Archive for October, 2010

Whilst one group of fashionistas is obsessing of beige, neutrals and minimalism particularly when it comes to coats (camel coat anyone?) another school is shunning minimalism in favour of something far more interesting… patterns. Some people just can’t live without patterns and prints. They need them in their life from blouses to accessories and even coats. They have struck lucky this time, as there is plenty of choice this winter when it comes to patterned coats. There really is no need to fade into the background or not get noticed with a patterned coat you will definitely stand out from the crowd.

Take your pick from florals, animal prints and checks. Whatever you choose you are sure to make a style statement. A little trick when you have been around the house all day in your ‘relaxed’ clothes and you need to pop out to the shop. Don’t worry about getting changed just keep a fabulous coat to hand that you can throw on over anything for some instant glamour and style. You will never feel a mess popping to the shops again.

Here are some of our favourite patterned coats for winter 2010.

patterned coats

Red Floral Printed Single Breasted Long Coat

Not only is this coat super cosy but it is also super stylish. It has a striking floral print but the column look created by the patterned panel also has a really slimming effect. The long style of this coat and single breasted design looks great on all body shapes including petites. On a really cold day you could try picking out the red of the floral print with a scarf or beret.

Long line Animal Print Coat

For the ultimate in glamour and luxury, this animal print coat is just what you need. Soft and warm to wrap up in and keep warm on even the coldest of days, this coat would work equally well for both daytime and evenings. The black and white colour scheme is incredibly versatile and it goes with almost anything from a black evening dress to a red jumper.

Floral Flocked Short Brown Coat

For an elegant and light weight choice this winter, this coat would be ideal. It looks great with both smart and casual outfits and goes particularly well with the seasons neutral palette. The double breasted style and epaulets give it a slight military feel which is also very on trend this season.

Purple Checked Coat

The blanket style of coat is also very on trend this year. This purple checked coat is really warm and practical and perfect for wearing with casual outfits. The biggest benefit is that it is machine washable so you can wear it where you like without worrying about getting it dirty.

Short Grey Checked High Collar Coat

For work or casual this coat is a great choice. It has a neutral colour scheme and so goes with almost anything and the small scale checks give it a very stylish look. Accessorise with neutral and grey scarves for a really on trend look.

There are plenty of different styles of dress that are in fashion this winter. The good news is that lady like glamour is right on trend so you should have no problem finding glamorous evening dresses and party dresses for the festive season. But there are also plenty of choices of day dress which are perfect for smarter work wear or casual, just add some tights for a little extra warmth in the cold winter weather. You can choose to go minimalist in a plain coloured dress or glamorous in a patterned dress. Animal prints, abstract patterns and dark florals are all great choices for a winter dress.   Here are 5 of our favourite dresses for the season ahead.

The Jumper Dress

When it comes to practicality and warmth for the winter, it doesn’t get much better than the jumper dress. It can be worn with thick opaque tights or leggings and boots for a really cosy and stylish outfit. Nordic prints, snow flakes, reindeers and cable knits are amongst the most popular designs for knit wear this winter and any of them would look great on a jumper dress. We love this black and grey knitted dress with sequin detail.

The Fifties Style Dress

Fifties style dresses are a huge trend this winter with the hit TV show Mad Men being a major influence. Look out for dresses that flare from the waist for a feminine and lady like look. This style of dress looks best with heels and  a hand bag over the arm. We love this khaki wrap over dress with satin waist trim. The wrap over style is particularly flattering and a great way of defining the waist.

The Shift Dress

The classic shift dress is one of the most versatile styles of dress. It never goes out of fashion and works for so many different occasions. This beautiful shift dress is perfect for wearing to a drinks party or any evening do, just add a great pair of heels and a beautiful clutch.

The T Shirt Dress

A t shirt dress is a really comfortable choice for the winter as it is made from jersey. It can also look elegant and works really well with the seasons minimalist trend. We love this sqaure necked t shirt dress with a flattering embroidered floral pattern on the front. Try wearing it with heels for a smart outfit or flats for a more casual look. It is also great for layering with a chunky knit cardigan for a really comfortable outfit.

The Evening Dress

Everyone needs an evening dress for Christmas parties and black is the usual choice of colour. This winter maxi dresses and long evening dresses are really fashionable and if you fancy a change from black why not try red, black and white or grey?

Which ever dress you choose to wear make sure that you have a great jacket or cardigan to go with it so that you are both warm and stylish.

The Little Black Dress, or LBD, is every girls wardrobe essential and is a great outfit to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. Not only will the colour create an all over slimming effect, but it is also a dress you can wear time and again.

The trick to accessorising your LBD, is to tailor it to the situation you will be adorning it. For example, if your dress is being worn for an everyday occasion such as work, then you might want to wear a smart suit jacket over the top. It would also be advisable to keep your jewellery simple, and wear flat or small heeled shoes with or without tights, depending on the weather. A small handbag will top the look off nicely. The same rules would apply if your wearing your Little Black Dress to a job interview. Keep all accessories simple, and make sure you are wearing a black bra. Any other colour will only spoil your sophisticated look.

If you are wearing your LBD to an important event, such as a ball or black tie type occasion, then this is the time to really glamorise your look. Again, stick to wearing a black bra, and try to find one which will suit the type of dress you are wearing. You might want to opt for strapless or removable strap designs, depending on the style of your dress. Unsightly bra straps will compromise your gorgeous look, and make you stand out for all the wrong reasons. Jewellery for these types of occasions should be bit more adventurous than for everyday wear, although not to over the top. A charm bracelet and classic silver earrings are both options which are very stylish at the moment.

Heels for a formal event like this, should be a bit higher than for everyday wear, but not too high that you are hobbling and have a feeling of discomfort. Stick to shoes you know you can walk in, but have a sparkle to them. The good thing about black is that most colours will go with it, white, red, you name it. Why not invest in a clutch bag in a metallic silver colour, very trendy for this season. Finish the look off with a scarf, shrug or bolero in wonderful olive green or deep red/purple colours, for a look which will ensure you stay glamorous and stylish all night long.

 If your Little Black Dress is joining you on the dance floor, then you can afford to experiment a bit more with it. Large high heeled shoes or knee high/thigh high boots, will suit this type of occasion, especially with patterned or fish net tights. Chunky accessories such as a waist enhancing belt, or pieces of jewellery, will help to create a funky look for those wild nights out.

Team up your LBD up with a pair of flip flops, oversized hat and sunglasses, for that perfect, understated look on the beach.

The temperature is definitely starting to drop outside, so it’s time to think about wrapping up warm for the cold weather. There’s no need to let your style suffer as a result though, there are plenty of stylish clothes which will also keep you warm during the winter months.

Knitted Jackets

A cross between a cardigan and jumper, the knitted jacket is chunky and stylish and will be sure to keep you warm during the winter months. Styles include biker, boyfriend and longer, more fitted options. Knitted jackets are not only great insulation for the cold, but they also look really fashionable too, and are a great alternative to cardigans.

Lined Dresses

If you enjoy wearing dresses, then make sure they are lined, as this will create extra warmth and comfort. Lined dresses can be worn during the day at the office, as well as for special nights out and occasions. Try the empire line dress for a classic style which will be sure to look fantastic and flatter any body shape.

Winter Coats

A nice, warm winter coat, is a must for the cold season. There are loads of gorgeous styles on the high street, which will keep you looking fashionable and trendy over the autumn and winter. Faux fur coats are an especially good choice, as they are very much in style at the moment, and are great for keeping you warm. Other trendy styles to look out for are aviator, macs, boyfriend blazers, duffel coats and anoraks. Choose a winter coat which will work well with your body shape, and will leave adequate room for your knitted jacket, cardigan or jumper.

Boleros and Shrugs

Boleros and shrugs are good options for wearing over a top or dress, particularly for a special occasion, when you might not want to wear a heavy jacket. Boleros are short, light jackets which tend to sit just above the waist and are ideal for occasions such as weddings, whereas shrugs are longer, heavier jackets which are more suited to everyday wear. They are also great choices if you want to cover up your arms and shoulders. Both come in a range of styles, colour, prints and patterns.

Jumpsuits

If you are looking for a warmer alternative to a dress or skirt for those festive nights out, then a jumpsuit is a stylish option for the oncoming season. Jumpsuits cover the whole body, but still look glamorous and there are lots of different styles around, including tie die and leopard designs. Jumpsuits are also made to to suit a range of body shapes with wide leg and slim leg designs available. Other styles to look out for are one shoulder, open back, tie waisted, cowl neck and strapless designs. These will all look great in popular autumn colours, including black, white and the more daring metallic colours. Team your jumpsuit up with a pair of glamorous high heels, for a look which will be the envy at any party or nightclub.

It may seem like a long time away, but the festive period will soon be upon us and this inevitably means the office Christmas party. You may have already arranged your office night out, and are probably hearing co-workers discussing which outfits they are thinking of wearing. Your colleagues are used to seeing you in work attire, so this is the time to really shine with your gorgeous Christmas outfit.

If you decide to wear a skirt, then make sure it is not too short or tight. No matter how well you get on with your workmates, you don’t want to be the talk of the office by revealing too much. Skirts just below the knee are always a good idea, and there are loads of styles which will look great and suit most shapes. Pencil skirts and a line styles are very trendy choices at the moment, but stick to neutral colours, nothing too bright or with outlandish patterns.

The same rule applies if you decide to opt for a dress for your office party. There are loads of gorgeous styles at the moment, whether it be one shoulder, ruffled or a prom/party dress. Keep the length in mind when you go shopping, and ensure you are not showing too much cleavage, or that the fabric doesn’t make it see-through. Maxi dresses are also very stylish this season, and as they just skim the floor, there will be no fears of revealing too much to your colleagues. They will also flatter any kind of body shape, as they won’t cling too much to the body.

If you are teaming up your skirt with a top or blouse, then make sure you co-ordinate the colours well together. Black and white will go well together, as will ivory and black. Again, you don’t want to reveal too much, so wear something which won’t result in any wardrobe malfunctions. Also, stay clear of tops with slogans off any kind, you don’t want to accidentally offend anyone at the party. Ruffled tops, one shoulder and tunic tops will all keep you on trend this season.

Trousers or jeans should suit your body shape, not too tight or too baggy. Most of all, make sure you feel comfortable enough in them, as you’re likely to be wearing them for a long period of time. If you decide to dress up your skirt with a pair of tights, then choose a patterned style, as this will make you look even more glamorous. Seamed tights are a subtle, but equally stylish choice.

To complete your gorgeous outfit, team it up with a pair of stylish high heels. Heels will not only add a touch of glamour but will also flatter and give extra length to your body. Colour co-ordinate your shoes with your outfit, and wear a sensible sized heel. The last thing you want is to end up face down on the dance floor.

Give your party outfit added glamour by wearing some fabulous jewellery. You probably keep it minimal and sensible at work, so dig out those items you keep for a special occasion. You want to look your best, and if you receive some compliments, then all the better.

Stick to the simple rules, but make sure you wear an outfit you feel completely comfortable in, and you will stand out for all the right reasons.

Image – Navy Round Neck Sleeveless Dress With Net Layer