Fashion is the second skin you can choose
From the age of 15 I grew up reading Vogue. Writing about clothes to help, inspire or bring joy to others is something I truly love. Using style as a form of self-expression has always been important to me. As Miuccia Prada once said, "What you wear is how you present yourself to the world…fashion is instant language.” And it’s also the second skin you can choose.
Calling all layers: how to dress warm and look stylish
Winter is well and truly here. I don’t know about you, but I have certainly been feeling the chill lately. My heating is on pretty much constantly (which is bad news for my heating bill). Stepping outside has me holding my breath. And all I really want to do is hunker down and hibernate.
But alas, we are not creatures of hibernation. We are humans with lives to lead and parties to attend. With errands to run and friends to meet.
So how can we wrap warm and look good at the same time?
Here are my two cents.
Start with underlayers
Underlayers are the hidden secret for staying warm. They act as a second skin, wrapped tightly to your body. Tights are the most obvious example (you could even wear them under trousers) as are close-knit thermal vests (opt for cotton which will allow your skin to breathe). Underlayers act as the canvas for your outfit. They might be plain and dull, but in terms of keeping you warm, it’s essential basics.
Get a beanie hat
The body loses most of its temperature through the head. That means, you must keep it warm! The good news is beanie hats are super stylish. I personally prefer the thick, wool variety that are chunky and generous. It’s worth choosing a colour that will match most of your main coats. Black, brown, dark greens, navy’s and dark reds are all good choices.
Choose boots that have a warm interior
Getting cold feet is the absolute worse – in more ways than one. Prevent the physical kind by buying boots that have a soft material interior that acts as mini padding. The additional layer will be sure to keep your toes cosy. That said, the additional material will take up more room, so you might want to size up a size.
Opt for a coat that will take on the elements
Wearing the right coat for winter is a tough one. For me, there are two that do the trick. The first is the fur style (ideally faux fur), which is quintessentially glamourous and cosy at the same time. The second is the puffa, ribbed jacket kind. This modern jacket works by trapping a lot of cold air and is popular with those who ski due to the fact it is lightweight in nature. Whichever you choose, know that a solid winter coat is a total must.
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Male fashion: summer do’s and don’ts
A note from the author
I recently posted a poll asking if my male audience would like to see more fashion blogs focused on male fashion. The answer was – absolutely.
Please forgive me, I have typically targeted my posts on all thing fashion with a predominantly female audience in mind, or for those who wish to wear female clothes. This is because it’s something I can relate to and probably know most about – reading Vogue and the likes of Marie Claire have no doubt contributed to my knowledge of the female fashion space.
However, after being increasingly consulted by a few male friends about what they should wear to this occasion or that, or whether they should buy this shirt or that, I feel that my licence to operate in this space has grown.
And so – having consulted a number of male friends and my boyfriend for their trusted insight (thanks for your patience everyone) – here’s my first ever male fashion piece.
And what better topic to choose than summer do’s and don’ts?
Do: Choose a shirt that has a bold colour
A bright shirt in a bold colour can look really sharp and cutting. Think – deep blue, maroon or green. Buy a shirt where the dye colour really “pops” and pair it with neutral shorts or linen trousers in beige, grey or black.
Do: Wear your best loafers
It’s been a trend for a while – and for good reason. Loafers will add an element of style to your outfit that is much slicker than choosing trainers. They strike the perfect balance between smart and casual and (apparently) they are pretty comfy. Trust me - good shoes speak volumes.
Do: Bring your sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have for all sexes in summer. The trick is to choose a style that best suits your face shape. If you have a strong or heavy jawline, a more rounded shape may suit you. By contrast, square and bolder shapes will suit a more oval and rounded face. My tip? Experiment. Try out 2-3 styles and ask for a second opinion on what works best.
Don’t: Overdo the florals
Perhaps this is more personal preference (in which case, hear me out), but summer seems to result in far too many floral shirts for my liking. This can be VERY difficult to get right and unless you’re on a beach in the Caribbean, I would suggest leaving the florals for your next holiday abroad.
Don’t: Go too long or short on the shorts
Often, a make-or-break moment for male shorts is on their length. Too long and you risk looking like a schoolboy. Too short and, well, I will leave that to your imagination. Ideally choose shorts that fall 3-4 inches above the knee for the perfect look.
Don’t: Wear socks pulled up too high
The trend for wearing white socks pulled high is one I never quite understood. It seems to be most popular with younger men (can someone again explain why?) and reminds me of Djokovic when he plays tennis. Leave this one be.
Closing thoughts
So there we have it. Some quick fire tips you can start to action today.
What fashion tips do you have when it comes to male fashion? What else do you want to see?
Let me know and watch this space…
How to dress bright: best practice principles
Dressing bright is probably one of the hardest looks to pull off. Do it well and you will create a wonderful buzz and bold fashion statement. Do it wrong and it may look like you have decided to dress as a packet of Skittles.
Over the years, I’ve noticed there are some hard and fast tricks that can help one achieve the former look and stay firmly away from the latter. Delving back into my fashion archives, here I share my best practice principles for dressing bright.
Keep it simple
Firstly, dressing bright should always be done in a simple manner. That means, simple silhouettes, clean cuts and strong shapes. Try to avoid wearing bright colours with overly patterned, overly floaty cuts as this is arguably one of the hardest combinations to pull off due to the amount the eye must take in. Instead, a bright, bold jumper worn with simple jeans will create the colour pop you are looking for.
2 bright colours at max
Another principle is to not overdo the number of bright colours. 1 or 2 bright colours works nicely. Any more than this and the desired effect of the bright colours become watered down and less effective. Gilding the lily indeed. Stick to 2 bright colours max and make sure that that they complement each other – think red and green, or yellow and pink.
Make accessories your friend
One of the biggest hacks there is to dressing bright is to lean on accessories. A bright handbag, bright shoes, or bright jewellery is the easiest way to add colour. It’s a look used on the catwalks time and time again, being so fail-safe in approach. So next time you’re in a rush? No problem. Select bright accessories to instantly lift your outfit (and mood). Just be sure to keep your clothes firmly neutral.
Know thy skin
Your skin colour and whether you are warm or cold in tone will also have an impact on which colours you most suit. For me, my skin is a light coffee colour and warm in tone. This means reds, corals, ambers and yellows look great. Ask a make-up artist what skin tone you have and do some research around which bright colours will therefore suit you most. But remember, always wear what you love. So, if you’re apparently best suited to red, but hate red, then don’t go there! Fashion is all about enjoying what you wear, as much as it is looking good.
Build it up
Finally, build up dressing bright. If this is something new to you and black or grey has always been your best friend, then just start with one bright colour and go from there. Try it out. See how you feel. Challenge yourself and experiment. Build up with dressing bright and you’ll end up making a statement in no time...
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Previous posts
5 ways to get glam: fast
1. Plan out what you want to wear the day before
Often, a lot of time we spend getting ready is actually spent on deciding what to wear. How many outfits have you tried on before finally being happy with your choice? 2 options? 3? 5? To prevent this taking up heaps of time on the night, plan your outfit the day before instead. That way, you have cut the mental energy (read: stress) on the night itself, when you have limited time.
2. Prep skin in the morning
Similarly, it’s worth wearing a rejuvenating face mask and/or exfoliating in the morning. It’ll prep your skin and avoid it being overloaded with all the other make-up products later on. I’m personally a fan of one-minute miracle masks that take next to no time, like this one by Sanctury. But if you want to fully indulge, the Garnier Moisture Bomb facemasks are also a great shout.
3. Layer up on jewellery
I think of jewellery as like good wrapping paper. It may not be the centre of attention, but it adds to the whole effect of your gift. Similarly, good jewellery can help lift and enhance your outfit. If going for a sophisticated look, choose small, understated pieces. If wanting to channel something a bit more urban, then chunky, bolder pieces (such as hoops) will do the trick. The good thing with jewellery? It’s a super fast win.
4. Opt for sheer tights
If wearing a dress or skirt (and hoping to fend off the winter elements), sheer tights are a quick and fast way to look glam. Ideally you want to opt for ones that are 20-30 denier (thus lighter and slightly translucent). Wanting to get more festive? Choose tights that have added shine or subtle glitter within them – but stick with black to keep things glam not tacky.
5. Add a (lip) gloss
And finally, a gloss is one of the easiest ways to look glam without taking time. Lipstick and lipliner is great, but takes time to carefully apply (hello, lipstick marks on teeth). So if you’re wanting to channel sophistication more quickly, a light gloss like this one from Soap and Glory (an absolute fave) will do the trick.
Who said looking glam must take time? Follow these hacks and you’ll be ready to go out to that Christmas (at home) party in no time.
The Autumnal Coat
Summer is officially over. Autumn is here. At least for us Brits. And that means – a proper coat is in order. Because rainy days and colder weather are something we better get used to. Wanting a new one rather than digging out last years? Not sure what style to get? Have a look below for some inspiration.
The androgynous look
Best for: feeling strong, modern and sleek
Coat: Joseph
The colour pop
Best for: getting noticed and standing out
Coat: ONLY
The all black
Best for: understated elegance and sophistication
Coat: M&S
The pretty woman
Best for: a softer, more feminine look
Coat: Primark
The trench
Best for: classic simplicity
Coat: Alexander McQueen
The plastic fantastic
Best for: couture creativity
Coat: Miu Miu
So that’s it for autumnal coats.
Which is your favourite and why?
Fashion chameleons: a new era
It’s official - we have entered into the age of the chameleon. It has been a strange year, so far, for fashion. Runways and fashion weeks were called off. Trends were put on hold, as we all hunkered down during lockdown in nothing but our sweats and hoodies. And, as we start to venture out again, the question is: how should I dress? My answer? Like a chameleon would, adapting and changing, never the same.
Enough with the metaphorical soliloquising! What does she really mean? I mean that the once easy “categorisation” of those who follow certain styles is fading. Whereas once we could separate out the goths from the preppy from the couture worshippers, we now seem to be experimenting with everything and anything. We are in a flux - one day one thing, the next day another.
For example. I usually dress smart, but the other day I wore my large gold hoop earrings, a baseball cap, crop top and leggings. Have I turned into a wannabee Hailey Baldwin on her way to the gym? Maybe - or maybe not. Because the next day, I wore a black pencil skirt and feathered orange top. And the next day, literally all black - much akin to the goths who float effortlessly along the streets of London’s Camden.
Categorisation is old school now. We are chameleons - we dress as we want, when we want, to suit our environment. The rise of remote working and fluid locations, I predict, will further this trend to refuse any set mould. We defy the labels of fashion. Call me preppy one day, elegant the next - I don’t care. We’ve entered into a new era in fashion that is starting to defy categories and re-invent itself. Ourselves.
And that’s great. Because it means we can dress depending on our mood and take inspiration from all forms of fashion - not just the mainstream or one particular type we might have formerly identified with. We’re fashion chameleons now. And I love it.
January Blues: 5 Ways To Brighten Up The Dullest Month
January is the month of deflation – post Christmas, post New Year, dark and a lonnnngg time till summer. We’re just about surviving the month. But why not find brightness in what you wear? Channel your inner sunshine by following these simple tips.
1. Rock a bright skirt
It may be in the 2’s and 3’s when it comes to Celsius temperature, but that doesn’t mean skirts are off the cards. Pair your black tights with a bright midi-length skirt. Think burnt orange, violet or red. Keep the rest of the look simple and get ready to brighten up your whole office.
2. Go big on the jewellery
Christmas may have passed, but your sparkle shouldn’t fade. Chunky gem rings, pendant necklaces and pretty earrings are the perfect cure for a dull day. Keep it relatively low-key by wearing with a big knitted jumper and jeans.
3. Don a yellow beanie hat
Yes. Yellow, yellow, yellow! Step outside in a cute yellow beanie hat and get ready to look like the Julia Roberts in Pretty Women take 2. Choose a bold, sunny, unapologetic yellow – the brighter the better.
4. Flash your… lining
Dark coats with bright coloured or patterned linings have to be the cheekiest way to liven up an otherwise dreary month. Surprise yourself every time you take off your coat with this subtle pick-me-up.
5. Go bold with coloured shoes
Black, brown and navy typically tend to be the colour of most people’s shoes. Why not mix it up and choose coloured flats – green or red are the perfect way to inject some colour into your outfit without much thought. Perfect!
Swimwear central
It’s that time of the year again – the summer holidays are here, Out of Office’s are on and just about everyone is talking about where they’ll be going this year. And when it comes down to what to wear at the pool and beach? As a wise man once said – fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Having recently done an ASOS haul to get this year’s kit (because last years was, quite literally, so last year) here are my top tips.
Size up on the bikini top front. Especially if you have boobs! Apparently, retailers seem to think if you are of a smaller size then you must have smaller boobs, but we all know that isn’t the case. I opt for a size up than my usual, since this means I’ll get all the support I need – especially when plunging into the sea.
Try the high leg raise. A trend that started last year and has been worn by many a lifestyle blogger and celebrity. This one is tricky to pull off - it requires you to be comfortable with being a little more exposed. But the great news? It accentuates legs and creates the illusion of a slimmer waist.
Mix it up. Think – a black bikini top paired with tropical bottoms, or two complementary but contrasting colours. Buying separates means you get more for your money, since rotating them around will create different looks. Any excuse for some experimentation!
Keep cuts simple. Although there are some very intricate, multiple strap bikinis, consider the tan lines these will leave. For the sake of a few hours on the beach, you may be walking around with lines across your body for the rest of the trip. Sexy? Perhaps not.
Worth the investment. There are some really cheap bikinis out there, but these come in very thin, flimsy fabrics. A premium price and slightly thicker fabric will ensure your swimwear lasts longer and support you better.
Don’t neglect the full piece. There are some gorgeous full piece swimsuits out there. Opt for a plung neckline, or low-cut open back, for a look that is more holiday than local swimming pool. Feeling vintage? Go monochrome for some classic Audrey Hepburn chic.
10 reasons why I <3 the jumpsuit
Jumpsuits. I.e. what happened when the trouser suit and dress had a baby. After the advent of the jumpsuit in the 1980’s, the garment has been continually refreshed and revived, appearing in multiple cuts/colours/styles.
Most designers from Victoria Beckham to Marc Jacobs have sent at least one down the runway. What was once coined a fashion statement has now become a fashion staple. Here are 10 reasons why I love them.
No fear of flashing. Because we have all been there when wearing a dress.
The roominess allows for ample dancing - including doing the splits.
The wide leg fit flatters anyone who doesn’t have supermodel skinny legs - which, quite frankly, is most of us.
They are versatile as hell - you can dress it up (heels and a necklace) or down (sneakers and a jumper).
The garment is wonderfully androgynous and serves the modern woman.
There’s no need to shave your legs. You just got 15 more minutes back in your life.
And your outfit is now one item as opposed to two. That’s another 10 saved on ironing.
It’s your way of doing high fashion - without breaking the bank.
Repeat after me: holiday staple. The roominess will be sure to keep you cool.
The world really is your oyster - there is a style/cut for anyone, to suit anyone.
And one reason I kinda hate them…
Going to the bathroom becomes a mission in itself. ‘Can anyone please help me zip this back up?’
The Lace Touch
Oh lace. A fabric that we can’t help but fall for. From wedding veils, to ballet pumps to lingerie, lace adds that ‘special touch’ we just can’t put our finger on. Much like the frosting on a cake – it has the ability to transform an otherwise ordinary appearance. A subtle hint of lace adds a delicate touch, yet too much can (to go back to baking) overegg the pudding.
Read on for some tried and tested ways to wear lace.
Choose white lace for a pretty, soft look
A pretty top or a shift dress made from white lace is one of the easiest looks as we approach Spring. Perfect for evening cocktails or a garden party. Make sure the white isn't overly white (off-white or cream works best) to avoid a wedding dress mix up. By choosing a relatively neutral colour, you can opt for more intricate and patterned lace, which will add interest in the form of texture.
Lace bags - a way of incorporating lace outside your clothes
A clutch bag with lace is red carpet glam all over. To avoid it looking cheap, choose clutch bags with trimmings of lace (rather than fully covered) and in the same colour as the main bag. If you want to be extra style-savvy, look for box-shaped clutch bags which are currently on trend.
Panel lace ensures you don’t overguild the lilly, keeping things subtle
Panel lace is where part of your clothing - be it the top of your dress, or the hem of your shorts - is made from lace, rather than the main fabric material. It's a more casual way of doing lace and means you don't have to overly commit. It's best to keep the item in question relatively simple - a fitted dress or high-waisted black jeans - so the lace is the centre-piece of attention.
A laze blazer can be as bold (or as understated) as you make it
This can be a more daring look for those wanting to experiment - a fully laced blazer is perfect for wearing to dinner parties or nights out. Another option is to choose a blazer with a colourful lace lining inside, resulting in a flash of colour whenever you take your jacket off. For something in between, choose blazers where only the lapel has lace.
Underwear with lace - a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe
Oh, of course. Who could resist? There are so many sets/colours/styles out there that the tricky part will be choosing which set to buy. Personally, I love the fresh look of pastels or colours for day and darker, deeper sets for night.
Fight fit in gym kit
“Unlike 90% of fashion, gym-wear should put functionality over aesthetics.”
Oh the joys of living in the 21st century. The boundaries between gym-wear/casual-wear have well and truly merged, to the point where wearing your Lycra leggings to brunch is totally acceptable. But at it’s core, gym-wear is still, fundamentally, that - for working out. And while you might be thinking of well and truly writing off that over-ambitious New Year’s Resolution…not so fast! Why not get yourself some new gym kit first? Here are some key things to remember.
The leggings: Seamless, seamless, seamless! I have had a rip in my leggings before and trust me, it is the worse. New innovations in design and product functionality mean many of the biggest sportswear sellers (GymShark, Lululemon) now sell seamless varieties. That means there is no seam on the outside of your leg, or on the back - meaning you can burpeee without the risk of rips.
The sports-bra: A tough one to get right. Too loose and it won’t provide any support. Too tight and your ribcage will be begging for mercy. Often the sports bra won’t be in your exact same dress size, so the best motto here is a) not to buy online and b) opt for trial and error. High-knees and star-jumps in the changing room? A must too.
The vest: A looser vest with deep arm cuts is ideal for giving you breathing space. My favourite tip is to have a selection of coloured vests that I will then pair with a black sports-bra underneath.
The zip-up: To wear on your trip to and from the gym, choose a soft cotton, slightly-fitted zipped cover. Thick hoodies are often a touch too bulky to wear over your kit. This is seamless and will also deter from the wind due to its alignment with your natural shape.
Denim: Our enduring love affair
In 1969, a writer for American Fabrics magazine said that “Denim is one of the world’s oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young.” Looking around me as I write this in a my local cafe, at least half the customers are wearing denim. Denim - and denim jeans in particular - is something which never goes out of fashion. It never gets old. It’s just wonderfully, gloriously here.
And it's unsurprising really. The sturdy cotton textile has a twill weave which means it is super durable - even thinner denim will last longer than most material. It endures time not only in the books of fashion, but practically speaking too. That snag on your wool top? An unlikely affair when it comes to denim.
Whereas once upon a time, denim was restricted to blue jeans, the fabric has been re-invented time and time again. Coloured jeans were all the rage in 2014/2015 - yellow, green, red, you name it. Forget apps, there's a coloured jean for that. And then of course you have iconic high-waisted denim shorts - frayed, neat or turned up. Plus denim jackets. And denim shirts. Denim dresses. Denim accessories. There's even denim lingerie available now. Have we, dare I say it, gone denim mad?
The long lasting appeal of this fabric, for both sexes, comes down to a classic appearance that says 'you can't go wrong'. Denim is also quite flattering as a material, especially when compared to something like silk or Lycra which is less forgiving of your shape. As an example of how timely the fabric is, this Autumn I stole my dad's old Wrangler jacket - probably the only thing I'll ever borrow from his wardrobe. Paired with heeled boots, I loved how I was cloaked in this traditional and classic fabric. As for double denim? It may have gone against the fashion rule book once upon a time, but rules are made to be broken - especially this one. Fashionistas like Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have all sported double denim in recent years, proving that we just can't get enough of the stuff.
So what's the deal with denim now? Most recently, we’ve seen it go one step further, with jewels and stones added to the denim. Pearl encrusted denim has been seen by the likes of Zara, Topshop and ASOS in recent years. It's also a big time for flared jeans (#tb to the 80's), while patterned denim is making waves on the catwalk.
New embellishment, cuts, colours and patterns. Denim is a fabric which is timeless and traditional - yet is constantly evolving and re-invented. What can’t you do with denim?
Brunching: A stylist’s guide
Oh brunch. Are you even a millennial if you don't brunch? Bottomless brunches, pancake brunches, 'healthy' brunches, four-hour brunches....the list is endless. As will be your appetite. You could even go so far to say that brunch has displaced the afternoon tea - starting earlier and with the potential to last longer.
But what do you wear to such an affair? Here are four key pointers.
Repeat after me, the looser the better
Yes. If there's ever an occasion to feast this is it (bar Christmas, where eating becomes a full-time hobby). That means goodbye to your tight pants and your skin-tight leotards. Save them for the club, or when the only thing passing your lips is liquid. From first hand experience, anything with no breathing room will be instantly regrettable. Instead, opt for full-skirts and loose dresses. Perfect for hiding that inevitable food baby.
Pick your top carefully
If millennials brunch, they also gram. When you're sat down, that means only half of you will make the cut, as you order your friend to take that perfect Insta photo #girlswhobrunch #basic. Opt for a pretty top and some light-touch jewellery. Or, if you really want to let your food do the talking, keep things understated with a plain white or black top. Matching your outfit to your food? Now that's a step too far. Though in ten years time?
Don't wear your best
Now, we know you want to look good for your gram, for your company and for your food. But wearing that expensive dress is never a good idea when golden syrup/prosecco/[insert other brunch staple] risks spilling over you. It's just not worth the stress when your main focus should be the food - not avoiding the food's contact with your clothes. So leave that designer jumper alone and go care-free.
But do wear a layer
What's more cute than girl + pancakes + cardigan draped around shoulders? A puppy, maybe. Layers will also ensure you stay warm whatever the venue temperature throws at you. The worse is feeling chilly in places where the air-con is full blast (we've all been there).
Tailoring - why it's worth the extra £
Important event coming up? Summer ball? Your best friend's wedding? A formal dinner? Whatever it may be, finding the perfect dress is tricky. First, you must consider the level of formality required (smart vs black-tie vs white-tie) before moving onto the colour, design, length etc. It isn't easy - there's a reason personal stylists exist after all.
On top of all this, the fit is essential. Hands up if this has ever happened to you: spots a gorgeous dress that looks ideal for the occasion and heads quickly to the changing room. Finds the fit is well off. Tries a size smaller or bigger. Still no luck. It's too tight in X area and too loose in Y area. You leave feeling dismayed and somewhat irked.
It's for this reason that I've become a convert to getting dresses tailor made. Now, I know it isn't cheap. However, if the event is really special - and one you're going to remember - it's worth it. This happened to me recently with an Oxford ball, where I wore a two-piece bodice and skirt (above). The bodice fit was perfect, thanks to multiple measurements of the upper body. And the skirt was made to my waist size - but with an extra inch added for breathing/eating/having fun room.
Tailoring is also great for suiting different body shapes. Most retailers make dresses with a standard 'soft' hourglass shape in mind. For athletic figures or for those who are top/bottom heavy, these type of dresses might not hang as well. Tailoring will help, being tailor-made for you.
Just be careful not to pay too much. Dresses that come with a tailor made service will of course cost more but shouldn't break the bank. There's also the option of buying a dress and taking it to your local tailors. Most dry cleaning places will also help alter your dress if it's just a small adjustment that needs making - such as an inch added or taken off a certain area.
Finding the ideal dress is hard enough as it is. Take the hassle out with tailoring.