It seems recently that trends have become a dirty word and don’t sit well with sustainability and making more of what you have already. But that’s not my view, trends, when used well can uplift, refresh and ultimately bring new life to old faves in your wardrobe. Also the emphasis is on sustainability meaning as well as industries having to seriously up their game (Fashion, I am looking at you!) there is a place to help sustain our high streets and make some purchases.
Having said that, there are things trends won’t do – they won’t all be your cup of tea and invariably they won’t all suit all people and all body shapes and some may have a short shelf life. So the emphasis is to choose carefully, go for those that speak to you, don’t spend tons on something unlikely to last past Christmas, embrace accessories and most importantly think about how pieces will work with what you already have.
Here’s my guide to on the top trends season with tips on how they can add life to your wardrobe not volume.
First up – animal print is going next level and this is the season to be seen in snakeskin. Actually this is one trend that has the feel of a classic depending on the piece. Take this mini top handle bag from M&S, yes its snake print but the classic shape makes it feel as if has always been in your wardrobe. Accessories are also the easiest way to try a trend without full commitment – belts are a great option.
Another way is to try it in a neutral palette like these two tops one cosy and one with hints of metallic
If you prefer to go all out then how about this pencil skirt in full on snake – team with a logo tee and trainers for a casual take or how about a neutral polo neck and court shoes for a smarter look.
Checks – this trend has become one which repeats almost every Autumn – this year go for it in rich browns, caramels and tans or up the ante and embrace tartan.
Luxe Leather – choose to go fake or real the choice is yours just pick a cut that holds its shape, looking like a crinkled plastic bag isn’t what you are after.
Puff shoulder or a bell sleeve, what you have up your sleeve this season counts. It can be subtle or bold your choice.
How about trend mixing? Here are some ideas on how to wear together to re-create the looks seen on the catwalks to wearable everyday style.
Ladylike Elegance has returned this season try styling a pussybow blouse with leather trousers and blazer or combine your snakeskin and checks. Stylist Tip: Keep the tones neutral for the print clash to work.
70’s styling – take a classic denim skirt, team with a camel top, a floral print blouse with puff shoulder details and finish off with a corduroy blazer and a knee high boot.
If you would like to see more- head over to IGTV and watch my series on the trends. If you want to see each of the pieces used above and some more besides then check out my Autumnal Trends Pinterest Board. Prefer the personal touch? Give me a shout and I can help you navigate the trends and shape your wardrobe – currently I’ve got a couple of slots in October left. In the meantime I’d love to know what trends you are hoping to try out this season – leave a comment on here or the socials.
Part 1 of my Summer dressing blog focusing on helping you out with your packing dilemmas. Top tips to get the most out of your luggage allowance.
Does this image look familiar, are you always trying to cram your whole wardrobe in your suitcase?
Would you prefer your packing experience to look like the bottom image and not the top one?
Take a look at my top tips which are designed to take the stress out of packing
Follow these and you will be packing like a pro in no time.
Do you have any top tips to share? Or do you have packing dilemmas that need solving. I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment. Look out for Part 2 of this blog where I will be sharing my tips for creating your ultimate capsule wardrobe for Summer.
I’m a bit of a “bah humbug” type but can no longer resist with Christmas literally on the horizon. However I do stand my ground on the Christmas jumper craze which seems to have taken over in the last few years. Don’t get me wrong I am happy to contribute to charity but I refuse to wear a travesty of a jumper doing it. So if you feel the same as me, I have collated some jumpers that whilst may not officially fit the criteria of Christmas Jumper I think you can more than get away with and not compromise your sartorial sensibilities.
With slogans tees not going anywhere they I think are a good place to get involved without being ridiculous – I draw the line at #ELFIE but I feel that this House Of Fraser number fits the vibe perfectly and also prevents people asking why you haven’t gone to town more.
For those of you who like sparkle this time of year, how about Oasis’ sequin tinsel – suitably Christmassy and will work well in your festive wardrobe from parties to cooking the turkey.
If you like your sparkle slightly more subtle try these sequin tassels.
Be a pearly queen with statement sleeve to boot or how about some angel wings to show santa you have been good (available for local types from Lilac Rose boutique).
Make a statement with colour – flirt with withmulti-coloured sequins
or go full on festive with the colour of the season – Red (which gives a double hit of trend and Christmas) –
Here’s me in my favourite of the bunch, which I think I can just about slide into the category because it mentions booze and it sparkles (it also comes with reference to champagne or prosecco).
What’s your take on Christmas Jumpers – love ‘em or loathe ‘em?
One advantage of the distinctly unseasonal weather is that I am already actively plotting my new season wardrobe, Usually I would be glossing over such things because I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to look at them in any form of heat
I’ve spied a few things recently that I believe qualify as anchor pieces. Specifically those pieces that allow you to segue effortlessly into the new season because they work just as well for now in this transitional period as they do for new season proper. To avoid disappointment I won’t be looking at soft suiting which is a key trend for next season that I can’t quite get on board with. I think it’s something to do with coming of age in the nineties when going out out in a suit was the thing! I had a pretty amazing silver suit from Warehouse which was worn on repeat including to celebrate my 21st birthday. It was still hanging in my wardrobe when I met my now husband, where he promptly dubbed it my spaceman suit!! I had clear early warning that he would not always understand my sartorial choices but I digress.
First up is this vibrant trench from H&M. They are calling it red but for me it’s very much fiery sunset orange. Either way it is the perfect slouchy silhouette and is heavy enough to be worn through even the chilliest Autumnal days. It also looks way more expensive than its £59.99 price tag which makes it a shrewd now buy. Plus it’ll keep some of this endless rain off.
If you are a fan of this sunburnt orange then may I recommend this French Connection dress. Still summery enough to wear now as a dress, later you can throw over your favourite pair of jeans with a biker jacket or blazer.
Pleated midis are not going anywhere but they have got bolder. For an instant update add pattern, like Louche’s floral print version (which I may have just picked up at one of my favourite local boutiques Lilac Rose). If you aren’t a floral lover then try Next’s midi with its geometric print.
Skirts earn their place as a transitional anchor because they can be worn now with a simple tee and sandals or trainers, just add boots and sweaters for Autumn proper. If pleats aren’t your thing or you want to make the skirt your centre piece (it’s going to be mine) just go for print or patchwork. I am coveting Second Female’s navy gold spotted version.
Also on my wish list is Numph’s suede zip front skirt, somewhere between slate and a softer hue. I can see me wearing this now with a slogan tee (yup they are still here) and with a jumper and boots for leaf kicking later. Both Second Female and Numph are available from another local favourite boutique, Karabo.
Block colour is still current to make a statement. I’ve opted for these slacks (slacks?!?! I know I was pondering who on earth who still used the term slacks the other week and now I know, it’s H&M). Brilliant fit and stretch plus a side zip is always more flattering for those of us wanting a smoother, flatter tum.
H&M also has two more of my wants/must haves. The first I picked up this weekend and have already worn twice. It looks like a tee because of its soft cotton body but the addition of statement balloon sleeves compete with tie, in a cotton/poly mix elevate it to so much more. It’s a proper top with interest, pair it with jeans and some jewellery and you are ready to take it almost anywhere. It’s also great to give balance to pear and apple shapes. Please please can you do it in some more colours H&M?
The other is this hot pink cotton jumper, weighty enough for cooler days but still able to wear now for those rainy summer days.
This kind of jumper always make me hanker for a beach house somewhere and imagine myself in white cuffed skinny jeans, on the beach with a dog, you know Jennifer Anniston rom com style. Just me?
So to footwear. I have come to the stage where almost all of my staple, waterproof shoes have given up the ghost at the same time, but I find buying more sensible shoes slightly dull and I am definitely not ready to crack out the boots yet, it is still officially August. Enter the T Bar shoe, which are going to be everywhere. They bring polish and poise but with a bit of fun and look great dressed up or down.
Here’s me in the bolder pleat and paired with the statement sleeve tee, proving their transitional fashion points. What are you most looking forward to updating your wardrobe with?