Supporting your child’s transition from school to college

 

The transition from school to college is an exciting time for young people; however, it can lead to anxiety around what to wear.  No longer required to dress in school uniform, many find the freedom of choice both exciting and overwhelming.

It’s the first major leap into adult life, and as a result, I’m frequently approached by parents seeking guidance on how to support their children through this shift –  from adolescence to young adulthood.  They’re often looking to strike a balance between choosing appropriate study options and encouraging their children to discover and express their own individual style.

While clothes are one of life’s necessities, they also say much about us before we speak a word, and dressing at this life stage can be as much about fitting in as revealing who you are as a person. Therefore, I suggest starting with good, useful basics, which can get the ball rolling on a capsule wardrobe. A canny student will then adopt her or his own way to wearing items in their own good time.

 

Suggested staples for a female student

 

  • Neutral colour blazer – adds sophistication to everything else in the wardrobe.
  • Denim or quilted jacket – casual options for autumn and spring transitional seasons.
  • Mid blue jeans – an everyday classic. The latest styles that won’t date, include wide leg and straight options.
  • Black or navy tailored trousers – dress down with trainers and wear with flats or heels for a smarter look.
  • White, grey or black T-shirt – a must-have layering piece.
  • Striped long sleeve Breton style T-shirt – perfect for creating chic outfits.
  • Casual skirt – knee length pencil or A line skirts are cute, as are tiered maxi lengths for very wearable options
  • Graphic T shirt – quirky, personal and conversation starters
  • Sweatshirt – choose plain designs to get maximum wear
  • Cotton or denim shirt – to wear on its own or as a layering piece as the weather get cooler
  • Chunky trainers – in neutral colours are stylish and comfy
  • Black ankle boots – Chelsea or lace up styles to wear with trousers and skirts
  • Knee length dress – to wear with smart shoes (ballet pumps or loafers) or worn over leggings/trousers
Supporting your child's transition from school to college

Matalan AW25

Most of the above pieces can be worn by guys too.  Simply take out the skirts and dresses and add in more trousers.  Perhaps chinos and cargo-style trousers.

I hope you find this blog post of help. I specialise in student shopping and you can read more about my 1-2-1 personal shopping service here.

For more shopping tips, follow my Instagram page.

5 Tips To Transition Your Summer to Autumn Wardrobe

The first hint of autumn is here and with that slight chill in the air comes the need to adjust how we dress. However, don’t be too quick to put away your summer clothes. With clever layering you can extend their use during these transition weeks, when full-on cold weather gear isn’t required.

Think added layers, switching up textures and adopting a more autumnal colour palette from the clothes you have for starters.

Here’s five ways to help you transition from summer to autumn seamlessly.

  1. Embrace layers – Can’t let go of this year’s summer dress? Put a long sleeve T. shirt or polo neck underneath it for added warmth. Marks & Spencer and Uniqlo always have good basics.
  2. Switch up textures – It’s time to pack away the linen but hurrah, think of all the clothes you haven’t been able to wear during the summer that can now be worn. Reach for heavier denim jeans, faux and leather trousers and long midi skirts for starters. Wear with snuggly sweatshirts and cotton twill trench coats.
  3. Yes, jacket required – Add a darker denim jacket, or chocolate brown utility or bomber jacket. Single or double breasted blazers are perfect for professional or smarter occasions.
  4. Wear warmer colours – Seek out any clothes that you have that add warmth to your outfit. Think golden hues, muted greens, deep purples and orangey reds to give your outfit an autumnal vibe.
  5. Swap your sandals for warmer footwear – Think closed-toe flats or loafers, or check out this season’s trend for suede and opt for ankle boots that can be worn with midi skirts and dresses to give more coverage on bare legs. No-one wants to wear tights just yet!

transition your summer to autumn wardrobe

Hope this helps, but if you would like more, personal support with your wardrobe please check out my appointment options here and drop me a line info@notgivinin.com.

What To Wear When Working From Home

 

Time has moved on from the mandate to work from home.  However, many people still do, and I’m often asked by clients how to avoid feeling scruffy when they don’t have to get dressed for the office.

 

New ways of working, whether it’s fully remote or hybrid (splitting your time between the office and home) have involved an adjustment.  The classic workwear wardrobe has changed. And while many are enjoying the less formal way of dressing at a desk, it has resulted in a few challenges.

 

I’m often quizzed: “How do I avoid wearing sweatshirts and leggings daily?”  Another common question is:  “How do I go from feeling comfy to looking smart when I need to go out?”

 

So here are some of the key items I would suggest wearing.

 

Key Items for a working from home wardrobe

 

  • A knitted co-ord jogger set – soft to the touch, it still offers a relaxed approach to working from home, but will be way smarter than opting for a grey marl sweatshirt and pair or joggers.
  • Relaxed tailored trousers – these can be straight, wide leg trousers or tapered, but look for styles that have some stretch and/or an elasticated waist, for more comfort. Easily the comfiest to work in with a T-shirt, blouse, or jumper.  Simply add a blazer when you want to head out.
  • Dark blue wash or black denim jeans – if you’re splitting time between the office and home and can wear jeans to work these are the colours to choose. Giving you a smarter appearance.
  • Classic blazer – in black, navy or beige is the quickest way to smarten any outfit. Perfect for a smart-casual dress code and chic with jeans.
  • Choose layers – versatile pieces you’ll wear again and again include T-Shirts, white blouses, striped or patterned shirts, and longline cardigans.
  • Wear colour – nothing lifts the spirits like adding a pop of colour to an outfit. Whatever your favourites are, or, if you’ve had your colours analysed and know which suits you best, wear them.
  • Key accessories – include plain white trainers (they go with everything) and statement jewellery. Have a great necklace or pair of earrings in your desk drawer.  Putting them on will quickly elevate your look and complete your outfit.

 

My pick from the high street below:

 


Hope you like the ideas.  Meanwhile, if your wardrobe isn’t working for you why not try a personal consultation with me.  I offer a free call and we can have a chat about the challenges you want to overcome.  To set this up you can drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com or complete a contact me form here.

For more ideas on how to dress visit my Instagram page here.

Speak soon.

 

Gail x

 

 

It’s Sweater Weather. Here’s How to Wear Yours.

 

With temperatures dipping into single digits, it’s safe to say we’ve officially reached sweater weather.

 

On chilly days it’s easy to grab heavy, cosy knits to wrap ourselves in, but are we forsaking substance for style?  Or, if we want to, can we wear a knit in a smart, formal way?

 

Here’s a couple of thoughts on how to dress your favourite jumpers in balance with the rest of your winter outfit.

 

Heavy jumpers

Taking refuge from the cold, swathed in a heavy, oversized jumper has its appeal.   But you can look top heavy, especially if you’re wearing something tight on the lower half.  Balance oversized knits and skinny jeans, for example, with chunkier boots.

 

If you choose to wear oversized knits with the loose or wide-legged trousers that are currently very popular, try partially tucking in your jumper slightly off centre at the front.   Otherwise, it will drown the top half your body and you’ll lose all shape.  Avoid dainty shoes with this outfit, or your silhouette will be top heavy.

 

Examples of half tucks below.  See how they offer better proportion and elongated leg shapes.

Lightweight jumpers

Roll neck jumpers are in many people’s wardrobes as they offer warmth and versatility.  Keeping the top half neat, wear these with straight, loose, and wide legged trousers. These would also look nice with this season’s denim maxi skirts, for an elevated casual look.

 

Crew vs V neck knits

Crew neck knits are often a weekend wardrobe staple and are very useful in neutral colours.  They look good with a white T.shirt poking out of the top.  Or wear with a white shirt underneath for a smarter look.

 

V-neck jumpers are the perfect formal jumper.  They look great with a white shirt underneath for work. They also sit comfortably underneath a suit jacket or with blazer and jeans. However, they’re also easy to dress up. Wear with a necklace or statement earrings heading out for drinks and dinner.

 

Nipped-in Knits

Lastly, if you want more shape around the mid-section consider adding belt.  A wide belt will add real definition to your waistline and structure to the overall effect.  A thin belt adds a hint of shape and keeps the body elongated.

 

 

I hope you like these sweater weather ideas and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question.  You can drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com any time.

If you would like a more bespoke service know that I am personal stylist based in Bristol and covering the Bath area.  Take a look at my personal shopper services here.

Thanks for reading.

 

Gail

 

How to: Weed Your Wardrobe

How to weed your wardrobe

Rain has stopped play today.  Autumn is surely here, so I’m preparing for a little post-summer wardrobe weeding.

 

The heatwave earlier this month might have delayed my seasonal wardrobe switchover, but I’m starting to layer up.  Wearing my jeans again, with light knits and shackets.

 

The washing basket is, of course, laden with the last remnants of my summer wardrobe.  They’re ready to wash and store away.  However, before I do, I always find this a good time to do a little weeding.

 

If, like me, your storage space is tight, you’ll store and unpack your hanging clothes, a top drawer and shoes, twice a year.  In hiding for half the time, it feels like a whole new wardrobe when I switch the rails up.  There’s always a lovely piece I’ve forgotten I own.  Winner winner chicken dinner!

 

Keeping my home uncluttered and organised is important to me, so before I pack summer stuff away I detox.  Because a) I’ll get rid of the stuff I didn’t wear, there’s a reason so why keep it; b) it saves on storage space; c) I can sell it on Vinted and make some cash to buy new autumn/winter pieces that I need.  Read. want.

 

If you want to join along, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it effectively:

 

11 easy steps to weed your wardrobe

 

  • Split your spring/summer clothes into two piles. What you wore and what you didn’t.
  • Put all the pieces you enjoyed to one side ready to go into storage.
  • Do check the condition of these clothes at the same time. Damaged pieces can be mended and clothes too worn can be taken to a clothes recycling bin.
  • With items you haven’t worn, it’s time to get up close and personal with them and consider why not.
  • Try on each piece and give it an honest appraisal.
  • Does it suit the look/vibe you want to achieve? Peoples’ style evolves over time.
  • Are the clothes no longer fitting you? Are they too loose or tight?  Holding on to any that don’t work for you anymore can have a negative effect.
  • Does each piece suit your current lifestyle? For example, corporate summer dresses may no longer be needed if you work in a more casual environment.
  • Similarly, are pieces too loud or subdued to suit your personality? Perhaps the pattern doesn’t really match your vibe, or the colour drains the life from your face. In either case, let them go.
  • By the end you should have a clearer understanding of what’s working and what’s not. Don’t feel guilty about the pieces you need to let go of.  You’ve had your fun with them and they no longer work.  It’s over.  Let them go.  There are plenty of charities who can make good use of them.
  • With everything else. All the good stuff. Use vacuum storage bags that suck the air out to reduce space. The bags can then go under the bed or in your suitcases.

 

Et voila.  Summer is over for another year.

I promise that taking the time to do this now will serve you well. You don’t want to get to next year and unpack a bunch of things which you’re still not going to wear.

Like some more help from me?  Check out my Wardrobe Reboot service here.