Category

Winter

winter layers

Tips for Winter Layering

By | Winter

I was recently asked on Instagram about winter layering and how to layer-up without looking like a Michelin man! So, I thought I’d answer that question in a blog.

I personally love winter clothing with plush coats, chic boots and cute layers, but it can also be sartorially challenging. It’s not easy to squeeze a cozy chunky sweater underneath a slimline coat without looking like a stuffed bird that can hardly move!

So, how do you stay warm and still look stylish?

Well, the main trick for successful winter dressing is thin layering. Layering is our greatest friend when it comes to hitting the mark with both style and warmth.

The base layer top

First things first, every winter outfit should start with a base layer. I personally love Uniqlo heat tech and I always buy them when I’m in the UK. But, if you don’t want anything technical, you can just wear a snug fit long sleeve top or a roll neck. Cos, H&M and Zara all sell these.

The important thing is to ensure this layer is as fitted as possible, and long enough to tuck into your waistband if you have one to give you a nice cosy, draft proof layer to build from.

Uniqlo HeatTech Top

Uniqlo

H&M

H&M

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next layer

I appreciate that instinctively in the winter we think chunky knits, but actually I recommend you avoid wearing them. They can look bulky and it’s difficult to add another layer on top. Instead, aim for a thin knitted cashmere sweater, which will keep you warm without being too heavy to layer on top of.

If you need to dress smart for work, why not opt for a beautiful cashmere sweater underneath your blazer. Cashmere sweaters are one of my absolute favourites every winter and an item I always put on every client’s must have list. Nowadays you can find cashmere for every budget, but honestly if there’s one item worth stretching your budget for it’s this one.

At this time of year, I personally like to wear a thin roll neck cashmere sweater underneath dresses, shirts and even blazers, and it can look super chic.

The wrap coat

I’m a big fan of wrap coats because they’re easy to throw on and work with almost everything. They have such a timeless elegance and always look luxurious. But most importantly in winter you can wear a lot more layers underneath without things looking and feeling too snug.

The good thing with wrap coats is that any type of body shape can wear them, and they help create a lovely feminine silhouette. To elevate your wrap coat why not add a leather belt to give more edge and shape. Or add a leather jacket underneath and have the leather lapels showing.

The puffer

Puffers are a definite must have for subzero temperatures, but if there’s one piece of clothing that could give that Michelin Man effect we’re trying to avoid, it’s this one!

So, the main thing to be aware of is how puffy it is. Try to go for one that is slightly cinched in at the waist to give you a more feminine shape and definition. Also be careful how the jacket is quilted. My favorite puffers are Max Mara and Moncler.

Footwear

To keep your tootsies toasty warm in winter, wool socks are a must. And, as well as having some elegant knee or thigh boots for a dressier look, I definitely recommend also having at least one pair of practical, warm and waterproof boots too.

These days we’re lucky these more practical style boots are on trend, and there are some really nice, stylish ones out there. Here are a few of my favorites…

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo

Hugo Bosss

Hugo Boss

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope these layering tips help to keep your wardrobe looking and feeling lux this winter, while still ensuring you stay snug and warm.

If owning your style feels challenging because you’re lacking in confidence or you don’t know what your own style is, why not join me for my Creating Your Personal Style Workshop.

What to Wear on a Winter Holiday

By | Travel, Winter

What to wear on a winter holiday that ticks all the stylish, chic and festive boxes can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. 

For the first time ever, my family and I are escaping this Christmas and swapping the winter skies for a little vitamin D in the sun. Usually we spend Christmas just outside of Bern in Switzerland overlooking the mountains, but this year we decided to opt for lounging on sunbeds and sipping cocktails by the pool…ahhh bliss! 

Naturally, I needed to get my thinking cap on with which outfits I’m taking away with me, and that has inspired this week’s blog post.  Wherever you’re spending this Christmas, be it skiing, laying on the beach or having a ‘staycation’ at home, I’ve created a few outfit ideas to help inspire you, so you feel stylish and chic this holiday season. 

Apres Chic

Let’s be honest most of us love the apres ski just as much as the skiing itself! So you’ll want to look as great off the slopes as on. Your apres chic look can be achieved by adding a few layers and some statement pieces. 

For instance, instead of ski leggings why not opt for some shiny faux thermal leather leggings. You can pair them with a slim fit merino wool sweater, a sheepskin gilet and, hey presto, you’re looking fabulous and keeping the cold at bay all at the same time – winning! And if you want to go one step further, why not have some fun and play around with adding some extra winter accessories too.

Here’s an idea of how this look can work (Perfect Moment sweater, Whistles gilet, Calzedonia leggings, Joseph beanie, Bogner snow boots):

Apres Chic outfit flat lay

Apres Chic!

Sunny Escape

If, like me, you’re heading off somewhere warm this Christmas, first have a read of my blog Packing Made Easy, which is a great guide for helping you get clear on your holiday packing essentials. 

This time of year more than any other is so crazy busy, and there isn’t much time to prepare your holiday looks. So, personally I’ll be keeping it super simple by packing a couple of maxi dresses, cover ups and a swimsuit, plus accessories that I can incorporate to give my outfits an individual twist.  

Here’s a little pictorial guide to my holiday essentials (Solid & Striped cover up, Hunza G swimsuit, Saint Laurent sandals, Completedworks earrings, Fendi sunglasses and Rae Feather bag):

Sunny Escape outfit flat lay

Sunny Escape!

Staycation Style

There’s many a year when all your heart desires is to have a lovely Christmas in the comfort of your own home. But it’s not always easy to know how to transition from your usual everyday looks to something a little more festive.

Never fear I have you covered! 

One thing I believe always looks great at this time of year is a beautiful jewelled sweater…there’s something immediately festive about the sparkle they bring. 

When you’re going somewhere that’s a little more dressy, pair your sweater with a leather skirt and dazzling earrings for a more edgy chic look. Or if it’s jingle bells, jingle bells cosy all the way, you can dress your jumper down by pairing it with a great pair of jeans.

Here’s how this look can work (Veronica Beard sweater, Theory skirt, Aeyed boots, Carolina Bucci earrings, Prada bag):

Staycation Style outfit flat lay

Staycation Style

I hope these outfit ideas have inspired you and sparked ideas for your own Christmas looks, and wherever you are and whatever you’re doing I wish you a wonderful and magical Christmas and a very Happy New Year! 

A Guide to Winter Layering

By | Winter

As winter is fast approaching, it’s time to dig out our coats and boots and get all snuggly with the clothes in our wardrobes. For many though, dressing for winter feels like quite a challenge – you want to keep warm, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re walking around looking like the Michelin Man!!! 

Let’s be honest, on a chilly winter’s morning when you’ve just got out of your warm cosy bed, all you want to do is keep that feeling going by wearing something that makes you feel snug and warm. So the question is, how can you achieve this and still look stylish?

The answer…layering! 

Layering is our greatest friend when it comes to hitting the mark with both style and warmth. Here are a few key layering pieces that can instantly elevate your look, and make your wardrobe look and feel luxe while still keeping out the cold. 

Cardigans

This season is all about the cardigan. This often overlooked, yet super versatile little piece can be dressed up or down for the office, or worn with a casual pair of jeans. And this season make your cardigans bang on trend by wearing them as an extra layer on top of a dress to keep you snuggly warm. 

Here are a few of my favourites… 

& Other Stories

Ganni

Joseph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cashmere Sweaters

This is one of my absolute favourites every winter, and an item I always put on every client’s must have list. Nothing looks richer and more luxurious than a gorgeous cashmere sweater.  Nowadays you can find cashmere for every budget, you just need to keep in mind that the quality of the cashmere may not be the best at the lower price range. 

Honestly though if there’s one layer that’s worth stretching your budget for it’s this one, because a great cashmere sweater is a truly timeless piece that, if looked after properly, will be fashionable year in and year out. I suggest having a few in neutral colours, and in either crew or v-neck depending on your personal style preference.

Massimo Dutti

Joseph

Theory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap Coats

As cashmere is to the sweater, the wrap is to the coat – timeless and always luxurious looking! What I love about a wrap coat is that you can wear lots more layers underneath, without it looking and feeling too snug. 

To elevate the look of your wrap coat, why not add a leather belt, to give it a little more edge and shape. Also why not put a leather jacket underneath and have the leather lapels showing. 

& Other Stories

Ted Baker

Max Mara

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roll necks

This is another winter wardrobe essential! This is a piece that is designed specifically to keep out the cold, but is stylish enough to be worn either on its own, under a blazer or even under a dress. 

However you wear your roll neck, warmth is absolutely guaranteed! 

Uniqlo

Reiss

Hugo Boss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scarves

Never underestimate the humble scarf – it really can make such a difference as a layering piece.  Scarves come in all shapes and sizes, colours, fabrics and textures and can be worn in multiple ways. You can instantly add a dash of colour to your look, or add a statement scarf to give your outfit some extra dimension. 

There are also many ways you can wear scarf.  Here is a great YouTube video to get your creative juices going 

Get creative and make scarves a fun and cosy accessory to play around with this winter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you struggle with selecting the right winter layering essentials, and you’d like help finding something new for AW19, please feel free to email me at [email protected] – I’d love to help you!