Dress In Style

Lady Grey: Autumn Fashion Trend

Lana Winter — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 09:40:13 +0000

A far cry from the vibrant hues that the summer flaunted, it’s shades of grey that take precedence as autumn waltzes around the corner. From pale dove and slate to rich charcoal and graphite, these stormy shades can be found in outfits and accessories around the globe.

Photo: Fashion Magazine

We Fade to Grey

Everywhere you turn, you’ll find absolute treasures popping up in clothing shops in preparation for autumn and winter.

In summer’s fashion shows, Stella McCartney, Julie Boulet, and Alexander Wang swathed their models in smoky shades, and it’s easy to re-create some of these gorgeous looks for yourself.

Maxi: Blush Fashion

One of the best things about grey is that it’s a staple hue: unlike the ephemeral colour trends of magenta, lemon, or turquoise, grey can stay relevant for years, provided that the items you purchase are well tailored and stylish. Keep in mind that you can mix and match accessories to your heart’s content in order to stay au courant – adding in scarves, tops, leggings and such, as desired – so if you get a number of classic pieces that can be re-vamped and re-styled as fads come and go, you’ll save yourself both money and frustration.

For these staple pieces, aim for a couple of dresses that you can wear to work, as well as some separates like skirts, blouses, jumpers, and blazers.

Chopin Knitted Scoop Neck Dress from French Connection | Geo and Lace Dress from Warehouse | The Anna Dress from Oasis | Leopard Love V-Neck Dress from Great Plains

There are so many shades of grey out there that you don’t have to worry about sticking to one particular tone. Try pairing a charcoal grey skirt or trousers with a lighter blouse, or a mid-toned smoky dress with a long, pale grey knit cardigan. Mixing up textures is another fabulous way to celebrate the varied shades, so don’t be afraid of combining fabrics like tweed, silk, wool (especially with knit-wear), velvet, cotton, and leather.

Tights: Denise Alcida

Should you decide that you’d like a more monochromatic look, wear pieces that are all the same shade of grey: this creates a strong, dramatic effect that can be even more intensified with the addition of one strong colour, like red shoes or a robin’s-egg-blue scarf. As another alternative, you can go for patterns instead: leggings and tights that have patterns or embroidery on them can look incredible with a pencil skirt or shift dress, while a grey-on-grey patterned blouse would look brilliant with a simple blazer.

Outerwear

Alexander Wang Outfit: Fashion Magazine

Whether your tastes lie in knee-length woollen jackets or sweeping duster coats, you’re sure to find something you love for the cooler half of the year in a grey shade that inspires you. You can take a cue from Alexander Wang and wrap yourself in knit cowls and hats paired with grey suede and fun fur. If you’re looking to create a unique ensemble of your own, hunt down a vintage grey coat from a charity shop or poky vintage boutique and team it with a chenille scarf, beret, and slouchy leg-warmers over thick tights/leggings.

Layers: Lookbook

There can’t be enough emphasis on the use of layers for this coming season. Plait a few lightweight scarves together or just layer one atop another in contrasting shades or textures for gorgeous effect. Skip the matching hat/scarf/mitten sets and just mix-and-match those of varying shades and texture. Consider a simple warm jumper with a lace angora or cashmere scarf, topped with a cable-knit hat. Add in some fingerless gloves (so you can still text, or hold on to your latte without the risk of spilling it), and a sturdy grey suede shoulder bag, and you’re absolutely set.

Bootie: Love Today’s Look

When it comes to footwear, it’s best to select styles that suit your needs as well as your locale. If you’re in a region that gets smothered in snow from Halloween onward, you might wish to go for a warmer boot that can withstand slush and colder temperatures. If you work in the city centre and will spend most of your time in an office or on the tube, then you can absolutely get away with a pair of chunky heeled boots in a smoky grey.

Accessories

Scarves: Love It So Much

The aforementioned layered scarf is a must for autumn: not only will it keep you warm, but if you get yourself a variety of different scarves to play with, you can have a different combination for every day of the week. Scour your mum’s dresser to see if she has any, hit up some vintage shops, pick up a couple from H&M, TopShop or Debenham’s, or even sit down with some knitting needles and make some of your own one-of-a-kind scarves to play with. Then, twist a couple together, or plait 3 at a time, and experiment with different ways of wrapping/twisting/coiling them to suit your outfit.

Leg-warmers and arm-warmers are great to keep on hand in case the weather (or your office’s thermostat) gets twitchy, and you can find all manner of them on Etsy and other online accessory shops. Chunky belts, statement brooches, thick bangle bracelets, and assertive rings all work well against grey’s subtle shadings, as do hoop earrings and large pendant necklaces. If you can find strings of beads in varying shades of grey, white, and black, you can coil them together for interesting effect, especially if they’re of different lengths. Bold purses with great textures are also must-haves for any season, so keep an eye out for unique pieces.

Makeup

Smoky eyes never go out of style, and you can play with a number of different palettes to get your own signature look for autumn/winter. For daytime looks, aim for a lighter grey across the lid paired with black eyeliner and volumising mascara, while evening looks can be much more bold: add in deep, glittering charcoal in the crease and along the outside contours, and ramp up with black liquid liner. Remember that grey can come in either cool or warm shades, whether there’s more blue/purple in it (cool) or subtle yellow/magenta (warm). Greenish and brownish greys can be either cool or warm, depending on the hue. Try to use grey makeup that complements your eye colour, so hazel or green eyes should be accented by a purplish grey, blue eyes with brown-grey, dark brown eyes with a true neutral or slightly warm grey.

Eyeshadow: Polyvore

Grey nails can also make a bold statement, and there’s certainly no shortage of nailpolish in these shades. From the palest pebble grey through shimmering silver, gunmetal, and sparkling charcoal, you can find the perfect polish to suit your style and skin tone. Matte nailpolish can look incredible if applied well, but it’s not very forgiving: if you’d like the matte look, get a professional manicure to ensure that your nails are free from any smudges or drips. Should you go for standard nail lacquer, nearly every manufacturer from Butter London to Opi have shades just for you.

Polishes: Polyvore

Don’t Forget the Menfolk…

Photo: Sartorialist

As a final note, remember that your guy might need a little help with his wardrobe this season, and grey is in for menswear as well! Don’t be afraid to encourage him to pick up some basic pieces like trousers and shirts in charcoal, slate, and light grey, and feel free to add in the occasional gift: a sleek cardigan or silk tie could be just the thing to shake up his wardrobe and make him the perfect morsel of arm candy to walk around town with.

Surviving the Summer to Autumn Transition

Angelica Ng — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:51:50 +0000

Why does it always seem like summer months make up such a small percentage of the year? It was not that long ago that I was sitting here writing about spring and summer trends, yet here I am, writing about the arrival of autumn. Fashion moves quickly. Guess we should know that by now!

Photo via Angelo González

To hang on to the last, receding shreds of summer, learn to transition between seasons like a fashion pro. So, without further ado, here are some examples of how to take the hottest summer pieces you likely have hanging in your closet and dress them up for AW13.

You can still romp your way into autumn in a romper—even a floral one. Add a light washed denim jacket, a pair of tights, and a light scarf to protect exposed skin, and exchange your strappy sandals for a pair of oxfords. A smooth brown leather bag gives a taste of autumn, but the neutral, pastel palette harks back to sunny days by the ice cream stand. Reference warm weather even more explicitly with a 3-D floral ring that tells the world you’re still in the summer mood.

A huge trend for Spring/Summer 2013 was the sculpted skirt. If you invested in the perfect one this season, then get the most mileage out of it as possible by bringing it into autumn. The sweater and skirt look is not only widely popular, but practical for those in-between days. However, a word of caution: look for sweaters with a looser, high-low hem. These will look best against the cut of a skirt. Pull on a pair of ankle boots and to add a dash of sultriness for autumn, swipe on a deep red lip.

Midriffs – whether you liked it or not – were on display all Spring/Summer! Crop tops had their moment, but as we move into autumn, even the thought of an exposed midriff can send chills down your spine. Yet where there’s a will, there’s a way. Ensure ample coverage with a chic tuxedo blazer and a pair of cigarette trousers. The crop top trouser suit was on the rise this summer, but let’s be honest, blazers and trousers aren’t practical for the sweltering heat anyway. This is a look more suited to autumn weather, and with drop dead gorgeous eyelashes, you’re good to go.

Nothing is as easy as wearing a maxi dress in the summer. One piece of fabric and you’re ready to step out the door. For autumn, it’s just as easy to wear a maxi dress; all you need are a few tweaks. Shrug on a leather jacket and slip on a sturdy pair of ankle boots. Belt your maxi dress to make the silhouette more structured for autumn, but keep your accessories bright to retain a sense of flair. And remember: auburn and turquoise = a great colour combo.

Cardigans are fashion gold. They work with so many different looks, and are the perfect thing to throw on when you want to cover up. Yet those cardigans that were so perfect are now too light for windier days. Become well versed in the art of layering, and do as effortless street style setters do: wear another cardigan on top of your cardigan. Go with a thicker, possibly knit, cardigan to create an interesting mix of texture. A pair of skinny jeans and slick riding boots will complete the look by making it sleek and uptown.

Shorts are probably the last item of clothing you think of when dressing for autumn, but it doesn’t have to be anymore. Tights are your friend in cooler weather, and a chunky knit sweater may just be your best friend. Some have a clear distinction in their minds that shorts are only for warm weather, but a killer pair of ankle boots show that you’re serious about making the most out of your summer wardrobe.

Vests are an interesting fashion item. You’re constantly debating what kind of top you should wear underneath – sleeveless, ¾ sleeved, or long sleeved? At least for autumn, the choice is obvious. A knit, long sleeved turtleneck is the way to go! In this case, a denim vest acts as a decorative piece, adding interest to an otherwise boring sweater. And a bold maxi skirt (which is another summer item you can carry on into autumn) evocative of crisp autumn leaves just calls for a cluster of quirky accessories.

I couldn’t put together a bunch of outfits without including a more high fashion look – just for fun! When transitioning sandals for autumn, a great solution is to embrace the socks and sandals look. No, I’m not talking Birkenstocks and tennis socks. I’m talking intricate Dolce & Gabbana wedge sandals with sheer, patterned fashion socks (or your version of it). This is a look that requires major fashion chutzpah, but if you’re looking for an audacious look fit for a trendy evening, this is it. A faux fur coat will keep the chill at bay, but the inevitable gawks of admiration will likely be enough to warm you up.

You can never go wrong taking inspiration from the ever-chic Kate Middleton. A pretty summer dress can be brought into autumn with the simple addition of a trench coat. In keeping with the femininity of the dress, forgo the typical military trench for a posh one with concealed buttons and a sleek exterior. Cutting is key. Other accessories should be sophisticated and sweet, and darling, never forget your pearls.

You can’t walk into a store anymore without coming across a sheer button-up. It has become a summer essential, done in every possible design imaginable. Instead of stashing it into the back of your closet once the temperature dips, a utility jacket with a fur collar helps to minimise the chill of a sheer torso. If more coverage is needed, an infinity scarf is always the way to go. Stomping down cold pavement, a pair of sturdy military-inspired ankle boots show you mean business when tackling the summer-to-autumn transition. Forward march!

Animal Fashion for AW13

Charlotte Albert — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 11:20:57 +0000

When someone mentions animal print, the first thing that springs to mind tends to be leopard print. A print that is not for the fashion-shy and certainly not to be abused by the people who love it too much, if you’re head to toe in skin-tight leopard print then I’m talking to you! With the return of the animal print, it’s only right we should go into the do’s and don’ts; when it’s done right, it looks amazing.

With mink coats being the ultimate must-have in Britain during the 1950’s, fur has always had a certain grace and elegance about it. There’s no doubt it’s beautiful, but whether it’s right is another matter. Although many designers still use fur, there are many who do not. Stella McCartney, Calvin Klein, Ralph Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood, to name a few opt for faux fur or nothing at all. With the trend rearing is head all over the world it’s good we have so many options. While many people prefer to stay away from real fur, that doesn’t mean we can’t adapt the patterns from animal fur onto different fabrics entirely!

Leopard Print Looks For AW 2013 – Images Via Style.com

We’ve already established that leopard print isn’t for the faint hearted – it’s a strong look, but is here in full force so why not embrace it? With the likes of Mochino Cheap & Chic, Ermanno Scervino, and Diane von Furstenburg sending top-to-toe leopard print looks down the runway, it could seem a little daunting or even garish to some. But, styled into a simplistic outfit or injected into your look through accessories it can be much more comfortable. With ‘punk’ also making a comeback, this look is win win if you like to follow trends to a T.

1. Mango 2. Topshop 3. Ray-Ban 4. Zara 5. Topshop 6. ASOS 7. Forever 21 8. Aspinal of London

Animal print alone gives you a tick on the fashion chart, but enhancing it with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe will make the designers proud. For those looking for a softer look, try a black and white version of the print or wear with a blazer and a fedora.

Cow Print For AW 2013 – Images via Style.com, Cow Print Skirt From Zara , Blogger Victoria Tornegren and Natalia Alaverdian – Image Via Street Peeper

With monochrome forever being in the fashion spotlight, what could be more perfect than a cow print to fit in with the trend? Although cow isn’t seen quite as much as leopard on the runway, it has been extremely prominent across the blogosphere and is great for those who like a sports luxe feel to their outfits. Givenchy have embraced the print, using it for full outfits in their AW 2013 collection, alongside structured clothing with a very masculine feel. Forget frills, this trend demands straight lines and sharp angles.

1. Muubaa 2. French Connection 3. Topshop 4. Alexander Wang 5. Zara 6. Topshop

Cow print will be a statement in its own right, so one item with the design will be all you need for a great outfit. Enhance it with black and white clothing and silver jewellery to make a clean sharp look, or try pairing it with a contrasting print for a quirky look.

Zebra Print Looks For AW 2013 – Images Via Style.com

Zebra print has been taken out of its comfort zone of clean monochrome lines and handed to us in full statement form. Much like leopard, zebra print has been a great part of the punk trend; Versace accessorised zebra print with spiked necklaces and smoky eyes, while Tom Ford ended his show with a full length zebra dress and black collar for AW 2013. Emilio Pucci ditched monochrome altogether, replacing the white with a rich gold and pairing it with lace, faux fur and military jackets, Versace went for PVC and mesh tops only just covering the models modesty, and Joseph contrasted the print with vibrant pink trousers. The designers seem keen to do something new with zebra, so experimenting with fabrics and mixing textures has been key.

1. Michael Kors 2. H&M 3. Zara 4. Topshop 5. Marc Jacobs 6. Zara

If you’re wondering how to fit zebra print into your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with a great bag. Whether you feature it on an oversized tote or a small clutch, it’s the perfect print to add a pop to your look. As we’ve seen the ‘white on white’ trend coming at us from all directions, this is a great way to add something extra. If you’re looking to the colder months, there have been sightings of zebra print coats and jackets all over the internet through street style images. Bloggers Kristina Bazan, and Chiara Ferragni have been spotted in zebra coats as well as celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Millie Macintosh and even Drake!

Crocodile Print For AW 2013 – Images Via Style.com

As well as the more obvious of prints, crocodile has been gracing our runways in a sleek, sophisticated style. The print has been used to create head-to-toe looks in a variety of warm and pastel colours – while Prada opted for natural browns and blacks, Antonio Berardi went all out with the reptile theme using red dresses on models with slicked hair and light eyes. Designers played with fabrics pairing the prints with silks, knits as of course leather. Using this print may be the most difficult to fully embrace; with it mostly being used on bags and shoes, there aren’t many clothing items available on the highstreet yet, but if you can find a crocodile print dress, jacket or skirt you’ll gain full marks on the fashion board!

1. Nelly 2. Topshop 3. Carlos Falchi 4. Michael Kors 5. H&M 6. BooHoo

Crocodile is perfect for a more mature look – you can use it to add colour to an outfit and make sure it’s the main focus. Rich tones also make it look so expensive and are great for the cooler months!

While we’re on the subject of reptiles, there’s another print which is always ready for us slither into. Yes, it is of course snakeskin, with python being the most commonly used. With coloured snakeskin employed throughout the Gucci and Erdem SS 2013 collections, it’s one to be creative with and experiment with collage and colours.

Animal print is extremely versatile. As you can now hopefully tell, it can be incorporated into whatever style suits you, whether it’s punk – which we’ve already seen as a huge trend for AW 2013 – sports luxe, or sleek and sophisticated. When styling print, try to stick to one print, as an all-in-one approach could just be a little too much! There’s really no need to go crazy mixing the prints when one will be a statement all by itself. However, this does not mean you’re restricted, as designers worldwide have been experimenting with textures by mixing sheers, knits, leather and fur into outfits. This trend is your chance to embrace collage!

There are pieces all over the high street and plenty of street style images on the web to get you started and provide you with inspiration and styling tips. Happy shopping!

Making the Most of Summer Trends

Jen Wallace — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 15:14:46 +0000

Those summertime trends can be oh so appealing and make us want to dive in head-first. But hold on for a second, does your wallet think that’s such a great idea? Hmmm, maybe not. Don’t worry though, it’s still possible to be trendy AND budget conscious.

The key is to not be an impulse shopper, but do your research before you buy. Check out your favourite stores online and read the latest fashion magazines and blogs (like this site) so you can scope out the trends you cannot live without. Then, you can buy a few choice pieces and make the most of them by ensuring you are buying things that will fit into your existing wardrobe. Believe me, it’s what all the chicest fashionistas are doing… because let’s face it, we aren’t all independently wealthy.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at these 4 hot summertime trends. We’ve put together 2 looks for each trendy item and that’s what you want to do to make the most of your purchases – make sure that you can make at least 2, 3, 4 or more outfits utilising existing items you already own.

By doing a little prep work and being a disciplined shopper, you can have those trendy looks you love.

Here are 4 signature pieces for the top summertime trends and two looks for each one.

Floral Prints

Floral prints have been all the rage for summer and can be found gracing everything from dresses and trousers to bags and shoes. The popular prints are larger scaled as opposed to smaller scale, but we won’t rule out any florals. These are no shrinking violet florals either, but bright, bold and colourful floral prints are what’s totally on trend now. And one of the beautiful things about this latest iteration, is that there are very few rules. Mix and match them, pair with neutrals, add floral accessories – from seeing what’s on the street, anything goes as long as it’s stylish!

Floral Look #1

In this look, take a pretty floral fit and flare dress and dress it up for a day at the office or summer garden party.

Fluro Floral Skater Dress at Oasis.
Crepe Heather Blazer at Piperlime.
ALDO Eila White Ankle Strap Platform Wedges at Asos.
Fossil Gold cut out floral bangle at Debenhams.

Floral Look #2

Take the same dress and add some sandals and a sun hat for a day of window shopping while on holiday.

Fluro Floral Skater Dress at Oasis.
River Island T Bar Metal White Sandals at Asos.
Natural plain weave floppy hat at Dorothy Perkins.
Stud Detail Quilted Chain-Strap Bag at Charlotte Russe.

The Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt has had a strong presence this summer. The classic silhouette is flattering to all body types and versatile too. It’s possible to find printed patterns, solids and all the colours of the rainbow as well. Take your pick and find a pencil skirt that calls out to you to add it to your wardrobe. We’ve picked a snakeskin print, which we know will remain trendy throughout AW13.

Pencil Skirt Look #1

Take a snakeskin print pencil skirt and add some colourful accessories for a casual outfit fit for a summer barbecue or running errands.

Python Pencil Skirt at Piperlime.
BCBG Paris Magie Canvas Flat at Dsw.
Workshop Cold Shoulder T-Shirt at Asos.
Alternative Traveller Shoulder Bag at Urban Outfitters.

Pencil Skirt Look #2

Dress that same skirt readily prepared for the office.

Python Pencil Skirt at Piperlime.
Blushed Solstice Shell at Anthropologie.
Jessica Simpson Shoes, Blossom Platform Pumps at Macys.
Gemstone Bib Necklace at Forever21.

Leopard Print

Leopard print has been on trend full force for a few years now. It can still come of a little like something from the Sopranos, but the modern leopard goes less with big hair and mall bangs than the leopard print of the past. It can still be tricky pulling it off, so watch wearing it with those bodycon dresses. Also, try non-traditional colours or lighter and darker versions of the pattern.

Leopard Look #1

This look is perfect for date night.

Fanta by Dolce Vita at Piperlime.
Animal Print Dress at Mango.
Cream curve bar clutch at Dorothy Perkins.

Leopard Print Look #2

Dress it down with some oxfords and shades for a day at the beach.

Animal Print Dress at Mango.
Kimchi Blue Teen Dream Oxford at Urban Outfitters.
Metallic Striped Scarf at Forever21.
Rock and Rags by Firetrap Bow Detail Sunglasses at Usc.

Neon Colours

We love the neon trend! It’s bright, refreshing and fun. While it might have more appeal for the younger set, don’t be intimidated if you’ve moved out of the house, have a job and a mortgage, you can still pull it off. Try picking one neon item to create an outfit around or go all in!

Neon Look #1

Don’t be shy, mix and match your neon.

Jewel Denim Color Skinny Jeans at Piperlime.
Knotted Fringe Scarf at Forever21.
Purple Neon Aztec Crop T-Shirt at New Look.
Limited Neon Yellow Patent Pointed Court Shoes at New Look.

Neon Look #2

And you can take the same neon jeans and make them a little more sedate by toning down the colour.

Silence + Noise Vegan Leather Hooded Bomber Jacket at Urban Outfitters.
Button-Tab Chevron Blouse at Charlotte Russe.
New Look Gladdy Gladiator Wedge Sandals at Asos.

So, that’s the trick and it can be done. Happy shopping!

Dresses for Days: Which Length? Which Occasion?

Kari Radjewski — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:51:03 +0000

For many reasons, being a female has its good and bad points. While we must admit, playing with wardrobe variety is fun, it can also create a conundrum when deciding what to wear. A skirt, shorts, a dress? And then within these categories we have sub-categories: midi, maxi, pencil, flowing, cotton, body-con… the list goes on (and on!). If we are striking a chord with you, then read on because we are telling you the lengths and styles of dresses to wear for any and all occasions.

Summer is the season of showing off your skin and… your assets. A dress is the go-to outfit staple due to comfort and ease of getting dressed. Whether your plans are for daytime, nighttime, professional or whimsical occasions, we have chosen the best dresses to slip-on during the warm months in London-town.

Dressing for: A picnic in the park

Boater Hat from Liberty / Maxi from River Island / Picnic Basket from Online Amish Furniture / T-Strap Sandals from Wallis Fashion

If there is one must-do during the summer, it is the quintessential sunny afternoon complete with a picnic in the park. Plan this summer staple in Kensington, Hyde, or Regent’s Park, but regardless of where you go to enjoy a homemade outdoor lunch, keep cool in a maxi. You will want to sit with legs crossed, so the long length will allow you to be comfortable without showing too much… skin (ah hem). Place your paper plate in your lap for easy eating. Let the sun kiss your upper body by wearing delicate straps. Accessorise with a boater hat for a little shade and buckle simple flat sandals for quick removal once seated.

Dressing for: A wedding to attend

Pearl Earrings from Macys / Marigold Dress from The Outnet / Chunky Bracelet from Coast Stores / Pearlescent Clutch from Forever New / Gold Heels from Joie

Ever since childhood, girls have stereotypically loved to play dress-up. Ladies simply love to get fancy, so why do we always revert to the little black dress when we are invited to be guests at a wedding? It is a happy celebration, not a funeral! So ,show your jubilance and joy for the happy couple by popping colour into your outfit. Be cautious of length; you want to look sophisticated and lady-like. At the very shortest, the dress should be about halfway between your fingertips and knees.

When wearing a bright colour, be certain to balance it with metallic or neutral accessories. This particular dress does not need elaborate jewellery, due to its statement neckline. Instead, decorate your dress with minimal jewels and a demure, yet stylish, pair of shoes and Add a pretty, but plain, clutch to complete the look.

Dressing for: Afternoon BBQ

Statement Necklace from Marissa Collections / Dropped Hem Dress from John Lewis / Coozie from Funny Shirts / Satchel from Boticca / Wedge Sandals from Zappos Couture

A Sunday Funday is your opportunity to get uber trendy. This summer, the dropped-waist dress is all the rage. Flirty and feminine, the short skirt shows your playful side. Going sleeve-free keeps the outfit airy and comfortable. Try the monochromatic look by layering a turquoise agate necklace. Bright neon blue is a beautiful colour to enjoy, but when wearing such a bold hue, your shoes and bag should be a neutral so that you do not resemble a clown or rainbow. Lastly, don’t forget your coozie with a snarky saying to keep your beer cold in the hot heat.

Side note: These wedge sandals can be worn with a million other items in your closet. The metallic strap adds just the right amount of interest. We love them!

Dressing for: Professional work party

Blazer from Avenue 32 / Midi Dress from Dorothy Perkins / Chunky Necklace from Selected / Satchel from Kate Spade / Pumps from Rupert Sanderson

When out to impress the execs, you need confidence and it’s no secret that confidence comes from looking good and feeling like yourself. One of the trickiest outfits to arrange is one that will be comfortable and professional, yet still be expressive of your personal style. The midi-length dress is perfectly work-appropriate and when it comes in your favourite colour, there’s no doubt you will be feeling smart! Not to mention, the in-between length is totally on trend. Next, layer it with a tailored jacket to feel strong and in-control. Finish it off with a neutral shoe and bag. Only allow yourself one item of jewellery when it comes to professional dress. This chunky chain metal necklace does just the job!

Dressing for: Rest and relaxation at the beach

Swimsuit from Oxygen Boutique / White Dress from Monsoon / Straw Bag from Simply Soles / Thong Sandals from Heels.com

At last: sand, sun and waves! After the aforementioned work event, it is time to relex and de-stress at the beach, but yet again we are confronted with “What to wear?!” Since you will be dipping in and out of the water for most of the day, opt for cotton to soak the water from your suit. This casual cover-up featured is positively perfect. We chose it because it is easily slips on and off. Not to mention, it won’t leave any embarrassing imprints on your belly from restricting elastic or too-tight buttons. Polish the look with some thong sandals that are great for walking on sandy shores and load your straw beach tote with a cute towel and lots of SPF!

As you can see, this summer all you will need to refresh your warm weather wardrobe is a handful of great dresses. Dabble with lengths, colours, shapes and silhouettes. As always, it is important to always keep in mind what is appropriate for each occasion and how you are presenting yourself in each situation. Be practical about the event you’re attending and decide what will be most comfortable according to the plan.

If you are having a wardrobe dilemma of your own, please share it! We are happy to help you decide what to wear wherever you need to go!

Do you have any other tips for wearing dresses during the summer? What is your go-to style when it is hot outside?

Get Your Creative Hats On With Warehouse

Annie — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:21:16 +0000

There’s no denying that social media is on the rise. Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook are not a fad; they’re here to stay and are only getting bigger with every year. Companies are starting to smarten up and use these platforms to help share their products, and leading a shining example is Warehouse. Following the start of a new competition, Warehouse are fully utilising various social media to really connect with their customers, something that the competition itself is all about. Bravo Warehouse!

The competition is called Style Me If You Can and challenges any wannabe stylists to come up with and create an outfit suited to a specific location in the city; whether you’re in a bookshop, a job interview or a walk in the park, fashion always matters. Relevance is always paramount as the wrong pick of style (summery, chilled) could just ruin the activity (formal job interview)! However, within the competition you can choose everything for your style from accessories to the main outfit so do not fear as long as you think long and hard about your decision!

After you’ve submitted your design, you’ll get your own style mood board – where importantly you can share your designs to your mates via all the social media platforms you could imagine. Show off your hot summer outfit via Facebook or tweet your tantalising windswept winter look. Gather your friends comments and criticisms before you face the judges!

Style Me If You Can is part of the launch of the A/W 2013 campaign from Warehouse, and the prizes are not to be scoffed at. For the top 9 designs, each stylist will win coverage in both print and film of their outfits as well as a trip for two to fashion capitals Milan, Paris or New York! Warehouse themselves recently released a flashmob loose in London to promote the campaign (meaning yours should be extra special to beat the competition!):

Submit your entry to the Style Me If You Can competition on the Warehouse website. Good luck!

Be Prepared: Preview of AW13

Annie — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:46:30 +0000

Without trying to sound negative – autumn and winter are coming up. that means back to the coats, scarves, trousers and cosy jumpers, BUT this doesn’t mean you have to look gloomy or drab! Thanks to some wonderful designers and their Autumn/Winter ’13 collections, we’ll be looking bright and bold come AW13.

Take a look at Monsoon’s collection; their recent press show, which showcased their AW13 clothes, proves that celebrating 40 years in the industry doesn’t mean they’re out of date – quite the contrary in fact.

Their new season stays true to their bohemian roots and fuses it nicely with today’s fashion trends. For example, take a look at these items from their new collection…

They are using layers with a combination of patterns and prints which, if you take a look at what was shown at London Fashion Week, is hot right now.

(Designers from left to right – Holly Fulton, Emilia Wickstead and Clements Ribeiro)

Other trends for the coming Autumn/Winter season are:

Longer Skirts – For those of us with knobbly knees or just a dislike of showing too much thigh, this season is a godsend! Those lovely designers have produced some beautiful skirts that mostly hit just above or below the knee; some have even gone for a mid-calf length. They’re coming in a wide range of designs from heavily patterned to simple block colours, as well as a wide range of fabrics like fur and vinyl!

Red, White and Black – These three colours seem to be the hot colours this season with some designers focusing whole outfits only using one colour. Monochrome outfits were well represented and there was also a whole ‘Goth’ inspired look to some designers’ pieces as well.

(Designers from left to right – Jasper Conran, Jonathan Saunders and Jean-Pierre Braganza)

(All of the above are from Monsoon’s Autumn/Winter 2013 collection)

There was also a definite feel of vintage/art deco to a few of the designers’ collections but no one showed this more than Bora Aksu. His collection had patterns and headdresses that would not have looked out of place on the set of The Great Gatsby. In keeping with the vintage style, the re-emergence of vinyl and certain cuts of the dresses really gave a 1960’s feel to them.

You’ll also see some ‘mod punk’ style fashion coming back on the scene as well as bomber jackets and dropped waists aplenty! Last but not least, a type of grunge look appears to be coming back into play this season, with designers giving their personal representation on the trend, so don’t be surprised if you see some ripped jeans, string crocheted jumpers or oversized worn looking t-shirts come into your favourite stores.

So if you’re a lover of any past decade, rockabilly or just someone who appreciates the modern frock with a vintage/retro flare then this season is for you.

Dash for the Sun!

Annie — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:14:31 +0000

It’s been a long winter. One in which we’ve all become a little bit more acquainted with our coats than we’d probably like. They might be stylish but, as the old adage goes, too much of a good thing is never good. The skies have remained determinedly grey and cloud-covered, however, and a chilly wind has persisted, hindering our attempts to shed the things. Hot toddies have remained in hand and comfort has been sought in the warmth of a favourite scarf (often bright in colour to offset the all-surrounding gloom that the UK has seemed to remain shrouded in).

And yet, might it be? Is that a glimmer of hope? It seems that, yes: the sun is about to break through at last.

So Warehouse’s new campaign promises. The London-based fashion company has just released their video for Dash for the Sun, aiming to lift the mood of modern woman with its ‘essence of excitement’ and wish away the lingering wet weather (or snowy white weather, for some poor souls). In an act of climactic defiance as well as jubilation, Warehouse’s models jump for joy, energetically shedding all those excess layers of clothing in this ‘tongue-in-cheek film’ of explosive vêtements.

In a literal bound, it seems a ‘girl about town’ can go from shuffling depressed through city streets to revealing her true, brighter, more summery self. A self whose fabulousness has laid dormant and suppressed for so long; a self that is all about dresses and shorts.

Although the items being promoted also include the High Rise and the Supersoft Skinny (£42 and £40) – ideal if you’re not yet ready to reveal the sun-deprived skin of your lower limbs in urban surroundings – it is bare legs and beautiful arms which are indeed what it’s all about in the Dash For The Sun campaign. Cross Stitch Shorts (£38) can be teamed with an Arizona Bandau Top (£36), or you can go for more traditional Turn Up Shorts (£26) in that combination. If you want to go further and really embrace the return of the ol’ golden orb in the sky, then you might want to don the Bright Chevron Playsuit (£40).

Nevertheless, here at Dress In Style, we know what the real key piece is: the dress. And the Totem Embroidered Skater Dress (£55) is an ideal item for your summer wardrobe. Forget the LBD, the Little White Dress is what this season is about.

Further, on purchases of £50 or more, Warehouse is offering a ‘Dash For The Sun kit’, created in conjunction with Dermatologica, label.m, DHC, nailgirls, and Burt’s Bees. Move over Boots, this CoolBrands fashion company is claiming summer as its own.

Warehouse is a label that ‘fits your life’, and in the modern world that life is pretty fast-paced. Dash For The Sun positively embraces that energy. It’s time to spring out of the winter gear. Now is the moment. Summer is here, and the fashion is hot. As for the chaps: sorry, girls only.

Top 5 Spring / Summer Trends for 2013

Jen Wallace — Wed, 01 May 2013 17:02:07 +0000

Among the all the fabulous trends we’ve been seeing for summer, five fun trends are emerging and at at their centre is colour. You’ve seen the colour trend report for SS13, and now it’s time to see how you can work those colours into wider trends…

Metallic Dream

Shiny metallics were seen all over the runways for spring and summer and in unexpected hues like this tender shoots green, which is a hot colour this SS13.

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2013 {image via Soul Lovely Fashion}

60s Natural Neutrals

Khaki, nude, copper tone, natural, nude and olive are way on trend this summer. Pair them with neon or metallics and a swinging 60s silhouette and sheer materials for a super modern look. Featuring a neutral linen, this outfit is another example of a must-wear colour this summer.

Marc Jacobs {image via Popsugar}

Iridescent Jewels

Big, bold saturated colours are super hot now. Colours like Monaco blue, emerald green, amethyst purple and poppy red are spot on. Pair these jewel tones together with iridescent material to dazzle passers-by.

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2013 {image via Pinterest}

Oriental Neon

Not since the 80s have we seen this much neon. Don’t worry, you don’t have to wear mall bangs and shoulder pads too–this neon trend is tasteful. Pair with pastels and oriental cuts for a modern and fresh take.

Ossam S/S 2013 {image via Wardrobe Resurrection}

Sorbet Pastels

You will find plenty of colours that seem more like what you would see in the sweet or ice-cream shop. Choose from nectarine orange, cotton candy, African violet and greyed jade.

See by Chloe RTW S/S 2013 {image via Vogue. UK}

Ways To Wear: A Purple Dress

Kari Radjewski — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:22:54 +0000

You heard it here first: plum purple is Spring 2013’s colour! Push your LBD to the back of your closet, because this year – a dress in this deep beautiful gem tone will be your new fancy. If you are thinking, “what kinds of good will a purple dress do me?” we have you covered. Day or night, work or pleasure, there are endless ways to wear the new neutral. We have chosen seven accessories to kill the current ‘it’ colour and have created numerous styling combinations. Here are a few suggestions we have to play purple perfectly:

Purple Pairings

Jules B. Necklace / Dior Scarf / Orla Kiely Jumper / Vince Biker Jacket / Debenham’s Sandals

Saint Laurent Paris Pumps / Sole Society Heels

MaxMara Short Sleeve Dress / Zolando Cocktail Dress / Merona Wrap Dress

Create colour blocking combos: We bet you never thought to pair purple with a bright ruby red, or marigold yellow? You can see here how wonderfully the contrasting shades complement each other. Remember when mixing and matching, the best combinations are those opposite of each other on the colour palette. Play around with your wardrobe to see which pair you love most.

Mix in prints: Then mix in another one. By adding patterns to a solid colour, you instantly create an interesting outfit. If you so dare, get trendy by mixing two prints. A leopard print literally matches with everything and for the other, ensure it incorporates shades from the purple family.

Make a statement with jewellery: This is about the simplest way to turn up the fancy factor of an outfit. An otherwise basic dress turns into a va-va-voom going out dress with statement jewels. Whether you prefer earrings, a necklace or stack of bracelets, whatever your cheeky charms may be, they will surely keep you festive and fashion-forward.

Keep it simple: You cannot go wrong styling with go-to wardrobe essentials. Don’t over-think the outfit; instead, revert to neutrals like a black coat and nude pumps to let the dress be the drama!

Load up with layers: Perhaps it is still a big frigid to bare shoulders and arms, so layering will be quite functional; however, use warming up to your advantage. Choose a piece to cover-up with that is not just practical, but says something about your style. An edgy biker jacket or serious cardigan sets the tone for your personal style.

Not only does it sound easy to be beautiful in purple, but it is! These are just a handful of styling ideas that surely do not stop here. We could keep playing dress-up all day!

What other outfit combinations can you make with the featured fashions? How would you wear a perfect plum dress? Which styling option is your favourite for this perfectly purple party dress?