Trench Wear-fare: Little Tweaks To Make The Most Of Your Trenchcoat

 

MyStyleArtist 2017

It’s getting colder but it’s not quite time to dust off the old winter coat. Perfect weather for a trench coat! Ubiquitous and almost boringly practical, this classic staple can also be effortlessly chic if styled right. Want to add some vava-voom to yours? Here’s how with my ‘trench rules’!

#1. Get a decent one. Trench coats are timeless and if your size doesn’t change much you can literally wear one forever (you’ll certainly get your money’s worth if you live in London). Pay particular attention to the detail: buttons, belts and straps.

#2. Tan is the classic colour but you can’t beat black for versatility because then you can wear it in the evenings too.

#3. Style your trench! Roll or push up the sleeves. Work the collar subtly (leave the collar alone on very long styles).  Cinch the waist, tying the belt instead of buckling it. Tip: Very short styles look best with a cinched waist.

#4. Your trench should be longer than your hem line. Personally, I prefer trench coats with trousers or jeans. But if you are pairing with a dress or skirt, unless you’ve got a very short style, watch that hemline!

Time to dig out that old trench don’t you think?

Love,

Addie x

Cinched waist, pushed-up sleeves and a tweaked collar work brilliantly on short trenches. This one is by Maki Hiroshige (Gomme)

Unbelted and hanging loose is great on loose-fitting styles. Like this round-shouldered A-line knee length version from Commes des Garcons x H&M

All this Burberry mid-knee length version needs is a cinched waist. Don’t forget the hemline rule!

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Dress Tough Accessories.

I love this little Topshop dress. But, with it’s lace trim and cutesy Peter Pan collar, it’s almost too twee for my liking. So the studded McQ sandals and geometric pattern of this fab Victoria Beckham clutch add a bit of toughness. I’ve also worn this dress with heeled pumps for work but I like it best off-duty. Tough accessorising works well with most girly frocks – as it gets colder you can do this by adding a leather jacket and boots (ankle boots for this dress).  Not sure what boot length to go for? Look out for “boots guide” coming soon!

Love

Addie x

Dress: Topshop; Sandals: Alexander McQueen; Bag: Victoria Beckham; Sunglasses: Celine 

Get Shorty!

With my boyish frame – narrow hips, strong legs –  I have to be super careful when it comes to denim cut-offs. A poor choice and I risk looking like one of the Village People or a 1970’s rent boy (Lol). So for hols, I always default to soft-tailored shorts. They soften the legs, can be dressed up or down and have the added bonus of being light and easy to pack – a win win! They are also timeless –  find a good pair and you will wear them forever (legs willing of course!). I’ve had this pair for years and I nearly always pair it with this shirt. Here we are off to breakfast, sans make-up (don’t look too closely!) before hitting the beach. Was it really only a week ago? Sigh.

 

Shorts: Primark| Shirt: Topshop | Sandals: Havaianas |Sunglasses: Celine | Watch: Tank Solo 

 

 

 

Too hot for jeans? Make like a silk pyjama!

I love jeans but trying to peel off a pair of skinny jeans on a hot day is not one of life’s most pleasant experiences. So, if you are like me and can only take super-girly frocks in small doses and don’t fancy an entire Summer in denim cut-offs, say hello to your new wardrobe BFF: Summer trousers.

They come in a variety of fabrics (I have both silk and polyester numbers) and styles (pyjama, palazzo, track, harem). I tend to go for a relaxed “boyfriend” cut as they suit my body shape best. They are also extremely versatile and can be casually chic with trainers and flats or oomphed-up with heels. I like to pair mine with a shirt however vests, T-shirts and blouses work just as well. Tip: Keep the chic factor high by pairing your Summer trousers with a top in a similar fabric (silk or polyester) although not necessarily in the same colour or pattern.

This black silk number is from All Saints but most brands (high-end and high street) have a version.  For my other summer wardrobe “essential” – oversized shirts – see my previous post Get Your (Oversized) Cotton Shirt On.

Bring on the Summer!

Addie x

I’m wearing:

Silk trousers (All Saints)| Shirt (Primark)| Trainers (Isabel Marant)| Clutch (Alexander McQueen)| Sunglasses (&other stories)