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

 

Three Straight Leg Jean Outfits for Spring 23

This week in my Style With Gail Facebook group I talked to my members about the latest jean styles and how to wear them.  In a group poll, straight leg jeans came out as the most worn style.  So I thought I would share three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23 that everyone might like.

I can totally see why, after a lot of us have worn skinny jeans for so long, that this looser fitting classic jean is so popular.  It suits all body types, with a few adjustments to suit proportions, but hourglass, apple and strawberry (inverted triangle) wear it very well.

Ideally, you’re looking for a fit that ends on your ankle, or about one inch above, for a contemporary look.  Great with boots and trainers for every day wear, I’m really looking forward to getting rid of socks and choosing loafers and heels this spring.

Of course, the weather isn’t playing ball at the moment and its sleeting while I write this, so my first outfit choice below includes a leather look long coat and boots.  Right now, you’ll need it.  There are lovely layers here and items that you’ll either have already, or if bought, will make great staples in your year-round wardrobe. I’ve added in a silk scarf and my intention is for it to be tied around the handbag strap for some added colour and a polished look.

Three Looks for Spring 23

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Ecru Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top, Mango

Oversize Leather Effect Trench Coat, Mango

Black Curved Leather Bag, H&M

Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, H&M

Printed Silk Scarf, H&M

Cotton Shirt, Boden

Black Cowboy Boots, Mango

 

For the  next outfit look I’ve picked up on the French trend that is everywhere this spring.  Adding a pop of much needed spring time colour with a simple T. Shirt, I’ve paired with a boucle Chanel-style jacket.  A pair of kitten heels and metallic shoulder bag give a polished finish and silver jewellery are the icing on the cake.

Black Leather Kitten Heel, Zara

Shoulder Bag, Zara

Braided Necklace, Mango

Double Hoop Earrings, Mango

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Maxi Floral Tweed Jacket, Mango

White Oval Sunglasses, Mango

Pink T Shirt, COS

 

My last look offers a touch more glitz and I’d love to have this for when I go out for drinks with the girls, or my husband takes me out!  It’s all about the texture here and the cream, tonal look gives a sense of luxury.  I love the mix of wool, sequin and gold, which feels elevated, yet easy to wear. Ballet pumps are very much in vogue this spring and I love the armband which will show off otherwise naked arms.

Leather Ballerinas, Zara

Straight leg Jeans, Zara

Sequin Bomber, Zara

Turtleneck Knitted Gillet, Mango

Hoop Knot Earrings, Mango

Textured Wide Armband, Zara

Mini City Bag, Zara

Hope you like these three straight leg jean outfits for spring 23.  Keep your eyes peeled for more jean style outfits to come.

There is a link above if you would like to join my Facebook group, and if you’re interested in a more bespoke personal shop do check out my 1-2-1 shopping service here.

Gail x

What to Pack For a Summer City Break

 

What to pack for a summer city break?  The answer is here.

I love a city break, whether its summer or not, but it does require a little consideration when it comes to packing.  The baggage weight limit and an aim to not spend precious hours in the airport, when I could be sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar, means I’m lean when it comes to packing.

I used to take far too much stuff, taking lots of pieces ‘just in case’. Well, those items never get worn, just lugged around, resulting in a sore shoulder.  Not the lasting memory of a longed-for trip that I wanted. So, less is definitely more.

First things first, to help narrow your holiday wardrobe pick a colour theme.  The one I’ve chosen below focuses on blues with some neutrals thrown in.  This means you’re more likely to be able to mix and match what you take. For example, I can wear the cream wide strap top, jeans and blue blazer effortlessly together, as easily as I can wear the printed dress with the blazer (there’s a little blue in the dress).

When it comes to shoes, I would take trainers for lots of walking in the cooler months, but a pair of flat/sturdy sandals that allow my feet to breathe in the summer are perfect. It goes without say, but don’t take new shoes as I’ve done before, because the chemist is often not as near as you think.  One pair of flats and one pair of heels will suffice.

You might wonder why I’ve included a jumpsuit, and I’ve opted for a short option here as this is definitely a summer wardrobe idea, but I think short or long they’re a good option because you can wear them casually or with lots of jewellery in the evening.  Go for a printed design to add some fun to your holiday options.

The swimsuit has been included for cities with beaches (e.g., Barcelona, Lisbon, Copenhagen) and for those who are staying somewhere with a pool.  Don’t forget, brilliantly, a swimsuit can also be worn as a body.  This design will look just as good under the blazer as it will pool-side.

What else could I have included?  I’ve kept this suitcase lean, but if you’re staying longer than two nights, you can include tailored shorts, a skirt in your choice of length, and a pair of wide leg linen trousers.  I would also suggest packing a white and/or black T-shirt and maybe a blue cotton or linen oversized shirt that can also be worn over the other pieces and tied at the waist if the weather cools.

Lastly, I haven’t added one, but there’s always space for a foldaway raincoat!  Just in case.

Happy holidays.

 

Gail xx

 

 

H&M Straw Bag, £34.99

Mango Cotton Shorts Jumpsuit, £35.99

H&M Single Breasted Blazer, £34.99

Next Stretch Flare Jeans, £42.00

& Other Stories Criss Cross Leather Sandal, £85.00

Warehouse Wide Strap Top, £27.00

Black Asymmetric Swimsuit, £55.00

Gingham Cotton Check Dress, £49.99

Zara Printed Midi Dress, £59.99

Zara Tied Heeled Sandals, £45.99

Mango Striped Knit Top, £22.99

 Marks & Spencer Broderie Long Sleeve Blouse, £29.50

H&M Blue Small Patterned Bag, £17.99

& Other Stories Ball Charm Hoop Earrings, £15

Mango Tassel Bead Necklace, £19.99

John Lewis & Partners Cat’s Eye Sunglasses, £18.00

 

 

If you would like a more personal, bespoke service please check out my services here, which include personal shopping in Bristol or Bath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dressing up this Christmas

 

Let the fun time begin!  The build up to this year’s yuletide festivities is apace and as a ‘professional shopper’ I’m seeing pieces come in quickly and go out just as fast.  So, if you’re planning to party this Christmas don’t dilly dally on planning, finding and pocketing your outfit as quickly as you can.

I’ve been looking at classic pieces for Christmas parties and get-togethers.  I’ve focused on velvet, sequin and satin pieces which will not only work for this year, but for years to come.  And, of course, these pieces can work for parties and weddings too.  You break them down and mix and match with other items in your wardrobe all year for a high/low look. Think sequin top, jeans and heels for an evening with girlfriends, and sequin leggings with a chunky jumper for a concert or date night.

You’ll find a few short dresses in the selection below.  If you want to cover up legs with something other than fake tan, go for 20 denier tights and wear them with ankle boots for the edgier party look.

Velvet pieces feel cosy and look elegant, while satin has a lustre look that party girls can have fun in.

I’ve chosen mostly black pieces as it’s a classic choice, but there’s some colour in here too.

Choose jewellery to suit your skin tone and add a pop colour with the addition of a clutch or small shoulder bag.

And most importantly, have fun!

Satin

Velvet

 

Sequin

Winter Coats to Suit Your Body Type

Is a new winter coat on your wish list, but you’re not sure which style suits you best?  Don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you.  Here’s a selection of winter coats to suit your body type.

 

We all want to wrap up and keep warm during the cold winter season, but we also want to look cute.  Am I right?  Choosing the correct style of coat that flatters your figure will do wonders for your confidence and appearance.  Let’s face it, you’ll be wearing a winter coat until the end of March, so make it a good one.  Here, without further ado, is a breakdown of the styles to look for depending on your body shape and what’s in store now.

 

Apple

Look for:

  • styles that skim the body
  • draw attention away from the tummy with pretty necklines and embellishments or low pockets

 

 

Strawberry (Inverted Triangle)

Look for:

  •  styles that flare from the hip or have pockets on the hips to draw attention and offer balance to wide shoulders
  • dropped shoulders to soften shoulder line

Pear

Look for:

  • styles with more detail on the top half (can include double breasted detail)
  • flared lower half

Rectangle

Look for:

  • as body is in balance this body shape can wear all styles
  • have fun with shapes and textures

Hourglass

Look for:

  • styles that show off a defined waist
  • balance eye-catching details such as wide or shawl collars with a flared lower half that can include pockets

 

Hope you like the ideas.  Of course, we all come in varying shapes and sizes. To learn more about your exact body shape and how best to dress and flatter it, drop me a line to discuss my personal styling services.  You can contact me at info@notgivinin.com.  See my services here.

 

Til next time.

 

Gail x

 

P.S.  Did you know there’s a group of like-minded women in my group on Facebook?  Click here and come and join us.