Collaborative / Partnered Post - Easy Ways To Up Your Fashion And Style Game In 2023*

When it comes to clothes, and creating an outfit, for me it's always been more about creating my own personal look or style, rather than wearing what's on trend or what a fashion editor says I should be wearing. For me  looking stylish is about more than just wearing the latest fashion trends. It's also about looking put-together and polished, no matter what you're wearing. So as we head into a new year I'm going to share a few quick tips to help you up your fashion and style game in 2023, including a few ways to step out of your comfort zone and to create your own signature style.

Put Together a Signature Look

Now this first one straight off the bat, sounds a little bit daunting but, there are two ways to look it. Look at what your wear on a regular basis there must be some similarities in your outfits, although I'm trying to branch out into other things not, my signature look, and something I always felt comfortable in and keep coming back to, is a patterned, colourful top, and a pair of plain skinny jeans, and all I did was mix the shoes up depending on the occasion. Simple, but I used to get comments on my look and tops when I used to attend blog events - people remembered me because of my outfits which I guess is a good thing.

A signature look could basically be a whole outfit that you can wear on different occasions, but when put together, it looks chic and stylish, for example a pair of jeans, a striped top and a blazer - a classic but it works and it can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories . You could also maybe add a signature piece of clothing to your wardrobe. Consider investing in timeless pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Invest in a waxed jacket from John Partridge to add some practicality to your outfit, or a cute leather jacket or even a classic beige raincoat - instead of looking like everyone else you could be the person in the wax jacket! It surprising how quickly people start to associate us with a certain style or item of clothing.

Add A Little Pop of Colour Or Just Experiment With Colour Full Stop

Ahhh my favourite thing - colour! I've always loved colour, the brighter and more garish the better, even now, when the world tells me as a bigger girl that I should shy away from brights and drawing attention to myself I still love it, and my overflowing wardrobes are full of bright colours and prints. Don't get me wrong I still love neutrals but sometimes all you need to make an outfit look a bit more stylish or put together is to add a pop of colour. It doesn't even have to be a pieces of clothing even if you're wearing a head to toe black outfit adding a bright scarf, statement earrings or even a pair of colourful shoes, will help pull your outfit together and make you stand out from the crowd.

Upgrade Your Accessories

Now as much as I love my clothes, I think accessories are probably my real love, I love jewellery, scarves, hair ties, and of course handbags. Even if you lose or gain weight 9 times out of 10 your earrings and your handbags will still fit. It's really easy to underestimate just how much of a difference a necklace, or even a bag can make to an outfit. Accessories can take any outfit from average to chic in seconds. Investing in quality accessories such as handbags, sunglasses and jewellery can really upgrade your style and give you that polished, more thought out look. If you're going to invest look for classic pieces that won't go out of fashion and consider investing in luxurious items such as leather goods or designer bags, or better still invest in something that you'll love. Don't forget as well though that more budget friendly pieces especially jewellery can make a huge difference to your look, and by experimenting with budget pieces you can also afford to get out of your comfort zone, and try something new, for example colour, or new pieces such as scarves or hats

Quality Pieces

With so many peoples finances taking a down turn at the moment, it's hard for a lot of people to think about spending a lot of money on seemingly frivolous things such as clothes and accessories but buying cheap isn't always the best option in the long run. As well as the obvious environmental impact, a cheap pleather bag is never going to look as good or last as long as the real thing. If you invest in quality pieces you should be able to wear them and use them for years and years to come. Investing in classic pieces such as a leather jacket, a good wool or cashmere jumper or a designer handbag, will really elevate your look, and will never go out of style or fashion. Something worth thinking about if your considering buying a higher price item is to try and work out the cost per wear - for example despite the initial outlay an everyday style, designer hand bag that you could in theory use everyday for a year and beyond, would work out better value than a dress from the high street that you could only wear a couple of times. Obviously don't spend beyond your means, to try and keep up with the Joneses but it's something to keep in mind

Pay Attention To Fit

This one I guess goes without saying, although fashion trends sometimes include clothes that are oversized or too slim fitting, and personal preference also plays a part a well-fitted outfit makes all the difference when it comes to looking fashionable. Make sure that everything fits properly and doesn't look too tight or baggy. There is a difference between something being intentionally baggy or tight and something that just doesn't fit. If it doesn't fit put it to one side or donate it, or if it's a higher quality item tailoring can also make an item fit better and look more polished. Getting clothes adjusted used to be commonplace but now thanks to cheaper, more disposable clothing, it isn't as common but if you have a item that you love that just doesn't fit the way it used to then consider taking it to a professional or a friend or family member that's pretty handy with a sewing machine.

Layer Your Outfit

I don't know whether it's down to practicality (a lot of tops are too short on me) or aesthetics but I'm a huge fan of layering and it's something I've always done. I remember wearing vests over long sleeved tops and now I'm a huge fan of wearing long line t-shirts or vests, under everything from shirts and blouses, to jumpers, and cardigans. Layering is a great way to instantly look more fashionable. Consider adding a blazer or cardigan over a dress or wearing a t-shirt and a sweater together for an effortless yet chic look.

Mix And Match

Something else that I've done for quite a whole now is to play with clothes and team different things together. Don't be afraid to mix and match different pieces to create unique looks. From pairing unexpected items, such as a skirts and dresses, with trainers, and more street shoes such as Converse or Vans, to clashing styles and prints. Mixing prints is something that I never feel quite comfortable with but it's something I definitely want to try more in 2023, if it looks silly, then just get changed. Don't be frightened to try new things and experiment, it won't always work out but when it does, you'll look amazing and stand out from the crowd.

Play With Fabrics

Although I don't necessarily agree with the term fast fashion (no matter what I pay for my clothes I will either wear them till they fall apart or I'll donate them, I don't buy things to wear them once and move on!), there is no denying that clothes these days just aren't made as well as they used to be, there are a lot more synthetic fibres out there, and also some recycled material fabrics and lets be honest, a lot of times they develop those silly little holes and lose their shape. Again the initial outlay may be higher but fabrics can be important when it comes to looking stylish. Investing in quality fabrics like silk, linen, and cotton will ensure that your outfit looks polished and luxurious. Spending a little bit more on high quality basics even the sales will always be a worthwhile investment.

Confidence Is Key

The most important thing to remember when it comes to looking fashionable is that confidence is key. If you feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing, it will shine through and make you look even more stylish! Too many times over the years I've worn on trend things that haven't suited me, my body shape and my lifestyle and I've felt and looked uncomfortable. Finding what suits you, and most of all what you like and feel comfortable in is definitely the way forward.

Don't feel you have to go with flow, wear what you like, it's more about style than fashion and don't be afraid to make 2023 the year that you experiment a little bit with clothes and accessories. Fashion is meant to be fun, and despite what the magazines and Instagram would often have you believe, there are no real rules!

If you are looking to upgrade your look and get yourself out of a fashion rut then hopefully some of these tips will give you a starting point or some ideas when you next go shopping x If you have any questions or any of your own style tips then please leave me a comment and let me know, and whether your dressing up to the nines tonight or like me vegging in your PJ's I hope you have a happy and safe new year x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

Collaborative / Partnered Post - Taking Your Summer Wardrobe Into Autumn*

I don't know what the weather's been like where you are today, but here in my little corner of Co Durham the sun has been shining, but there has been a definite nip in the air. With pumpkins in the shops, and fallen leaves on the ground there is no doubt that we're now well into Autumn, and Summer is nothing more than a distant memory.

When it comes to Autumn in the UK the change in temperature can often be a gradual one, so in this era of cutting back, buying less, and wearing more, there are often ways and means of wearing at least some of those summer favourites, well into October and November. In this post I'm going to share with you just some of the clothing items that you can adapt for the slightly colder months, and if you can't resist the lure of the shops I'm going to talk about some the key items you could add to take you summer wardrobe into October, November and beyond.

1. Maxi Dresses

Now I've got to say that the only maxi dresses I own are very, very summery but if you have something in a warmer, toned plain colour, or in one of this summers popular nature and leaf designs, or even something in an animal print, then there is no reason why you couldn't continue wearing it into the autumn months, it's all about how you style it. By wearing a top underneath it or by pairing a maxi dress with a short, chunky cardigan or even with a leather jacket and boots, you'll definitely be able to get a few more wears out of it before the year is out.

2. Add Tights

Tights are a secret weapon for transitioning weather, and you can use them to make almost any summer outfit suited to the season. If you have a dress you still want to wear, adding tights will bring some warmth and also will allow you to add an autumn twist to a summer dress. There are so many colours and patterns in tights now that there really are no rules and no boundaries. Team a short floral patterned skirt with tights and boots, or even team up a denim skirt with tights and a chunky knit, for a cosy take on Autumn style. As well as tights, don't forget about leggings, yes you can wear them on their own but if a dress is too short to wear on its own in the colder months, add a pair of leggings to create another look, and to add an extra layer of warmth.

3. Layer Up

Speaking of layers, adding extra layers is the easiest way to turn a summer outfit into an Autumn and Winter one. As a curvy girl, especially, I'm a huge fan of layering, I don't really separate my wardrobe into seasons, I wear certain things like t-shirts and vests all year round, I just add an extra layer, be it a cardigan or a scarf or even another t-shirt. Layering is definitely something to think about when you're thinking about your outfits for autumn, you can layer a shorter dress with a chunky cardigan or a thicker jacket, and create a look that is in keeping with both new season trends, and the changing temperatures. As well as other clothing items like cardigans, and jumpers, also think about your accessories when it comes to layering and making an old item of clothing more relevant. I am a huge scarf fan, and they are great for layering and of course for providing a much needed layer of warmth when the weather turns. I have a lot of different ones in different fabrics, patterns and thicknesses and they can really add the finishing touch to any outfit

4. Get a statement jacket

Layering is such a huge part of autumn fashion and it is something you always want to consider in that transitional warm / cold period. Chunky cardigans and even coatigans are all well and good but sometimes only a jacket will do. Now sometimes a waterproof jacket is the only way to go, but on those bright but chilly days, you need a good jacket or coat to not only keep you warm but also to pull your outfit together Choosing a statement jacket or coat isn't easy though there are so many different style to choose from, but there are a few fail safes, that never seem to go out of style

• A military jacket to layer over skinny jeans and vests

• A leather jacket which will go over dresses, Tops and jeans, and skirts

• A trench coat to layer over a simple outfit for a protective layer

• A bomber jacket to layer over jeans and sporty outfits

• A cropped blazer - A twist on the classic for a formal look or perfect for the office

I can pretty much guarantee that you'll have at least a couple of these options already in your wardrobe, I know I do, but if you don't shop around, charity shops, and resellers are great for more classic styles, and you'll definitely find something suitable on the high street no matter what your budget. Even if you're trying to cut back and cut down on the amount of clothes that you buy, a good coat in a classic style, and colour is always a worthwhile investment.

5. Use deep colours 

When transitioning from summer to autumn style, the biggest difference that you will normally see on the high street is colour. Whilst, there will always be exceptions what was once a sea of yellows, pinks, greens, and blues, pastels and neons, is now a world of reds, oranges, browns, and purples. Yes, you can wear what ever colour you like when you like, but there is no denying that the traditional Autumn colour palette, that reflects the changing leaves, just makes you feel warm and cosy. Colour wise I'm a real Autumn girl, there are so many beautiful colours around at the moment ranging from mustard's, to terracotta, and wines, that adding even a tiny splash to any outfit will definitely give it that fall vibe. If deeper, warmer toned shades in clothing aren't for you though, don't worry, switch up your colours in another way, and add some warm bronzes, and coppers to your eye make up routine, and add a berry, or a warmer toned lip, and you're Autumn ready in a flash

Like so many people now I'm trying to buy less and wear more. Clothes don't have to be a one wear or one season wonder, it's all about how you style it and how you wear it. Treat your own wardrobe like you would a shop, pull out an item wear it differently, and experiment with your style. If you feel that your wardrobe is lacking something, go out and buy it, but think about what you're buying, how often you're going to wear it, and how you're going to wear it. I've bought a few items in Autumnal colours lately (outfit posts coming soon eek), that fit in with lots of other items in my wardrobe, I know I'll wear them, and they are different from lots of things that I already own. A change in season doesn't necessarily mean that you need a whole new wardrobe, add the odd piece and restyle pieces that you already own x What are your favourite fashion pieces for Autumn? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post