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

Edits guide to the best coat for your shape

Firstly it's true to say that I am totally obsessed with coats!

As an ex-coat buyer I am full of joy when every winter comes around and I can but yet another new addition to my collection. My wardrobes are unfortunately not getting any bigger whilst my coat collection is slowly getting out of control!!

Not all outerwear is created equal, and if you’ve ever dressed up for an evening out, only to then toss on your everyday puffer coat, then you know what I'm talking about! There are actually tons of options for your winter-wear; an amazing coat can upgrade a less than stellar outfit. At the same time, the wrong coat can ruin a best-dressed list worthy look.

When it comes to outerwear, fit and proportion are everything –  whether it’s a £5000 designer label, or a £50 vintage find, if it's not the right coat for your body shape (paired with the wrong outfit), all you’ll be left with is a big zero! So whilst checking out the trends for this season on coats I also had to ask myself, which coat style would suit my body shape best?

To make things simple, I've separated body shapes into 4 general categories: Apple, Pear, boyish and hourglass. With also some tips for Tall and petite gals too.

Here are my tips so you can rock the right coat for your shape -

APPLE - broad shoulders & narrower hips

Coats that nip in at your waist or are belted will give the illusion of a smaller waist and trim your tummy. Look for coats that have a deep v neck line as this will draw attention up top and distract from the roundness of a fuller figure. The right length coat for an apple should fall right below the waist to mid-thigh and never at the widest part of your hips because it will make your hips look wider. Another tip is to stay away from shoulder pads as you don’t need to accentuate your shoulders further.

PEAR - narrow shoulders, wide hips & thighs

Pear shaped body types tend to have sloped shoulders so coats with shoulder pads will enhance your shoulders and balance them out with your hips. Pear shaped gals should stick with coats that are fitted around the top half and looser around the bottom half. Double breasted coats will draw attention upwards and the fitted styling will give the desired balanced look. Avoid shorter coats that end at your bum as this will draw the eye to your large middle section with a horizontal line.

BOYISH - narrow hips & smaller bust

For women with a small bust size, look for tailored coats with exaggerated collars. A coat that's cropped to mid-thigh and has beautiful little tailored shoulders and big curvy lapels will give you a feminine shape. If you want to give the illusion of wider hips, then wear a coat that flares out from the waist and stops at the hip. Using a belt on your coat will also give the same affect.

HOURGLASS - bust&hips nearly the same size

Fitted, tailored coats will be one of the best choices for an hourglass figure. It's well fitted shape will slim down into the waist and will emphasize your figure beautifully. As an hour glass, you are able to pick any length tailored longer coats especially with belts or small pleated waist detail.

TALL

For Tall shaped gals, I recommend looking for a longer, loose, oversize drop-shoulder or cocoon coat, which works best on a taller frame, whether you're curvy or boyish.

PETITE

Petite girls should do the opposite and make sure you avoid the voluminous shapes. A cropped fitted Peacoat is the ultimate shape if you are on the shorter side.

the most useful thing in your wardrobe right now - the polo neck

Use it to layer or wear on its own – either way, a roll-neck jumper is one of the most useful things you can own

Roll necks made their most recent revival a few autumns ago, after they were done by Celiné and Stella McCartney. Layered under suit jackets or with knee-length skirts, they reintroduced a way to wear a jumper but still look chic. Unlike a lot of catwalk trends, this one really does work. Put one under a sleeveless dress and it means you can wear said dress when it’s cold. Or, wear one under a blazer for a non-iron work option. OR, with slouchy jeans to balance out proportions. If you’re considering wide-leg trousers or those pleated midi skirts that everyone’s banging on about, then I’d suggest putting a roll neck on your top half. If you are layering, they work best under things with round or V-necks. Anything sleeveless is good too, like a long-line waistcoat.

The best thing? They keep you incredibly warm without adding bulk. 

My tip would be to choose a style that’s fitted. This is particularly good if you are busty,  it’s far more flattering. I would suggest, when wearing one, to avoiding very tight trousers, which can look a bit après ski. I brought my black jersey roll neck from Atterley and can be found here - Selected Femme £25 or there is a fab one at Topshop Boutique £30 but if you are looking for colours then I suggest Uniqlo £12.90

Here's my styling tips on how to wear your polo neck.

1. Casual day time style. Wear your roll neck with jeans under a shirt, jumper or coatigan, paired with a hat you will look stylish for any autumn day.

2. Smart day to evening style. Wear your roll neck under a dress or jumpsuit to utilise it from your summer wardrobe. Add winter boots and a leather jacket or coat and your roll neck is doing all the work for you.

3. Evening style. Wear your roll neck tucked into this season's must-have; the skirt. Add thick black tights, heel's and a fur coat to keep warm and you will be the most stylish gal on the town.

How to inject the biggest colour for Autumn Winter into your wardrobe.

“Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

— www.pantone.com

A new season always means a new shade to introduce into your wardrobe. Marsala, burgundy or wine has evolved from so many season's of pink being the biggest colour, that this is the next step on the spectrum. With the autumn/winter 2014/15 runways awash with burgundy pieces, I show you how to wear the hue in a variety of stylish ways, from wearing the colour all over to adding key accessories. It sits somewhere between a neutral and a statement colour and is so versatile it is a key casual wardrobe colour. Burgundy pairs well with other on-trend colours and a variety of different patterns, meaning it can easily be adapted to suit your own personal style.

Ways to wear Burgundy

• Investing in a statement overcoat in burgundy could prove particularly beneficial. Plus, with a few months left before the temperature starts to pick up again, you’ll get plenty of use out of it.
• If it’s versatility you’re after, opt for burgundy staples like jeans, jumpers, cardigans and t-shirts that can be worn with other pieces in your wardrobe.
• Wearing the colour as one outfit is a statement of style, don't be scared of mixing the shades and adding some patterned accessories to break it up.
• If you want to add extra flourish then opt for burgundy accessories. A over sized scarf, floppy hat or fringed bag will add a twist to your look. I can't wait to wear my Whistles hat I brought a couple of years ago.
• Choosing the right footwear could be paramount in pulling the look together. There are the some fab blocked healed boots around, some casual comfy trainers or like me I have updated my brogues.
• If you don't have the money to buy a piece for your wardrobe then update your beauty bag with some nail varnish or paint your lips with burgundy instead.

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration - in brouge

1. All hues outfit

2. Trousers

3. Skirts

4. Dresses

5. Coats

6. Accessories

7. Shoes

8. Beauty