Three Stylish Outfits In H&M

It’s been a love fest for me and H&M this year.  The offer of understated, staple pieces, interwoven with trendier styles has had me hooked throughout 2021.

Living through the lockdowns made me realise that some versatile staples were missing from my wardrobe.  The basics that could enable me to get dressed efficiently yet stylishly were notably absent.  My list included a fitted white shirt, black tee and sand-coloured linen trousers.

It appeared that the brand’s designers had read my mind as H&M quickly became the destination for really great basics.  This month, whether it’s a ‘big coat’ you need, a pair of boots to get you through the colder days, accessories to elevate your look, or replenishing your woolly jumper drawer, H&M has a good choice.

You will still find lots of trend-led pieces in store and online so it’s easy to find blouses with peter pan collars and quilted jackets and longer coats have carried over from previous years.  However, more classic and basic pieces are dominating the shop floor and that’s great, if like me, you need to stock up.

I’ve taken a deep dive and created three stylish outfits from the latest clothing in store.

Click on the images below, or use the links if images not available.

 

A little Inspiration

Look 1

Bouclé dress https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1022881001.html

Pointed boot https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0949215001.html

Quilted shoulder bag https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0938916005.html

Black straight style coat  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0972352002.html

Alice band https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1021502001.html

Bracelet and rings    https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1020167001.html

 

Look 2

 

Knitted dress  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0939544006.html

Knot detail waisted belt  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0907415002.html

Chelsea platform shoe  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0996544001.html

Relaxed-fit jacket  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0916274001.html

Fringed scarf  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0984718007.html

 

Look 3

 

Knitted jumper  Knitted jumper – Greige – Ladies | H&M GB (hm.com)

Imitation leather trousers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0953710002.html

Chunky loafers  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0993162001.html

Quilted shopper  https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0994480001.html

Earrings and bracelet – https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1016498002.html

 

I hope you like these three stylish outfits.  Need more help in developing your style and creating outfits for every occasion?  Then take a look at my personal services here that will help you.

 

Gail x

Selecting a Staycation Swimsuit To Suit Your Body Type

notgivinin | personal stylist

 

If you’re staying home this summer let me make selecting a staycation swimsuit to suit your body type a little easier with this guide.

 

Apparently, we’re going to be blessed with more gorgeous weather towards the end of August.  So, with more beach or, if you’re like me, garden sunbathing time ahead, now is the time to grab a new swimsuit if you don’t have one.

 

Even though we’re a fair chunk of the way through British summertime there are still some gorgeous swimsuits available.  Wherever you are catching the rays, it’s still very important to feel confident in what you’re wearing, so I strongly suggest choosing a costume that works well with your figure first, and follow what’s popular second.

 

To that end, here are my suggestions on which to choose depending on your body shape.  I’ve included some guidance on what to look for and some ideas that fit the bill.

 

Selecting a staycation swimsuit

 

Rectangle

The aim of the swimsuit here is to help give you the appearance of curves.

Look for: strategic cut outs, higher cut legs, pleats/frills/embellishment on the chest and hips.

 

 

Hourglass

The aim of the swimsuit here is to support your curves.  You don’t want to lose your waist.

Look for: built in boob support, retro styles, belted swimsuits, wider straps, one colour elegance.

 

Pear

The aim of the swimsuit is to help balance out the hips.  Draw the attention upwards.

Look for: more fuss on the top half, halter necks with thin straps. Frills and flounce on the chest.  Horizontal necklines.

 

Apple

The aim here is to elongate the torso, create more of a waist and show off legs.

Look for clever ruching, darker colour panels down the sides and tankinis.

 

Inverted Triangle

The aim here is to balance the broader shoulder shape with the hips.

Look for V or sweetheart necklines to add focus away from the shoulders.  Padded or underwire cups give support to bust and asymmetric styles break up the neckline.

 

 

Hope that’s useful!  It’s little tweaks that can make a big difference to help you look good and feel great.

 

There’s lots of information there to let you make wise choices, but if you’re feeling confused about your body shape, don’t worry everyone’s shape is different.  If you want to learn more do drop me a line and sign up for my Body Shape and Colour Consultation.

 

Whether you are going away or not this year.  Have a great time.  You deserve it!

 

To get more styling tips, do come and join my new Facebook group – Style with Gail.

 

Gail xx

 

Shopping For An Apple Body Shape

 

This week’s post is all about shopping for an apple body shape.  If you watched the Style Surgery with the GP on Friday (see here), you will have seen that the focus of this week’s Dressing for Your Body Shape was apple.

Defined by the following characteristics, the apple body shape has some great features that can be highlighted to make you feel and look great.

Common characteristics:

  • Bigger bust
  • Less definition around the waist
  • Narrow hips
  • Slender legs

 

 

 

Let’s Go Shopping for An Apple Body Shape

Okay, so when it comes to shopping we are always looking to not just make our lives a little easier, we want it to be more stylish!  It’s easy to do this when you know how and dressing an apple is easier than you might think.  Follow these simple tips to get you started.

  • Draw attention to areas you want to show off
    • this could be a great pair legs
    • or it could be highlighting a gorgeous bust
    • and let’s not forget a beautiful face
  • Skim the mid-section or focus on the narrowest part of the body, e.g. underneath the bust

With this in mind, let’s go shopping.  I’ve visited online retailers to pick out some key pieces that are currently available.

  1. The Shift Dress.

A shift dress is a go-to for the apple.  During the summer a sleeve-less design will show off arms and legs and winter styles include this year’s knitted option.  Wear with chunky ankle boots to be totally on trend, or if you want a little height add knee high boots.  I would choose a boot colour opposite to what you’re wearing, e.g. tan knee highs with a black knitted dress, to draw the eye down.

Here’s an idea from Top Shop.

 

 

2. Tunic-style top and wide leg Trouser combo.

When shopping for tops look for longer length versions.  Ideally, they should be below the hip.  I spotted this sequin version in H&M and it comes with wide leg trousers.  Both flow together well, skimming curves, but offering excitement to the overall look with a ton of sequins.  No-one puts baby in the corner!  Perfect for Christmas.  Not a bad price either.

 

Note. if you’re a tall apple this top might not work as it must come down below the hip.

 

 

3. Statement Accessories.

 

Ooh I love accessories.  They are such powerful tools in either playing up or playing down an outfit.  For an apple, who perhaps wants to draw attention away from the mid-section, a good pair of eye-catching shoes will do just that. I spotted these on Gillian Anderson, who is currently the star of the Dune London Autumn/Winter shoe campaign.  They are FAB.

 

 

Just a couple of tricks here for you to take-away.  Like to see more ideas?  Visit my October Shop Pinterest board, where you’ll find the rest of this morning’s shopping for an apple body shape.

 

Of course, if you want a more bespoke shop please do drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com and I’ll walk you through how I can help you wear better clothes that suit your figure and ultimately make you feel more confident.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Gail xx