When thinking about how to accessorise office wear, one must first consider the office surrounding and work environment. If the office is extremely formal then simple, understated jewellery, make-up and accessories are a must. This enables the wearer to look professional, particularly for meetings with clients, without looking over the top. It also means that one can go straight from the workplace to the local wine bar without the need to get changed. Simply changing accessories can create a more relaxed look.
Simple accessories could include a plain band ring such as a wedding ring, a simple pendant necklace and a belt with a small, understated buckle. If meeting with clients or higher management occurs often in the workplace, wearing larger jewellery items can be distracting and appear unprofessional. Accessories should complement clothing items; this means colours that do not clash, as again this can be thought of as distracting and even disorganised.
For a more laid back office where clients rarely visit then larger items of jewellery are acceptable. They help to complete the outfit in a fun and funky way. Hair accessories are also acceptable in a less formal office, and these can include hair clips with flower adornments, which are fast becoming one of the latest fashion statements.
The key to creating the perfect look using accessories is to not be too elaborate. One chunky necklace is often all that is needed to look just right; sometimes adding matching earrings and bracelets can make the jewellery look over done.
There’s nothing better than coming back off holiday with a lovely natural tan, it makes you feel and look healthy, as long as you are not burnt, so you would naturally want to make sure you show it off as much as possible. Certain colours of men’s and women’s clothing can accentuate or draw attention to your tan so you are best sticking to these if you want to get the most from your complexion. One colour that people tend to opt for when they are tanned is white, because it’s so strikingly simple it can be a great dramatic back drop that not only highlights your tan but also it can be transformed with a few simple accessories. A crisp white shirt or t-shirt for men and a simple stylish white dress for women can make for a very smart and sophisticated outfit, also white should not be forgotten for evening wear either.
Another great colour to choose if you want to be a bit brighter is turquoise, it’s this year’s colour according to Pantone and it’s all over the high street, also many people distinguish turquoise to be a very summery colour which reminds them of their holidays, so it’s a great colour to choose to give you a lift. Earthy tones also bring out your tan, colours that are often favoured in the far east that are rich and luminous like rich browns and greens accessorised with bronze and gold. This works for both men and women, for guys opt for natural or khaki colour men’s shorts and a lighter t-shirt for a relaxed summer look, you can accessorise with a simple natural straw hat and a simple leather style bracelet. Women can go all out and pick up on this year’s tribal trend with rich colours and lots of gold and bronze jewellery.
However there is one word of warning try to keep clear of red, especially if your tan is on the pinker side, you could end up looking like a lobster!
Women's clothing
Men's clothing
The internet is a good place to purchase vintage fashion items and there are many specialist shops that have their own websites, as well as several internet auction sites where bargains can be found regularly.
When purchasing online, be sure that you have a full description of the item that you are interested in. If not, contact the retailer to obtain more details. Vintage clothes are by definition old, and more than likely, used. This means that there could be signs of wear and tear on the item and maybe even a bit of damage. By obtaining as much information as possible you are avoiding the possibility that you may end up with an item that is unusable.
You should also obtain the accurate measurements of the items. Dress size calculations have varied a great deal over the years and you need to be aware of individual measurements of bust, waist and hips, not just of the item, but of yourself as well.
It is a good idea also to ensure that you check with retailers to find out if they offer insurance on deliveries. If you are paying for a classic vintage item you may be spending several hundred pounds, so insurance will be necessary if the items are lost or damaged in transit.
Internet auction sites such as eBay are favoured for the purchase of items such as vintage handbags, as when many people clear out their wardrobes they are now more inclined to sell, than to throw away.
Bohemian styles or boho chic as it referred to have been in and out of style since its heyday in the 1970’s and its one of the most interesting fashion styles in women’s clothing, however it does take a good sense of fashion to get right. You need to be able to put the right pieces together so you avoid a miss matched look, if you have no really dabbled with the boho chic style then you are best starting off small rather than decking yourself out in hippie clothing.
Basic dresses or tops on their own with simple accessories are best, this season you are off to a good start with a maxi dress however remember though with the prints many come in this season not to go over the top. If you are going to go for something a bit plainer like some of the pretty white gipsy tops then you can add some boho accessories like chunky bangle and beaded necklaces to finish off this look.
Vintage shops are also a good place to source some items with distressed leather and denim being hot this summer, you can also find good pieces that were from the original bohemian era.
Boho chic styles
If you’re heading off for a hot holiday this summer and will be lazing by the pool or by the beach you will need to make sure you pack all you need in your beach bag for the day while you catch some rays in style. If you have a big budget then there are plenty of little designer women’s wear beauties that you can fit into your bag, from gorgeous kaftans and sarongs to designer sunglasses and cool hats.
Most importantly you need to make sure you have your sun tan lotion, factor 30 is the best for protection, other little beauty products that are handy to have in your bag to keep you tip top during the day include cool down spray, detangling hair sprays, hand wipes and face wipes.
Other extras to include are your flip flops, Havaianas have some funky styles that will look good on the beach and pack some shorts to cover up with if you want to go somewhere to eat. Although it may seem like a lot to take, most of the things won’t take up to much room, and if you have some space left you can pop in a book or an mp3 player and speakers so you can enjoy some tunes!
Summer Beach Bag
Popular again this in fashion this summer the maxi dress has come back with a big bang! Straight off the catwalks bold prints and bright colours is what’s hot! The maxi dress is very versatile; they can be worn casually during the day or glamed up for an evening. Let’s have a look:
For a casual boho look ala Nicole Ritchie look for soft prints and floaty materials, great accessorised with gladiator style sandals and plenty of jewellery.
Boho style
Bold prints are big this season too and option for a bold tribal print maxi dress is great for a hot summers night, remember with bold prints not to go over the top with accessorises.
Bold tribal prints
Looking for a summer wedding outfit? Maxi dresses could be the answer a light soft print will be great for a summers day wedding, accessorised with pretty jewellery and a fascinator or head band for your hair, a great wedding look without being too over the top.
Wedding outfit
When thinking of bright bold colours many people tend to shriek at the thought of tacky acid brights circa 1980 and can’t possibly think there is a stylish way to enjoy this SS/10 trend. But thanks to designers such as YSL, Ferragamo and Proenza Schouler showcasing stylish brights in their collections it’s not looking cool to be seen in Sunny yellow, fuchsia pink and electric blue.
Don’t be afraid to mix your colours with an outfit like the stripy dress below, just one thing to remember is that if your opting for a bright colourful outfit like that, keep your accessories to a minimal.
Striped bright dress & Fuschia pink dress - French Connection
For an evening a simple block colour dress gives you more class if you’re looking to be on trend but also smart, bright yellow is a great colour and easy to accessories, many other bright block colours go well with it and if you want a toned down look team with either a black jacket and shoes or a shrug.
Yellow dress - French Connection
If you’re not keen on putting bright colours into your everyday wear a perfect time to wear colours like this is on somewhere in the sun, beach accessories like flip flops and bags can easily be mixed with a simple bright bikini and cover.
havanianas flip flops and Gio Goi Bag
A bright funky t-shirt is another way to enjoy colour this summer teamed with jeans or linen trousers, you can add some colour into your life without feeling too over the top, so just embrace this vibrant trend.
Bright t-shirts - Gio Goi
How often have you stared in the shop window at that must have pair of Louboutin and thought of ways to find that few hundred plus pounds, normally how much would I get for my kidney?…. Well now you don’t need to worry about where you will find that amount of spare cash, if you have an occasion coming up like birthday wedding or reunion where you want to look your best and have on the most fabulous pair of shoes then you can hire some from online shoe company Cinderella Me.
On the website they have a selection of Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Louboutin, Dior and Jimmy Choo pieces – all for hire for one week. If you are put off wearing shoes that other people have sweated in worry not they have got a specialised cleaning process and will only send out a pair a limited number of times so they won’t send you any smelly old shoes!
Louboutin shoes
Picture courtesy of valeyoshino
What people wear is linked to their personality some people are more outgoing than others and tend to wear more outrageous or bright, bling clothing to showcase this, same as quieter people who wear more understated clothing. Both men and women’s clothing has styles and brands tailored to peoples tastes, for those men who are more understated in what they wear, fashion brand Firetrap has a great choice of stylish clothing which is more suited to someone who does not like to stand out to much but still look fly.
Firetrap jeans and shorts
Simple but tailored jeans and shorts are a great option, not everyone feels comfortable in some of the baggy low slung jeans that are available or bright holiday style shorts. Buying either lighter denim or darker jeans gives you great scope for matching neutral tops that aren’t bright and brash as well as adding some more neutral tones accessories.
Firetrap neutral tops
The main thing to remember is for an understated look that you feel comfortable in is not to go over the top and keep everything simple that way you will look stylish but not like you have tried too hard and you should suit your style.
Firetrap accessories
Firetrap smart trainers
Prepare yourself for the unpredictable British weather and get layering! A key look this season, layering is a fun and relaxed look that’s also really practical for our crazy climate.
Let’s start with the base layers. Find a pretty camisole or vest, ideally with just a hint of lace trim that you can show for a pretty, feminine feel. Keep it neutral though then you can have some colourful fun with the top layers. You could also wear a plain white long sleeved t-shirt and layer your camisole over that – a look that works well with jeans or combats. Buy tops of various lengths and show them off.
For the next layer choose a belted knit, funky tank top or a v-neck sweater. Again, make sure your base layers are exposed for a cool, funky feel. Think university wear to achieve this look and harness your inner student. A hoodie would work well too, pick one with a slogan or brand name in a bright, fresh colour.
For your bottom half, have some fun. Layer leggings or cycling shorts with a ripped denim skirt, or pinafore dress for a cool boho look. Or, skinny jeans work well with a long tunic and legwarmers.
Next, skilfully accessorise with scarves, hats, legwarmers, gloves. If it’s really cold, a padded gilet works well over a hoodie – expose the hood for a casual vibe. A carefully tied scarf is a great way to update your outfit and there’s loads of new styles and designs on the high-street.
Don’t spoil this look with extravagant jewellery though; it’s a look with a laid-back feel so limit adornments to just a sporty watch, some small hoop earrings and a stylish bangle. Footwear is key; pick some Uggs or funky leather biker boots.
Above all, have fun with your layers – the choices are endless so get experimenting!