How to dress in your 30s & 40s

New Year new you right?! Where fashion is concerned it is the run up to the new Spring season's styles and launches in the stores. So over Winter clothes? But yet it's still here. So over your wardrobe? But yet it's still there. So what can you do this January without spending a fortune on clothes that you don't have but you really want to, need to, update your style? I work with a number of clients who feel this way not just every January but when you hit your thirties and struggle trying to find what is their style.

Hitting your thirties and moving into your forties are certainly milestones in your life that can shift your style perspective. Within these decades we might get married, have children, change jobs, change roles within your life, go through bereavements or enjoy the fruits of our labours. Never the less, our requirements have changed, emotionally maturing, juggling busy lifestyles, finding your sartorial comfort zone - these are all things that can shape, change and challenge our wardrobe and style. 

By now you have probably experimented with fashion trends and perhaps no longer care, understand or can keep up with what is 'on trend' let alone think about it factoring into your life. So now is a good time to strip it all back and look at what items suit your body shape, your lifestyle and what makes you feel like a million dollars when wearing it!

When I start working with new clients I find that the key to creating your 'Style Uniform' is to have core pieces that work well together. Ready-made go-to looks that make getting out of the house in a morning stress-free but yet stylish. By sticking to your colour palette once you have had your colours done, this will automatically eliminate the need for countless pieces that don't go together and look random in your wardrobe. Once you understand what you want your style to be, then your 'Style Uniform' will organically build over time, ensuring that what you have in your wardrobe has longevity as well as keeping you looking stylishly young!

Here are some 'Style Uniform' ideas and key pieces to invest in,  but check your wardrobe first as you might already have them hidden in there, you just need to learn how to re-style them into your life!

1. Jackets

Jackets are an essential part of your wardrobe. It can change a look instantly, dress it up, dress it down or be your look! Anything from formal blazers, denim jackets, leather jackets, sequin jackets to leopard print fur jackets. They all go with your daily uniform of denim jeans, or can be worn on a night out with heel's and even to the office with smart culotte's or over dresses. They will last you your wardrobe lifetime as they never go out of style and it's always about the way you wear it rather than what you are wearing. Invest in jackets and you can never go wrong.

2. Shoes

"You know you are a certified shoe addict if you think there is always room for one more pair!"

Shoes speak louder than words! Shoes are the only thing I ever buy in the sale, if I have had my eye on a pair then I will happily search for them, wait for them and love them as soon as they arrive. In your wardrobe you can everything from converse trainers, to over the knee boots, ankle boots, metallic court shoes and lace up brogues. Shoes can change an outfit in an instant. So never feel bad about buying a new pair of shoes again, as long as you love them they will always love you!

3. Denim

So many people struggle with denim, me included, but we wear it most days of our lives besides corporate dressing. 2017 is the year to break away from the skinny jeans and start exploring new trends that you could look fabulous on you. Frayed hems, boyfriends, carrot shapes and even skirts are great investment pieces for the wear per £'s that you spend on them. If you are looking for longevity then you can't go wrong with Levi's, All Saints and GAP for great mid level priced jeans.

4. Shirts

I have banged on about shirts for a number of seasons now. In fashion they are still top of the list with pyjama shirts still being best sellers and khaki military shirts set make a come back and not forgetting the newest trend of shirt dresses over trousers. But forget about fashion they are so versatile in your wardrobe because of the way they are constructed, you just have to style them up. Button them up, tuck them in, belt them, leave them open, wear underneath a jumper - the list is endless and it will always be your go to piece in your wardrobe.

which party shoes suit your style?

Any excuse to buy a new pair of shoes right? And the party season is just that! This year the party shoes offering has gone over-the-top sparkly, furry and embellished that it seems the statement shoe is well and truly back in style!

But which pair to choose from I hear you cry!

I have put together a rough guide to which party shoes suit your style so that at least you will have one detail sorted once the season is in full swing. Read on for my styling tips if you are a...

Glam it up girl!

You will be loving all the glitz and sparkle on shoes so it's safe to say investing in a pair of glitter heel's will set your style to shine. Look for a pointy toe in a block heel for evening or a flat shoe for daytime.

Sequin slipper loafers, £69, &other stories

Glitter healed shoes, £29.99, Zara

Laid-back luxe lady

Bling is not something that comes naturally to you, but that doesn't mean a little bit of shimmer can't be introduced to your party wardrobe. Velvet covered platforms for the evening or embroidered and brocade flats are good options for daytime.

Starry Suede boots, £125, &other stories

Floral print loafers, £29.99, Zara

Serious showstoppers!

Always looking for something new that is bang on trend or ahead of the curve, showstoppers are your game. The bigger the better and statement shoes are part and parcel of your evening uniform.

Simone Black high heel, £230, Kurt Geiger

Evie blue high heel court, £230, Kurt Geiger

Chic chick

Pointy flats with a sparkly touch or two could transform your office to evening looks in a quick step. Also look for leopard print, fur, satin or velvet fabrics this season. The shoes can make the statement so that the rest of your look can be pared back for maximum impact.

Sparkle slipper shoes, £62.65, Boden

Leather Pom Pom ballerinas, £29.99, Zara

put a spring in your step

The 5 pairs of shoes you will need this Summer.

Finally the clocks have gone forwards and so now's the time to discuss spring shoes. What can we wear on our feet to make us feel “new season”. So shoe lovers rejoice, this season it's all about what you are walking in so step up your shoe game and book that pedicure now!

1. The Ballerina

Let your inner Ballerina shine through with the biggest move on for the flat shoe we have had in years. It's the soft, tie up, true ballerina shoe. These from Mui Mui are what little girls dreams are made of...

Check out Kurt Geiger for a more affordable pair in white, pale pink or tan - £89.00 Kitty flat ballerina

2. The espadrille

So easy to slip on, so versatile and in so many prints and colours, what's not to like about them? I love my Boden espadrilles - £69.50

3. The no-back loafer

At its simplest it’s like a prayer shoe, but this season anything backless goes: loafer, block heel, espadrille. Last year's biggest shoe for the fashionista's from Gucci, this one from Topshop KOLA loafer £59.00 is a little bit more in my price range!

4. The pimped-up trainer

Trainers or sneakers are thankfully here to stay as a trend item. But who says they have to be plain, white and boring like Victoria Beckham. Many designers have pimped their's up with metallic's, embroidery, colours and jewels. River Island high top trainer - £95.00

5. Block heel's

Chunky block heels ruled the runway, which are not only on-trend but also comfortable. Our feet will be very happy! Whistles VOE high sandal - £185.00

6. For that style statement shoe, go with Pom Pom's

Zara Pom Pom sandles £ 49.99

Style rules for transitioning into Spring summer

This week I finally went outside without my Winter coat on! Enough was enough, it's April and I was still wearing my winter scarf round my neck and sometimes even putting my woolie hat on. BUT then the sun came out and I feel I can finally move forward towards Spring style.

With it being so cold it's hard to make that transition from Winter to Summer without feeling the chill. So if the thought of trying to give your winter pieces a spring-appropriate umph is overwhelming, I'm here to share with you my style tips on how to transition your daily wardrobe from the big freeze to the well, slightly milder change without a complete wardrobe overhaul.

1. Double jacket

It's jacket season, but the key to keeping warm is layering your jackets up on top of each other. My favourite is wearing my black biker jacket underneath my khaki parka, leather is warm and always instyle as it can be teamed with anything. Bomber jackets are also good for layering, put your denim jacket on underneath one and you have two great layers to keep you warm. Failing the double jacket look, you can invest in a lightweight Summer duster coat that will see you through Spring, Summer at Autumn, my bright yellow one is my go-to piece for this time of year.

2. Layer-up

Layers, layers and more layers is currently my unofficial motto! So to ensure you beat the April showers and are prepared for glorious sunshine, in equal measure, use what you already have in your wardrobe to keep you warm underneath your lightweight jacket. Wear your stripe tee, with a denim shirt, thrown over the top is a sweater all worn underneath your bomber jacket.

3. Scarves

The key to transitional dressing is being prepared for all the elements – the Great British weather means having sunnies and an umbrella on you at all times. Ensure you always have an extra layer of warmth with a chic lightweight scarf – opt for neutral hues that are ready to be paired with any look, and tie around your bag when you don’t need it for an extra accessories injection.

Jigsaw floral print scarf, £49.00

Zara stripe cotton scarf, £17.99

Becksondergaard Scarf, The Dressing Room £65.00

4. Get rid of the winter boots

Pop those Winter boots back in the cupboard for next year and it's time to get the flats out. I am currently living in my trainers, brogues and loafers to update my look, but I can't wait to move into my ballerina flats and espadrilles when it does eventually get warmer (see next week's blog on Summer's hottest shoe trends). From lace-up flats, a now familiar sight on shop floors, to pretty scallop-edged pumps, there are numerous offerings to give your wardrobe an injection of femininity. If you’re after a more androgynous look, invest in a pair of tassel-detailed brogues.

5. Add some colour!

Desperate to ditch the black and winter hues in favour of something brighter but aren’t quite ready to go the whole hog in bold colours? Injecting colour into your wardrobe now will brighten up your mood and your style. Last week I blogged about colour and what colours can do for you if you wear the right ones. Add a touch of Rosa Quartz to your look. A hot colour trend this season (see last week's blog post), give the feminine tint an edge by teaming it with an otherwise monochrome look – from a pale pink coat to a candyfloss knit, it’s the perfect spring shade to bring your wardrobe up to date.

Cos Coat £150.00

Zara Asymmetrical blazer £69.99

Oasis paper bag trousers £40.00