With everything that’s going on in the world at the moment we debated whether putting our spring photo shoot online was the right thing to do in the current climate.
However, we concluded that while staying at home, staying safe and adapting to our new normal it’s nice to have some light entertainment and something to look forward to when things do start to get better. (It’s also important to point out that the shoot was conducted before lockdown).
So, I hope you enjoy a little light reading and hope that it lifts your spirits a little.
My thanks to our lovely model Gemma Royce.
Take care everyone.
Karen Miller
Spring Trends
You may have noticed that whilst the high street is closed there are some great offers to be found on-line and indeed many of the outfits in our shoot have now been reduced (The price shown is the reduced price of the items.) Having more time on our hands is also a good opportunity for a good sort out, so why not have a look through your wardrobes and take advantage of replacing a few key items with minimal spend.
There are some lovely pieces to be found at high street prices, that combine a great mix of style and wear-ability. Some of the key styles for spring summer include detailing, statement sleeves and collars along with denim in new styles. If you are planning on updating your wardrobe a couple of pieces that suit your style personality and compliment the rest of your wardrobe will be perfect.
Summer leather and faux leather
Dress – ZARA, online £29.99
Leather is generally a winter staple, however it’s a huge trend for spring / summer. Butter-soft, light textured leather can be combined with lighter summer fabrics or used to give your outfits a bit of an edge.
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to an investment piece, then faux leather is a great alternative, just make sure it fits well, isn’t too tight or too lose and has some nice detailing.
There are some gorgeous colour variations of faux leather available, this Zara dress is perfect for a night out, it has a soft lining inside the dress so that you’re not too warm.
The detail in this one is amazing, the puff sleeves and ruching down the sides of the dress give it a level of detail that would be found in much more expensive items.
Whilst I appreciate that this look isn’t for everyone, it’s a statement item, there are many more classic variations online and available at prices to suit every budget.
Polka-dots
Skirt – H&M £24.99, Jumper – H&M £12.99
Even if you’re not into patterns, polka dots give a nice variation to an otherwise classic outfit.
Many of the stores have taken the lead from Zara’s polka-dot dress that sold out multiple times last year (in store and online).
This gorgeous skirt from H&M is in a really nice satin fabric, not too thin and super flattering to all body shapes, combined with this camel coloured sweater it’s a nice variation to wear for a Sunday lunch when you want to opt for something that’s cosy and classy.
You can dress this down with a pair of trainers or ankle boots or a pair of heel if you want to dress it up a little.
Bright colours and sharp tailoring
Blazer – ZARA £29.99 / Tuxedo trousers – ZARA £29.99 / Pleated top – Zara £15.99
Full on bright colour isn’t for everyone, but even if you’re not convinced, I encourage you to try something a little brighter than you would usually wear and see how you feel.
Colour affects our mood and our confidence and anything that lifts our spirits right now is more than welcome.
Our model for this shoot wasn’t convinced either, until she put this suit on and she loved it. I’ve paired it here with purple and a lovely pair of printed heels.
This outfit can be so versatile, to change it up a white ‘t’ shirt, denim jacket worn with the trousers and trainers makes it more casual, or wear the jacket with a pair of white jeans and heels, or for a summer wedding wear the whole suit with beautiful accessories.
That’s three different looks from one suit and the price point again is very reasonable.
Midi Dresses
Dress – Topshop £35
The midi dress can be such a great addition to any wardrobe, they are comfortable, easy to wear and always stylish.
Midi and maxi dresses have been trending for the last two seasons and this year is no exception.
This Topshop version combines the beautiful flared sleeves, is nipped in at the waist which makes it very flattering for most figures and an amazing print clash pattern which can be difficult to create if you’re putting together separate items.
Puffed sleeves and original details
Puff Sleeve Top – Topshop £26, Opaque white ‘Joni’ Jeans – Topshop £36
Puffed sleeves are back, whether off the shoulder, draped, cropped, there is a puff sleeve for everyone!
If you want a fashion forward look, the bigger the better seems to be an unwritten rule.
For something a little more subtle combine them with killer denim for the ‘perfect jeans and nice top vibe’.
This outfit from Topshop pulls this off perfectly, the black and pale pink gingham top is a lovely peplum shape, with subtle puffed sleeves and a lovely bow detail on the back.
Combined with skinny jeans it’s an easy, comfortable look to pull together.
By Karen Miller – ESP’s style expert
Email Karen on: info@in-styleconsulting.com for your own personal styling, personal shopping, wardrobe edit, makeup and colour analysis.
Visit: www.in-styleconsulting.com
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