As the New Year starts, we all tend to make a list of resolutions, most of which we stick to for a day and then forget all about. This year, why not make a resolution for your style. You’ll be surprised at the small differences you can make, which will do wonders for your confidence and help you feel organised for the year ahead.

The first thing you should do is have a good clear-out of your wardrobe. We tend to keep clothes in the hope that we will eventually fit into them, and needless to say, we never do. Get rid of clothes which don’t fit you; take them to a charity shop or give away to willing friends. You may even be able to swap the clothes for other pieces. If there are clothes which you don’t wear, or no longer like, then get rid of these too. Start with a fresh wardrobe, and you’ll feel a lot better and much more organised. Make sure you have some essential pieces of clothing in your wardrobe, which you can alternate to create different outfits. Some ideas include; a crisp white blouse, empire line dress, pair of everyday trousers, and of course, the little black dress or some day dresses.

Another resolution to make, is to stick to a clothing budget. It may seem like a boring resolution, but it will stop you from overspending on your style. Work out exactly what you can afford to spend each month on your fashion, and buy key pieces which you can wear for different occasions, and can adapt to make other outfits. You can even save up each month, and buy one expensive item every so often.

You should also think about a resolution to keep your finger on the pulse, and stay up-to-date with the latest styles and trends. You can do this by taking time out to read fashion blogs, or sign up to newsletters for fashion websites and retailers. Style magazines are another way which you can keep on top of the latest trends.

A resolution which will save you a lot of time (and money) is to ensure you always try on clothes before you purchase them. Obviously this is not possible if you buy them online but you can try them on in the comfort of your own home and return them if they don’t fit. All to often, we will buy clothes, discover that they don’t fit us, but then never bother to return them. It’s such a waste of money!

Another idea is to be more creative and experimental with your style. Rather than always playing it safe with your style, try out new trends, colours and create your own identity with your clothes. We can actually become bored with ourselves if we wear the same types of clothes all the time, so think outside the box and try a change of image. Learn the benefits of accessorising, as it can completely change your outfit, and make it suitable to wear for different occasions.

Cowl neck aubergine floral printed contrast dress

To make sure you look stylish every single day, and not just for special occasions, there are several things you should remember, when putting your outfit and look together. Firstly, you need to be aware of your body shape and what styles suit you. We all come in different shapes and sizes, although there are common ‘categories’ of shapes, which most of us will fall under, e.g. pear shaped or apple shaped. If you are aware of this then you will always be able to find outfits which suit you, and flatter your shape. There are some styles, such as empire line day dresses and a-line skirts, which will look good on any body shape, so these are ideal wardrobe essentials. Always try on any clothes before you purchase them, so you know for sure that they suit you.

Keep abreast of the latest fashion trends, by browsing the Internet, looking at magazines or having a wander down the high street. Try and incorporate these into your outfits, whether it be for everyday wear or for a night out. Less is more, so don’t wear too many key trends at the same time. One or two is sufficient. This season look out for trends such as leather, camel, lace, florals and prints.

Plan your outfit the night before, even if it’s just an outfit for going shopping. You’ll be surprised at how much time you will save, and how much more confident and organised you will feel. There is nothing worse than trying on clothes, just before you head out, and discovering they don’t fit you, or you just don’t feel comfortable in them. If possible, keep a window of around an hour clear for getting ready in the morning, as this means you can relax and take your time. Ensure you are prepared and you will look stylish every day.

Always remember to accessorise your outfit. Accessories can make an enormous difference to an outfit, and can allow you to mix and match your wardrobe, which will also save you money. If you are wearing a casual outfit during the winter season, a stylish cable knit hat will keep you warm and stylish. You can also adapt your costume jewellery to suit the occasion. If you are wearing a couple of key trends, then keep your accessories to a minimum, so you don’t end up looking like you’re trying too hard.

If you can afford it, pay a little extra for quality. It’s always good to get a bargain, as long as the quality is at a high standard, but quality doesn’t need to mean over-the-top expensive. If you wear clothes of good quality, it will instantly make your style look better. These items will also last longer, which means you will save yourself some money in the long run.

Lastly, even if you’re following key trends, don’t forget to be your own unique self. Wear clothes which make you feel comfortable, and add little touches, which make your style your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your style.

Whether you are looking for day dresses to wear on Christmas day, or evening dresses for parties in the lead up to the festive period, there are loads of gorgeous styles to choose from this season.

Cocktail Dress

The cocktail dress is an essential piece of clothing for any ladies wardrobe and has been a classic for years. Recently we have seen celebrities such as Keira Knightley and Heidi Klum stepping out on the red carpet with stunning cocktail dresses, and there are loads of different styles to choose from. If you have a slim body shape and want to show off your legs, then a super short cocktail will be ideal for you. Choose strong metallic, red and deep purple colours to make an impression this Christmas. You also can’t go wrong with a little black cocktail dress. If you are quite curvaceous, then a gorgeous ruffled cocktail dress will hide the areas you want to cover up, while keeping your look stylish and glamorous. There are also short styles with long sleeves, which means you won’t be showing off too much flesh. All styles of cocktail dresses can be adapted depending on whether you choose to wear them during the day or for Christmas parties.

Maxi Dress

The maxi dress is a popular trend at the moment and is a style which will suit most body shapes. The dress sits just above floor length and is a perfect choice for those glamorous Christmas parties. Vintage is such an important trend this season, that a maxi dress in this style will keep you looking extremely fashionable this year. Bandeau and halter-neck maxi dresses will show off your assets, and most styles skim the hips, so they will flatter any shape of body. There are also lots of print style maxi dresses, which is another important trend for this season. To make your maxi dress look more expensive and glamorous, just team it up with some costumer jewellery, and a pair of stylish heels or wedges.

Shift Dress

A shift dress is a great buy for Christmas parties, as the style is quite loose, which means it will flatter any body shape, and there are lots of styles and lengths to choose from. The shift dress has grown in popularity over the years, so if you adorn this trend over the festive period, you will be sure to stand out from the crowd. Some styles of shift dress include ruffled animal print, which is a trend in itself this season, and long sleeved shift dresses, which are great if you want to cover up this area. Lace fabric shift dresses are also very stylish at the moment.

One Shoulder Dress

One shoulder dresses are another style which is popular at the moment, and will give you a subtly sexy look. Styles of these dresses include pencil, which is flattering for all body shapes, and embellished one shoulder dresses, which are glamorous and ideal for wearing for Christmas parties and nights out.

Another great benefit of the day dress is that it is just so easy to wear. You can get up in the morning and just grab a dress from your wardrobe with no need to co ordinate tops and bottoms. Most day dresses for the autumn or winter will look great with a pair  of black opaque tights and pair of medium heels, ballet pumps or boots, so you don’t have to put too much thought into your leg or footwear either.

Autumn and winter day dresses are likely to be really popular this year. Not only are they a really feminine choice but they are highly versatile. They can take you from work to lunch with friends to an evening out. It is really all about how you accessorise. You can add sparkly jewellery, killer heels and a clutch for the evening, more casual boots and a slouchy bag for lunch with friends and court shoes and a business like handbag for the office.

For the colder months day dresses in rich and bright colours mixed with black, grey, navy or brown work best. These colour combinations give a warm feeling for the winter and the darker colours make it easy to match them with dark winter coats and jackets or the seasons must have camel coat.

Patterned shift dresses, wrap dresses and shirt dresses all make great day dresses for the autumn and winter. They are classic styles which flatter most figures and will not go out of fashion too quickly. This autumn and winter mid calf length dresses are definitely the most on trend and this is also great news as generally for most people this is the most flattering length.

This Long Sleeved Twist Front Black And Magenta Dress is not only really comfortable, it is incredibly stylish. It is made from jersey which drapes perfectly for this style of dress and has a really eye catching pattern. The v neck, flared hem and twist detail under the bust is really flattering for most body shapes.

This Navy Rose Printed Shift Dress With Shoulder Detail is really on trend. It is also the perfect day dress to take you through to the evening. It looks amazing when teamed with either blue  black tights and is so eye catching that it needs virtually no accessories.

If I have not managed to convince you of the benefits of wearing day dresses, why not browse the collection of day dresses for autumn and winter on Roman Originals?

The little black dress has always been a popular wardrobe choice due to both its versatility and simplicity. This summer the black dress has a rival which is really on trend and just as versatile and wearable as  its darker counterpart. White dresses have a certain innocence about them and are a refreshing  change to the summer’s must have  bright colours, patterns and prints. The colour white is one of the key shades this summer and is perfectly in keeping with the huge minimalist trend that we are seeing everywhere.

If you are worried that white looks a little bit boring then you shouldn’t be. Bright white can be just as eyecatching as bold and colourful prints and it can also act as  a blank canvas for all sorts of bright and colourful accessories as well as being worn on its own for a much simpler look. Rather than focusing on colour a white dress can be interesting on a whole different level. A more subtle variety of interesting textures can make a white dress incredibly stylish.

One thing to look out for when searching for the perfect white summer dress is transparency. White fabric can be see through and show your underwear which is not  a great look. Always hold white clothes up to the light before wearing them to see how see through they are. For dresses and skirts, you should look for either thick fabrics or thinner fabrics with a lining. You should always ensure that you wear some white or skin coloured underwear.

White is an ideal choice for the summer as it is bright, light and will keep you cool in the sun. White also looks amazing with a sun tan and will make tanned skin look more obvious.  You should aim to keep your white dress really clean and white to ensure that it always has maximum impact. You can buy products which will restore your whites to there original brightness to keep them looking great.

This beautiful white crinkle cotton dress (pictured above) is perfect for the summer. It has a combination of crinkled cotton and silver embroidery. It is lined to avoid it being see through and has wide shoulder straps making it easy to wear without revealing bra straps.

For a simple casual look try wearing your white dress with a pair of brown or tan sandals. You could also add wooden beads or bangles and a brown leather  belt. For a much brighter look you can try combining a white dress with almost any colour. How about lots of multi colour necklaces or a bright red pair of shoes. If you want to really work the boho trend, then a denim jacket, some gladiator sandals and a fringed bag are just what you need.  Silver accessories including metallic sandals would also look great or you could add a big straw hat and straw or coloured beach bag for a cool and elegant holiday outfit.

Avoid wearing with all white accessories as this could look too much.

Whilst most of usually have one set of clothes for the summer and one set of clothes for the winter, there may be some overlap in between seasons, perhaps on those unusally warm autumn days or usually cold spring days. Some clothes will easily lend themselves to just about any season whilst others would be uncomfortably hot or cool and look completely out of place in all seasons other than those for which they were originally intended. Most of us have a high proportion of seasonal items in our wardrobes and some people even swap over the whole of their wardrobes each season.

Seasonless clothes are also great for bridging the gap between seasons. They work really well for those in between months when neither summer or winter clothes seem ideal and it is always difficult to know what to wear.

There are however some great benefits in filling your wardrobe with seasonless clothes, not least that you will spend much less money and have a greater selection of clothes to choose from at any one time. You can also probably afford to spend a little bit more in a seasonless piece of clothing based on the fact that you are likely to get a lot more wear out of it.

So how do you find seasonless clothes? there are probably not really any clothes shops that specialise in selling seasonless clothes but if you look carefully in both the summer and winter ranges, you should be able to find some clothes that would work for both.

When looking for seasonless clothes you should pay close attention to the colour, style and fabric. Lighter colours tend to be more suited to the summer and darker colours to the winter. By choosing colours in between the two you can easily wear them for both seasons. Neutral colours work particularly well for seasonless clothes as they can be dressed up and brightened up with accessories according to the season. Bright colours also work really well, if you are wearing a dress, think about which colours will look good with both bare legs for summer and opaques in black or another colour for winter.

For a piece of clothing to be seasonless, it needs to be a medium weight fabric. Too thick and it will look out of place and be too hot in the summer and too thin and it will be too flimsy for the winter. Jersey is quite a good option for both seasons as it can be easily layered for the cooler weather but is also quite thin for the summer.

Finally when looking for the perfect seasonless wardrobe, you should look at the style of clothes. certain styles lend themselves to certain seasons. For example a mini skirt may be great for the winter with a pair of thick tights but not so suitable for the summer if you don’t like revealing too much bare leg. Generally day dresses in simple styles work well for all of the seasons. They can be worn over a long sleeved top for the winter and with a cardigan on the coldest of days. Tights can also be added or removed depending on the temperature.

Roman Originals have a range of beautiful day dresses availble in the sale but hurry as they won’t last for long. If you are shopping on a budget this is the perfect opportunity to revamp your wardrobe at a fraction of the cost. If you are feeling stuck in a bit of a style rut, why not add a few colourful summer dresses to your wardrobe for some stylish ready made summer outfits. They are usually a much cooler alternative than wearing trousers and are also a ready made outfit. A dress makes it easier to decide what to wear without having to coordinate trousers and a top.  

For work

A black shift dress is the ultimate in versatile work wear. In fact this black dress with white bow belt will take you right through the winter an into next summer. It has a great shape to it with a back kick pleat and can be worn with a black, white or coloured jacket  or without a jacket and accessories with a colourful scarf or jewellery.

For the weekend

On the weekend most people want something stylish but comfortable and relaxed to wear. The ruched top of this strappy summer dress make it perfect for relaxing in the garden or lunch with friends. It is perfect for dressing up with beads and lots of beautiful accessories.

For casual

Casual clothing should be comfortable and relaxing but also a stylish. This beige lace dress is ideal for a casual outfit with its calm colour scheme and subtle detail. Team it with a really comfortable pair of flats and tan leather bag for a great every day outfit.

For a special occasion

A day time party, wedding or other special occasion calls for a special type of day dress. The luxurious fabric in this red jacquard bow detail evening dress make it the perfect choice for all sorts of summer occasions. It can also double up as a very glamorous evening dress.

However there are several options available to women which should help them avoid encountering either of the aforementioned situations.  The first thing that women should consider is layering, this will allow small items of clothing to be added or removed when necessary in order to reach the right temperature.  Although it is advisable that care is taken to ensure that each the items worn is somewhat lightweight,  this will not ensure that the wearer does not become too hot be also means the removed items can be easily stashed away.  If, for example, a woman is out and about she will ultimately have to carry any excess garments so the lighter they are the better.

A further option is teaming a nice summer dress with a cardigan or light weight jacket.  The summer dress will be the perfect option for whenever the sun is shining whilst the cardigan or jacket will prevent the wearer from feeling the chill when the sun disappears.  Similar to the previous option this option gives the wearer the opportunity to add or remove the cardigan as is necessary.  A cardigan is often preferable to a jacket as it can be stowed in a handbag quite easily.

Crops and capri style trousers should also be considered in the event of interchangeable weather, as if worn in the right way they do not need to look too summery, making them perfect for when the sun goes away.  Crops and capri trousers are also a great option as they can easily be worn to the office without looking too out of place.  What is more crops and capri trousers can also be worn in a much more casual and social setting.  In addition these styles of trousers are often very comfortable making them not only a stylish option but also a practical one too.

All of the aforementioned options provide women with a degree of flexibility when dressing for interchangeable weather.  Although each of the options represent practicality they can also be very stylish options if the right garments are selected.

]]> http://blog.romanoriginals.co.uk/2010/05/29/outfits-to-suit-any-type-of-weather/feed/ 0 http://blog.romanoriginals.co.uk/2010/05/16/one-navy-and-white-print-dress-4-ways/ http://blog.romanoriginals.co.uk/2010/05/16/one-navy-and-white-print-dress-4-ways/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 10:05:25 +0000 http://blog.romanoriginals.co.uk/?p=1608

Building a stylish and smart wardrobe on a budget is all about adaptability and finding pieces that work in different ways for different occasions. Versatility is the key to getting the maximum wear out of the seasons key looks. Bright bold statement prints are big news this year and are a great choice of versatile and adaptable clothing. A simple shift style dress like this navy contrast round neck bow detailed dress (pictured above) is one of the best ways to work this trend as with this much of a pattern, no further detail is needed. Navy and white are definitely the seasons new answer to monochrome, fresh, strong and bright with a bit of a nautical feel. Short sleeves make this dress perfect for more formal events, work wear or a smart casual look.

The addition of a tailored and white jacket and white hat turn this dress into a striking wedding outfit. A simple pair of navy sandals and a navy handbag are the perfect accessories to finish the outfit off in style. For those who do not like wearing hats, a navy or white fascinator would look a little more low key but equally stylish. A simple pair of earrings or necklace would also look great with this ensemble.

A patterned shift dress is ideal for wearing to work. To turn this navy and white print dress into a smart and stylish work outfit, just add a navy tailored jacket. A navy jacket itself is a great investment as it will go with so many other outfits and is a work wear staple. Navy court shoes and a tan/ neutral coloured handbag will add just the right professional touch to this outfit. If you would like to add some jewellery, a brooch on the lapel of the jacket would look great or stud earrings or a simple chain necklace. If you want to add a bit of fun and colour to your work wear, then why not try adding a bright red handbag? Bright red lipstick and nail varnish will also finish off this outfit really well. 

For a really chic but casual daytime look add a bit of colour with a bright short sleeved cardigan. We love this bold red cardigan with really cute polka dot buttons but bright pink, yellow, green and purple would all also work really well. This is the perfect look for work on a casual or dress down Friday, if you want to feel more relaxed but still look smart and stylish. A flat pair of ballet pumps and slouchy handbag add to the relaxed feel of the outfit. Some chunky beads in metallic,white or navy would also look great with this outfit.

A bolero or shrug will turn this dress into instant party outfit. Opt for white or for a more evening feel navy. The frilled edges of this bolero cardigan help to add a sense of occasion and look pretty and graceful at the same time. Navy heels are the ideal footwear for this look with a bit of sparkle if needed. Some really sparkly jewellery or  a beautiful sparkly hair clip will look great with this outfit. A gorgeous clutch in either navy, a metallic colour or a contrasting colour like red will really put the icing on the cake for this outfit.

Green is one of those colours that many people run a mile from. What is it about green that people are so scared about? Are they perhaps scared that it won’t suit them? or is it just an unpopular colour that no one really likes. The colour green is associated with so many things that we both love and hate including nature and outdoors, apples, frogs and brussel sprouts. As with all colours, there are so many shades and intensities of green, there should be something to suit almost anyone.

There are many benefits to wearing the colour green. It is a sophisticated colour, perhaps because many people shy away from it, leaving only those who know how to choose just the right colours and stylishly combine them for maximum effect, to wear it. Green evening dresses look amazing but green also works equally well for day dresses and everyday clothes. Green has the ability to make people feel instantly calm. When you are wearing green, not only will you feel calm yourself but you will also have a calming effect on those around you. Green has so many associations with nature and plants, wearing green will make you feel like you are out in the fresh air even if you are not. For these reasons it is often a great colour for wearing to work. Bright lime and acid greens are also incredibly uplifting. They are perfect when you want people to really notice you.

Which shade of green to choose?

Part of the key to looking good in green is choosing just the right shade that goes with your hair skin and eye colour. If you have green eyes, it is fairly simple, try and find clothes in the same colour as your eyes. If you have brown hair and fairly tanned skin or blond hair try wearing paler shades or green. If you have dark hair and pale skin, brighter and deeper shades of green will tend to look best on you. The usual rule of picking colours works well with greens. If there is a lot of contrast between your hair and skin colour choose brighter and bolder greens, if you skin and hair are similar colours then choose paler and more muted shades of green. Red hair works well with a whole range of greens. Generally speaking if you have yellow, olive and brown undertones to your skin, you will probably look best in khaki, olive and lime greens. Those with pink, purple and blue undertones to their skin will usually look better in turquoise and blue shades of green.

How to add green to your wardrobe?

You don’t have to go all out an wear green all over with a green dress or suit although this is definitely an eye catching option. Greens look great as part of a pattern or as accessories to brighten up a plain outfit. If you are a bit scared of wearing green why not try adding a few accessories to start with.

How to combine green with other colours?

Green goes with lots of different colours. For a really bright and bold look combine green with contrasting colours. For a more subtle look combine green with other greens, browns or yellows. For  a really fresh look green and white look amazing for summer.