A denim shopping masterclass for 2016

" A great pair of jeans should accentuate your best assets".

They’ve been the big thing for the past few years – but according to this month’s Vogue, skinny jeans are out!

I tend to massively disagree with this statement as they are now a denim classic. But every year the fashion trend reports have to give us something new to try and rival it - the truth is nothing ever will. It doesn't mean that the skinny leg jeans flatters every body shape, but we have just gotten used to seeing a slimmer, straighter, skinny jean in the past 20 years and moved away from the wider leg bootcut jean.

So what have they hailed will be their replacement I hear you cry? Here are the top 3 denim trends for 2016 -

1. The Wedgie

YES Levi's are back on the fashion radar! Last December Levi's introduced a new fit for women, "the Wedgie". According to the brand, the new jeans are modelled on the brand's famous vintage styles, while eliminating "that all-too familiar awkward front bulge that can occur when ladies wear vintage jeans."

With the popularity of vintage jeans on the rise, the brand is looking to capitalise with its new high-rise style that is – as the name suggests – intended to create a wedgie. But that's not all. According to the brand, "the back pockets of the Wedgie Jean are slightly tilted inwards adding the allure of the ultimate 'mum butt'."

It might sound alarming, but the brand is rolling out a shorts version for Spring 2016, so for now it looks like the wedgie fit is here to stay. Oh! and be sure to thank your Mum for the inspiration!!

2. Print it

Printed denim was everywhere on the Spring/Summer 2016 catwalks, from the outrageously floral motifs splashed around at Versus Versace and Alexander McQueen to the organic-looking, subtly mottled effect seen at Chanel. Prints are a great way to add depth or texture to your outfit so embrace your wild side. This is a much more pretty feminine look than past printed denim days, so this trend done tastefully could be a nice addition to your summer wardrobe.

3. Wide leg 90s style

90s style wide, loose and baggy is one of the chicest ways to rock your denims this year. Whether you opt for a relaxed fit with a drawstring waist or for more of a gentle flare as seen at Stella McCartney, worn low-slung, will gain you serious style points. I see the high street versions of the catwalk as culotte's rather than the big and baggy skater type cropped trousers. This isn't a look for everyone, depending on their body shape, but the right pair in the right wash could be a fab new summer staple in your wardrobe.

"I don't know about you, but I think I'll stick with my skinny jeans for a while longer thanks!..."

Black washed Skinny jeans from Levi's £95.00

Show us your stripes!

After the expense of Christmas shopping might not be top of your agenda right now. But not to worry, you have nearly made it to the end of January when you can go on a little splurge to treat yourself for making it through! Let me help you choose that little treat...

I always get asked by clients, friends, people in the street... "what should I be buying now to update my wardrobe?"

At this time of year the whole of the high street is immersed in sale with Spring making a breakthrough in small sections on the shop floor. Most new Spring stories without fail in fashion contain a stripe (or two!). The nautical story always rears it's ugly head in January as the Breton stripe is a cool classic that everyone can understand. But what I am seeing emerge as the newest trend in stripes for now and for all of 2016 is the new updated stripe.

Nothing is more simple, more basic and more hardworking that a Breton stripe tee. And while it's something that exists in most people's wardrobe, it truly does go with everything. But I think it's time to mix it up abit and it seems the high street is right there behind me.

My first inspiration for this trend was seeing a tiny article in Style magazine last summer and tearing (still the buyer in me!) the piece to put in my edits-styling trend books. "Double stripes" was the headline and the stripes were bold, two colour and clashing when worn together.

If both Sienna Miller and Olivia Palermo are wearing stripes, then it's a definite fashion winner. I am sure every high street buyer in the country also ripped that small piece out of style magazine for inspiration to update their January transitional range.

Then it came down the AW15/16 catwalks in New York, using stripes in all different ways.

And only last week one of the biggest models of the moment, Kendall Jenner was seen wearing a fab stripe jacket and trousers combo at LA airport.

It's not just about double stripes though. I want to draw your attention to all manner of stripes on tops, dresses and trousers, matching and none matching.

Earn your stripes now! Take my advice, I think this trend is going to roll on through the whole of 2016, so whatever you buy now will still look great in the Summer and the Autumn. I know what I will be out shopping for this week!

Top 5 new stripe updates

1. Zara stripe top and trousers £25.99 &29.99

2. Whistles Darwin stripe top £110.00

3. Topshop Stripe wrap dress £55.00

4. Mango pocket stripe shirt £29.99

5. Ted Baker tribal stripe fold tunic dress £159.00

And...one to hold onto for Summer, as stripe jumpsuits will be big!

6. Mango cotton stripe jumpsuit £39.99

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration on how to wear stripes the 2016 way

what to keep for 2016

How's the new year, new you going? Keeping up with your new exercise regime? Broken any resolutions yet? Counting down the end of dry January? I've pretty much broken them all and its not even Mid-January yet! But, I'm not going to panic, infact I'm getting rather excited over the prospect of a few spring pieces being in the shops over the coming weeks.

The roll into January means it’s time for a wardrobe clear out (see last week's wardrobe detox post for tips), if only to make space for those fabulous sales picks you found. But unless you got lucky on last weekend's lotto draw, you will need to roll this season’s trends forward into 2016. If you open your wardrobe on a Monday morning and can't find anything to wear, then I'm here to help with your new year, new style list. These are my top 5 items that I endorsed last season to keep and re-invent for this season! Plus a couple of new pieces to buy along the way, hell why not?!

To find out what stays in your wardrobe and what to invest in to see you through the next season, then read on...

1. Shirts

Last season I hailed the shirt as my 2015 hero, but the shirt trend doesn't seem to be going away, neither is my obsession! I brought a new fab pussy-bow shirt in the sale pre-xmas but could not resist my first spring purchase last week in Topshop. It was a case of lust-after, a "I have to have it now" moment! Sending hubby into Topshop Oxford street in his lunch hour sealed it's place in my wardrobe as my favourite item of the year (so far!). Within my wardrobe I love wearing my denim shirt underneath a cosy jumper or sweater with the collar showing out from the top. Added detailing such as the pussy-bow, piping or button detailing gives it a fresh new look tucked into jeans. Simple, stylish and suitable for any occasion. Bring to the front of your wardrobe right now and don't be shy in buying just another one for the new season as this is one that is tried and tested and still as relevant as ever. Check out my pinterest board for more styling ideas - My style hero

TOPSHOP HEART PRINT SHIRT £38.00

ZARA POLKA DOT SHIRT £25.99

TOPSHOP LONG SLEEVED HEART SHIRT £30.00

2. Dungarees

Reinvent your summer dungarees for the cold and blustery days with shirts, knits and boots. I like to wear mine with a long sleeved breton stripe underneath, this is the easiest way to freshen the look up. You could like Alexa Chung, wear your shirt under the dungarees, a plain white one would also look stylish. As it has now finally turned cold I suggest a polo neck, or any piece of knitwear to get the full wear out of them this season. Footwear is where I was struggling as they are so comfy with flats and sandles. The best piece of footwear is casual, so converse boots, new balance trainers or biker boots, all work with this look. To get even more creative with your 'dungers' winter styling then check out my pinterest board - Dungarees

3. Culottes

I have loved wearing my culotte jumpsuit this winter with a polo neck underneath, but I have yet to invest in a pair of trouser culottes. Long thought of as dowdy and unflattering, the cropped, wide pants are suddenly many designers' favourite style of 2015. The most stylish person wearing them this winter has been Victoria Beckham (see picture below), but as you can see she doesn't obviously either feel the cold or doesn't like tights! I on the other-hand love tights so as per my culotte jumpsuit I will just add tights to the outfit to keep warm! I think that we will see alot more culottes out on the high street in spring summer 2016 and that the fabrics will differ, such as leather, suede and even silk. I know my love affair with culottes will grow over the next couple of weeks, mainly for their transitional versatility and they can more flattering than wearing a skirt. Watch this space for my culotte challenge coming soon!

4. Midi dresses

You might not feel like it now in the current weather, but if you do prise yourself away from your cosy wooly jumpers, there are some great midi dresses around to elevate the style steaks. I have had my eye on this dress shape for some time and brought a knitted one from Finery London in the black Friday sales. I love it and have worn it loads to many different occasions from Christmas day, to kids birthday parties! It is comfortable, stylish and not too dressy. For summer I highlighted to printed midi dresses as a massive trend and I think this is only going to get bigger and also easier to wear for Spring Summer 2016. Check out my pick's from the new spring collections to buy now.

Warehouse Silk midi dress £120.00

&other stories animal print midi dress £79.00

Zara floral cami dress £29.99

5. Skirts

For me the skirt trend is just getting started. I even invested in another one in the sales from Warehouse in grey which I can't wait to wear! The look hasn't changed much since it fist came out last season, it's all about pairing the skirt with a more casual top, such as a sweater, polo neck or piece of knitwear. These can be cropped, or tucked in with ankle boots on the feet. As spring arrives, skirts will be worn with shirts and then into cami's, lingerie type tops for evening and summer. Don't be scared to buy a pleated skirt, because by summer 2016 they will be a wardrobe staple. For some more skirt inspiration check out the pinterest board - Skirts 2015-2016.

TOPSHOP PLEATED MARL SKIRT £30.00