Style Edit

It's been a while since i did a style edit so here's another lesson on layering for you.

I was prompted to share this outfit edit with you thanks to a lovely comment i received when wearing this dress the other day. Unlike the previous style edits this one also illustrates how to 'fix' a garment when the fit isn't 100%.

Step One - Locate Dress

Problem - The fit is not quite there. I mean i'm all for pushing boundaries (as most of you know) but the saggy boob look is just one step too far even for me.

(Jersey Dress - All Saints)

Solution - Needle and Thread. Decide how much you need to shorten the straps to bring the bust material up. If you have a mannequin great but if not use a dress makers chalk to mark the straps at the point where they correctly sit on your shoulder.  

Because the straps on this dress interlock i needed to sew them through the actual strap itself.

Use a thread as close to the colour of the material as possible and buy good quality so the thread is strong and holds.

Try on the dress to make sure the alteration is to the correct length.

Once satisfied (and this took two alterations so don't give up on the first attempt!) you're ready to build the outfit.

Step Two - Choose your under garment. With summer dresses i usually wear a bikini top or a bandeau/ vest. Your choice depending on where and when you're going to wear it.

(Bikini Top - All Saints)

This creates your first layer.....

Step Three: Add contrasting detail. I love wrap tops because of their versatility, this one is a wool charcoal wrap.  Word of warning though - check where it sits. This dress has a wide empire line so you can wrap the top to disguise or highlight it depending on your shape.

(Charcoal Shrug - Kew)

I need to show some of the empire line so i scrunch up the wrap top as so....

Step Four: Dare to bare? I tend to get cold quite quickly which means leggings are my best friend for dresses when it's a tad too chilly to get the legs out. 

(Leggings - TopShop)

Step Five: Shoes v Sandals: Here's me wishing for the sun in open toe sandals. The silver t-bar picks up the grey of the dress and adds some interest

(Silk Scarf - Alexander McQueen)

(Sandals -Monsoon Accessorize)

Step Six: Accessorise. I love scarves and a silk one like this is ideal to add an extra layer but keep things light. I would probably opt for this over a necklace given the line of the bikini strap.

That's it, you're done. For extra options like adding colour here are some other ideas for you....

(Red Wrap Top - Kew)

(swapping the bikini top for a vest - top from TopShop)

(adding a wide belt to accentuate the waist - belt from Jigsaw)

(using a shrug to show off more of the dress and keep the layers light - Shrug from Jane Norman)

(using a knit and ballerina pumps if it gets really chilly - Cardigan from Hobbs. Pumps from Clarks)

(Again, using a wide belt to emphasise a waist - belt from Jigsaw)

I hope you enjoyed this edit, if you have time to leave a comment i would love to get your feedback including any particular outfits or styles you would like to see on here.

The style issue

I absolutely adore clothes, shoes, accessories and anything to do with fashion. I'm a complete addict and where others will spend money on fine wine or tech gadgets I'm much happier flicking through the pages of my beloved fashion magazines or searching the clothes rail for something new and special.

I didn't find my style (or this passion) until i hit thirty. Since then i've learnt what suits me and what doesn't but just like everyone else there are still days when I get it wrong.

Most of my friends comment on my ability to layer clothes and to turn something that's ok into something special or unique (whilst doubting their own ability).  Having been asked how I put my outfits together several times I thought it was high time I shared some of my tricks to show it's easy once you give yourself permission to experiment.

Step One:

Find a bargain dress - I found this white dress in the French Connection sale (£35). It originally had black plastic embellishments (think oversized tear drop shaped sequins and dalmations) which several years ago would have put me off buying it. However, I can now see beyond embellishments to the garment underneath and after 20 minutes with a seam picker to remove all of the offending sequins, I have a great dress that i know will work for me.

This is the foundation piece - cute right...

From the existing clothes I have in my wardrobe I can create at least seven outfits from this one dress.

Step Two:

Function and Practicality - both important as anyone who has ever stood in a damp field with nothing but a pair of kitten heels between them and imminent trench foot will know.

I like cardigans because they give such great versatility so assuming it's a cold day I would add a warm knit and, assuming a more conservative function, it would typically be in a complimentary tone. If you don't want to be spending out every year on essentials take the time to pick garments with a high wool content and follow the care instructions. Believe me, this saves a lot of money over the long term.

Step Three: Give it the form you want. I'm really small and an hourglass so a lot of clothes can look shapeless on me. Sometimes that's fine but I've found emphasising my waist can really bring outfits up a notch or two.

I must have a zillion belts which regularly get used to hold up trousers, cinch in waists, add colour etc. They're normally within budget and of course they will always fit. This is one of my current favourites. If you don't like belts too much you can always use lengths of material of scarves.

Step Four: Add footwear, making it appropriate of course. Because of the assumption that its going to be quite cold I would add boots (short of long).

Step Five: Add your accessories. I can't show it here but I would put some long cream socks under these boots to tie in with the cardigan. I'm a big fan of jewellery so I would add a necklace (chunky - in keeping with the boots and belt), some gold bangles and if I was feeling really adventurous a feather hairband.

So there you go, a complete outfit in five easy steps.

Here are the other variations

Outfit Two - Casual/ Formal

Outfit Three - Casual (for cooler weather)

Outfit Four - Informal/ Smart

Outfit Five - Casual/ Smart (with high heeled sandals for warmer weather)

                 - Casual/ Smart (with boots for cooler weather)

Outfit Six - Smart/ Casual (with Jewel tones)

Outfit Seven - Smart/ Creative (for those who want to be a bit more adventurous - one of my favourites)

Enjoy - maybe this will help you look at your wardrobe in a new light?

If you want to see where I get some of my great accessories visit http://dychedesigns.blogspot.com