PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WARDROBE ESSENTIALS - BUILDING A TIMELESS AND VERSATILE CLOSET

Many of my clients come to me unsure on how to create a wardrobe that reflects their personality, works for their body, and is easy to create outfits from. 

For some, it’s the “I have nothing to wear” problem. Most of the time this can be due to an overwhelming amount of garments in their wardrobe, that, in fact, do not work well together to create a collection of outfits. While some feel that the outfits they can create don’t work for their day to day lives or reflect their personality.

The most important part of making your wardrobe work for you is picking garments that are versatile and timeless. This can feel a little daunting, particularly if you have been following trends and building a wardrobe for years! 

If you’d love to have a wardrobe that feels accessible and that works for your needs, here’s my guide to help you create a versatile and timeless wardrobe! 

Assess your needs

The first thing you need to do when creating a wardrobe that works for you, is knowing what you need each day. 

Ask yourself: 

• What does my professional working life look like? 

• What does my free time look like? 

• Do I attend many special occasions? 

• Do I need to change after the school run?

When you know what outfits you need, you can know what type of clothing you will require. For example, if you attend lots of special events, your wardrobe will need far more black tie and formal wear than someone who doesn’t. In the same vain, if you have a corporate job that requires suiting, your requirements will be different to someone who works in a creative company where you can wear more casual attire. 

If you're a mum, your priority is probably practicality (but this doesn't mean you have to give up on style!).

Understanding your daily needs will help you have a strategy when you assess your current wardrobe and when you go shopping in the future. 

Declutter your wardrobe

Now you know what you need, you want to make sure your current wardrobe works for you. If you have the “overfilled” wardrobe problem, the best way to work on this is to take out everything and go through the items one by one. When I work with a client, we work through the items and question whether the pieces either bring them joy, or work well across multiple other pieces to create outfits. If it doesn’t do this, it can be put to the side to be donated or sold. 

When you have the pieces that work together, and work with your daily needs, your wardrobe will already begin to feel more approachable. 

Keep your wardrobe curated and minimal, and get rid of what doesn’t work for you, especially before buying anything new. Only keep what suits you and your lifestyle and what makes you feel good. A minimal wardrobe will truly simplify your life.

Curate a wardrobe of versatility 

Versatile pieces are the ones that can be mixed and matched across one another in unique ways. They should be able to be worn in different situations, without compromising on your style, personality and comfort. 

Here are a few of my top pieces for versatility: 

• Denim – a pair (or two) of jeans are an essential for any wardrobe. They can be dressed up with a blouse, or down with a vest/tee. They are great for running around and doing errands, or can even work for a date night with heels. 

• Blazer – essential for a professional look, but can also work for more casual looks that you want to elevate. You may be amazed at how many ways you can style a blazer.

• White (or neutral) shirt / Tee -  depending on your personal style, you can’t go wrong with a plain white t-shirt or shirt. It can be paired with countless bottoms, and can balance out a statement piece that you have in your outfit. 

• Body suit or fitted tank top – I love a body suit, because it can be worn as a layering piece, and can be a clean, smooth garment that doesn’t require tucking in. If you don’t like a bodysuit, a fitted tank top is a great alternative. 

• A neutral dress – the little black dress is beloved for a reason – it works! Black can, however, be a colour that doesn’t work for many skin tones, so finding a neutral shade in your colour palette can be a great alternative. Depending on your style, you could opt for a maxi dress, mini dress, a-line – there are lots of options. Adding layers and hosiery, as well as accessories can transform the dress effectively making it work as multiple outfits in one. 

• Knitwear – I know this is a broad term, but, you need a few pieces of knitwear that you can throw on as the weather gets cooler. I like a cropped cardigan, a longline cardigan, and a couple of heavier jumpers in my wardrobe. 

• Formal trousers – even if you don’t go to the office regularly, a pair of more professional trousers can work across a multitude of events. Depending on your body shape you may want to look for wide legged, straight leg, or cigarette style. 

• A selection of skirts – Midi skirts have stayed in style for several years, and this is because they are so versatile! Pair with a white tee, a blouse, or a body suit to complement the day ahead. 

For more ideas on how to create a wardrobe that works for you, you may want to consider creating a capsule wardrobe. View my recent article on how to do this, here. 

Let your wardrobe reflect your personal style

Finally, the most important thing to consider is your own personal style. A timeless wardrobe works when you have pieces you feel confident in. Staying away from fast fashion and trends that don’t work for your personal style will ensure you have a wardrobe that lasts. 

Too often we fill our wardrobes with garments that are currently in style, rather than pieces that reflect our personality. When you understand the personal style that is inherent to you, you will feel more confident when dressing and when shopping. 

And it's rather simple, it's about understanding what works for you on the outside (from colours, shapes and styles) and on the inside (helping you express your personality and feel your most confident)with.

One of a Style team is here to help you create a wardrobe that truly works for you and simplify your life!

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: DRESSING IN A RECESSION – THE THREE MOST VERSATILE PIECES TO HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When it comes to dressing for an occasion or a season, you may feel like you have to have a full wardrobe to accommodate. In the times we are in right now, going out and buying lots of pieces just isn’t effective for the environment, our wallets, or our sanity!

As a personal stylist, many people come to me with “I have nothing to wear”-itis. However, when I see their wardrobes, they are overfilled and a concoction of fast fashion items that don’t serve their needs.

So, what if I told you the secret to curing the daily struggle of what to wear, that not only helps you save money in the long run, but will create a more confident day to day is, in fact, less is truly more?

The importance of investing in good quality, versatile pieces that work across seasons and events, will save you time & money.

What are my three most important pieces to have in your wardrobe?

·        A great pair of jeans that suit your body shape

·        Two to three blazers

·        Three to four dresses

Seems pretty simple, right? The thing is, many of us are buying with the trends and filling up our wardrobes with items that we don’t know how to use outside of the “norm”. So, while you may have these items already in your wardrobe, you may not be maximising the ways to use them.

I wanted to help you with this problem, so you can find the perfect pieces in your wardrobe and know how to reuse them without feeling like you’re re-wearing the same outfit over and over again.

Three different ways to style your jeans

Let’s start with a girls’ best friend (when she finds the perfect pair) – jeans! Now, you may be recoiling at the thought of jeans, but I promise you, when you know the shape for your body type, you will want to wear them day in and day out.

Here’s a whistlestop tour of the shapes I recommend, before we dive into the different ways to style them:

·        Flares – for pear shapes and petites

·        Mom jeans – for hourglass, rectangle, and pear shapes

·        Boyfriend jeans – for inverted triangle, oval, and rectangle shapes

·        Skinny jeans – don’t be surprised by this, but most body types can wear this style, you just need to be conscious of how skinny you go with them!

·        Cropped jeans – for petites

Now you’re inspired to try out the right style for your body type, and I recommend trying out a variety of designers & high street stores to find the perfect fit for your unique body, let’s play with how to style them.

3 Casual outfit ideas for styling your jeans

Starting with the easiest option, casual outfit ideas. These are outfits you’d wear running out of the house but still wanting to feel confident and put together. They may also work for meeting up with friends during the day, or heading to the play park with your family.

1. Pair your jeans with a cotton tee, square toed shoes, a long line cardigan, and your favourite everyday earrings for a “I just threw this together” look. Add a touch of colour with your crossover body bag – as this can bring some definition to your look if your cardigan is a little oversized.

2. Another option, if you are more of an edgy style is popping on a leather jacket and combat boots or DMs with a slogan cotton tee or band t-shirt.

3. If you just don’t feel “right” in a cotton t-shirt, then you can invest in a silk blouse with a relaxed cut and add a pair of platform sneakers to still feel casual, yet chic.

If you are an hourglass shape or a pear shape, you’ll want to define your waist, so adding a belt will ensure you showcase your waist, while also averting the gap that can sometimes happen at the back.

For warmer months, a short sleeved body suit, a square-necked cotton or a linen vest can be an easy option too.

3 Work-appropriate outfit ideas for your jeans

Depending on the profession or space in which you work, jeans can be an appropriate option for you, it just depends on the pieces you pair them with!

1. Pairing a high quality, dark washed pair of jeans with a blazer and a blouse, with a pair of heels can be a powerful, professional look.

2. You can also pair your deep blue denim jeans with a silk shirt, a pair of dolly shoes, and an elegant blazer & handbag for an on-the-go professional look.

3. There’s also the option to make your personality shine by wearing your jeans with a pair of metallic sneakers (such as the iconic Vivienne Westwood shoes or similar inspired shoes available on the high street), a tunic top and a funky bag, should this work for your profession.

3 date-night looks for your jeans

Now we’re going from day, to night, and using those jeans in a different way yet again! If you’re heading out for a date, this gives us a few more options in terms of jewellery and fabrics.

1. Add a sparkly bag or sequinned top to your outfit to bring out a little more glam. Perhaps drape a blazer over your shoulders, pick up a shoulder bag, and pop on  pair of stilettos to finish the look. I’d also recommend either wearing a necklace or earrings to really finish it off.

2. For an edgier date-night look, a mesh long-sleeved top over a beautiful piece of lingerie (or a vest), with a red lip, leather jacket, and block heels will help you feel ready to take on the night!

3. For a sexy option, the option to wear a “underwear as outerwear” look is a great way to boost your confidence and feel sexy. When you wear this option with a pair of jeans, it can feel a little more approachable as they add a more comfortable option on your bottom half. Pair with an oversized blazer or leather jacket to keep yourself warm and covered, should you wish to. I’d recommend a few key jewellery items to top off the look, an over shoulder bag, and a pair of your favourite heeled boots or shoes!

Now you’re ready with the jeans that work for all occasions, let’s move onto dresses!

How to style your dresses for the seasons

Dresses don’t have to just be for those who fall into the “romantic” personal style. Dresses come in many different patterns, colours, shapes, and cuts, so they can work across many different style personalities, when they are styled correctly.

The thing is, I often hear that the dresses we love for the warmer months, don’t get used during Autumn and Winter. There are lots of ways we can work with them to make them stay an integral part of our wardrobe, no matter the season.

How to style your dresses for Spring

This is often when most people get their dresses out from hibernation. They are fresh and inviting for a warmer season.

As Spring, particularly in London, can fluctuate in weather, I recommend popping a jacket, blazer, or light cardigan over the top, to keep you warm. You could also pair these with a pair of light dernier tights, and a pair of combat boots or sneakers.

How to style your dresses for Summer

Now the warmer month is welcomed, you can take off those tights and wear a pair of biker shorts to protect your thighs. Pop on a pair of strappy heels for a brunch with friends. Add a crossbody bag, or a shoulder bag for your essentials, and let your dress do all the talking.

If you want to define your waist further, adding a belt can help draw the eye to your waist.

A pair of sneakers, or platform wedges are a great casual, yet fun option for your shoes when you are welcoming the summer. Sandals can be a more casual option, too.

How to style your dresses for Autumn

Autumn can be the time when many put their dresses away, and head for the long-sleeved options, that are chunkier and warmer. While these can be great, I want to stay away from you feeling you can’t maximise the garments already in your wardrobe, just by rethinking how you see your dresses.

You can add a warm jumper over your dress, and roll up the jumper into your bra or with a hair tie for a comfortable option.

A long-line cardigan can also be an additional layer that works over most dresses – I’d recommend making it just a little longer than your hemline, unless the dress is a maxi dress, in which case flip that and have a cardigan that hits at your waist line.

For v-neck or strappy dresses, another option is to add a tee underneath for an added layer. This can feel a little more casual, so I find it’s more appropriate for daytime get togethers, or outside of the office. You can style this look up with the shoes, jewellery, and bag that you select, which go a long way to transforming a look!

Tights and boots also go a long way to keeping you warmer, while you wear your dress. Hosiery has come a long way from the 50 dernier classic black tights. You can find warm, yet patterned or high quality hosiery that won’t break as soon as you try to pull them on!

How to style your dresses for Winter

Swapping out the cardigan for a Winter jacket is one quick way to keep wearing your dresses into the Winter season.

You can also continue to wear your thicker jumpers over the dress, with a belt to keep them tucked in and defining your waist. If your dress is a v-neck, you could add a polo neck top or jumper (if the dress has a strappy sleeve) underneath for an additional layer, and add a necklace to draw the eye down.

Invest in a pair of great quality suede or leather knee high boots at this time of year, as they will work with your skirts, dresses, and even your skinny jeans. I’d recommend a pair with a block heel so you can stay comfortable, warm, and elegant.

Accessories such as a warm woollen hat, a scarf, and gloves also don’t go amiss at this time of year.

How to style your blazers for different occasions

Finally, one of my favourite essentials for any wardrobe, is the blazer. It’s a quick way to style up a look, add a pop of colour or pattern, and a great layer for the cooler months.

There are lots of different ways to style a blazer, but here I wanted to share just 3 to inspire you. The great thing is, if you haven’t got a blazer in your wardrobe yet, there are lots of charity shops that have a variety of options for you to try (you can even find some gorgeous men’s blazers, that you can get tailored to your shape for a unique option with a sustainable edge).

You will have seen above that I have mentioned the blazer in the jeans and dress styling options above, so already I have shared two ways to style your blazer, which I hope will inspire you.

Three ways to style your blazer

1. With a midi skirt.

When you style your skirt with a blazer, it’s a way to add definition at the waist and shoulders so can work really well for many body shapes. If you have a tee with your skirt, the blazer can transform the look to be more professional.

While if you have a patterned or colourful blazer, this can be the way to add your colours to a more monochromatic look that is underneath. I’d recommend a midi skirt as it can work across different occasions, but if you love showing a bit of leg, got all out and pop on a mini skirt, knowing your blazer brings a professional edge to the look.

2. With wide-legged trousers.

Wide-legged trousers are a beautiful, elegant option for any occasion, particularly suited for pear shapes or hourglass shapes, as they skim the legs and accentuate the hips. Pop on a belt under your blazer, a blouse, and a pair of block heels for a professional look. You can dress the look down by simply changing the blouse for a camisole or slogan tee.

Add a pair of platform sneakers to make the look even more comfortable, and pop on a bag for your essentials, and you’re ready to go.

3. With your knitwear.

Finally, adding your knitwear under your blazer, adds an additional warm layer, while also jazzing up your look.

A cashmere sweater, with your favourite jeans, and a pair of heeled brogues has an elegant yet cool outfit for Autumn. Whereas your chunky high neck knitted jumper, with a pair of tailored trousers and heels flips the script on professional dressing while remaining warm!

I hope this guide to dressing in a recession inspires you to continue to use your investment pieces in more ways. While we may be in a space to want to treat ourselves to more and more items for our wardrobe, I suggest you take a step back, consider what you already have, and perhaps invest in versatile pieces that you’ll wear over and over again.

If you’re unsure on where to start, or have a wardrobe that is spilling over, yet causing you more stress than pleasure, please get in touch. I can support you with a wardrobe edit, a style masterclass, or a personal shopping experience so you have someone there, by your side, to help you invest wisely for your future outfits.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: AUTUMN OUTFIT INSPIRATION FOR 2022

Autumn is here and what comes with it new outfit options! My clients can find this time of year difficult to dress for as it’s not cold enough for a full winter outfit, whereas the summer clothes feel too light. Whether it’s layering or picking the right shoes for the weather and how to style them, I share my top tips for autumn outfits just for you.

Top colours for Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 has a great selection of colours to choose from, but which ones work best for you? As you may know, I help people discover their best colours by using the seasonal colour analysis. You can find out more about how to know yours, here. These are my picks for each of the seasons:

Spring: Zesty lime - a bright and fun colour to add to your wardrobe.

Summer: Lilac is a strong contender for my favourite colour for Autumn 2022.

Autumn: Burnt orange is a truly Autumnal colour and can be a rich addition to your wardrobe.

Winter: Pink & cobalt blue for a cooler tone that works on your skin, while remaining bright and colourful for the seasons to change.

How to wear your Autumn trending colours

There are plenty of different ways to add colour to your outfit, from a little touch to an all out full monochrome look.

A perfect start can be a woolly hat, a leather jacket, or a pair of shoes.

The next step can be a pair of leather wide-leg trousers (very on-trend right now, and works great for most body shapes), or even a blazer.

For an all-out commitment to your colour selection, or perfect for abstract personality types, is to wear a full outfit in your colours. Whether it's a suit, or even a maxi dress, with a mesh top underneath to keep yourself warm in the cooler weather, with a handbag and jacket.

If colours feel a little daunting to add to your outfits, I'd love to help.      

Top trends for Autumn

Outfits for this time of year include great layering and light, yet warm options.

Some of the top trends coming into the season include "punk prep" - think leather, pleated midi skirts, and tailored blazers. Maxi dresses and full-length hem lines are also back in fashion, and great with a pair of over heeled boots.

One great trend coming into fashion for the season are tailored waistcoats. These are great for the androgenous look for the office, or with a pair of wide-leg jeans over a more casual long-sleeved top for a more casual look.

Statement leather is also a strong option for the 2022 season, and you can't go wrong with a leather jacket at any time of year. You could also try any of the leather trousers coming onto the shelves, or for a more approachable statement leather piece, think of a leather bag in the colour of your season.

Top 3 Shoes & Outfit Inspiration for Autumn

Now we’ve talked all about the colours and outfits on offer for Autumn 2022, we can jump to the shoes! Shoes can oftentimes be the most difficult part of the outfit to pair together. There are some unique and fun ways to play with the shoes and your outfit for this time of year.

Combat Boots: Best with cropped loose-fitted jeans, and shorter skirts

Combat boots continue to stay on trend, year on year, and they're a great piece to bring into your Autumnal wardrobe. As they come up to your ankle bone, they do need a little consideration when being styled.

One casual option can be matching them with looser-fitted jeans that are cropped or rolled up to show off up to about an inch above the top of the boot. Check out my blog for 7 ways to style your cropped jeans, here.

You can also wear them with a midi or mini skirt with tights, and as the days get cooler, even with a pair of thick socks peeking out of the top of the boot too.

Knee-high boots: Match with dresses, skinny jeans, and maxi skirts

There's something so elegant about a pair of knee-high leather or suede boots with a small platform heel!

While you can go quite nineties with the styles on offer, it's best to pick leather or suede if you prefer a more professional look.

Matching your boots with a maxi skirt will keep you warm without having to fight with tights while wearing a dress with a slit can mean you can show off your boots without getting too cold.

Another way to wear and show off your boots is by wearing them over your skinny jeans, or with a mini skirt, depending on the event.

There are some great options available for those of us with larger calves, and do opt for a boot with a zip so you can more easily put your boots on.            

Trainers: Casual chic looks with flares and wide-legged trousers

Workwear no longer has to include stilettos (as I shared in this blog) and this means you actually can wear trainers to work! There are some great options nowadays for us to pick up a pair of comfy yet professional trainers that work for all occasions.

Match your trainers with a pair of trending flares, or if you want to mix and match professional with sport-luxe, why not try with your trouser suit?  I would recommend looking for a pair of high quality trainers in a neutral tone, or go quirky with one of the colourful suede options now available to add a touch of personality at your feet.

Seasons change, and maximising your outfits and wardrobe items you already have is so important. If you’re finding it difficult to discover the seasonal outfits that work for you and bring you confidence, I can help with my Style Masterclass, or Personal Shopping experiences.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: TOP SHOES TO WEAR AT THE OFFICE (that aren't high heels)

Let’s admit it, wearing high heels to and from the office, as well as in the office all day, aren’t the most comfortable option to have all day! While they are beautiful, are there other options that are appropriate for the office, while keeping our feet comfortable?

I actually have a close connection that works in Clarks, and I have had the privilege of getting to know more about how our feet and posture works. While you may think that completely flat shoes are the best option, they can actually also cause back and knee pain, as well as discomfort in our feet. So having some sort of insert to give our instep support, or a small heel, are the best options for our posture, particularly if we’re running around all day.

As a stylist, I have seen more and more people ask me about the appropriate footwear for their outfits, in particular, what footwear can work for the office, other than the go-to of stilettos. Gone are the days when offices expect stilettos or nothing, but this may feel alien to you! So, here’s my guide to help you discover the top shoes to wear to the office, that are professional, yet aren’t painful.

Wedges & platforms

Wedges and platforms are the most comfortable options for our feet, if we still want that added height, but without the discomfort of stilettos. 

Wedges are a great option for the workplace as they can come in a huge range of professional-looking varieties. 

They can sometimes come in a more "beach" appropriate style with their woven heels, so make sure to look for styles that feel more office ready. Consider suede or leather, rather than espadrille styles. 

For a platform, you can find some beautiful work-appropriate platforms from designer sneakers by Stella McCartney, to a pair of navy lace-ups.

Pumps with a kitten or block heel 

If you just love the shape of your classic pointed-toe stilettos, but want to have a smaller heel, look for pumps with a kitten heel. 

While this pointed heel is the least comfortable of my selections, you will still get a little elevation, and the pointed toe look, without going over the 2-inches! 

A classic nude or black pointed pump can be perfectly paired with your wide-leg work trousers or a pencil skirt for a full-on classic office look. 

If the kitten heel is not quite right for your comfort levels, you can find many pumps with the pointed toe that offer a block heel, for a touch of comfort, with classic styling.

Loafers with a small heel

Loafers have long been a business professional shoe, but mostly with a masculine wearer in mind. However, designers are now offering this beautiful style to the smaller, feminine foot! 

With the added comfort of being slip-on, they can work beautifully for a professional that is on the go. You can slip a pair of small-heeled loafers with your cropped trousers and a blouse for a very classical look.

For a more modern touch, try a pair of backless loafers with a chunky heel, and a pair of leather trousers, to make the trousers look more business-appropriate. 

Depending on your office, or your business personality, you could even try a pair of metallic or patterned loafers for a touch of creativity and drama for your look.

Platform Sneakers

Depending on the office you work in, or if you run your own business, you may want to consider the most comfortable of them all – sneakers!

Platform sneakers are all the rage, and offer a bit of height, while catering for the comfort of your feet. I love the new styles and designs that have come around over the last few years for those of us who want to look professional, yet stay comfortable when it comes to platform trainers. Even the likes of Stella McCartney has launched her iconic metallic platform sneakers that are exquisite, and definitely steer clear of the gym shoe!

If metallic with embellishment is a little too out there, you can find simple white or black platform trainers to pair with your wide leg work trousers, or smart jeans and a blazer. Grab an iced coffee, and your over the shoulder bag with your laptop and you’ll look like you just came off the catwalk.

So, do you think you’ll be walking away with a pair of comfortable office shoes this year? If you’re not sure where to start, I offer a personal shopping experience, so you have me by your side advising and recommending options to you for your needs.