Archive for August, 2010

During your fifties you may feel under pressure not to follow fashion and trends instead wearing clothes that feel frumpy or dated. There really is no reason to avoid fashion over fifty. Looking stylish at any age is about finding clothes that suit you. As you get older you will change and the sorts of clothes that suit you will probably change. We should all reassess our wardrobes regularly and their suitability in terms of our shape, size, colouring and lifestyle. For someone that has retired or given up work, they may well want to change their style of clothes to be much more casual.

Anyone can be fashionable whatever their age but style should always be the top priority. Look for clothes that look and feel good. Pick and choose the items for each season that work for you. You should also look for clothes that compliment your natural beauty. As you get older this may mean avoiding certain styles of clothing that are in fashion, particularly low cut tops and very short skirts. Here are some ways that you can be fashionable and stylish over fifty.

It is all about the cut and fit

Find a retailer that sells fashionable and on trend clothes with a cut and fit that suits you. Generally speaking as you get older your clothes will look better if they are slightly better cut. Skirts that are knee length or below tend to look best and tops that are not too low cut. Dresses and tops with short sleeves also usually look better than sleeveless ones. You should always aim to wear perfectly fitting clothes.

Consider Colours Carefully

When you are over fifty, you hair colour and skin tone may change. This will mean that the colours that look good on you will change. Generally speaking black can look quite harsh, try more muted colours or alternatives like navy, grey and brown instead. Colour can be your best friend or your worst enemy. By holding a piece of fabric by your face you can see whether it makes your complexion glow or look drained. When you find  a colour that makes your complexion glow, wear it near your face for maximum impact.

Find the styles that work for you

What ever your age, you should consider your body shape when choosing which fashions will look best. Some times it may be better to stick to classic styles of trousers, skirts, dresses and jackets and add the latest ladies fashion using a printed top or blouse.

Choose fun and fashionable accessories

Accessories are a great way to add fun and fashion to any outfit. Add a pop of bright colours or some eye catching patterns by accessorising your outfits. Use different accessories each day to create lots of different outfits from the same basic clothes.

Following fashion and looking stylish at any age is all about skillfully picking out the pieces which suit you and make you look and feel great. You can look fashionable in your fifties and beyond, just think carefully about style first.

Ponchos and capes were around last winter but this winter it looks like they will be even more on trend. A poncho or cape is the perfect cover up for a cold day. It keeps you really snug and warm and fits over the chunkiest of jumpers for a fashionable take on a classic look. Capes and ponchos have come in and out of fashion over the decades with the sixties and seventies have their own versions. It is perhaps because of this retro revival that we are seeing so many capes on the catwalk for winter 2010 but it also fits in well with the whole winter sport or artic trend.

One of the most sought after looks of the season will be the camel coloured cape but you can be a little different and individual with patterned or black capes or ponchos.

How to wear your poncho or cape

There are plenty of different styles of ponchos’ and capes around this winter  ranging from cape style outdoor coats to knitted versions which can be worn indoors or outdoors and evening styles for travelling to and from an evening event. Generally speaking the longer and more voluminous the poncho or cape, the more you will need to balance the look by wearing slim fitting clothes on your bottom half. A cape style coat or poncho works really well over a suit to travel to and from work and will comfortably fit over a tailored jacket.

Knitted ponchos tend to look better with casual outfits and work especially well with a pair of leggings and a tunic top as the close fit of the leggings give a balanced look. For the evening a cape or poncho will usually look best with a long column style of evening dress or evening trousers although a short style of poncho an cape may also work with a fuller skirt.

knitted poncho

This Black knit panels fringe hem detail poncho is the perfect finishing touch to many evening outfits. It adds warmth but does not detract from the beautiful evening wear worn underneath. Black is the perfect versatile colour and this dress will work for so many occasions including with daytime outfits. It has a delicate fringe and is finished with pom poms. It also has cuffs to keep the ponch in place.

knitted cape

This stunning Black knit panels fringe hem detail poncho not only acts as a great cover up to travel to and from parties this winter but also is a fashion statement in its own right. The white icicle and snow like design gives it a really wintery feel and fits in well with the ski wear trend seen on many of the catwalks.

This beautiful Longline black and brown poncho with buttons is perfect for daytime wear in the winter. It has a chunky knit with brown panels and a very attractive and warm faux fur collar. It would look great with black leggings and boots. If you are short, add a wedge heel to keep the look balanced.

When it comes to versatility you can’t much better  than this black contrast edge vest with gold edging. Vest tops are perfect for wearing in so many different ways. They look great for both casual wear and for the evening. This vest top is particularly good for the evening due to its black colour and gold edging but is equally good for the daytime when worn in an all black, monochrome or brightly coloured outfit. Vest tops look great on their own in the warmer weather but also make a great under layer for wearing with jumpers, cardigans and jackets in the cooler autumn and winter weather.

The secret to looking great in a vest top is a great bra. A t shirt bra is the best way to avoid unsightly seams and to get a smooth outline. You should also ensure that you have the correct size to give you the support that you need and bra straps that sit firmly on your shoulders and do not slip down and become visible.

For a smart and very wearable outfit wear your vest top with some black trousers or a skirt and this Chanel style Black contrast edge cardigan. This is a really classic look that is comfortable and practical for work but also very stylish. An outfit like this is also incredibly slimming.

A black vest top is the ideal piece of clothing to wear with this tailored contrast stitch jacket and a pair of tailored trousers. This outfit is great for the autumn and winter. The jacket is a classic style that would be suitable for almost any smart work occasion but also has a slightly individual twist with the coloured contrast band around the waist and sleeves. If you get too warm in a centrally heated office, you can easily remove the jacket and wear the vest top on its own as it looks very good in its own right.

For a pretty and feminine but casual outfit try wearing your black vest top with a pair of jeans and this bolero/ over blouse. The light pink colour contrast perfectly with the black for  a striking and eye catching outfit. Add a beautiful necklace or string of pearls to complete the outfit.

For a warm and bright autumn and winter outfit layer this knitted shrug over the vest top. Its bright colours and chunky knit makes it ideal for a warm casual outfit that would work well for walking in the park. You could add some brightly coloured beads to make the outfit even more fun  and colourful.

This long line sleeveless waistcoat makes another really classic outfit when worn over a black vest top and black trousers. This would work particularly well for the late summer when the weather is starting to get a little cooler and you need a little extra warmth. A long line necklace would make a great finishing touch for this outfit.

A black vest top can also be accessorised in countless ways with scarves and jewellery for so many different looks.

The summer and autumn are both great opportunities for getting out and about in the great outdoors, walks in the countryside, camping, horse riding, sailing and fishing. What ever takes your fancy. Fresh air and exercise has a way of making you feel so much better about life and making everything seem great.

The problem in the UK is that the weather can be quite changeable and to enjoy your outdoor activities, you need to wear or be ready with the right clothing to keep you warm and dry. Without the right clothing, you could well find yourself packing up to go home. But whilst warmth and comfort are really important, for some style and looking good is just as important. You you will probably want your outdoor activity clothing to look just as good as your usual daytime wear but in a different way.

Fleeces

womens fitted fleece

Fleece are just about the best way to keep warm when the weather turns cold. They are light weight so easy to carry or pack in a bag and can be layered under a waterproof layer if the weather turns really nasty. You also don’t need to worry about getting them dirty as they can easily be popped in the washing machine once you get home. In order to choose a fleece that looks casual but stylish look for one with just the right fit. Too big and a fleece will make you look completely shapeless and too small will also look unsightly. A fitted or semi fitted style is by far the most flattering for most people. This black shaggy fleece with high collars and pockets strikes the perfect balance between practical and stylish.

Padded Coat

A padded coat is the ideal piece of clothing for wearing on  walks in the countryside, especially for the autumn and winter when the weather can get really cold. The pockets of padding give this style of coat plenty of insulation making it really warm and the outer layer also makes it waterproof which is really handy in the UK. This silver quilt coat has a really stylish design and also a detachable hood.

Gillet

reversible gillet

A brightly coloured Gillet is a great way to add a little extra warmth but still keep your arms free to move around. It is perfect for the late summer or early autumn when it is not quite warm enough to wear a winter coat but too cool for just a top on its own. A gillet also acts as another layer to add a bit of extra warmth when wearing a waterproof jacket. A brightly coloured gillet worn over a patterned top is a great way to create an eye catching outfit for wearing outdoors. This green and ivory gillet is reversible so can be either green or beige depending on which you would like to wear that day. It also has pockets.

What every you choose to wear in the great outdoors, you can also look smart and stylish by choosing clothes in great colours with a great fit.

This weekend the August bank holiday signals that we are nearly at the end of the summer and about to move into the cooler autumn. Now is a great time to start planning ahead for the autumn and winter and choosing a winter coat to keep you toasty warm. Here is our pick of the key winter coat trends for the season ahead.

The Military Coat

long black military coat

The trend for military inspired clothes goes on into to the winter with smart and structured winter coats with military featured including double breasted, brass buttons, epaulettes and belts. This long black military coat at Roman Originals is a great version of this trend with full lining and a really flattering shape.

Fur trim

brown faux fur

Fur trim on a winter coat not only looks incredibly stylish but is also really warm. Faux fur was seen all over the catwalks for autumn and winter most notably at Chanel where models were dressed in plenty of faux fur for artic conditions.This brown padded coat with faux fur hood from Roman Originals is a  good version of the on trend parka coat which is practical and perfect for casual wear.

Animal Print Coat

black animal print coat

Animal print is such a huge trend at the moment and a coat is a great way to make a real fashion statement. The grey, black and white colours are really versatile and go with most outfits. This black animal print coat with velvet trim from Roman Originals  is a really stylish way to wear animal prints. It is perfect for daytime or the evening and is even smart enough to wear to work.

Statement Coat

statement coat

Whilst some people prefer a really neutral coat that goes with everything, others prefer a great statement coat that can be thrown on over any outfit for an amazing look. Bright colours, bold patterns, interesting shapes and textures are all great ways to make  a statement with your coat. This fully lined shoulder detail long sleeved coat by Roman Originals is really eye catching with its deep rich colours, patchwork effect and chalk effect design. It would look great with coloured tights for the daytime or worn over a little black dress for the evening.

Neutral Coat

grey winter coat

Neutral coloured coats are set to huge for autumn winter 2010. With the camel coat being tipped as a must have by all of the fashion editors, it looks like everyone is going  neutral. A neutral coloured coat not only works really well with the seasons minimalist trend but it is also incredibly versatile and goes with most outfits. We love this high collared front buttoned long ash coat by Roman Originals.

Padded Coats

silver quilted padded coat

Padded coats never really go out of fashion because they are just so amazingly practical. They are really warm and usually waterproof too. This year with fashion going artic, there are bound to plenty of versions on this old favourite. Our favourite is this silver quilt coat with pockets and a detachable hood ideal for almost any casual outing.