the revival of the square neckline

The revival of the square neckline has swiftly become the hottest neckline of current due to Amal Clooney's status as best dressed at the Royal wedding this weekend. 

The neckline has been in revival for a couple of seasons, with Grazia writing a piece on it back in September 2017 - 3 signs that this neckline will be the next big thing. It became the most talked about silhouette from fashion week in the Spring, appearing on the runways of designers like Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, and Hermès, officially sealing its status as a full-blown trend.

But this month I have noticed the square neckline cropping up all over the place. Usually, when it comes to necklines, you have two options—it's either a round neck or V-neck. But now I keep spotting square necklines...

Reminiscent of the Renaissance, square necklines are alluring and versatile. While every fashion girl opted for an off-the-shoulder top all last year, I like how the new neckline is something fresh. Even pairing a square neckline with a simple pair of jeans elevates a basic look into something interesting. Less ubiquitous than off-the-shoulder styles, the square neckline is flattering, elegant, and feminine. Consider layering over a polo neck in winter or adding it into your weekend wardrobe in the form or a billowy cotton blouse. Or how about opting for a refreshing square-neck cocktail dress for your summer occasion party or ball? 

So I say YES to square necklines. It feels fresh, it feels new and this trend shows just enough skin to be flirty and feminine while its covered shoulders make it a doable option for the office. A true must-have, indeed.

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Shop square necklines

1. Navy Ally tie shoulder jumpsuit, Whistles £135.20 (with 20% discount offer)

2. Red cutwork dress, Oysho £45.99

3. Bow detail navy top, Iris & Ink, £60.00

4. Huxley tailored dress, Reiss £180.00

5. Just Female floral dress, John Lewis, £99.00

6. Alexa grey check linen jumpsuit, Kitri studio, £125.00

Follow my pinterest board - square necklines 2018 here

say hi to the dress that suits every figure

Diane Von Furstenberg claims the wrap dress suits every woman. And fabric depending I think this is true.

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If I said to you "wrap dress", what would be the first thing that sprang to mind? Would you think "sleek and versatile", or would you think "frumpy maternity wear"? You might find that the fluid construction of a jersey wrap dress like a DVF one clings to all your lumps and bumps, but yet a tailored structured fabric wrap dress can neaten your outline and create a vertical line. It will depend on the fabric to flatter you the most.

A wrap dress shape nips you in at the waist, flattering curves and accentuating the best parts of your figure. It is the ideal dress shape for women with curves but equally women who want to create a waist due to their body shape being straight up and down or perhaps very athletic. 

When choosing a flattering wrap dress, there are several things that you should be taking into account, including colour and style. However, for this particular style of dress, fabric is of utmost importance because it may truly make or break the look of a wrap dress. Most maternity wrap dresses are made in heavy jersey and are perfect for maternity wear, so if you are not pregnant then be wary of buying one in this fabric. Chiffon and cotton based fabrics are lightweight and ideal for warm weather and wrap dresses made from lace or velvet are perfect for a night out. In order to be flattering, wrap dresses need to fall nicely and fit right around the bust area especially. A wrap dress chosen in a size that fits perfectly can do wonders for bustier women, as it may enhance the bust while making the waist look slimmer and the stomach flatter.

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Wrap dresses are going to be a key shape this Autumn Winter (you've heard it here first!) with many fashion retailers selling them already. They are perfect for day to evening looks and I am sure I will be styling them up over the coming weeks. So don't think it's a look reserved for Kate Middleton, as this dress shape could end up being 'THE' dress shape for you for years to come. 

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Here is my pick of the best wrap dresses out there -

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1. Tie sleeve wrap dress, Topshop £46.00

2. Odile black wrap dress, Kitri £145.00

3. Dulwich sky blue shirt wrap dress, Finery London £79.00

4. Wrap polka dot dress, Mango £69.99

5. Clermont Georgette wrap dress, Ganni £180.00

Follow my pinterest board for more inspiration - Wrap dresses AW17

how to wear the dress over trouser trend

Shirt dresses are cool again!

As many of you know I am a massive fan of the shirt being a wardrobe hero and have written a number of blog posts on how to wear the shirt and how to move it on from season to season. As shirting continues to reign in fashion, inevitably it evolves into new areas to update this look. So it's no wonder that the iconic shirt dress is having a moment. Long or midi, or shorter in length, it's a simple work wear solution that looks sophisticated, stylish and oozes femininity.

Rock the dress over your trousers

But lately the style set has put a fresh spin on the frock, employing it as a jacket worn partially buttoned over jeans and t-shirts or layered over slip dresses. It's this summer's answer to layering. The layered look has been a popular trend in recent years, and this season, trendsetters are taking it a bold step further with the dress over trousers. If you are thinking of wearing a dress over trousers and wondering whether it even makes sense. Yes it does, and you’ll love it. This ‘90s inspired trend is a cool new way to update items you already own by pairing them in a unique way that might not initially come to mind.

How to wear this trend

If you’re in doubt how to pull off this tricky, yet cool trend, here are a few easy tips to follow, whether you want to go for a safe look or bolder style

1. Going long - you can go long or short when wearing dresses over trousers; but when going long make sure there is a revealing slit or buttons are slightly undone to reveal a pop of leg underneath to break it up.

2. Going short - When wearing shorter dresses, cropped trousers work better whether it be a pair of smart black trousers or denim jeans.

3. Wear with denim - team your favourite jeans with a pretty dress and it will instantly look more relaxed and effortless.

4. Play with proportions - for an edgy style play with the volume on your legs and wear a more fitted dress to balance them out. 

5. Opt for heels - Unless you are very tall, the reinterpretation of the dress over pants trend looks best when worn with a mid to high heel as it will help you feel less frumpy.

6. Go bold & bright - go for bright colours or do a bit of splash of colours on your outfit. Pick one bright coloured staple among the neutrals to make it pop even more.

Follow my pinterest board for my style inspiration - Dresses over trousers

Here are my top 5 highstreet picks of dresses

1. Long floral dress, Zara, £39.99

2. Stripe shirt dress, Mango £59.99

3. Satin wrap dress, H&M £39.99

4. Jacquard knot front midi dress, Topshop £59.00

5. Silk yellow midi dress, Mango £169.99

Other style influences

Naturally this styling trend is already evolving and can be seen pushing the style boundaries in other ways. Visit my blog again for style updates on this trend.

it's leather chaps!

Sometimes I just get obsessed by an item of clothing until I purchase it. I have been obsessing over a pair of skinny leather trousers since the beginning of the Autumn season. Many of you might remember a pair being featured on my top 5 list of items to by for Autumn, but I didn't buy them, choosing to buy some knitwear instead. (Oh the regrets!)

Leather is back in a big way, real and faux. It has crossed over from something you would only wear in the evening to being acceptable to wear leather in the daytime too. It is surprisingly flattering on every figure as it holds everything in place and is also very practical with young kids (wipe down clothes, what more could you want?!). Leather pieces hold longevity and can also look expensive whilst upping your style anty for 2017.

It might take some getting used to though and the trick is knowing how to style it to get maximum use out of the pieces you want to invest in.  Follow my pinterest board for further inspiration - It's leather chaps!

1. Skinny leather trousers aka leather leggings

I am not a fan of leggings, many of my clients will know this, but being made of leather they flatter your figure instead of making you look frumpy. They are leg-lengthening, tummy flattering, bottom lifting and are really comfortable. So I am a convert! These can be worn casually with a piece of knitwear, a stripey tee or denim shirt over the top or with a tie neck shirt and blazer for an evening out. Here are my 3 best leather leggings buys -

Marks and Spencer leather and ponte leggings - £129.00

Hush Leather leggings - £330

Reiss Carrie black leather leggings - £550

2. Leather skirt

Midi or mini, both lengths are great purchases depending on your body shape on which length will suit you the best. Worn best with a fitted polo neck or a printed blouse tucked in. Thick black tights means that you don't have to be restricted in your shoe choices either, flat boots, trainers, heel's, knee high boots will all work with a leather skirt. Finally throw on an over sized coat finish off your look or a blazer if you want to wear it to the office or in the evening. Here are my 3 best leather skirt buys -

Jigsaw Leather high waisted pencil skirt - £198

French Connection Goldenberg A-Line leather skirt - £150

Whistles Leather A-line skirt - £170

3. Leather dress

Nothing says statement dress than a leather dress. A classic but with some added edge. You will be surprised how versatile one is and can easily be taken from day to night. Thick black tights are a must with the leather dress and either boots or heel's depending on how you feel. Once you buy one you will wonder why you hadn't got one sooner!!

Reiss Etty Black Leather dress - £245

BCBG MaxAzria leather dress at ASOS - £238

Selected Femme Flora dress at John Lewis - £160

Hello, World!