Boho Chic is a women’s clothing style that takes much from Bohemian and hippie styles. This is a clothes style that comes and goes, but is always around in one form or another. In recent years the phrase has become synonymous with the actress Sienna Miller, describing her eclectic fashion sense. Boho Chic has inspired a number of high street ranges designed to appeal to those who want to emulate the look of their favourite celebrities.
The look is very popular with those who attend music festivals and some of the staple clothing items which make up the look include floaty, gypsy style skirts, tunic baggy cardigans and hippy style bags. The look is reminiscent of some Indian and Nepalese styles and does not have to cost the Earth, as there is no reliance on designer labels.
One of the reasons that the look is so popular is that it is very easy for the wearer to put together themselves. Those who do not have much money can search charity shops for suitable items and it does not involve hours on the high street trying to find items that go well together.
It is also popular as it is a comfortable style and you can tailor the look to suit yourself. If you are not comfortable in the floaty skirts then faded jeans will work well. The baggy cardigans can be replaced with cropped jackets; you can experiment with different combinations until you find a look you like.
Office wear can be both formal and informal depending on the sort of office one works in. Those that regularly greet clients may prefer their office staff to stay formal at all times, and if this is the case nothing less than suits will do.
Women who wear suits have several choices, the most obvious being skirt suits or trouser suits. But now there is also the option of the three-piece suit. Just like in men’s wear, the three piece suit consists of a jacket, trousers (or skirt if required) and a waistcoat. It gives an added air of authority to the wearer, and has a very classic look. Men are usually more straightforward, wearing a suit at all times, complete with tie.
Some offices allow a slightly less formal dress code for their staff, and some even have a ‘dress down’ day – usually a Friday – on which the staff can wear whatever clothes they wish. For offices that are less formal, a mixture of suits and separates will be fine. On these occasions smart trousers and skirts can be teamed with less formal blouses and shirts, and men may be allowed to leave the tie at home.
Casual offices, such as call centre environments where the office staff only speak to customers via the telephone, will often allow staff to wear whatever they like as long as they are clean and tidy. Some employers may even state that jeans are acceptable.
The maxi dress is one of the latest must have fashion trends for women’s clothing. These full-length dresses are ideal for summer and come in a variety of styles so it should be easy to find one to suit you. The maxi dress is ideal for those who like a summer style without showing off too much flesh.
The main issue is for petite women. Unless you buy a maxi dress from a petite range you will find that most on the market are too long and can leave you looking swamped. There are some high street stores that have a petite range of clothing, however, and finding the right length dress should not be too difficult there.
The main differences in the dresses tend to be in the neckline. The halter neck is a popular style choice, particularly with celebrities. These are perfect for holidays and those warmer days at home. The dresses are also available with spaghetti straps and with short sleeves.
The similarity that the dresses have is the full skirt. These are often a ‘gypsy’ style and are perfect for those with fuller hips and thighs as they hide a multitude of sins. Buying a maxi dress is also the perfect opportunity to add a little colour to your wardrobe. The bright colours and patterns of maxi dresses mean that you will be noticed wherever you go.
A maxi dress is also a value for money item, as the trend looks set to continue for the next few years.
The well-known designer fashion house Chanel is French in origin, and was launched over 70 years ago by Coco Chanel. No longer in the Chanel family, the label is now owned by the great grandsons of one of Chanel’s partners. It is today one of the leading fashion houses and a world renowned brand.
Coco Chanel was born Gabrielle Chanel in 1883 and started her career in cabaret. She then went on to design hats as something to do to pass her spare time, and found that she enjoyed the process immensely. Her life’s work grew from there.
Chanel’s work was extremely popular; she is credited with creating the ‘little black dress’ which is still popular today. Her clothing lines were simple although elegant, and gave the wearer a feeling of class. The clothes were timeless, and many of the original designs are still being worn today.
Today the label includes many perfumes, the most famous of which is the Chanel No.5. Coco Chanel’s ‘Mademoiselle’ was a top selling fragrance for several years running after its release and remains popular still. In the range of accessories, Chanel handbags are a much sought after item by both celebrities and members of the public, some selling for thousands of pounds each.
With boutiques worldwide, the label has gone from strength to strength. Even with the introduction of newer, fresher design labels such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, the simple elegance of the Chanel range remains timelessly classic.
For those of us who have a budget that doesn’t stretch to designer clothes, the next best thing may be to opt for a selection of designer accessories instead. Items such as jewellery and handbags are a good way to improve the overall look of an outfit without having to completely break the bank.
Of course, even designer accessories can prove to be expensive, which is where the Internet becomes very useful. There are a number of online retailers offering designer items at a reduced price, although shopping around is recommended, as some will offer a better deal than others.
Some designers provide a list of approved retailers that you can check to ensure that you are buying the genuine item rather than a copy. It is always a good idea to buy from an established retailer, as this is the only way you can ensure that you will receive good customer service as well as having the assurance of buying from a secure shopping site. You are also much less likely to be sold a fake.
Purchasing such items from an Internet auction site is another option. It is often better to buy second-hand, as you will be able to find them cheaper and they are usually in very good condition. It is also important to double check what you are buying and get as much information in advance as possible in order to ensure that you really are getting a bargain. Some fake items do make their way onto these sites so buyers need to be wary.
Skirts come in all shapes and sizes and there is a style to suit every figure. Fashions change frequently, from the cut to the hemline and it is important to choose a style that works for you, regardless of the latest fashions. Most clothes shops offer a wide range of skirt styles, not just what’s in fashion now as well as in different sizes like tall and petite.
The ‘A Line’ skirt is so called because of its ‘A’ shape, being fairly well fitted on the waist, but much wider at the hemline. They come in all fabrics and are suitable for wearing to work as well as everyday wear. The ‘A Line’ skirt does go in and out of fashion, but if you choose one in a fairly neutral colour then it should work well during most seasons as it can be teamed with a range of other items.
Straight skirts are often worn by those who have heavier thighs, in order to disguise them. They are not flattering to all figures even though they tend not to go in and out of fashion as frequently as other styles. What’s more, they are ideal for work wear and can be teamed with matching jackets.
When clothes shopping you will notice that the ankle-length gypsy style skirt is back in fashion. They are often produced in patterned fabrics and are ideal for the summer months, although they can be teamed with boots during colder spells. This is a full skirt, which is usually made from light cotton, although for those who dislike ironing there is a range made from a crinkle fabric. This is a much more casual look, which is ideal for shopping or relaxing.
Along with sheer fashion, lingerie as outerwear, jodhpurs and the sporty look, jumpsuits are one of the trends for 2010.
Jumpsuits and playsuits have become a must have item in woman’s clothing. They were originally one-piece suits that were worn by skydivers. A one-piece suit was a practical option when jumping out of a plane, because the air does not take hold of the clothes so much. Jumpsuits have also been worn by astronauts and aviators, but are now becoming the height of fashion.
One of the best features of this item of clothing is that it can be worn by anyone, regardless of their size. Jumpsuits come in a wide range of styles and lengths from short rompers to long flowing pant suits. If you want to flaunt your legs then go for a pair of designer rompers. If you are looking for something more sophisticated and chic then go for one of the full-length designer jumpsuits. If you are curvy try a halter jumpsuit belted at the waist or a one-shouldered sequin jumpsuit.
Jumpsuits are easy to get on and off and with the wide variety of styles in the stores this is a trend that everyone can copy. They can be loose or tight fitting, formal or sporty, so whichever one you choose jumpsuits have been a big hit in 2010.
Jumpsuits featured in many of the spring designer shows, from the sophisticated versions presented by Givenchy, to the one shouldered jumpsuits of Lanvin, to the sporty jumpsuits favoured by Julien MacDonald. It looks as if jumpsuits are one trend that will last for a while.
Modern utility wear in the form of chinos and cargo trousers has been a big trend in 2010 with many clothes shops picking up on this trend and is likely to be staying around for autumn/winter 2010.
Chinos and cargos are different, although the difference can be small. Chino is a fabric as well as a pair of trousers and is usually lighter in weight and more formal than the cargo trousers. Chinos date back to the twentieth century when they were originally worn by military personnel serving in China. Cargos became popular in the 1990s, first through Levi Strauss’s Dockers and then through designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. Cargos are khakis with lots of pockets.
Cargo trousers are more casual whilst chinos occupy that grey area between smart and casual. Proper chinos are clean, simple and flat-fronted whilst cargo trousers are rougher and have multiple pockets for carrying whatever the inhabitants of the urban jungle like to have to hand.
In 2010, cargo pants or combat trousers include a multitude of designs that are comfortable to wear as well as stylish. They have also added a little military and utilitarian flair to the summer fashions. Celebrities were seen sporting them with some of the most chic sandals and even flats. Feminine looks and utilitarian chic were blended on the catwalks and designers succeeded in creating not only practical and comfortable trousers, but also some of the must-have trousers styles of the year.
In the past, cargo trousers have been considered to be essential pieces for the military look and not that fashionable. However, that has now changed and if you want to incorporate them into your wardrobe just remember that green, grey and brown tones go best with lighter tones such as nude, beige, white and light brown. If you want a more edgy look then try pink or yellow, simply decide which style is for you. If you want a sporty look wear the trousers with pumps or gladiator sandals. For a more feminine look, pair with wedges, ankle-cuff or cutout style sandals. There is a wide range of styles to choose from, including rolled-up, skinny, shorts and harem pants. Accessories are important for creating the latest fashion trends, so make sure that you have the bags, shoes, scarves and jewellery to create your urban chic look.
If you are buying clothes, it may be that you are on a tight budget and need to look for affordable fashion. Looking online can often unearth a good deal although the downside is not being able to try the item on before buying, so decisions need to be carefully made in order to avoid having to return your purchase.
Buying designer fashion online is often the best way to find an expensive item at a much cheaper price. Internet auction sites often have designer items, although care should be taken to ensure that you are buying the genuine article and not a fake. There are also some online retailers that specialise in designer clothing and these are often reduced in price. Using an auction site may also prove useful if you are prepared to buy second-hand items. This way you could find something that may have only been worn once or twice, but that is available at a bargain price.
The Internet is a good place to look for vintage fashion items. Again, auction sites are a good place to start, but there are also several specialist vintage online retailers. These sites offer items from the 1900s onwards and cover not just clothing, but also hats, bags and other accessories.
A number of high street retailers offering good clothes at low prices also have Internet sites, so you can do your shopping from home. This is good news for those who have very little time to shop and as an added bonus they often offer lower prices than can be found in the shops.
Everybody needs a casual wardrobe for summer and depending on your taste this can range from the latest dresses to simple shorts and women’s t-shirts. It is important to work out what you need from your wardrobe before deciding which clothing items to purchase.
If you are heading off on holiday then the obvious items are shorts, t-shirts, dresses and summer trousers, all made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton, which will keep you cool all day. Fashionable dresses for summer are a part of most clothing ranges and come in a range of styles, from traditional tea dresses, which are short-sleeved and knee-length, to the latest maxi dresses.
The maxi dress is a good cover-up for summer, protecting your legs from too much sun, but they do not suit everyone. Those who are petit should purchase one from a specific petit range to be sure they do not end up trailing several inches of fabric along the floor. Maxi dresses tend to be sleeveless, so if you are wearing one during the evening, a small cover up cardigan is ideal to keep any chill away.
Linen clothes are an essential part of most people’s wardrobes for summer. This fabric is light and allows the skin to breathe. Linen trousers and dresses are ideal for use in hot climates.
T-shirts are a summer staple when it comes to clothes shopping. They are available very cheaply and come in a wide range of sizes and colours. They can be teamed with trousers, skirts and shorts, so you can have a different look each day without having to spend too much money.