PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: 5 MUST HAVE PIECES FOR FALL/WINTER

Autumn has to be my favourite season, I am sure for many that may seem surprising as I often am seen wearing dresses and high heels! However, layering a favourite blazer or jacket over the top of my dresses means I can transform a look even more easily, and not overheat!

For many of us, a year of staying indoors as the leaves change means there are hopefully exciting events in the calendar for this autumn. So whether or not you’re heading to meetings, attending evening dos, or a brunch with friends, you’ll want to add these 5 must have pieces into your wardrobe to play with as the weather changes.

A cosy sweater

Now is the time to break out your favourite cosy sweater! A sustainable woollen jumper that is effortless can be paired with your favourite jeans or be tucked into a midi dress for a more formal look. For even more comfort, try an oversized v-neck jumper/cardigan that has large buttons and the current trend of the year – puff sleeves. I love wearing something like this with a leather pair of trousers, or even over one my favourite summer dresses to continue wearing them into the cooler months.

Bring a blazer

If you know me, you know a blazer is an item I believe should be in every person’s wardrobe, with at least one formal/plain option, and a more colourful or patterned option (here’s my full article on styling blazers). They are the perfect option for making an outfit transform quickly into a more formal look, while adding that extra layer for the cooler nights. For a classical look, you can’t go wrong with the fabulous range of colours of tweed blazers by MIA GIACCA while if you’re looking for a blazer that is more contemporary, then this blazer will work beautifully across colour palettes thanks to its neutral base.

 A great pair of (combat) boots

Now, if you’re feeling personality-filled and want to show off your rocker-aesthetic then combat boots are a great addition for your shoe collection no matter the time of year, but particularly for autumn/winter! If you want to see a few fantastic ways to style your combat boots, and some inspiration on styles, then go to this article where I share 7 ways to style combat boots. However, if they’re just a little out of your comfort zone or your personal style, then there are other options!

For example, a beautiful knee length boot, like these, work fantastically at keeping your legs warm if you prefer not to wear tights with your skirts or dresses, while these simple ankle-high zip up boots are a classic go-to for wearing with your jeans, trousers, or skirts.

A wool blend or trench coat

Why is it that the camel or trench coats make an outfit look so…effortlessly chic? Well, if you’re wanting to exude French-classical style then you should add a trench coat to your wardrobe. It’s perfectly light for just adding a simple layer in case of rain, without feeling too warm, and now comes in a variety of colours, such as navy or mint green,  if the classic nude isn’t your style!

For a little more weight to your classic coat, a wool blend overcoat is great. I love the option of a wool coat being in a neutral tone, as this can mean you can play with a range of colours beneath, particularly when the coat is unbuttoned (or has no buttons!).  Whatever you choose, a coat will be a key part of your wardrobe for, when you care for it well, many years to come, so try it on if you feel comfortable to do so in a store, and invest in a piece that will feel joyous to wear.

Get your layering basics sorted!

Finally, my biggest tip for dressing for autumn/winter is having the basics ready to rock. We often forget how important these layers can be, particularly if we are outside for some time with friends and start to feel a chill of the British evenings. I highly recommend adding a few basics like a minimal turtleneck that you can wear under shirts, blouses, and even dresses; as well as comfortable tights in a black, and a skintone, so you can keep your knees warm!

For me, I’ll be bringing out my basics, popping on my favourite jewellery over that perfect turtleneck I’m wearing under my dress, and popping on some combat boots for a little rocker edge! What are your essentials for wearing during the cooler month?

If you feel a little overwhelmed by the changing seasons and would like some help in organising your wardrobe to reflect your style & needs, please get in touch as I now offer online personal shopping experiences for my national clients!

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: STYLISH KNITWEAR YOU MUST TRY THIS WINTER

Gone are the days when Autumn/Winter means bulky, unfashionable garments that you have to pile on to keep warm. Fashionable knitwear is obtainable now for our wardrobes, and there are some fantastic options available depending on your personal style preferences.

If you haven’t yet discovered your own personal style, you can check out my previous blog which shares a whistlestop tour of the different types.

Knitwear for Natural Style personalities

Comfortable, neutral tones, that are easy to care for and throw on are your go-to preferences. A beige, funnel neck jumper from Sweaty Betty is an easy to put on item. Wear with a pair of comfy trousers, or leggings, with your favourite sneakers or boots and you’re ready to go.

A slightly more elegant option for a special occasion, could be this knotted round neck jumper. Pair with a pair of straight leg jeans, or pleather leggings and a pair of wedges.

For an everyday item, this Uniqlo crew neck sweater is an every day classic you can include in your wardrobe.

For a full outfit that is warm and cosy, you can look for a knitted dress in your go-to neutral tones. This FCUK high neck midi dress is super easy to throw on, and can work with leather knee-high boots, sneakers, or even heels (which I know you only wear on very very special occasions!). If you have a larger bust, a roll neck may not be suited to your body shape, so look for a wrap dress that feels comfortable and cosy.

Knitwear for Classic Style Personalities

As a classic style, you want to feel elegant, pulled together, and more formal. With knitwear this can be tricky, as often they come in a bulkier form. So, you need to look for garments made with more elegant fabrics such as cashmere, velvet, or high quality wool.

Much like naturals, you want to have a more neutral wardrobe, but you do use some colour such as navy, peach, or pinks, depending on your skintone.

This off the shoulder, cashmere piece works elegantly with a midi skirt, pencil skirt, flares, or even wide legged trousers. The styling of the neckline works beautifully on triangle shapes so as to bring some broadness to the shoulders. It would work beautifully with a pair of bootcut jeans for a casual look, or with a pair of tailored trousers and court shoes. While this pearl-embellished neckline knit jumper has an elegant, yet comfortable feel.

This belted cable knit cardigan is also a good piece for every day, while remaining elegant enough to feel more dressed up than a casual sweater. Pair it with a pair of camel wide legged trousers and neutral heels for an every day go-to look, or with a silk midi skirt and knee high boots.

This 2 in 1 midi dress is great for any season, as it pairs a turtle neck jumper with a midi dress that has an approachable slit in the side. With a pair of leather boots, or heels this will be a complete look that you can quickly put together, while remaining elegant.

While this tied waist knitted skirt in cream, will pair elegantly with a blouse and heels, or a turtle neck and boots for the winter.

Knitwear for Romantic Style Personalities

You love to get dressed up when you are a Romantic style personality! Knitwear may feel unapproachable for you. However, looking for knits that have extra pieces such as pearls, fringing, or patterns will help you stay warm and confident!

This cashmere cardigan with sequins is perfect for the festive season! Adding some sparkle, shine, and warmth makes this cardigan a great option for Christmas festivities. While it is in a deeper colour, the charcoal can work well with a bright dress or skirt underneath to bring some colour to the look.

This pink, ribbed, button knit dress is another excellent option for colour pop and warmth. The slightly puffed sleeves will be an added bonus for the look, and pairs well with a pair of boots, a crossover body bag, and your favourite coat.

For a sexier look, this bodysuit is, in fact, a knitted garment so adds that extra warmth you need in winter, without giving up on the body shape you’re looking to show off! Great for hourglass, pear, or inverted triangles, the corset shape pulls you in at the waist and can work well with a variety of bottoms. Whether it’s a midi or mini skirt, a pair of high rise jeans, or a pair of tailored trousers, this can work well across the board of occasions. Pop on your favourite blazer, or a sequinned jacket, and you’re ready for a night on the town!

Knitwear for Creative & Dramatic Style Personalities

Creative and Dramatic style personalities can feel difficult to differentiate, but it is in fact all about how you make the look. Creatives and Dramatics love bold, statements with their looks but Dramatic personalities tend to mix up patterns and shapes, adding details and accessories to create a statement look, while creatives prefer to create looks that follow a little more structure.

These style personalities loves picking from current and past trends. Consider finding your knitwear from high street, luxury, and vintage stores to satisfy your creative needs.

This quirky cloud patterned jumper brings a little artistic flair to your look. With a pair of vintage flares, sneakers, and trench coat, you’ll feel right at home in this piece.

This jacquard knit mock-knit short sleeved top in gorgeous bright yellow and orange, or purple and lilac, is spun from a featherweight Italian yarn that is wrinkle-resistant. Pop on a knitted skirt, or over a pair of mom jeans, with a pair of combat boots and it’s a great everyday look for a dramatic personality. The way this has been styled below is a perfect example of how a dramatic would create a look – mixing two diverse patterns together in one look.

This quirky wool blend jumper by Ralph Lauren is just the ticket to add that touch of drama to any look. With the unique polo bear to the front, it can work over a shirt, blouse, or maxi dress depending on your needs for the day! Pop on a pair of colourful combat boots, a beret, and your favourite jewellery and you’re ready to rock. 

To fulfil your creativity for an evening look that combines edgy with sexy, this cut out top in charcoal works perfectly with a silk midi skirt, stilettos, and statement jewellery. This feather trimmed cable knit jumper is another fantastic option that combines some edgy styling, with a unique shape. Available in emerald or pink, it can work for a variety of skintones. You could bring this look together with a pair of leather trousers, or over a summer dress to enable you to continue to use your summer looks throughout the colder months.

As you can see, knitwear is not drab! When you know the styling that works for you, you can easily find and create looks that bring confidence to your day. If you know you need a style refresh, but can’t easily fit it into your schedule, my personal style masterclass is the perfect first step. 

In less than three hours, I’ll help you understand what shapes, colours and cuts work best for you, and share advice and inspiration on how to shop and dress with confidence. Click here to find out more, or call me to discuss the best personal styling experiences for your needs.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: TOP WAYS TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR WINTER OUTFITS

We all tend to wear darker colours in winter, and it is true that in fashion it can be tricky to find bright colours during the winter months, but wearing our colours is something that we should always do, so how to do that?

Whether you are looking to embrace colour in new ways into your wardrobe, or are a colour-lover and want some on-trend colours to add to your collection, this article will help bring some fun & colour to the grey months of winter!

Colour trends for 2021

While I don’t condone following trends flippantly, when it comes to finding the colours that may inspire you to add some new options to your winter wardrobe that will bring fun & personality to your day to day outfits, discovering new colours through the trends we see can be a good way to get started! Here are a few of my favourite colour trends for Autumn/Winter 2021 to try!

Yellows for Winter

One of the brightest and most fun-filled colours, yellow, was a big hit on catwalks for Moschino, Marc Jacobs, and even Dior were showcasing this fun colour on their Fall/Winter 2021 shows.

Yellow can be a tricky colour to work with depending on your season (the colour group you fall into depending on your skin tone), so look out for the yellows that work for you. From sherbet yellow shoes, to designer bright yellow suits, you’ll be dancing as if you were basking in sunshine in this colour!

Pink hues to try out

Pink is a great colour (for those who like it) and it really is a fun, upbeat colour with a huge range of different shades and tones – whether it’s an incredible shocking pink dress or baby pink bags – add this quirky fun colour to your winter wardrobe to feel a touch of brightness.

Jewel Tones – Purples and Greens

The jewel tones of previous years continue to be on-trend this Autumn/Winter and have packed the runways. These are accessible, easy to find, and will work throughout the seasons, when you choose the right tones for your skin. You can even go all out and clash the purple and green colours together to create a statement look. Try bringing a satin green skirt into your wardrobe, or a deep purple knitted jumper into your wardrobe to add the jewels to your outfit!

If you’d like to know which colours work for you, so you can try trends that will feel great, find out more about my Colour Analysis Services (available in person and online).

Start small – adding colour through accessories & jewellery

One of the most impactful parts of our wardrobes, that are often not invested in, are the accessories! You can transform an outfit with just a belt or a pair of shoes, you can elevate your brunch outfit ready for a date with just the addition of jewellery, and when it comes to adding colours these can be the quickest and most effective way to do it, particularly if you are new to colour.

Another great thing about using jewellery and accessories to add colour is that they are often work-appropriate no matter the office requirements.

Here are a few of my favourite colourful accessories and jewellery to add to your winter wardrobe to perk up your outfits and mindset, in a flash:

• Colourful earrings – earrings are a great start to adding colour, whether you’re just adding a little dash of colour through some colourful studs; some small hoops are a slightly greater option; or going all out with statement earrings, these can easily be added or taken away from an outfit.

• Statement bags – I am a lover of showing personality through my bags, and you really can have the whole spectrum of these excellent (and useful) accessories! Finding a colourful crossover body bag is a great option for day to day or running around, whereas if you go to the office regularly and are in the market for a new larger option with bags(!) of personality, why not get a colourful one?

• Upgrade your rings – yes, rings really are a way to add the finishing touches to your outfit and why not make them colourful and quirky? They can be anything from finding a colourful gemstone such as sapphire or emerald, or even full rainbow; to more original ideas that really make a statement! Just like all of these accessories, they are easy to take off if the occasion doesn’t call for them, so you can show off your personality as and when appropriate.

These are just a few of my favourite ways to help my clients dip their toes into adding colour to their outfits, and I hope they have inspired you to just get started by adding accessories or jewellery with a touch of colour this winter, however, now you’ve started on the colour train, let’s try out a few other ways!

Next Steps to Colour in Your Wardrobe – Your Coats!

Next steps to your colour freedom without feeling overwhelmed is with your coat. You can pop on a big blast of colour which, yes, may feel like a lot of colour at first, but the good news? You can keep it unbuttoned to show neutral tones underneath, and take it off when you arrive at your destination. What I love about adding colour with a coat or jacket is it is a statement – you will showcase your personality in a flash, but there is the ease of being able to take it off and be ready for meetings should you feel you have to stay in classic colours.

Consider light blues which work well with navy tones (and work into the monochrome trend, really well!), as a gentle start into colourful coat options; or you can try out a pink (also available in purple, and blue!) option to embrace the 2021 Winter trend! While if you love the autumnal colours and want to bring them into your wardrobe, you can try out a bright orange coat which really is a statement piece.

Consider the shapes of your coats and jackets, as well as the colours, as they play a huge part in the confidence we will feel when wearing them.

A little jump into colour - Knitwear

Now that the weather is so much colder, you may be considering investing in new knitwear and snuggly items to keep you warm, and if you are looking at the classic darker tones, greys, and deep browns, I would love to challenge you to find just one (or two) colourful knitwear items to play up your outfits.

This can feel like a big step, that’s why it’s my next step in my colour transformation for you – as it is shown in a much bigger block, but it can easily be removed, covered by a coat or jacket, and played down with neutrals, navy, and black on the bottom half and in your shirts or blouses so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming.

Play with the colours within your season as a part of your colour analysis, and if you haven’t got one of these handy go-tos for colour, put the colour next to your face and see how you feel about it alongside your skintone – while this isn’t the fool proof way to know your colours, it’s a good starting point to feeling your most confident in the colours you choose. Start with items that are going to be pieces you may take off when you get to work or meetings, or perhaps are your seeing friends outfit additions, so you can dip your toes into colour without feeling completely overwhelmed by it. Things like cardigans, cropped jumpers, or v-neck jumpers that have just the colour around the neckline, can be a good start.

These are just a few ways to add colour to your winter wardrobe if you are feeling unsure about adding colour through your traditional items of your outfit, such as trousers, shirts, and so on. I hope this has inspired you to add a spark of colour to your wardrobe, and if you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed about where to start, please get in touch about my colour analysis or personal styling services.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - 5 WAYS TO LOOK GREAT WHILE STAYING WARM THIS WINTER

One big struggle for many of my clients is knitwear and layering: it's easy to dress up in summer, with a dress and a jacket to feel sexy, cool, and confident. But in winter, when it's cold and you need to wear layers, it gets a little difficult.

A blazer or leather jacket is not something easy to wear under a coat, while a cosy jumper could be much better, but it may feel a little too casual to wear in the evening or to the office.

We need to stay warm, but feel confident and professional, so I wanted to share the different kinds of knitwear that are on trend this winter, how to layer with confidence, and how to stay professional while keeping warm!

Add extra layers under your office wear

Thinner layers that can go under your garments are an essential at this time of year and they won’t make you feel bulky. When you look for thin layering items think of warm fabrics such as cashmere, bamboo, or wool, that can keep you snuggly but without additional thickness to go under items. 

 
One of my favourite ways to style a thin layer is with a cashmere rollneck top under a dress. This helps me continue to wear my colourful seasonal items throughout the colder months. 

You can also do this with round neck or polo neck base layers under your shirts as a way to add colour, definition, and most-importantly, warmth!

Belt it up or tuck it in!

A belt can completely transform your look! When you are wearing lots of layers, you'll want to bring in your waist, so adding definition through using a belt is a great option here. One option is to add a belt over your midi-skirt and warm jumper combination; or a dress that you're wearing over your basic turtleneck, with a gorgeous belt at the waist.

If you prefer a cleaner line, you can tuck in your garments - if you're wearing separates. This works beautifully with your blouse and work trousers, or a midi skirt and a large jumper; or even with your high-waisted jeans. 

Make the investment

Your knitwear and outer wear should last you several years, particularly if you take care of it, so investing in pieces that you love will mean you can continue to wear them. 

If now is the time to get a few new key pieces, then investing in one that will work with your style throughout the years is important. If you live in the UK, then you will always have some handy jumpers or long-sleeved tops required throughout the year, so why not have pieces that you really love wearing?  

I recommend having a large comfortable jumper, a classic cardigan, as well as a few thinner jumpers for during the day when you’re running around in the office or commuting, so you’re not overheating!

Consider the accessories

Something that always elevates a look is the accessories – we have already seen how a belt can transform your look, but when you elevate your winter wear with jewellery and colourful scarves you can go from feeling sofa-ready, to office ready in a flash.

Have on hand a few key pieces that can work with your layers. For example, layered necklaces go really well over the top of tight rollneck jumpers, you can add a few rings and a chunky bracelet, or pop on some tights with a gorgeous pattern to add a touch of flair when you put on your work dress or skirt.

Add colour & pattern!

It may be winter and feeling grey outside, but this doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to feel this way. One of the biggest ways to cheer ourselves up, and make our outfits feel put together and personality-filled is by adding colour or pattern to the look.

Something you can start with it a colourful accessory like a scarf, or with your shoes or bag – little sparks of colour are a good way to start. These pieces can also then be used throughout the seasons, too!

If you want to level up the look, you can try out the on-trend style of a monochromatic look in one colour or shades of the same colour with your whole look. This is something that can work really beautifully, and feel pulled together, but can be a big step if you’re one to steer clear of colour in the day to day. If a bright colour like pink or green is a little too much (or not in your colour season!) then start with nudes, browns, or autumnal colours like burnt orange.

 I hope these top tips for feeling confident & warm this winter inspire you to try out some new fun ways to boost your winter wardrobe. If you’d like support in creating a wardrobe you love that boosts your confidence, I would love to help – I offer personal styling services as well as my personal shopping service that curates outfits & styles that you will love.