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Take time out and find some inspiration

I should know better…I really should, but I fell to pieces during the snow bound days of January 2010.

One of my “Style commandments” that I regularly dish out to clients is “don’t wear anything that you would be embarrassed to be seen in” and my words have been LOUDLY ringing in my ears of late. I am someone who naturally favours a more glamorous style of dress but I’m also someone who knows that a girl has to be practical. It wasn’t a good look for me standing in a snow storm with mascara dribbling down my cheeks whilst those bare faced lovelies looked fresh and wholesome.

So, not one to be beaten, I have observed, studied, researched and come up with some “Top Tips” on how to look gorgeous even in inclement weather:

• Work from the bottom up – footwear will have the biggest impact on your outfit, but be realistic about what suits. Long legged ladies can wear any length of boot from mid-calf to knee high, or even over-the-knee. Those like me, with short legs and wide calves need to make sure that our boots end at the narrowest part of the leg (usually the point just below the knee). Boots that cut across the widest part of the calf will simply make them look wider – no matter how stylish the boots. Similarly, darker footwear will make shorter ladies look longer and leaner – so bear in mind when selecting wellies.
• Coats are key – I’ve always recommended choosing a coat in a bold colour – and all those who had done so really did stand out amongst a sea of black and neutral. The best I saw was a ¾ length swing coat in yellow with bold brass buttons. This was finished off with a purple beret – the yellow/purple combo looked great, as did her smart navy patent wellies and shiny sequin bag. Maybe you had to be there to appreciate the look but it was a great testament to the power of a great coat.
• Dresses and skirts can be your best option – especially if you need to conduct work meetings despite the conditions. Go as short as best suits you, again usually just below the knee, and team with bold coloured/patterned cosy knit tights. Another of my “style winners” was the business lady in Costa wearing a wrap jersey dress, plum opaque tights and bold wellies. A neat denim skirt will also work (if dress code permits). There are plenty of pull-on jersey shortie skirts around at the moment. Suddenly they seem like a sensible purchase as they can be put with a smarter jacket, white shirt or long line cardigan for a practical take on work wear.
• Layer it up – to create a more interesting effect AND to keep warm. Stock up on t-shirts and wear one top of the other. Try a stripe under a plain or a short sleeved over a long sleeved. Similar tones work well such as light grey under dark grey or coffee (beige) under brown. Finer layers will be more flattering than a bulky fleece or jumper.
• Take another look at leggings – if you have dismissed them previously. They have really come into their own as they slip perfectly into boots – particularly useful again for those of us who simply cannot stuff our jeans into our boots, no matter how hard we try. I wear mine with a long-line cardigan belted at the waist to give me some shape and definition. Only a snatch of legging is visible and that bit is my best bit. Leggings, treggings (leggings that resemble trousers) and jeggings (leggings that resemble jeans) are not going away anytime soon but they do have their uses.

….roll on Summer!

Katherine B x

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