blazer of glory

If there’s one purchase you need to make to update your New Season wardrobe, a checked blazer should be it. It's top of my Autumn shopping list and I am currently completely obsessed with my new check blazer from Mango - Prince of Wales check blazer. 

Blazers never go out of Fashion & give you endless styling options. From a simple jeans & tee look, to teaming with Summer dresses; I love the versatility of this chic wardrobe essential.

The trend has originated from street style pictures from London fashion week in the Spring has made a heritage checked blazer a big hit across the high street. Having spotted many double-breasted Prince of Wales check jackets from Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada at around £1300 each, luckily the high street have some cheaper gems for your new season must have jacket. This trend is definitely worth investing in, and I for one will be wearing mine layered over shirts, t-shirts, dresses, knitwear and under my coat all Autumn - Winter.

Believe me it will be the hardest working item in your wardrobe this season and it gives you endless versatility for new outfits over current clothes you own over the next couple of weeks. It's the ultimate layering piece in your wardrobe

Check out my style stories and how I have styled this wardrobe hero into my current wardrobe.

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For more style inspiration check out my pinterest board - Blazers - September '17

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1. Jeans & tee combination for daytime or evening style

2. Over dresses

Styling for evening

Daytime casual styling

Office or appointment styling

3. Evening styling - blouse & heels combo

4. Over knitwear in Winter

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Check blazers to buy now

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Check blazer - Zara £49.99

Check jacket - MIss Selfridge £45.00

Check tie wrap blazer - River Island £75.00

Check jersey frill jacket - Topshop £39.00

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.

what to wear now...

February is a strange month for clothes and I don't know about you but I am so over wearing my thick coat, woolly hat, scarves, jeans and boots. I am starting to crave spring pieces and I want to shop all the 'New In' pieces on everyone's websites. I have started my Spring Summer shopping list and I will be sharing it with you in the coming weeks...but February's dilemma is what to wear now daily that keeps me feeling warm whilst feeling up to date in the style steaks?

Layering is the key to dressing for our unpredictable weather.

As it is so cold, the more layers you can wear the better. But how to master the art of layering without looking like the Michelin man? Try wearing a Denim jacket - the great thing about a denim jacket is that most of us have one of these kicking about in the back of our wardrobe's. I often mention layering a denim jacket under coats and leather jackets so if you don't have one now is a great time to invest as it is so versatile in Summer aswell as Winter. The more fitted and shorter the better as they are often more flattering.

Going back to basics.

It's not a great time to buy new things unless you need basic updates like trainers, jeans, stripe t-shirts or updated knitwear options. It is a good time to go back to your style basics. For me; Skinny jeans, grey jumpers, shirts and trainers - on repeat. But it's a look that is timeless and stands the test of time, one that I go back to again and again. Leather jeans are a great update - see last week blog post here - to skinny's and can be worn in the daytime with trainers so pull them out of your evening wear. Grey jumpers can be updated with shirts underneath or new styles with frills on the sleeves - like this one from Marks and Spencer - and trainers have been on the fashion radar for a while now but can change up an outfit instantly, I love these Stan Smith's from adidas. Whatever your basic style, as it will save you everytime!

If you want newness in your wardrobe...

I suggest buying something with embroidered words on it as embroidery will be a massive style trend for Spring Summer, so these pieces will update your wardrobe now but can be worn in the Spring. Here are my online pick's to add some freshness to your style -

1. & other stories - ' Future Perfect' embroidered white shirt £55.00

2. Whistles - 'Happy Days' Embroidered t-shirt - £49.00

3. Maison Labiche -  'Amazing' Embroidered sweater - £90, from The Dressing Room