HOW TO LOOK PROFESSIONAL IN 5 MINUTES - DRESSING FOR THE SCHOOL RUN AS A WORKING MUM

When you’re juggling work, parenthood, school runs, and meetings, you want to be able to quickly and confidently create outfits that work for all of the hats you wear.

For many of us, the way we dress for work may have changed since the pandemic, but this doesn’t mean we are going to work in the comfy yoga pants we wish we could do the school run in (unless we are perhaps working from home!).

For my clients who are parents, like myself, the additional requirement to quickly and effectively get dressed before all of the additional morning tasks like breakfast, packing bags, and helping our children get out the door, is just another reason we want to get dressed in a flash.

If you feel the same, then I hope this article will help you with some advice on how to get dressed quickly for your morning, while remaining professional and ready for work.

Preparation is key!

Preparation really is the key to success when it comes to making your morning routines more enjoyable, and the same goes for when you are dressing. If you can prepare your outfit for the next day the night before, then this will drastically reduce your thinking time in the morning.

When the kids have gone to bed, and just before you tuck yourself in, take 10 minutes to create your outfit for the next day. You could go as far as putting your full outfit on the back of the bathroom door, or on a hanger together in your wardrobe. Putting it on the bathroom door can actually help by taking away any wrinkles by the steam of the morning showers!

I often create the full outfit on a hanger together with the accessories I want to wear such as a belt, head scarf, and jewellery, so I can quickly grab and go. By doing this it drastically reduces my morning stresses of trying to make an outfit that works for my day ahead, while also juggling all of the other morning requirements.

Utilise apps to save you time

When you know what you like, it can save you time buying new items and creating outfits. The beauty of tools like Pinterest and Moonsift is that they can quickly be accessed and remind you of the looks you liked and felt suited your style. On days when you are in a rush and can’t decide what to wear, you can head to the previously saved outfits & looks to inspire you in a flash.

There are also apps that you can spend a little time on at the beginning, but that will save you time that you can upload your wardrobe items to, and create outfits from them. Just like the iconic wardrobe scene in “Clueless” technology has now let us have our very own Cher moment and swipe through our items in our wardrobe to mix and match without getting sweaty.

Consider a capsule wardrobe

The most important thing, I find, when wanting to feel my best but save myself time is knowing that the items in my wardrobe can be pulled together and work together with minimal thinking. I know, as a personal stylist, I have the added benefit of training in this area, but there are some top tips to help you get there, alongside meeting with a professional who can help you do this.

A capsule wardrobe is something that can truly transform your dressing experience. A capsule wardrobe is unique for everyone, it neds to reflect your needs, your personal style, and your seasonal colours, but ultimately it will be a space that has outfits and pieces that work succinctly together. If your morning is spent worrying how you can create an outfit that works for you from everything in your wardrobe, that is an additional stress that you don’t need. I created a blog on how to create a capsule wardrobe, that explains what it is, and how to create your own. It could be a really great option for you to save you time as a working parent, to make your morning routine a little more enjoyable.

Comfort vs Workwear

While we want to remain as professional as we need to be when going to the office or meetings, we also need to be able to do the running around in comfort. This is where the requirements of comfort vs workwear can become a little tricky.

Depending on where you work you may have some wiggle room in terms of the attire you need to wear to be appropriate. For example, you could wear platforms, high quality sneakers, or flats to work, if these are appropriate. These will make a huge difference to your comfort levels when you are walking or driving the kids to school.

If the shoes need to be heeled, you could take a bag with you with those change of shoes in, and wear ballet flats or sneakers while doing the school run.

Another thing to consider is the comfort level of the bottoms. A pencil skirt or dress can be quite restrictive, while wide legged trousers or a silk midi skirt enable more room to walk and move, while still remaining professional. Paired with an elegant blouse, shirt, blazer, or high quality jumper will mean you feel comfortable while also looking professional.

Fabric choices

As we head into the warmer weather, fabric choices are essential to keeping yourself cool while doing the school run. You won’t want to wear restrictive fabrics that prevent you from being able to carry your children if they need to be, or strapping your children in safely into their booster seats. Linens, silks, and cottons are great for the warmer weather and suited to the office.

You will also want to look for darker hues in case of the (inevitable) spill of juice or cereal as you head out of the door!

If you want to change how you feel about your professional and personal styling, and make each morning more joyous and time-saving, my services might be the perfect solution for you! Explore how I can help you HERE or get in touch with me to learn more.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DRESS STYLE

It’s spring here in the northern hemisphere, and with that, comes spring wear. For many, that can mean bringing dresses out from their wardrobes and putting away their thick jumpers.

If you want to bring more dresses to your wardrobe, but are unsure which styles will be best for your body shape, personal style, and requirements, then now is a great time to play with the options available. I have shared a guide below to help you choose your dress style, with some top tips to elevate your look & confidence.

What patterns & colours to choose for your dress:

Patterns and colours are a great place to start when selecting any garment, but in particular a dress. As a dress can usually be most of the outfit (unless you are covering it with something like a jumper or a t-shirt) the pattern tends to be all over. This means it can be a little overwhelming for those who are in the more natural or classical style personality – you can read more about the different personalities and find out which one you are in my blog, here.

If you do fall into the more pattern-averse personality, then I recommend a neutral colour to start with, and a simple pattern such as florals, small polka dots, or one with a minimal pattern repeat. Another option is look for a dress that has more than one pattern on it to break up the look, if you wish. If patterns are too much for you, then select a colour that is within your colour palette, and you can pair with neutrals from your season with your accessories.

If you are more dramatic or creative personal style, then you can look for more abstract or outstanding patterns that work within your colours. There are some fantastic patterns to look for with dresses on the high street, and let your creativity run wild! A patterned dress can also work well with a pattern clashing jacket or shoes, which will continue to showcase your style preferences. You could even pattern and colour clash with your accessories like your bag and shoes.

What dress shapes to look for

The shape of a dress can accentuate certain parts of your body, so depending on where you love to accentuate, you can look for a particular style. Often, I recommend styles based on body shape, as these can be the best options to highlight your shape, and these are general guides, but when you find a dress shape you feel your most confident in, I recommend trying out different lengths and colours to build your dress wardrobe!

With that in mind, here are some of the styles and body shapes they can look best on, to help you get started.

Pear shape (or Triangle) – Separates and Wrap dresses

Pear shapes are those with smaller shoulders compared to your hips. You go in at the waist but have wider thighs. This is why dresses that showcase your waist and glide over your hips can make you feel more confident.

Separates dresses come with a waist cut that will help highlight the waist (which is usually defined in this body type). I’d recommend looking for one that has a gentle flare that starts at the waist. I’d also recommend either looking for an all over print, or one that has no print on the bottom. A square neckline or sweetheart neckline can also bring the eyes upwards and showcase your waist and chest (if you wish). On the contrary, details on the top (such as frills, flounces, off shoulders) will help you accentuate the shoulders.

Wrap dresses work in a similar way, but focus even more on accentuating your waist. Look for a wrap dress that is patterned all over or in one colour, and with the additional v-neck shape, they are a great option for those who want to showcase their chest.

Hourglass - bodycon and belted dresses

An hourglass shape are those who go in at the waist and have similar shoulder and hip ratios. Most dresses that go in at the waist are best for this body type, in particular bodycon and belted. You want to highlight your smaller waist in any way, and using a belt can do this too.

With a bodycon dress, you will be highlighting your whole body, its curves and balanced proportions.

With a belted dress, depending on the length of your torso, you’ll want to look for a specific size of belt. Some of us have longer and some have shorter waists. But in general a slimmer belt can be a great option just to bring you in at your smallest point. Another option is to find a dress with a belt in the same fabric as the dress, so it highlights your waist but doesn’t detract from the style.

Apple or Oval - Empire & tunic

Apple shapes have broader shoulders than their hips, with a larger bust and waist compared to their, generally, slimmer legs. This means you’ll want to highlight your legs, and potentially have a dress shape where the waist is higher up, or glides over your waist.

Empire style dresses have a high up waistline, usually just under the bust. This is great for your shape as it will highlight your bust line, and then go out below the empire line. If you want to feel a little sexy in this style of dress, look for an empire dress that has a shorter hemline, or truly showcase your bust with a square necked style.

Tunic style dresses are great for the summer months and for a more relaxed style. They are currently very popular, and were also very popular in the 60’s – think Twiggy!

Rectangle – straight lines & shift

Rectangle shapes tend to have a minimally defined waistline, and are more athletic in their shape. This means the best looks can either work to create the illusion of a more defined waist or look for a dress that falls straight from the shoulders down.

Straight dresses are great for rectangle body types as they keep the details minimal at the waist, and they're also very versatile, so depending on the hem length, you can wear them for anything from work to dates.

Shift dresses can be a more comfortable style for you to wear, with it having less of a shape it can be a good option for running around, comfort, and feeling confident!

Inverted triangle shape – shift or a-line

Inverted triangle shapes are those who have broader shoulders than their hips. This means the best shapes are those that add volume to the lower half to balance out lines of the body.

A shift dress is a great option if you are an inverted triangle shape and want a comfortable, easy to wear dress. If you can find one with a defined or ruffled hem line, this is also a great solution!

Alternatively, an a-line dress with volume at the bottom will be a lovely dress for this time of year, and if you prefer a longer hemline this will be a great solution if you look for a midi or maxi dress. Patterns on the lower part of the dress, as well as ruffles can be another way to add definition to your lower body.

There are a lot of options out there, as you can see, when it comes to dresses. I hope this guide has helped inspire you to add a few new styles to your wardrobe to enjoy during the warmer months! If you are unsure which styles and colours work for you, and you want to boost your confidence every day with tools and insights that work for you and your personality, I’d love to help. I can support you with a Colour and Style Clinic where we’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.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIP: WHAT IS A CAPSULE STYLE WARDROBE AND HOW TO CREATE YOURS

You may have heard of a capsule wardrobe and wondered what does it actually mean, and how to create your own?!

Capsule wardrobes are a great option for saving time, stress, and money in getting dressed on your day to day life (while looking your best, obviously!)

While some may say you have to stick to certain numbers of particular garments, I believe that our capsule wardrobes should be as unique as we are, reflecting our own personality and lifestyle.

For some, you may need several trousers but minimal dresses, and vice versa, depending on your personal style, preferences, and needs as a professional, mum, business owner, or all of the above!

What is a capsule wardrobe?

Starting with the basics, a capsule wardrobe in essence, is a wardrobe that has your requirements for your day to day life, as well as a few key items that can be worn in multiple occasions. A capsule wardrobe holds interchangeable pieces that work with one another in a complementary way so you know whatever you pick and choose will work for your day.

For my clients, I often speak with them to discover if they are someone that would have one capsule wardrobe throughout the year, or some that may have seasonal capsule wardrobes that they can rotate to keep them feeling fresh, and enable them to play with trends they love. This is particularly preferable for my clients that are dramatic or creative style personality types (you can find out more about the different personality types and which you may fit into, in my blog, here).

A capsule wardrobe should take away the morning stress of what to wear, and work with your needs, rather than against them.

Now we know what a capsule wardrobe should be for you, we can look at how to create one for yourself.

This is something that I can help you with in more detail in a colour and style clinic, so this blog is a general approach to getting yourself started with a capsule wardrobe. If you’d like to create your own with a little professional help, then feel free to speak to me.

Start with clearing out your wardrobe

My first piece of advice for getting started on a capsule wardrobe would be to go through your own wardrobe now and clear out items that don’t align with your personal style, don’t fit you, or don’t work with any others in your closet.

If there are pieces in your wardrobe that you love, but you just can’t make more than one outfit with them, you may want to either reconsider the garment, or look at investing in further pieces that can make them more useable.

Now you have a clearer view of the pieces in your wardrobe that create outfits that you love, you can look at where you may need to invest or accessorise.

Create your outfits

Creating a selection of outfits from the capsule pieces you currently have will help you mindfully create a more suitable wardrobe for your needs.

For example, if you tend to wear dresses for work, but you feel you are unable to change up the outfit with your current selection, you can look at accessories and layers that make each dress feel like it can be changed up. For example, a belt can be worn to transform the shape of the dress. You can also look at cardigans, blazers, and shoes that elevate the look and change one dress into several outfits.

If you prefer two pieces, and prefer wearing jeans and a blouse, take a look at the options you have with regards to your tops and bottoms. Do you have enough blouses to give you the variety you crave, without filling your wardrobe to capacity? Do you have a favourite pair of jeans, but perhaps would prefer to have them in a different colour? These can be questions you ask while your wardrobe is being reworked.

If you are someone that would prefer a rotating capsule wardrobe based on the seasons, as we are now in spring, you may wish to take out heavy knits and replace them with lighter layers. Cardigans, blazers, and lighter knitwear are great for this time of year.

Remember your shoes and accessories!

For many of my clients, while having the new outfits in their capsule wardrobe being more approachable and easy to create, they find the shoes are where they can get a little stuck.

I recommend making your shoes and accessories a part of your capsule wardrobe update. If you go to work and need to wear an appropriate heel, then you will want to make sure you have one or two pairs that work with this requirement. You may also want to have a pair of comfortable yet professional flats to commute in.

If your work permits, and you prefer to wear them, platform trainers or wedges can be a funky and more approachable alternative to stilettoes and heeled shoes.

If you are a business owner or professional that works from home, shoes are not as important to your work-life, but will be a requirement for your day to day and special occasions. Sandals, flats, and trainers are all great options, while the special occasion wear may only mean you have one or two special shoes for those needs.

Take a look at the outfits you have created within your capsule wardrobe and make sure there are a selection of shoes that work with your outfits, so you don’t get caught at the last moment!

Bags can also be a fantastic way to add a dash of personality and function to your outfit, particularly if you need to take a lot of things with you as you head out. As a mum, I know I have a “mum bag” which can carry all the snacks and essentials, while my business-owner bag is a little smaller and colourful.

Understand your needs

As I have said, each capsule wardrobe is unique to the person who needs it. Your capsule wardrobe may be completely different to your colleague’s, and again different to your best friend’s. Each person has a different set of needs to get from their clothes, so while you may get inspiration for “the perfect capsule wardrobe” from the internet, it is best to really think about your needs.

Before you eradicate all of your garments from your collection, make sure you have the pieces you need to create the outfits you feel great in. Your wardrobe can be a reflection of you – so let it be just that. If a capsule wardrobe for one person is a collection of 20 pieces, yours may be 40, or even 50. A number is not what you need to aim for, a wardrobe that works for you each day is the goal of a capsule wardrobe.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A COLOUR ANALYSIS?

Have you ever seen someone and thought they look particularly radiant and stunning?

Well, that could be because of the colours they are wearing!

Indeed, the colours we wear through an outfit, whether it is clothing and accessories, make-up and jewellery, have the power to either enhance or drain your appearance, it all depends if we wear colours that complement our features or not.

And the truth is, we all want to look our best, no matter whether we’re popping to brunch with friends, heading to a meeting, or sitting for a virtual interview. And this is where colours can come to play.

I love seeing the quick transformation the right colours can make for my clients. While, of course, I would say that, as a personal stylist that specialises in colours, I’d love to challenge you to pick up some colours in your wardrobe and really look at what they do for your skin tone.

Do they make your complexion bright? Perhaps they make your eyes pop and your skin look healthier somehow? Or do they somehow make you look pale, or even accentuate wrinkles and dark circles? (which, of course, we don’t want!).

This is the power of knowing the right colours for you!  And a Colour Analysis (or as we call them at One of a Style a Colour Clinic) can help you find the right palette of colours that will make you feel and look your best, every day.

What are the benefits of a colour analysis?

Make shopping easier

After a Colour Clinic with us, you will be given a pack of your own hand-picked colours in a wallet that you can just pop in your handbag.

This selection of colours will be your go-to reference that you can quickly pick out from the racks every time you go shopping. This way, you’ll be able to confidently pick out your colours, saving you time and money.

Know the colours that go together

Not only will you now be able to shop more effectively, you will also be able to mix and match colours that work together! Your palette will have your neutrals as well as the standout colours within your selection. This will help you more effectively put together outfits that work, rather than wondering if certain colours will pair well.

With the neutrals you will be able to bring in one other colour from your palette and know it will complement the base colour within your outfit.

Not only clothes

Within our Colour Clinic, we provide also advice on how to “wear” your best colour through make-up, hair, jewellery and accessories, as clothing is not the only way to wear colours, besides many of our clients admit that they feel confident with wearing black or neutrals (and confidence, for us, is what personal styling is about!). This additional element of our Colour Clinics have been created so you can walk away knowing which shades to select in every aspect of your personal style.

When you walk away from one of our Colour Clinic, you will have had professional and insightful support throughout your session. You will be able to confidently walk away knowing that people will wonder why you seem to shine in every outfit!

If you’d like to boost your confidence when dressing, and save yourself time, stress, and money when shopping for clothes and make-up, or when going to the hairdresser, please get in touch to arrange a Colour Clinic with us.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW CAN I ADD MORE COLOURS TO MY WARDROBE?

As spring is welcomed here in the UK, the colours are bright and abundant. This is usually the time when people yearn to add colours to their outfits. If this feels alien to you, and you are wondering where to start with colours, then I am here to help.

If you are just beginning to dip your toe into adding colours to your outfits, or haven’t yet tried to do so and are feeling overwhelmed, then here are my tips for adding colours to your wardrobe.

Play with colours that match your neutrals

If you want to make your colours feel appropriate for a look, investigate the colours that work with your neutrals. As a part of a colour clinic with us, we provide the base neutrals and complementary colours to work with them in your very own colour palette. This can be taken with you in your handbag so you can quickly pick and choose colours that go together.

If you don’t yet have one of these, here are a few of my favourite complementary colours that go with specific neutrals:

Colours that work with black:

Considered one of the most versatile neutrals, black is in fact one of the hardest colours to wear. Breaking up this basic colour with an additional colour within your colour wheel will make a huge difference to your look.

Some of my favourite colours to put with black are:

• Dusty rose

• Fuchsia

• Green

• Metals (copper, gold, silver, platinum)

• Lilac

• Red

Colours that go with navy:

Navy is a great base colour in particular for professional outfits as it isn’t as harsh as black.

Some of my favourite colours to put with navy are:

• Pink

• Red

• Orange

• Lime green

• Mustard yellow

• Gold

Colours that go with beige:

Perfect for the warmer months, beige is a light, airy colour that can be an excellent neutral in your wardrobe.

Some of my favourite colours to put put with beige are:

• Rust

• Aqua green

• Burgundy

• Olive green

• Mauve / lilac

• Pastel pinks

source: In an Elegant Fashion

Start with the extremities

There is nothing more daunting than an entire outfit full of colours. This is why for those of you who want to dip your toe into adding colours to your looks may be stepping back.

The first way to approach colours can be starting with your extremities – such as your hands, feet or head.

These smaller areas of your body can take on a little dash of colour, while the rest of your body remains neutral, permitting for that colourful flash to be more approachable.

Shoes & bags are often the best place to start as they come in so many different colourways and patterns. Shoes can be covered gently with wide-leg trousers or bootcut jeans meaning the colour peaks out.

Bags can be swapped out easily between outfits (as long as you remember to swap out your essentials!) so you can play with whatever look you feel like. Take a bold bright bag one day, and more composed look with a colourful handle the next.

Another option is to add a colourful headband, scarf or earrings, which can also quickly and easily be swapped depending on the occasion.

Break up the colours with your layers

Now you have your neutrals and your accessories set, you can look to adding additional pieces to your outfit. You can break up the colours in your outfit by wearing layers such as a blazer, a jacket, or even hosiery.

For example, if you want to bring a dash of colour to a summer dress, you can pair a neutral dress with a colourful blazer. You could also add an underlayer to your dress such as a thin long sleeved mesh top in one of your colours.

For your two-piece, why not add a colour through a slogan tee under your neutral suit? Pick out the colours from the tee and pop on a pair of shoes or a bag which has a colour that is in it.

Monochromatic looks

Just like your neutral suit feels less daunting than a bright one-off dress, you may find that monochromatic looks can be an excellent solution for adding colour to your outfits.

Picking one colour and seamlessly utilising it across your outfit can be a beautiful way to make an outfit feel approachable yet bright and inviting.

Consider a green suit, or match a pink dress with pink shoes and accessories. Picking out different levels of the colour can make it more dimensional as a look, too.

If you are looking for someone who can help you discover the perfect colours for you to add to your looks so you can shine, our colour clinics can be an excellent solution.

And if you can't meet us in person, we could help through our Online Colour & Style Clinic.

PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Let’s be honest, shopping for clothes can either make or break our day. When you have a plan, find what you need, the temperature is just right, and you feel confident within the pieces you have selected, a clothes shopping experience can be amazing.

For many of my clients, they have less of a fabulous result when they go shopping. They don’t have time for it so rush through the shopping, ending up with clothes they don’t love, don’t work with their current wardrobe, and ultimately waste money on garments they won’t wear.

For some, the feeling of overwhelm from the multitude of options can consume them. They can either rush around the stores and feel there’s “nothing for them”, or they spend hours trying to find the right pieces, but just don’t know where to go.

Finally, the most often feeling is that they just don’t know what will suit them from the shops, and feel they don’t know what to buy.

A personal shopping experience brings a specialist by your side to help you transform these downward spirals when shopping, and make them enjoyable and cost effective. Gone will be the countless pieces in your wardrobe that you never wear, but don’t have time to return!

That’s why we love helping people who feel this way with our online or face to face shopping experiences.

When you come to One of a Style for a personal shopping experience, what can you expect? Great question, here’s what we do here.

Personal Shopping – what you can expect from face to face shopping experiences

A personal shopping experience is one that we go through together, in person. The experience gives you the opportunity to have a full day or half day with one of our style experts to discover the shops, styles, and pieces that work for you.

It starts with a consultation, we get together online or in person, to find out what your wardrobe delivers, and what you may need to complement the outfits you already have and love.

Our experts will create a list of inspirational styles and will browse brands and collections beforehand, so when we get together for the shopping experience, we have clear ideas of what you need and what to look for.

We use our insights, knowledge, and experience to recommend stores that align with your personal style, your wardrobe requirements, and your shape. Because we already understand and know what is on offer across a variety of stores and budgets, we don’t have to try out loads of options, we have them in place already, and can take you to them for a new and welcome experience.

We may guide you to try a few new things, so you can step out of your comfort zone, while remaining true to your personality. We will also enable you to try on pieces, play with outfits, and have a style expert to hand to give you feedback on looks as well as how to style those garments for future looks.

You will walk away knowing that the pieces you have purchased will not only feel and look great, but they will work for you within the wardrobe you already have.

A personal shopping experience will feel like you have an expert there to hold your hand, give you new discoveries, and make shopping a more pleasurable experience. You will also be given advice and feedback for future shopping when you go out on your own, so you won’t fall back into the overwhelming and costly experience it may have been before.

Online Personal Shopping – What to Expect from an online shopping experience with One of a Style

You may think that online personal shopping would mean you miss out on that personal aspect, but we make sure that our online and face to face experiences feel as personal and engaged as one another. There are some differences, of course, as we are not there with you in person during the experience, but we are able to give a guiding hand throughout your experience.

With our Curated Online Shopping Experience, you will still get a real, accountable stylist (and no AI) working for you! We are here to make sure your shopping experience will be enjoyable, so having someone there to help you makes it all the more easier.

After an initial briefing call to discuss your goal, budget and needs, we create a bespoke lookbook just for you!

You will see different outfit ideas with links to the places to buy those exact items, so you can quickly and easily get what you see and like, with an approachable example of how to style them. No longer will an online shopping experience of urgency for one garment mean it only works for one event or outfit!

If you perhaps don’t love an exact piece, we have multiple options within your lookbook to try out, such as different colours, and patterns that still align with your outfit preferences and personal style, based on the briefing we have together.

You can go out, with the informed decisions and items that work for you thanks to these elements, and to add on that personal experience, we can organise a Zoom Fit Call, to show off your pieces once you get them, and see how they fall, and get an expert insight into the looks.

While the one-off experience can be so beneficial for you moving forwards, we understand that the trends that come into play, and the seasons come around, which may mean you need further support. This is why we offer our curated online shopping sessions in a one-off, bi-annual, or quarterly option.

Shopping should ultimately be a joyful, useful experience that makes your wardrobe more fun and useable. If shopping for clothes feels like an overwhelming experience for you, and holds you back from enjoying your wardrobe, we can help.

Whether you choose to have someone by your side in person, or via an online experience, each option provides a personal and bespoke solution to your clothes shopping experiences.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO DRESS FOR WORK IN 2023

I have had a lot of conversations with female clients who work in the city, that the way they are dressing for work has drastically changed since the pandemic. Most people now work on a hybrid format, with a mix of working from home and coming into the office.

They struggle to understand what to wear now, due to the dress code seemingly changing to a more relaxed version of what they were used to. The office wear of 2023 and beyond, seems to be incorporating more comfortable attire, and they feel that they no longer know what is suitable for the office.

As a personal stylist, I work with my clients to help them learn the ways to dress that they feel confident in, while remaining suitable for their environments. So, if you are feeling that your work wardrobe is no longer serving you, and you’re looking for ways to dress for this new hybrid way of working, then here are my top three tips for what to wear at work.

 

Tip Number 1 – Working from Home

Working from home looks tend to go more on the comfort and relaxed side, particularly on the bottom half of your outfit. You will tend to be able to walk around with less of an “office look”, but still need to look professional while jumping on and off of meetings. Your top half does still need to be more tidy and professional.

My top tips for working from home outfits:

• Add a cosy yet good quality jumper, so you can remain warm but happily jump on a virtual meeting without having to change.

• Wearing a colour from your colour palette will make a big difference, particularly when on camera, too.  Make sure it doesn’t blend into the background, so you don’t disappear!

• Add accessories such as earrings or headbands to add a little detail to your look, and finish off the professional style.

• For your bottoms, you may want to wear something a little more comfortable, such as leggings or relaxed trousers.

Tip Number 2 – Working from a Corporate Office

If you need to have a more corporate look, or have a strict dress code because you are a lawyer or you are meeting clients, a suit with a little personality is an easy go-to for this.

Top Tips for adding personality to a suit:

• While suits are excellent for corporate styling, they can feel a little restrictive. Depending on your position and company, you can add a dash of personality in a few ways:

• Wear a colourful heel or bag to your look to make your suit pop.

• Pop on a brooch to your lapel to liven up your suit jacket.

• Look for a different colour for your suit. Navy or black are no loner the only options! A deep grey, lilac, brighter blue, or even look for yellows, pinks, or greens, depending on your colours, to really jazz up your suit options.

• Change up the suit by wearing a different jacket with your black or navy bottoms, and vice versa.

Tip Number 3 – Working in the New Office

The case seems to be that most offices have now relaxed their dress codes with the changing times. This means you can have smart-casual looks, which may feel a little difficult for those who have always worn a suit to work, and now have more options!

A few ways to make a smart-casual office look:

• Wear your suit jacket with a pair of smart jeans. A deep wash is often best for this as it remains professional, but brings that touch of a more relaxed look to the outfit.

• Wear a suit with a smart t-shirt, in place of a blouse or shirt. There are lots of options for smart, high quality cotton t-shirts, that have a bit of personality, without having a slogan that may feel too casual!

• Pop on your favourite trousers or chinos, and add a comfortable high quality jumper or long sleeved cotton tee. The smarter bottom half of your look will elevate the comfort of your top half.

• Try out an alternative shoe, such as a brogue or a platform. Heels are no longer a requirement for the office, so play with more relaxed styles. For more ideas on shoes that work for the office that aren’t heels, I have shared a few of my favourites in this article.

• Play with colours that bring a touch of personality to your outfit, allowing you step out of the traditional black or navy palette.

• When it comes to working in a new way, it can feel difficult to plan your looks when you go to the office and when you stay at home. I hope some of these ideas have helped you plan your outfits for this new way to dress.

If you are a professional and you’re feeling unsure on how to dress for your new working style, I can help you make it a pleasure to dress for your work life.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Use a Personal Stylist

Personal Stylists are often thought to be just for those who are attending galas, Oscars, and red carpets. With the idea that Personal Stylists are for the rich and famous only, they actually offer support to a variety of people.

Whether you are a business owner, professional, Mum, or someone who is looking for a way to feel more confident and comfortable, a personal stylist can help you.

1. Give yourself confidence

The biggest reason to use a personal stylist is to help you feel confident each day. You deserve to feel great no matter the occasion, and sometimes fashion or outfit choices can help or hinder this feeling. So often, clients come to our Style Masterclasses or Personal Shopping Sessions because they just don’t feel confident in their outfits.

Getting to understand your shape, colours, and personal style will mean your wardrobe feels more approachable, you know what to purchase at the shops, and you confidently select the outfits you know you’ll feel great in no matter the event.

One of the biggest rewards we see when we work with people who come to us for this reason is seeing their attitude change completely. Thanks to knowing and understanding the right styles for their personality, and how to create outfits that feel great, they walk a little taller!

2. Save yourself time

Do you spend a long time in the morning trying to figure out what to wear?

Perhaps you change outfits several times before seeing friends or attending events?

This is precious time wasted that a personal stylist can help you bring back! A personal stylist will work with you to help you curate a selection of outfits that you feel great with, and have a wardrobe that you can utilise to chop and change between so it doesn’t feel like you’re repeating the same look.

A personal stylist will also save you time when you go shopping for new pieces to add to your wardrobe as you’ll know exactly what to look for. From shapes and styles, to colours and patterns that help you shine. Understanding your personal style will go even further than the colours and shapes as you’ll know the shops that create the pieces that you will love.

3. Save yourself money

Alongside the time saved when shopping and dressing, you’ll actually begin to save money when you utilise the skills that personal stylists can bring to you.

With the knowledge of your personal style and colours, you’ll stop purchasing items that just don’t get used in your wardrobe. Often people purchase garments that they love in the store, and then wonder why they just don’t feel “right” with any of their outfits – this can often be because they aren’t the right colour, fabric, or style for them.

With a wardrobe that reflects what you feel great in, you’ll want to re-wear outfits more and more, because you know you feel fabulous in them, too. This may stop you panic buying for pieces that you think you need, when you actually have all you love right there!

4. Create a wardrobe that reflects your personality

A personal stylist will be able to curate a wardrobe with you that reflects your own personal style. At One of a Style we go through a unique process to discover what style (or styles) you gravitate towards the most. With this in hand, we then work together to make outfits and get inspiration that feels truly you. With the knowledge of what styles reflect your own personality beautifully, you can then start to curate a wardrobe that feels like yours.

Rather than filling a wardrobe with the current trends, you will have a collection of pieces that will last throughout many years to come, and you’ll know when to invest and when to walk away from trends!

5. Fashion and style will feel more approachable

Some people just know how to style themselves from the start, and for others, we need a little help. If you have an accounting question, you don’t expect yourself to just know it unless you’ve done some training – the same goes for styling!

When you have an expert who has worked with you, to help train you in the best ways to dress for your own confidence, for your body, for your needs, your work life and your personal life, you’ll then have the tools at hand to make fashion more approachable and appealing.

A personal stylist is an expert that works with people who want to have outfits that bring confidence to their day. They want to stop the dreaded morning outfit change, the feeling of “nothing to wear”, or simply to celebrate a milestone and curating a wardrobe that appropriately reflects that.

Fashion and style should work for you, not against you, and a personal stylist can do this for you.

If you are spending too much money on clothes that you don’t wear, want to feel confident each day, and want to save time when dressing no matter the occasion, we can help. Our stylists understand how to make you feel your best, and utilise fashion, colours, and style to do so. Please get in touch to find out more about how we can 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: 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 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 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: HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

When it comes to showing off our personality one of the best and quickest ways we can do this is through our style. But what do we do if we are in a style rut?

For many of us, our style may change throughout the years but our core style personalities will tend to stay the same. This is because it reflects who we are as people! So, how can you discover your style personality and what can you do with fashion once you know yours?

First, we need to know the different style personalities we have!

As a personal stylist, I want to make it as easy for my clients to quickly navigate the different fashion stylings out there. With this in mind, there are generally 5 main style personality types that we tend to tap into.

Natural Style Personality

What is a Natural Style Personality?

Natural style personalities tend to want to feel comfortable in their clothes. This is the most important factor to choosing what to wear. Casual styles are their go-to option, think simplicity, comfort, and minimal patterns. Just like with a natural make-up look, natural style personalities like to keep it simple!

If you feel like comfortable, monochromatic looks are the perfect way to describe your happy place when it comes to fashion then you may fall into this style.

How to style your natural style personality

If you are a natural style personality, then you will want to look for simple lines within your outfits. Find fabrics that are easy to care for that don’t need special treatment such as dry cleaning or even ironing if possible! You want to make your outfits feel as comfortable as possible. A neutral, simple, easy to put on midi dress for the summer is a great option. Pair with simple sandals and a backpack and you’re ready to go out.

For a more casual look, you could find your favourite pair of straight leg jeans in a denim-lycra mix for a more comfortable fit, and pair with a simple white tee or camisole. Add a pair of boots, and a leather cross over bag in a neutral brown or beige for your essentials!

If you want to feel ready for the office, find a pair of neutral beige or white trousers that are lightly cropped, add a leather belt, and a pair of slip on brogues or trainers. For the top half, either a classic striped tee (which is the best pattern for you to dip your toe into) or loose blouse tucked in, with an oversized neutral blazer or denim jacket to finish the look.

Classic Style Personality

What is a Classic Style Personality?

Classic Style Personalities tend to feel their best in a more formal outfit. They like to appear well turned out, with elegance as a key factor for their outfit choices. Classic hairstyles that rarely change throughout their lives, and the same goes for their outfits. Once they have found a comfortable, classic, go-to look, they will feel a little intimidated to perhaps veer away from this.

This isn’t to say they will keep away from colours. Tones like peaches, pinks, navys and deep browns are perfect! 

How to style your classic style personality

If you feel you’re a classic style personality, then looking for fabrics like silks, linens, and wools will be a good start. You will want to make sure your outfits have a feel of elegance and perhaps professionalism with each look. While stilettos can be a go-to shoe for you, if you prefer less of a heel, court shoes or even high quality platform trainers could be an option.

Some outfit inspiration could be a pussy-bow blouse in white or cream, tucked into a pair of tailored trousers in a peach or salmon colour. Put on a pair of nude pumps or elevate the look with a pair of nude stilettos.

For a more relaxed event, keep your tailored trousers and swap out the blouse for a cashmere polo neck, or high quality silk camisole. If you prefer a skirt, swap the trousers for a midi skirt in silk or with pleats. A clutch or handbag in a neutral tone, paired with your slip on sandals can help finish the look.

Romantic Style Personality

What is a Romantic Style Personality?

A Romantic Style Personality loves dressing up. Think little details like bows, ruffles, flounces, appliques and fringes. Prints and colours are also a go-to for them. They bring this feeling of dressing up to their makeup and skin care, and will even have a favourite fragrance. They tend to spend time on their look, and will never leave the house without their make-up done!

How to style your romantic style personality

If you think you are a romantic style personality, you’ll want to find looks that help you show off your passion for dressing up! A maxi dress with colourful florals, a ruffled neckline or pleated skirt will be a great look for you. Add a bold shoe, and a handbag to finish the look which has a similar tone to your shoes to make the look feel complete.

If you prefer two pieces, look for a colourful, patterned midi-skirt in perhaps an animal print or a floral pattern. A graphic tee, with a fringed crossover body bag will make the look feel just perfect for you. A red lip that works with your colour tone, also wouldn’t go amiss.

Dramatic Style Personality

What is a Dramatic Style Personality?

Dramatic Style Personalities often buy their items on impulse. This is because they are attracted to the garment, it stands out, or makes a statement. Bright, bold colours, and graphic prints that are on trend are their go-to. A wardrobe is filled with current pieces that have volume, personality, and boldness at their core. 

How to style your dramatic style personality

With a dramatic style personality, you can go all out with your boldness. Scour the fashion catwalks for inspiration, and depending on your budget, you can invest in pieces that will make a statement.

While your outfits may change with the trends, current options that may feel great for you, would be a voluminous sheer maxi dress with ruffles at the bottom and statement shoulder pads. Underneath, add a body suit in a neutral or black, and make your look a bold monochromatic look by matching your bag, shoes, and accessories with the bold colours you select. Think orange, yellow, or lime green – all of which are very much in fashion right now.

For a two piece outfit, invest in a patterned pair of flared jeans, colourful heeled boots, quirky graphic tee, and if you need it, a blazer with statement shoulders for added drama.

As the name goes – it’s all about the drama for you – so enjoy those quirky finds and colourful, unique patterns & pieces.

Creative Style Personality

What is a Creative Style Personality?

The last personality that most people fall into, is the Creative Style personality. Creatives have wardrobes full of items from different sources, including vintage mixed with high street, online, and high end purchases. They love to collect and curate their wardrobes, and love to shop. They feel that shopping is an art form, and often are found studying fashion magazines or Instagram for inspiration.

How to style your creative style personality

If you feel like you may be a creative, you’ll want to hit different sources for your wardrobe. As I mentioned, you love combining vintage, high street, high end, and online fashion, so embrace that joy and create looks you love from across these outlets. Mixing fabrics can also be a great way to get your creative fix, such as velvet, satin, silk, wool, and denim.

For some outfit inspiration, why not try a pair of 70’s flares with a modern oversized blazer, atop a graphic tee, with a high end designer bag. You could also pair a vintage band tee with a silk midi-skirt, leather biker jacket, and biker boots. Add colour and creativity with quirky sunglasses, beads, and earrings for the finishing touch.

So, which personality do you feel you fit into? Have these outfit ideas inspired you to play with your wardrobe and style more?

If you want to discover your personal style, as well as the ways to create outfits that feel truly you, please get in touch.

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: 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.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: THREE COMMON STYLING MISTAKES (and how to avoid them)

When you want to feel your best in the clothes and outfits you put together, there are some fashion faux pas that I recommend steering clear of! So, what are the three biggest styling mistakes that we should keep out of our outfits?

Wearing mainly black – particularly if you think it makes you look slimmer

We have been told in the past, that black is “slimming”. Well, what if I told you this was actually a common styling mistake? Now, there's nothing wrong with wearing black per se, the problem is doing it with the wrong purpose: hiding and looking slimmer, as opposed to enhancing your look. Moreover, black is a very harsh colour that suits very few people, so while we CAN wear it, it is also important to understand HOW to.

If you love wearing black, or it is a colour that works with your skintone, here are some top tips to making it feel more fashion-forward.

• Add pops of colour with your accessories – such as jewellery, shoes, hair accessories, or even your layering.

• Wear Black in a print, mixed with your best colours.

• Keep black on your bottom half, and wear one of your colours on the top half.

Hiding under baggy clothes

Wearing clothes that hide the figure actually don’t help to enhance your shape – they can do the opposite! While baggy clothes can be “in fashion” it only tends to work on certain shapes, and this has to be done with intent. However, many of my clients feel they want to wear baggier clothes to hide their features, rather than accentuate their shape in the best way.

Baggy clothes can also work against you and make you “invisible”. As a personal stylist, I want to help people feel like they can shine in a room, and show off their personality in the best way. A few options to help you overcome this baggy look and show off your best features are can be:

• Understanding your body shape. When you know your body shape, you can invest in pieces and create outfits that build your confidence.

• Know where to go baggy, and where to add definition. While for some, a baggier bottom half can be a great option – perhaps with wide legged trousers, or with flares for pear shapes – this can be the completely wrong option for others. For example, apple shapes, having a fitted bottom half while having a baggier blouse or top is much better for them.

• Loose fitting layers are better than baggy clothing. Now, this is a mind-shift! Loose fitting overshirts, or perhaps looser fabrics can be a first dip into changing how you see your baggy clothing. Don’t hide under them, rather have them as your additional layer over the top of flattering fitted items.

Imitating other people’s style

Well, this is maybe the biggest mistake of all. First, everyone is different, both physically and personally; and your style should be a reflection and an extension of who you are, not an imitation of someone else. Besides, what suits someone else won't necessarily suit you.

While I ask my clients to share their style influencers in our personal styling session, we only take inspiration from them, rather than replicating their styles. You will want to show off your own personality through your fashion, and with this, you can curate your very own style. It's so important to feel yourself when it comes to walking out of the door in the outfits you create, so embrace your true personality!

What can you do to start discovering your personal style?

• Find the colours and shapes you love, and add them to your wardrobe. If you have a “uniform” you can add your personal touches with your accessories.

• Play with fashion, don’t let it stop you. Fashion should be something that works with you, not against you. Take time to discover the stores, styles, and outfits that you love to wear.

• Trends come and go, but your personal style will remain. So rather than going for the latest fashion trends in the stores, consider which styles you love to wear, and keep with them!

If any of these three styling mistakes feel like they resonate with you, I’d love to help you change how you feel about fashion. I can help you discover your best colours (and how to "fix" black, should you want to keep on wearing it!), the most suitable clothing lines for your body shape, scale and proportions. As well as recommended hairstyles and accessories for your face shape, and how to develop your unique personal style. This is all part of my Style Masterclass, available in London, Kent or online, to suit you!

I'm looking forward to helping you shine through your style...Because you are one of a kind ✨

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO PACK FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

Summertime is here, and for many of us, the first opportunity for us to get out and enjoy the holidays away from our own home. With this, comes the need to pack!

I have a confession – I went on holiday in spring to see family in Italy – and I didn’t do some of the tips below. It meant that I had to rush out in unexpected high temperatures, to get a whole week’s worth of weather-appropriate outfits. I wanted to make sure you don’t have this problem, and also give some advice on how to pack for your summer holidays so you’re confident every day.

Check the weather forecast

The first tip, and one I will make sure to never forget, is to check the weather forecast! While it isn’t a 100% accuracy, it will help you to see if that rain jacket may just be needed in the Caribbean holiday where you expected no rain. When you know the general weather of the week/s to come, you can then know which wardrobe essentials you need with you, and you can pack just a few “just in case” items.

This also helps with planning outfits for your holiday. If you know the weather requirements, you can plan out the outfits to put together, as well as how much space you may need. If you are expecting colder days you will potentially need to have a bigger bag, due to the thicker jumpers and extra layers.

Know the activities you’ll be enjoying while on holiday

Now we know the weather (and you won’t be rushing around with your family trying desperately to find appropriate clothes!) you can think about the activities. Your outfits will be dramatically different if you are on an active holiday versus a beach break. This will help you know what to pack in terms of footwear, underwear, and full outfits.

If you are planning to lounge by the swimming pool, go on date nights with your partner, and get drinks at the bar, then you will want to pack those essentials. A few bathing suits, and swimwear cover ups are great for by the beach. You may then want to have one or two pieces of jewellery (be mindful though not to take the family jewels!), and your date-night dresses & a pair of heels for the evenings. With beach holidays, you may go on a few excursions, so don’t forget the comfy wide leg linen trousers and a camisole top to go over your bikini or swimsuit for venturing out.

If adventuring around the city is top of your list, then flat comfy shoes, comfortable outfits, and a bag for your essentials will be the things you’ll want to pack. I know when I am heading on a city-break, my bag is filled with flowy midi and maxi dresses, with a pair of comfortable sandals or trainers (or both!). As it is a city break, I do also usually want to head out in the evening, but this will mean needing a few extra layers to keep me warm on the cooler nights. I usually pack one blazer, as well as a few cardigans to throw over my shoulders.

For hiking, skiing and other sports – your athletic wear should be top of the list. Then you’ll need all the essentials to keep you warm/cool, and comfortable!

Plan the outfits before packing them

Too many times do we pack things we love into our suitcases, then unpack them and have nothing to match them with! Take a little time while you are packing your bags to create the outfits and make sure you’ll wear them before packing them. If you have time, you could try them on before packing them into your suitcase for extra knowledge on how to style them. You can then see how many outfits you can make with each garment.

While tops may need to be changed daily (or more depending on your activities), your trousers, shorts and skirts could be worn a few times. So matching them with your tops, your swimwear, and your extra layers before you pack them will help when unpacking and knowing what to wear.

With this understanding of the outfits you’ve packed, it can help you when you are getting and ready to go in the morning, so you’re not fretting about mismatching garments, or not feeling comfortable.

The most important thing to remember when you are packing your outfits is that you feel confident and comfortable! You’re on holiday, so you don’t want to be second guessing the outfits you have in your wardrobe.

Remember the accessories!

While I’m not saying you need to pack your jewellery collection (far from it!), there are some essential accessories to pack for your holiday, depending on where you’re going. Sunglasses, waterproof watches, comfy walking shoes, and flip flops are just a few of the must-haves depending on where you are going. You may also want to pack hair ties, scarves, and bags for the day and the night.

If you are planning a trip and need to get a few essentials, it’s often the accessories that are missing. Think about all the things you’ll be getting up to, and the other tips above, to help you pack the things you’ll need.

Packing for your holiday should be something that means with a little extra time spent on planning, you’ll have items and outfits you’ll feel fabulous in when you arrive. I hope these have helped inspire you for your holiday, if you are having one. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your wardrobe and not sure what to pack, or feel like your style has lost it’s spark, please get in touch – I’d love to help.

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT JEANS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE - PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS

Jeans are always “in fashion” but with the ever changing trends, what is the best shape for your body type? From the classic flares coming back to the catwalks, to the noughties skinnies, let’s take a look at some of the top jeans styles, and colours, and how to style them for your body shape.

Flared jeans

The best body types for flared jeans

The swinging 70’s are back and pear shapes rejoice! While flares made a small come back in the 90’s it seems they are back in full swing for us this year, and they’re great for those of us with larger hips. This is because they add a little extra volume lower down to balance out our hips. You may also love flares if you are petite, as you can hide your heels under the flare of the jean, elongating your legs!

How to style flared jeans

I prefer my jeans in a dark wash, as a pear shape myself, because they are great for adding a slimming effect. These high-rise jeans in a dark wash from Reiss are a beautiful cut and work perfectly from day to night. Try your flares with a pair of heels, your favourite blazer and a turtleneck for a powerful professional look. You can then swap the turtleneck for a graphic tee, and add a belt for definition for your evening look. For a more casual option, swap out your heels for your favourite platform trainers or sandals for the summer.

Mom Jeans

The best body types for Mom jeans

Mom jeans continue to be a comfortable, casual option when it comes to jeans. With their wider leg, yet tapered waist, they are great for hourglass figures. As they tend to be loosely fitted on the legs they do work for more rectangular body types as well as pear shapes, when the cut is right. They do tend to stop just above the ankle, so unless you specifically invest in petite sizing, they don’t tend to be the best option for petite body shapes unless you’re happy to add some extra rolls to the ankle area.

How to style your Mom jeans

With their relaxed style, Mom jeans tend to look best in a casual look, but you can style them up with the right blouse or shirt. They have a high waist, with a loose fit, adding to the casual look while showing off the waist. Dive into this classic shape and find a pair of Mom jeans in a vintage denim colour.

You can then style them up with your favourite button down or blouse, and pop on a pair of strappy heels for a brunch date. You could also wear them for errands and grabbing coffee with a pair of trainers and your favourite cropped jumper or tee. Pop on a crossover body bag, with a leather jacket and your casual yet classic look is ready to rock.

Boyfriend Jeans

The best body types for Boyfriend Jeans

Not to be confused with the Mom jean style, Boyfriend jeans are looser and tend to have a baggier area around the crotch. These are perfect for people with an inverted triangle shape – with smaller hips than shoulders, as well as oval and rectangle. Because of the baggier fit around the thighs, this will streamline your silhouette.

How to style your Boyfriend Jeans

Due to their casual and slouchy nature, these are a great style of jeans to wear out and about, rather than trying to dress them up. If you are an inverted triangle shape, style them with your favourite camisole or a tighter top to draw the eye to your waist. I’d highly recommend finding a pair of high-rise Boyfriend jeans for your body, as this will help create the waist in the perfect point. This higher waistline will also help with elongating your legs. Continue the elongation of your legs with a pair of wedges, or go all out for your date night with a clutch and a pair of nude stilettos.

If you are an oval or rectangular shape, lower rises are much more comfortable for you – and I’d recommend untucking your tops. This will help with the shape of your silhouette.

Skinny Jeans

The best body types for Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans – they became all the rage in the noughties and seem to have stayed. While skinny jeans are great for some body types, those who have larger hips need to be conscious of how skinny we go with them! They are great for building confidence and showing off your curves, and when styled correctly they can work for most body types. The thing to think about is how long they are, the wash, and the styling.

How to style your Skinny Jeans

Because the skinny jeans are so tight on the figure at the base of your body, the best outfit ideas for this is to balance it out with volume in your tops. Think tucking in your blouse into your jeans with a belt to add the waist definition. You could also wear an oversized blazer to feel a little more professional, with dark wash skinny jeans and a pair of heels. Balancing out the skinny jeans is where you will feel your best – but don’t let this stop you playing with the trendy skinny jean.

If you feel confident in this slinky silhouette – go for it!

Try out dark wash skinny jeans with a silky camisole top, drape a blazer over your shoulders and add an oversized clutch for your date night look. If you want to feel a little more rock chick, and balance out your look, you can wear these cropped black skinny jeans with your favourite combat boots, or with a pair of ankle boots to balance out the hips.

Cropped Jeans

The best body types for Cropped Jeans

Cropped jeans are the last style on my list, and you may be surprised to hear that I love these for my petite ladies! While the flares help elongate you by hiding your heels, cropped jeans make it seem like your legs are “too long” for the jeans. It’s all about discovering the perfect length – and cropped jeans come in a lot of different options. As a general rule, look for cropped jeans that hit just above your ankle.

While I have mentioned they are great for petite frames, cropped jeans work well for all body shapes – it just depends on finding the right inseam length, and styling.

How to style Cropped Jeans

Cropped jeans are a chic option for your jeans outfit, and work beautifully from day to night. I think they look beautiful when paired as part of a monochrome look. Classically French-chic, the monochrome of all white can be perfect for your day in the office when paired with smart sneakers, and changing up your jewellery you can wear it to drinks after a long day. Pair your cropped white jeans with an elegant cotton top if you are an oval shape and pop on a layered necklace to bring some sparkle to your look.

For a super-casual yet cool look with your cropped jeans, look for a pair of high-rise boot cut options. As with any high-rise jean, pulling you in at the waist will help define your physique and add a more hourglass look. Match them with your favourite slogan tee and a pair of square toed shoes for a touch of elegance.

If you want to have a more relaxed feel, find a pair of cropped jeans with a distressed hem, pop on a pair of leather ankle boots or trainers, and go all out rock chick with your leather moto jacket, or baggy oversized blazer.

While these are my personal stylist tips for discovering the perfect jeans for your body type, finding jeans that you love wear is the most important thing. I help people discover the right shapes for their body type, while also considering their personal style as a whole.

While these are my tips for helping you create outfits that you’ll love to wear with your jeans, if you are looking for a personal stylist to help you discover a wardrobe you love, please get in touch.