Archive for the ‘accessories’ Category
Do you sometimes feel that your outfit is lacking something? Do you wish that your outfits had a little more colour? Do you need to refresh your wardrobe on a budget? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you could probably benefit from investing in a scarf or two this winter. I don’t mean the woolly knitted scarf that you wear outdoors with a coat, although they are great accessories too which certainly add something to your outdoor wear. I mean a thinner scarf that can be worn indoors to enhance your outfit by changing the neckline and adding some additional colour and pattern.
With all of the neutral colours that are about this winter, a brightly coloured scarf is just a great way to brighten up an outfit. You can tie it or drape it around your neck or even tie it in your hair, around your head or on your handbag. For small square scarves the best option is often to fold them into a triangle or roll into a long thin shape, wrap around your neck and tie at the side.
For longer style scarves or pashminas, the can be elegantly draped around the neck. These sorts of scarves are also great for adding a little bit of warmth to an indoor outfit in the really cold weather but they can also be worn over a coat. For the large square scarves with pictures or large scale patterns on them, they usually look best being wrapped over your shoulders or tied in a large triangle where you can see most of the picture. The most on trend way to wear them is with the point of the triangle at the front and the ends wound right round so they hang at the front.
When choosing a scarf, think carefully about how you will wear it and the look that you would like to achieve. A silk scarf has a way of draping that no other scarf does but it will probably need to be tied rather than just draped or you will loose it. For a more boho look you can choose a fringed scarf and wind it loosely around your neck letting the loose ends hang at the front.
Scarves can look great with casual, work or even evening outfits. Look for long beaded evening scarves to add a feature and a focal point to a plain black dress. You could even wear beaded scarves in the daytime to add a bit of sparkle to your every day life.
This soft luxury black and mustard pashmina scarf is the perfect addition to any black or neutral coloured outfit. It would also look great with the seasons must have camel coat.Â
This beige open weave light weight neck scarf is a great way to add some texture and interest to an outfit but to warm to wear indoors. It would look great with an outfit made of of different shades of neutral colours layered.
In the winter we all like to keep as warm as possible and layers are the perfect way to do this. Layers not only allow you to move from the freezing cold outdoors to the centrally heated indoors with ease. It is simple, if you are too cold you can add a layer, if you are too hot you can remove a layer. However, choosing which pieces of clothing to wear in a layered outfit can be a little more tricky. There is an art to creating a successful and stylish layered outfit. This involves thinking carefully about each layer of the outfit and how it will work with the other layers and the outfit as a whole. You will need to consider the length, sleeves and neckline of each of the layers of your outfit and also the thickness, colour and texture.
Layering different colours can work well but it is perhaps best to stick to quite thin layers or it might look a bit too much. The most on trend way to layer this winter is by combining layers of the same colour or similar shades. This look works particularly well with neutrals and also with a variety of textures to give the outfit interest. You should start with a thin layer and save your biggest chunkiest layer perhaps a chunky piece of knitwear or faux fur gilet for the final layer.
You be careful not too make your layers too bulky as they could make you look bigger than you are. For short or petite ladies it would be best to stick to really thin layers to avoid adding too much bulk. Three layers is usually a maximum unless they are really thin layers as anymore and you might start to get lost underneath them all.
Remember to accessorise carefully, a textured layered outfit often has enough interest to it without adding too much in the way of accessories. However if you are creating a really cosy outdoor outfit a knitted hat and/ or scarf can work really well. As with the other layers their fit with the overall outfit should be carefully considered.
This black fluffy yarn sleeveless cardigan with toggle makes a great top layer. It has plenty of texture and and its volume gives a layered outfit an interesting shape.
Roll neck jumpers are ideal for layering. This black roll neck jumper with sleeves has ribbed detail to add some interesting texture and is really warm for the coldest of winter days.
This taupe shawl collar cable knit long cardigan is great for layering with other neutral coloured pieces for a really warm outfit. It also gives a great streamlined silhouette. Try adding a vest top and a thin v necked top.
This Ivory Contrast Blouse is a great base layer for wearing under all sort of cardigans and knitwear. Its neck and sleeve detail will look great when showing underneath a 3/4 sleeve cardigan or jacket.
Even though we are still having some lovely sunny days, autumn is now upon us. It is much colder in the mornings and evenings, even if it does heat up a bit in the middle of the day. It is time to dust off those woolley jumpers ready to wrap up warm for the colder weather. Autumn and winter are a great time for wearing lots of brights and rich colours to take your mind off the dark and cold weather but this year neutrals are also big news. Why not try layering neutrals with different textures to create an interesting autumn outfit or accessorising your neutrals with bright accessories for an eye catching outfit. Here are some key pieces that you should have in your autumn winter wardrobe.
Camel Coat
The camel coat is one of the most talked about pieces for the autumn and winter. Part of the beauty of it is that it is so flexible and goes with almost anything. A camel coat is also timeless, it is worth investing that little extra money because it will last you for many winters to come. This double breasted stylish high collar coat is incredibly stylish and also really warm.
Chunky Knit
A chunky knit cardigan is a great way to add texture shape and volume to an outfit. You should balance the look by wearing slim cut trousers or a skirt on the bottom half. Wearing a belt over an open cardigan also looks really stylish. This grey chunky knit cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves will go with almost anything and has a really stylish shape.
Cropped Cardigan
A short or cropped cardigan is the perfect way to keep warm when wearing a dress or tunic style top. This sty;e of cardigan is really flattering and helps to make the body look longer. It also does not affect the way that a dress hangs. This eye catching thick knit short purple cardigan with a floral popper is perfect for wearing with both smart and casual clothes. It has a very stylish collar and tab detail on the cuffs.
Scarf
A luxurious scarf or pashmina is not only a great way of adding a bit of colour to an outfit but it is also perfect for adding a little extra warmth to an outfit in the winter. This luxury red pashmina with fringe detailing will look great with any of the seasons neutrals including camel, black or grey. A scarf is also incredibly versatile and can be worn in multiple ways to create all different outfits.
Jersey Dress
A jersey dress is warm, comfortable and easy to wear. It is also quite thin and perfect for wearing under cardigans and jackets. A jersey dress with a bright pattern makes a really stylish outfit which is suitable for all sorts of occasions. Try wearing your dress with opaque tights and boots for a practical winter outfit that looks great. This long sleeved twist front black and magenta dress is really flattering, the twist detail at the front is perfect for covering any lumps and bumps.
If you are attending any semi formal or cocktail parties over the next few months, then, you will no doubt be wanting a really amazing cocktail dress that will look stunning. A cocktail dress is usually a style of dress that is calf length or above (as opposed to a full or floor length evening or ball dress). A cocktail dress is dressy but also practical allowing plenty of movement for dancing. It is also usually made from luxurious fabrics with eye catching details like sequins or embellishment.
Velvet Cocktail Dress In Black
This dress is both striking and flattering. It has an empire line which is emphasised by the ribbon and bow around it. It is made from a beautiful crushed velvet and has chiffon shoulder and godet details. The material is stretchy making it incredibly comfortable and easy to move in. This dress is a really classic style that will never go out of fashion. It also comes with a matching scarf.
Ladies Long Lace Evening/Prom/Ball Dress in Black
Lace is incredibly on trend at the moment and this dress makes the most of the delicate design by lining it with a red fabric. The style of the dress is simple but elegant with a three quarter length skirt that is also very on trend at the moment.
Black chiffon pleated cocktail dress with shawl
This dress is a Marilyn Monroe style and is perfect for those searching for a little retro glamour. It has a velvet bodice with delicate shoe string straps and a skirt in finely pleated chiffon. The skirt of this dress is perfect for swishing as you dance. It just needs a beautiful pair of black shoes to set it off perfectly.
Black embroidered assymetrical evening dress
Another key look for party, cocktail and evening dresses at the moment is the assymetrical shape. Many of the dresses are one shouldered but this dress features a much more wearable version of this trend which is the different shaped straps on each side. It has delicate ribbon and thread detail and there is also a matching bolero available.
What to wear with you cocktail dress?
A pair of high heels is almost essential with a cocktail dress however if you really find high heels difficult to walk in, you can find some very pretty lower kitten style heels or even some embellished flat shoes. A small clutch bag is the ideal way to carry a few possesions with you but they wont usually fit much in them so you may have to leave the i phone at home for just one evening. If your dress is quite simple look for clutch with sequin or bead detail to add an interesting feature.
Finally, you may want a cover up for your cocktail dress either to wear all of the time or just to travel to and from the party. There are all sorts of bolero, cape and evening jackets available. Again if you have quite a simple dress then you can afford to go over board with a statement cover up piece. If your dress already has quite a bit of interest, then opt for a plain black option.
When choosing what to wear each morning, how much thought do you put into your outfit? probably more than you realise. There are plenty of things to consider when choosing a stylish outfit some of which you will probably so subconsciously, some which require a little more deliberate planning.
Colour
The colour of clothing that you choose to wear will have a huge impact on how you look. Some colours will make you look really well and make your complexion glow whilst others will make you look drained. You should do a little research and work out which are you best colours so that you can glow every day.
Shape
It doesn’t really matter what size you are, the key to looking good is choosing the right clothes for your body shape. There are plenty of books and articles on the subject and once you have correctly worked out your body shape, you can fill you wardrobe with clothes which look great on you, making getting dressed in the morning much easier. Clothes that compliment your body shape will cleverly disguise, skim over and balance out the areas that you don’t like so much and draw attention to those that you do.
Fit
Finding the right clothes to fit you is another important aspect of looking stylish. Sleeves too long, waist band too tight and shirt buttons which pull are not good looks. By getting clothes that fir correctly you will avoid unsightly creasing, gaping and pulling of clothes. Clothes that are too big will also swamp you hiding your figure and making you look bigger. Badly fitting clothes are also likely to make you feel uncomfortable. A stylish person usually oozes confidence which is difficult to do when you are uncomfortable.
Interest
Unless you are going for the minimalist look every outfit should have something that makes it interesting. Perhaps a pop of colour, a great accessory, a variety of textures or a brightly coloured pattern. How you choose interesting outfits and add interest to your outfits is what makes up your own personal style. This is where you can get creative and find ways to really show off your personality and be unique.
Practicality
All of the clothes that you wear should be comfortable and practical and should prevent you from doing what you want. Some areas to consider when choosing your outfits is the ease of movement, warmth and how easy it is to walk in your shoes. Hobbling or tripping over in high heel shoes doesn’t look stylish no matter how stylish the shoes are, neither does shivering and looking cold because you don’t have an appropriate coat or jacket for the weather.
Appropriateness
Finally you should consider the appropriateness of your outfit. This can be a tricky one to decide and for different people and different occasions can mean different things. A work environment or place of religious worship may have their own dress codes as will formal or black tie events. On a daily basis, you may also consider whether your choice of clothes is age appropriate , but again this will be different for different people. The black long sleeved tailored contrast jacket (pictured above) will be appropriate for most smart occasions.