to a full outfit, too. Whereas my Summers need to veer more towards the teal green tones, due to their colouring, like these leather trousers by PINKO, or this shirt from ASOS.

Vibrant orange

My final favourite colour in Spring/Summer 2021 fashion trends, is vibrant orange. We all need a pick me up, and this daring colour is wonderful for the soul. Different fashion houses have shared a multitude of tones, so expect our high streets to embrace orange too. Burnt orange is stunning against darker and warmer skin, whereas the brighter hues can be beautiful against Spring tones, who can try out this bright trend with a cardigan or jumper, or treat yourself to a perfect long sleeved orange dress.

For the burnt orange, an accessory like a bag or pair of heels can be very versatile (I’ve found a more budget-friendly replica on Asos here if you love those shoes!), or invest in a stunning silk shirt to work well on Zoom calls and when you go out to lunch with friends.

 Bonus – Colour match trend

Feeling a little overwhelmed with all the colours and unsure how to match them with your wardrobe? The stunning yellow colour works beautifully with caramels and browns, as well as your traditional yellows, and is becoming a trend among the fashion-conscious. It’s not a colour combination that has often been seen, so it’s perfect for those of you looking to be a trend-setter! The caramels and beiges in general also work beautifully with white, black, and other pastel tones so can be played with across outfits and seasons.

source: https://www.thetrendspotter.net/fashion-trends-spring-summer-2021/

If you want some help finding those perfect colours for you all year round, not just for a specific new trend, then get in touch, and we can organise a colour analysis or online personal style masterclass to suit your needs, personal style, and wardrobe.

Which colours were your favourite, that you’ll want to try out?

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: HOW TO PLAN YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE AND MAKE IT REALLY WORK FOR YOU

My gut tells me online shopping will be the preferred options from the majority of consumers over 2021. Online shopping can be "tricky" so, while I absolutely understand that people feel safer and want to avoid stepping into a physical store (and also, most of them do not allow us to try things on during these times) I'd recommend being careful with shopping online, trying to search specific items and avoid random/compulsive purchases. So here are some tips to help make sure your online shopping experience is a good one!

Write a list

My first tip is to write a shopping list and follow it while researching items. Start your list by going through your Spring wardrobe and find the items you feel are missing that can extend your outfits. Do you have a need for new tops, or camisoles, perhaps you may need a few replacement light cardigans – whatever you feel you may need to add to your wardrobe that would actually work with your current collection will ensure you have a list that works rather than a haphazard approach to shopping.

Which clothing brands do you love?

We often gravitate to certain brands that work for us, and our wardrobe will show us those brands. So, while you’re writing your list, find out the brands that seem to pop up regularly. With this in mind, you can then visit their online stores for their new collections or sale items, that match your shopping list!

What cuts work well for your body?

Our body can look amazing in certain styles, and with a knowledge of the style of jeans you love most, to the dress types that you feel amazing in, figure out the cuts and styles you love to wear and this will help you when searching for items online.

For example, if you feel fabulous in square neck tops – look for clothes with a similar neckline that you know you’ll feel confident in. Perhaps you need a new pair of jeans (now we are finally being given the opportunity to go outside with friends once again!), consider the style of jeans you like, as well as the leg length and waist size, which you can replicate with your next purchase. Flared jeans are coming back into fashion, so if you’ve been desperate to get a pair, now is a great time to invest.

What colours will suit your current wardrobe and personal style?

Another really important part to remember when it comes to shopping is to know the colours you love to wear, and that work with your wardrobe. Many online shops allow you to categorise by colour as well as type, so use this option so you’re not distracted by items that just won’t work with your current wardrobe!

Know your budget

My final tip is to consider your budget. Fast fashion works well for quick required pieces, but with so many of us still being wary of going out quite as much, you may want to step back and consider your budget. With a higher ticket price, you will often find a much better item – and if this means waiting a little while before investing in pieces that you will love, or waiting for a sale, then you will find your wardrobe has more clothing that you want to wear more often. Invest in a few important pieces while online shopping that stay within your budget, to treat yourself, but also to know that they will be worn with love & will work with multiple items in your wardrobe (if you’ve done all the other ideas in this list!).

If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the thought of shopping online, or perhaps you have bought clothes in the past that you’re not using, please get in touch – I can help you with my online personal style masterclass where we will work together to create a perfect personal style for you. With this in hand, your shopping (online and offline) will be a much more enjoyable experience!

7 TIPS TO FIND THE PERFECT PAIR OF TROUSERS

In this article I am delighted to have a guest post from tailor, Dara Stringham, who shares her advice on how to find the perfect trousers for you, and how to use a tailor to help make them fit perfectly.

Why is it so hard to find trousers that fit?

7 tips to get the perfect pair of trousers

I’m sure that most of us have asked ourselves this question: Why is it so hard to find trousers that fit? And perhaps we’ve taken it further to think: What is wrong with my shape?

The truth is that trousers are one of the most difficult garments to get right - especially for women. We all carry our weight in different ways and as we age our shape changes too. I am certainly seeing a difference in my waistline now that I have reached my forties. Partly it’s having had children, but it’s also natural metabolic changes that occur as we grow older.

When drafting a pair of trousers for my clients, I take into account a variety of factors that go beyond simple measurements. For example, the shape of the hips, tummy, thighs, and seat. Are they round or straight, what is the angle of the hips from front to back, left to right, the overall posture?

Conventional ready-to-wear can only accommodate a basic symmetrical shape - and if you’re lucky you’ll fit into it. However, it’s far more common not to, which is why I’d like to share a few tips on getting trousers to fit better, and what to consider when purchasing a pair.

1.     Always fit your largest measurement.

When purchasing clothing, it’s a good rule of thumb to fit your largest measurement and then work with an alterations tailor to fit the rest of the garment to your shape. So, if your hips are wide, make sure you have enough room in the trousers to sit comfortably and not have unsightly creases cutting across your thighs. Then have the waist taken in to fit.

Have a look at the waistband on the trousers, and ask yourself these questions:

·       Does it have a centre back seam?

·       Are there belt loops that might get in the way?

·       How easy is it to open and detach from the trouser legs?

·       Are there pockets in the side seam which could make taking it in at this point more difficult?

Considering these questions when you are shopping will help you decide whether it will be an easy alteration or a more complex one. If you’re not sure, buy them and take them to a tailor for advice.

2.     Find a tailor that will do a fitting with you.

Following on from my point above, I would suggest finding a tailor or dressmaker that will do a fitting with you. So, rather than going in and saying, “I need the waist taking in by 4cm”, have your tailor look at the fit with you. Often in addition to taking in or letting out the waist, adjustments need to be made to the crotch and inside leg seam. Having an expert give you advice is the best way to achieve a good result. For tips on how to find a good tailor you can read my blog here.

3.     Consider the seam allowance.

Most conventional garments only have 1cm seam allowance to save on production and material costs. However, better brands will have a deeper seam allowance of around 2cm for the leg seams, and 3+cm on the centre back. Taking note of this at time of purchase will give you more scope for alterations in the future - especially letting out your favourite pair of trousers should it become necessary. (And after a year at home this is increasingly the case!)

4.     Buy more than one pair.

As a good pair of trousers are so difficult to find, I recommend buying more than one pair of the same design if you find ones that fit. I have so many clients who come to me disappointed that their favourite pair are no longer stocked. Retailers change their collections, even their basic styles, on a regular basis. So don’t rely on your favourite design being available forever.

5.     Find the best style to suit your shape.

Finding the perfect trousers begins with understanding which style suits you best. Are you long or short waisted? Are your legs long or short in comparison to your torso? What is your overall body shape? A personal stylist such as Stefania can give you expert advice on which styles are best for you and more importantly where to find them. For example, if you are long waisted, high rise trousers are ideal for you. They optically shorten the torso and lengthen your legs bringing your body into proportion. Or if you are wider on your top half than your lower half you could choose wide legged trousers to balance this out.

6. Consider the pockets.

Pockets and their placement can play a big role in the fit of trousers. If you have a round tummy slanted pockets on the front are more likely to gape open and add bulk where you don’t want it. Instead, having pockets in the inseam or choosing ones that can be closed with a zipper can be a better option.

On the back, the placement of patch or jetted pockets with flaps can help break up the area. Again, considering your shape and knowing what will work best for it is important.

7. Trouser Pleats.

Pleats or sharp creases are a great way to define the leg and make sure it looks neat and long. The vertical line creates length. The direction of the pleats is also important. If they are facing towards the middle, they draw the eyes inwards, minimising wide hips. Folded towards the outside the reverse is true. So, a simple reversal of the pleat direction can make a big difference to the look of the trousers.

I hope the above tips are useful and give you some ideas on how to achieve a better fit. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

And if you’d like to find out more about the most common fit problems when it comes to trousers you could also read my post here.

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED FASHION TRENDS

2020 has been a strange year for all of us, and as a personal shopper and stylist I have seen many changes within the world of fashion. From access to sustainability, and even the trends that reflect the mood of the world right now, we are seeing huge changes in the industry. Within this article, I wanted to share some of my findings as well as the winter trends that we have seen previously, versus the trends we are seeing right now.

2019 Winter Fashion Trends:

In 2019, fashion during the winter was all about sparkles, dresses, and formal wear with fun at their core. With many people having special events to attend and parties to go to, fashion during this year, as with many years previously, reflected these events within their clothing ranges.

You will have potentially invested in some party dresses, sparkly jumpers, a long beautiful coat or gorgeous shoes for a special occasion in the past and either re-used them with a few additional accessories to change up the look, and hoped to do the same this year with a diary of events with work colleagues, friends, or family. To say our diaries probably look a lot different now is an understatement, and fashion houses are showing these huge changes within their collections.

2020 Winter Fashion Trends.

The real puzzle, after working from home which, for many, was a completely new thing this year, as well as shops being closed, parties being a no-go (at least in person) and gatherings not on the cards for the near future, your plans will undoubtedly look different. The truth is that fashion trends adapt to times and people’s needs, and nothing has been seen more this year than the need for comfort, but with a twist. People are becoming fed up of wearing their yoga pants and pyjamas, the element of enjoyment and fun wearing these items seems to have tired, and people now want to dress up, if even for an online gathering, small social event outside, or a date with their loved one in the home.

Here are some trends I have seen for this winter, from head to toe, from high street to high end!

Comfortable & Luxurious Sweaters

Countless companies have been adding loungewear to their collections, and there is no difference for the Winter styles, however, a touch of sparkle is being brought in. From cosy jumpers with a touch of sparkle,  to luxurious yet comfortable loungewear sets, expect to make comfort & luxury a combination that will remain this month!

Upgraded Loungewear

Countless companies have been adding loungewear to their collections, and there is no difference for the Winter styles this year. Luxurious materials, unique colours, and comfort at the heart of each design, these loungewear designs have changed the way we can look at these comfortable styles. From luxurious yet comfortable loungewear sets, to a beautiful dusty pink set in soft cotton-jersey  expect to make comfort & luxury a combination that will remain this month.

Fun & inspiring words

I’ve seen the classic sayings on tops and jumpers for a few years now, and with 2020 being as it has been, we all need a little bit of positivity, if even on our clothing to remind us & bring a smile to our faces, and to those we connect with through VC or in person. From eco-cashmere jumpers by Alberta Ferretti with a range of positive quotes, to colourful rainbow sweatshirts that are more casual, clothing is working to bring a smile to your face during these colder months.

Leggings and Jogging bottoms get an upgrade

With many of us only needing to dress-up from the waist up, we are seeing many designers creating luxe-joggers and leggings. From suede effect joggers by Max Mara, to cream knitted joggers by Mint Velvet, expect your jogging bottoms to feel amazing, and perhaps even work outside of the home (if you so wish).

Keep your feet warm!

If you’re foregoing the stilettos this year, or perhaps having your work Christmas do online, then you’ll be pleased to hear that keeping snuggly and warm for your feet is top of the agenda. Whether it’s gorgeous shearling-lined slip-ons by Porte & Paire, or cosy knitted booties from Mint Velvet, expect the most comfortable year yet – at least for your feet!

Glam but Comfortable

If you are on the lookout for a party-ready look, then designers have a huge host of comfortable yet glamourous styles that have come to retailers across the globe. So for those of you looking to dress up this Christmas, why not try a beautiful lace shirt by Dolce and Gabbana or a more budget friendly version by  & Other Stories to add some drama to your look? If you love dresses, then there are countless comfortably glam styles to choose from. I think a knitted dress is  great way to feel comfortable and warm, yet stylish, and with the right care they can last for years, so when we are able to go out once again, you can re-wear them. From a casual-chic cashmere and wool-blend midi dress by Isabel Marant with balloon sleeves, to a zebra patterned jersey midi dress with turtleneck and A-line silhouette, there are some beautiful options to get dressed up while remaining comfortable this season.

So, will you be dressing to impress this season, or will you be investing in some comfortably chic items to add to your Working from Home looks?