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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

 

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.

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everyone's talking about...

Sometimes in fashion a certain item or theme gathers momentum like you would never of predicted. If you are a trend spotter, fashion follower or someone in the industry you can sometimes spot these pieces early on in the season. This week I am giving you an early insider tip on the bag style of the Summer so you can get ahead of the style pack and grab the one you love early. This bag will be your fail safe style staple all Summer, you will get loads of compliments on it and revel in the fact that you were an early adopter of this trend!

Everyone is talking about basket bags being the stylish thing to carry your daily junk in or your paired down evening kit inside. No longer reserved for holidays, sandy beaches and swimming trips, these bags are becoming the must-have to carry around this Summer. From massive straw totes to delicate wooden clutches, colourful Pom Pom's and monogramming them with your name, here is your basket bag inspiration from Instagrams most influential style bloggers-

Over sized basket bag - Alexandra Stedman @thefrugality

Over sized basket bag - Alexandra Stedman @thefrugality

Small and structured - Lucy Williams @lucywilliams02

Small and structured - Lucy Williams @lucywilliams02

Mongrammed - Erica Davies @erica_davies

Mongrammed - Erica Davies @erica_davies

Evening clutch - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley @rosiehw

Evening clutch - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley @rosiehw

Colourful Pom Pom - Leandra Medine @manrepeller

Colourful Pom Pom - Leandra Medine @manrepeller

Follow my pinterest board for more inspiration - Basket bags

It doesn't stop there, baskets have become really popular in homes too. Put your plants in them, store your magazines in them or use for bathroom stuff and add some colour into your house with the pom pom baskets. Edit58 has some fab ones perfect for your modern home.

Before the one you like sells out, purchase it now and be thrilled that you brought the one thing this Summer that made you smile and was practical too! Check out my best picks of basket bags to buy now-

my top Basket bags

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what is it with shoes?

I can find any excuse to buy a new pair of shoes and the change of weather is just the one I need right now! What is it with shoes and the power they have over you, just willing you to buy them? Fundamentally we all need to shoes to walk in daily so they are a great investment (excuse number 2 natch!), but we don't ALWAYS need them! But by putting your best foot forward sometimes what you have dressed your feet in can end up making your outfit and cementing your daily style.

For the past few seasons the most popular catwalk Spring shoe trends have centred around a few major styles; block heeled mules, backless sliders and fashion sneakers. These styles are so strong that they have now made it to the high street and you can have your pick of the most fashionable shoes out there if you know where to look. There is also one shoe trend to ignore, whilst the fashion world is championing the return of the crocs, please do not think that your feet will look anything but awful in these plastic shoes!

So whether you are looking for a new pair of flats now that the socks are off, or transitional styles that will see you through the Summer. Make sure you check out my top styles to wear now to be sure your feet are the best dressed around. Just don't forget the plasters in your bag!

Best shoe styles for Spring / Summer 2017

1. The Mule

Mules should be your footwear of choice this spring. No longer seen as a boring shoe, the new mule is versatile – it's a statement as your go-to heel, yet as comfy as your trusty trainer. Any height, open- or closed-toe, but always backless, the mule will rule your wardrobe this season. I will be wearing my Topshop pair that I brought last year with a bow on the front, make sure yours make a statement.

 

2. The sling back block Heel

Sling backs were hot on the catwalks and when Dior added a bow to the back of their's it became an over night sensation. I love the femininity of the addition of the bow and these can easily be worn in the daytime through to evening.

3. The Backless Flat

When Gucci did the backless loafers last spring becoming the most Instagramed pair of shoes of the year, slip on's suddenly felt like a good idea. Popular again this year, I like them for the fact that they cover your toes and you just have to pop your feet in and go! Easy dressing! 

4. The Trainer update

The humble sneaker still adorns my feet most days and I can't get enough of the comfy feel of them but making a style statement too. This season they have had an upgrade with the addition of embroidery and beading work giving them a more feminine edge. Jump into Spring with the new styles.

5. V-cut toes shoe

Forget round, square and almond – the V-toe is the new shoe shape to know about. Cut low on your foot, they give a flattering, elongated effect which works especially well with all those wide leg trousers around at the moment. Just be wary of dodgy tan lines. 

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edits guide on how to wear trousers that are not jeans

Edits Style inspiration

Wearing denim everyday is a hard habit to break and one that alot of clients ask me about. We default to dark blue denim most days and why not, it's comfortable and you know how to wear them right? What if there was an alternative trouser that you can wear outside the comfort of your home and doesn't involve any fitness activity! 

Because there is another way. Instead of going through your day in a pair of uncomfortable skinny jeans, with the waistband squeezing against your stomach left, right and centre, you can now look to many different and comfy trousers instead. From paper-bag waists, to pyjama style, peg trousers and everything in-between, momentum is really gathering for the non-jeans trend. So now is a great time to try it.

Follow my pinterest board here - 2017 trouser trends

My trouser styles to try this Summer

1. The side stripe trouser - If you were a fan of last year’s comfortable 'athleisure' trend then rejoice, because the side stripe trouser is still big business for SS17. This year, the style set is channelling 'athluxury', teaming casual, sporty pieces with more luxe offerings for an elevated look, meaning the striped track pant is now the easiest way to fool the world into thinking you’re all dressed up.

 

2. Paper bag waist - A high-waisted cut with gathered detailing at the waist, there’s a bit of added drama to this style, with a choice of wide-leg or tapered designs depending on your go-to look. The key is to team with a tight tee or body – no baggy tops or knits – for a leg-accentuating, day-to-day outfit. This trouser silhouette looks effortless and is flattering, especially when paired with platform heels and a simple knit, making it a perfect workwear option.

3. Khaki chinos - Khaki trousers might have frumpy connotations, but they have been given a makeover for S/S17, and according to the likes of Vogue, they are about to replace your skinny jeans as your everyday staple. A bold claim, yes, but given they were featured in many of the major S/S17 runway shows they have a new femininity about them - think drapey fabrics, layered pockets and the wide hem's. Pair them with crisp clean shirts, jumpers tucked in and heel's and it gives them a fresh new look.

Face your non denim fear because sometimes you gotta branch out. Because if you don’t, you might never discover a new favourite pair of trousers that will become your wardrobe staple this Summer.

 

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