Mary Smith

It’s nearly autumn and many of us are casting critical eyes at our wardrobes. We need advice on what to wear to work, to parties, and to long business lunches now that the recession’s nearly over. We want to appear businesslike with just a touch of fashion-forwardness. Or fashion-forward with just a touch of business.

Grey is the new neutral colour

It’s been a bona fide neutral colour since AD 700 but it’s only recently that we’ve seen an influx of grey. Grey pants, grey gloves, grey skirts, and grey jackets. We’re loving grey because the colour needs less dye than stronger colours such as black. This means that grey fabrics are softer to the touch than the same items in black.

Bag on it

You needn’t wear an IT bag to receive knowing looks of appreciation from your fellow tube commuters. Wear a bag that is as much an extension of your personality as it is fresh and vibrant yet classic. Find your perfect bag at your favourite consignment store or trawl online for inspiration. Bags with a slight vintage look, such as the Suzy Smith Quilted Cross Body Bag are perfect for autumn.

Kilts

Kilts can be cute on some, and ferocious on others. Yes, it is true that a kilt is a traditionally male item but some women are turning this notion on its head with their insistence on wearing something that would fit right into any ‘old boys’ club’.

Wear the kilt with a tight-fitting top and modern high heels.

The 1950s are back

Blame Mad Men for this. The women dress modestly and yet they exude personality and class. This might not be true for much longer – the series is approaching the mid-1960s – but it’s such fun while it lasts. Dress like a Mad Woman by incorporating cigar pants a la Grace Kelly into your wardrobe.

Wide-leg trousers

Wide-leg trousers conceal a world of figure flaws. They are also very much en vogue this season and let’s hope they remain a staple of the well-adjusted wardrobe. They are the perfect foil for the jeans we all love to hate – skinny jeans: they add a measure of class and dignity to nearly any outfit. Pair them with fitted knits in contrasting colours and textures. Or wear with floaty tops but add a belt to emphasise the waist area. Michèle Classics from Gray and Osbourn does a fabulous wide-legged trouser that places the emphasis on comfort.

Brace yourself

Another ‘slow-burning trend‘ is braces. Many women relish stealing things from the ‘boys’ and this autumn winner is yet another example of our infatuation with masculine clothing. It’s possible to find women’s wear that has braces but it’s so more thrilling to add your own braces to your trousers. Experiment with braces in bold colours.

Author bio:

Gray and Osbourn wrote this article about the trends that will make this autumn special.

There are many reasons to love a good maxi dress. The first and probably the most obvious reason is that it is such an easy item to wear. Most of us would wear these dresses during the summer but it is even possible to wear one on a moderate winter day. Just add some boots and a cardigan.

The maxi dress has returned and let’s hope it doesn’t ever go away again. We first saw these creations on Grecian beauties and had to wait a few millennia for its return in the 1960s and 1970s.

Celebrities have pledged their support and many of them are now sporting designer versions of these dresses. We wear maxi dresses to formal events, to the beach, to lectures, and to dates. So it’s no surprise that Jane Average and her fuller-figured sisters all want to wear a maxi dress this summer, whether it is during the day or to their favourite theatre at night.

There are a few reasons why fuller figured women look amazing in a longer dress. These dresses have empire waistlines, which are known for accentuating the narrowest part of women’s bodies. This is a flattering look because we then draw attention to the smallest part of the waist, instead of drawing attention to other body parts we’d rather not flaunt.

The other reason why a maxi dress makes a good choice is that it hides the areas that most of us would rather not show to the rest of the world – our thighs and hips.

Here are some more tips to get the most out of the maxi dress season.

Wear bold accessories. Summer time is forgiving of accessories that would feel at home in a United Colors of Benetton ad. Feel free to wear sparkly accessories during the day and channel your inner child with cutesy accessories from time to time.

Short women can also wear maxis. Supermodels who are thin and tall are most certainly not the only ones who are eligible to wear long dresses. Regular people, who tend to be shorter and fatter, are also allowed to look like a Grecian goddess.

Pair volume with a good fit. Some women make the mistake of pairing loose clothing with more loose clothing to make them appear smaller than what they are. Rather pair any clothing that has volume with an item that doesn’t, eg, pair the maxi dress with a tight-fitting cardigan. Or pair skinny jeans with a loose shirt. This type of outfit tricks our eyes into thinking that you have lost 5 pounds.

Author bio:

Gray & Osbourn wrote this article about how any woman can wear a maxi dress.

For those of us with average incomes, buying designer clothing may seem like an unattainable prospect. But despite the exorbitant prices of designer clothing, many people feel that it is a tremendous investment. While the quality of designer clothing may make it worth the price tag, there are mistakes that can be made when purchasing these clothes. And if you are working with a budget, these are mistakes you don’t want to make.

Following are a few tips on how to maximise every dime you spend on designer clothes, making sure that you get your money’s worth every time.

1. Quantity doesn’t always mean quality

If you are not familiar with the fashion industry, it can be easy to believe that a label instantly means high quality. Remember that anyone can design a range of clothing, market it, open a store and call themselves a designer. The word ‘designer’ is not reserved for the who’s who of the designer world. A good idea would be to research your labels carefully before purchasing. Find out what sort of materials each designer uses and how long they’ve been in the industry. Which designer is renowned for its quality of work? If you going to be spending an entire paycheck on a purchase, you need to make sure it is of a high quality. Whatever you do, stay away from the latest designer craze and fads.

2. Stick to who you know and love

We all have certain designers who we love, whether it is Michèle, Bernshaw or Frank Walder. And while some fashion houses are new, others have been around the block a few times. Visit runway shows and collections before making your purchase. You may find that some designers’ collection may appeal to you more than others. You are allowed to be discriminating.

3. Start with formal attire

If you can only afford one or two pieces of designer clothing, it would make sense to select pieces for special occasions. Imagine buying an expensive pair of designer shoes, but teeming it with cheaper clothing. This outfit will look completely out of place. Consistency is key when building a wardrobe. To avoid this problem, select one or two classic pieces that can be saved for a special occasion. You can therefore build your outfit over time, adding shoes, a handbag and accessories. So, when that special event does come around, you will be well prepared with a stylish, not to mention expensive designer outfit.

4. Buy classic cuts and colours

Enduring cuts and colours that stood the test of time are best. Choose neutral colours and clean, simple lines. Avoid fashion trends and fads that are in one season and out the next.  When purchasing designer clothing, stick to your basics like a trench coat, bags, pumps, crisp white shirts etc. Once you have built up your wardrobe then you can start including trendy items.

5. Buy labels that have been around for years

Everyone is a little guilty of simply buying designer clothing for the label and to tell others what they are wearing. But if you are working with a budget, this would not work in your advantage. Popular designer clothing and classic designer clothing are two entirely different things. If you are purchasing simply for the prestige, opt for designers who have been around for years and who are renowned in the design industry.

Author bio:

This article was written for Gray and Osbourn and offers tips on designer clothing.