How to Wear Nude Tones

We work out how to wear the trickier trends.

IN THE NUDE. 

I love using bold colours and patterns to make statement outfits so to hear that this season was all about neutral tones was quite disappointing. Aren’t these colours a little... erm... boring? 

In the first fashion shows of 2010, designers proved that less is definitely more. Models strutted down the runway in pieces that showed that nude shades can help you achieve an effortless air of classic elegance and style. 

Your first step to stylish nudity should be a timeless mac. Detective Columbo sported the beige mac and he always looked good. The colour is so versatile that you can trust your mac will be fit for all occasions. Take a leaf out of Columbo's book, and a coat from his wardrobe, and hunt down this simple, chique classic. Plus, a little detective twist to an outfit adds an air of mystery and always goes down well. 

I’ve been wary of white trousers because, to quote my mother, they’re just not practical. Well forget what your mother told you and stand out from the crowd by stepping away from the over worn jeans and don some beige or khaki trousers. They’re incredibly flattering on your figure and hide any scuff your pristine white trousers would eagerly point out.

When flashing the flesh tones, it is important that you choose a shade that does not wash you out. Olive tones can wear beige and khaki tones with ease, but if you have very fair skin you should look for pastel colours like pale pink, brown, and blue as most "flesh" coloured ware will probably be darker than your actual skin (as WNC writer Kate Lloyd knows well!) Muted gold and silver shades add a bit of shimmer to an outfit and suit those with very dark skin. 

Don't be afraid to work nude fur, flesh ruffles, khaki tassles or beige sequins in the day. The subtle colour palette tones allows you to work dramatic structure and style in a laidback manner.

It seems that the best place on the highstreet to go and get nude is Miss Selfridge, who have a whole page of their website dedicated to flesh.

[Featured Items: Cream Floral Printed Dress, Pastels and Ruffles Fashion Trend - Feminine Style - Marie Claire, Nude Lace Vest Bodysuit, Matthew williamson jackets, Multistitch Mac Coat.]

Written by Lizzie Lewis.

Please Stop Wearing Bear Face Hats.

When guilty pleasures go wrong.

  YOU ARE NOT A TODDLER, DON'T DRESS LIKE ONE.

Panda Face Hat, River Island. 
 

With the recent snowfall and arctic temperatures I have enjoyed keeping my ‘money-maker’ warm with a nice woolly hat as I only get thrills from self-induced brain-freeze when it is courtesy of a Slush Puppy . 

This year, however, many innocent bystanders have been horrified by the sight of a new trend on the hat scene, one that is so sickly sweet it makes your eyes water (and then freeze over in these conditions). On babies they are acceptable, on young children they are tolerable, but unfortunately, there is no excuse for anybody above the age of five to be wearing them: hats with bear faces stitched onto them and woollen ears stuck on the top - it’s the stuff of nightmares! 

 

This cutesy facade is dangerous. If you are going to have a bear's face on your head, why stop at the bear hat? Why not go the whole hog and let out your inner grizzly bear in an all-in-one costume?  The temptation to become overly cute is too great.

I think a hat should be all about warmth and so if these creations do actually fit the bill and keep your head toasty then by all means go ahead and wear them.  Although I think many will agree that a trusted woolly beret or beanie is the way forward, especially if you live in the countryside and want to go for walks without being shot by farmers protecting their land from rogue animals.

Woolly Beret, handknitted by Lizzie's mum.

I tend to go for a plain navy or grey woollen beanies as these basic colours will go with practically everything. But if eccentricity is what you’re after I say pom-poms all the way!  With a slight ski-theme these make you look acceptably quirky; something that the bear hat doesn’t quite allow you to pull off.  Alternatively, if hats aren’t quite your style, earmuffs or woollen “headwarmers” are always a way to keep your Britney Spears’ warm. 

Wool Pom-Pom Beanie,  Topshop

Furry Cossack?!? Hat, H&M Men.

Furry Pillbox Hat, Vintage.

Same hat, a treat for the ladies.

Written by Sophie Harrison.

Pictures of Lizzie Lewis and Perry Higgins.

How to Wear Winter Knits..

We work out how to wear the trickier trends.

BIG BAD JUMPERS!

Maybe it’s living a student house without central heating, but this year I am loving knitwear! Don’t be fooled though, fashion and comfort never go truly hand in hand. Here’s how to enjoy your winter layers!

The Itch-factor!
So you’ve found your dream jumper but the material seems to have a vendetta against your skin? Do not tell yourself the jumper will eventually be itch free, it won’t. Unless you’re auditioning for the next series of David Attenborough’s ‘Life’, it is socially unacceptable to itch yourself like a monkey. Stop and walk away from this jumper. When you reality of knitwear irritation horror kicks in, the once acclaimed ‘dream jumper’ will certainly not see a flake of snow this Christmas.
 

Love your jumper!
Do not wear jewellery that will catch on the jumper, not only will this be highly annoying but will also slowly but surely pick away at the stitching, creating unwanted bobbles on your jumper. Bangles are a perfect non-destructive accompaniment to the woolly jumper.
Also, I hate to sound like your mum but double check the washing instructions. What with all the Christmas treats we’ll be scoffing this holiday we do not need to add to the appearance of turkey weight gain by shrinking our clothes.

How to wear ..

If you're bulking up your top half, slim down your bottom half with leggings or skinny jeans and complete the winter look with some cool boots. Secondly, it may sound a little over planned but think about where you are going in your lovely jumper,  if you know it can be a little over-warming then do not wear it to crowded stuffy functions.

Have fun!
A big jumper is an opportunity to make a statement and say something about you. Go for a bold colour or a quirky pattern. In the depths of winter we need something exciting to brighten up the miserably cold days.

Featured knits: Jade Jezebel Jagger Zip Leopard Sweatshirt, Wildfox Couture - Red Sparkle Heart Jumper, Knitted Guinea Pig Jumper Knitted Swallow Jumper, Knitted Stripe Crop Jumper.

Written by Lizzie Lewis.

How to dress like you’re from Coronation Street without their wardrobe budget!

Ever wished to look as good as your favourite TV star?

 

Look as stunning as our favourite Corrie babes for just a fraction of the price. With New Year's Eve coming up, there’s no better time to look like a star!

Everyone’s favourite girl next door, Kym Marsh, looks truly stunning here, wearing a fabulous jewel detailed French Connection number with a high neckline!

Long sleeved dresses are all the range this season (and good job too with the weather we’ve had so far!) and you can achieve the look for a bargain price.Yumi at ASOS is offering this cute little quirky number (pictured below) for just £42- what a steal! Complete the look with these Gladiator shoes, just  £25 from New Look!

Teen Corrie babe Helen Flanagan works casual but classy here, pictured out shopping. 

Mirror her look with the ultimate boyfriend blazer available from AXParis for £25. Add last summer’s must have high waisted hot pants and a cute pair of heels and you’re away! Don’t forget to add a giant shopper to complete the look! Bag a great bag for £8 at Matalan for that patterned look that's so on trend right now!

Written by Olivia Morley.

How to....Wear a Monocle?

Working out how to wear the trickier trends..

  

I realise that fashion swings round in circles; I often find myself wondering what my mother did with her shoulder pads and tapered trousers that I once cringed at her owning. We proudly parade ourselves around in the fashion faux pas of our parents, believing that we can pull them off better than they ever could. But surely reviving a fashion that lived and died in the nineteenth century is verging on the ridiculous? 

According to an article in the LA Times, apparently not! Make way for the monocle!  

Think of this what you will, but in my opinion, stick to your spectacles and let the monocle lie. 

  

But if you feel you must, my little fashionista friend, work the trend, I suggest one teams the monocle with the other Victorian trends which are sure to follow, such as top hats and lacy floor length dresses, to give you that Dickensian charm....

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, the image is of WNC writer Jo Bancroft circa 2006, we were in a band who sang about monocles, you will never hear our music....]

Written by Rebecca Smyllie.

Fashion Etiquette.

How to avoid embarrassing yourself and offending others.

The Tale of the 'Groovy' Gift. 

There’s a room full of beady eyes glaring at you as you slowly undo the red ribbon obstructing the face of a sadistically happy Father Christmas.

“Ooh do you like it?” your Gran pipes up from her armchair.

Of course you don’t. You would rather run to the hills naked whilst playing the flute than wear this Tammy Girl ‘Groovy Chick’ top.  

Geez Gran, you’re twenty years of age.

Unfortunately, because at the tender, naïve age of fourteen you wandered around with a t-shirt declaring ‘99% Devil’ (1% Angel on the back. Obvs) each year you get an equally delightful variation on a classic.

You can’t sulk, scream or stamp your feet. You’re a ‘Groovy Chick’ and ‘Groovy Chick’s’ don’t embark in that sort of camaraderie.

Decisions, decisions … what to do? Your best bet is to smile like the Cheshire Cat, whack in a few enthusiastic ‘ooh’s and aah’s’ and pass it round for everyone to look at. Share the wealth it’s Christmas.

Proceed to give Gran a big kiss on the cheek, throw in a ‘you shouldn’t have’ for good ironic measure and keep schtum.

Have your photo taken in it with Gran on Christmas Day for the sweet memories and whack it on eBay on Boxing Day.

Gran’s feelings are protected, your purse is a bit heavier and there is a very happy fourteen year old somewhere.

Groovy. 

Written by Sarah Barns.

How to dress like you’re from EASTENDERS without their wardrobe budget!

Ever wished to look as good as your fave TV star?

You can now look as gorgeous as these classy Walford wonders with some brilliant bargain buys! 

When I found this dress (pictured left) on savvy internet site www.asos.com, I was amazed at its resemblance to Kara Tointon’s number she donned for this years soap awards (pictured right). The beautifully structured strappy even mirrors the under wired cup structure of the dress worn by the star, as well as being a perfect match colour wise- what a find! And the best is yet to come... This piece will set you back just £55! A steal for any special occasion! 

With pastels being this season’s must have you can’t go wrong! 

 
Everybody loves a bit of Patsy Palmer don’t they... and rightly so! Britain’s favourite red head is pictured left on the red carpet, looking as elegant as ever. (Well, ok maybe she doesn’t look as elegant on screen as Bianca!) However, the star sure does look beaming in this snap. And hey, you could to! 

A squeeze at just £35, www.axparis.co.uk is offering a sensational maxi complete with jewel detail for that extra spurt of elegance. Complete the look with gorgeous shoes. Sequin capped courts are brilliant if you want to spice up your wardrobe with that little bit of glamour. Check them out at www.newlook.co.uk for an incredible £22! Add classy pearls and you’re away- delicate but bold enough to make a statement at the same time. £12 at www.marksandspencer.com!

Written by Olivia Morley.

NYC Style: How to Wear a Beanie Hat.

New York Blogger, Gotham Hipster's, tips and tricks from her city.

BEANIE BABIES!

The beanie has been made popular by celebrities like Emma Roberts, Nicole Richie, Katie Holmes, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna. They can be found throughout the streets of NY, but beanie etiquette, so to speak, can be benefitted from internationally.

If not worn properly the beanie has potential to look like:

“I was too lazy this morning to put together an outfit, instead I just threw a sock over my head and walked out the door.” 

The beanie can lead an outfit in the “faux hipster” direction, so to balance the cozy hat one must be cautious.

Taking cues from Katie Holmes, a tight top-half and baggy boyfriend jeans teamed with a cute pair of textured flats play nicely with the material of the hat.

Jessica Alba also works the beanie quite well. By pairing a fun graphic tee with skinny jeans and lace up boots she looks ready for any condition.

Unfortunately Rihanna has fallen into the realm of what I like to call “death by beanie.” By wearing her hair tightly pulled back and the rest of her ensemble tightly fit, her large  beanie completely consumes her.

It might seem that the beanie has more cons than pros, but don’t let that discourage you, the beanie can enhance your outfit in a unique way, especially if you have bangs.  I have yet to see the beanie be worn in a more fancy social setting, but there's nothing to stop you from being the first to do so! Just remember the tips and you’re set!

Written by Gotham Hipster. 

Check out her blog to read more from her!

How to Update Your Look for Five Pounds.

Hello meagre student budget!

So you've been shopping at Waitrose this week and have been out far too much and therefore only have five pounds left to your name. Ever the optimist you are determined to change your image with these five coins,  but how to go about it?

I plead, do not buy hairdressing scissors. It’s not worth it. 

Also, do not do what I have done with my sacred fashion money and invest in a high fashion magazine when you know deep down you will only get jealous and upset. 

But, don’t despair about looking more Primark Essentials than high fashion, I have discovered some bargain basement purchases that will make your money go further.

Blackcurrant Lips - Forget strawberries and pales, this season's lip is much darker with a gothic edge. Stars are coating their pouts with blackberry goodness. Although we would love to splash out on Armani’s lipstick for £14.50 in black plum our budget purses would be weeping in desperation at such a frivolous buy, so head to Superdrug and Barry M. Too scared to attempt dark lips? Try it on your nails instead.

Exciting tights - I know it may sound desperate, but tights can add some texture and some interest to a simple LBD day or night. Don’t go too wild with overly patterned tights, they may look nice in the packet or on that size zero Topshop manikin, but  smaller patterns make for skinnier legs. I was upset to find you cannot purchase Topshop tights for five pounds so hit Primark, we know everybody else does.

Headbands - Everyone knows the headband has entered their own league in recent years and no longer has a functional purpose but can alter your whole look. I’m not suggesting a Blue Peter moment and creating your own fashion headband but start with a simple band, and  customize it to make it your own. 

Desperate Measures - Let's be honest, who needs self respect? Feel free to tell the Estee Lauder woman in Selfridges you just want a little bottle of expensive foundation as a tester before you buy the full bottle when you have no intention of doing so and spray yourself with the most exquisite smelling perfume to make everyone believe you spend hundreds on the most expensive perfume in Harvey Nichols.

Written by Becky Moules.

How to wear Leggings and avoid showing the world your Wedgie.

Working out how to wear the trickier trends.

When leggings found their way into 21st Century fashion, abandoning their ‘what were we thinking?’ reputation of the 90’s, a feeling of despair overwhelmed the female fashionistas of Britain. The fear of even the slightest wobble being exposed to the public caused us to be overly cautious about the dreaded legging, often avoiding them altogether. The realisation that they are in fact far superior to the constantly-laddering tights and a welcome break from the restricting jeans has encouraged them into our wardrobes and now they are a mere staple.

Whilst the confidence to wear them is blossoming, the ‘Public-Wedgie’ disaster is occurring along the way! Therefore, after personally experiencing many legging mishaps, it is time for a gentle reminder about how to look best with three basic rules:

1. Invest: although the cheap £3.00 Primark option is a delicious break for the pocket, buy a slightly pricier pair and they’ll keep their spring for much longer, flattering your bottom instead of crawling up it.

2. Buy the right size: when asked if I was looking for the toilet by a shop assistant whilst fidgeting with my ridiculously tight leggings, I hastily threw them away and purchased another pair.

3. Keep your cheeks covered: the only way to maintain complete discretion; don’t leave the house without your skirt, dress or oversized tee and you can’t go wrong.

Having said this, in the comfort of your own home, throw caution to the wind; we all know that there is nothing more comfortable than an ill-fitting, all exposing pair of leggings!

Written by Rebecca Smyllie.

How to dress like you’re from 'HOLLYOAKS' without their wardrobe budget.

Ever wished to look as good as your fave TV star?

Not only can you look as swell as your Hollyoaks babes but for a fraction of the price. And here’s how...

          The gorgeous and ever so beautiful Carly Stenson is here looking as perfect as ever in a cute little bandeau dress and heels. Yes, as we all know the girl’s a star of a national soap so we would only dream to resemble her in any sort of way let alone imagine being mistaken for her in what we wear. Well hey girls now’s your chance! Check out this marvellous number from ASOS- where “As seen on screen” clearly lives up to its name. This bargain displayed to the right creeps in at a mere £40, and look it’s practically the same dress!  As for the shoes she dons, you can snatch up a similar pair from Matalan for just £12- pretty amazing if you as me.

Now over to everyone’s favourite... It’s Mercedes McQueen! Okay, fair play, she may look a little different (and definitely less glam) in the soap, but after seeing the darling Jennifer Metcalfe in this off screen shot, she certainly exceeds our expectations. Perfectly manicured with hair blow dried to perfection. You too could look a million dollars, here’s how... The slinky number that I found  comes in at just £40 from Oli -what a bargain! As for the cute clutch- bag yourself a similar one for a crazy £8 at New Look- you’d be mad to miss out.

Written by Olivia Morley.

How to Wear Faux Fur Coats and Not Look Like a Giant Furby.

Working out how to wear the trickier trends.

I saw an article in Look magazine about fur coats being an investment piece for the season, but in the wrong hands they could look hideous.

When I was at Primary School, I played Aunt Sponge in a performance of ‘James and the Giant Peach’. For the role I was forced into a big, bushy, cheap, pink, faux fur coat, not dissimilar to many that are on the catwalk at the moment. It was intensely hot and made me look a little like a marshmallow. However, it is possible to wear coats of the large, faux fur variety and look pretty cool.

First of all, it’s all about proportions. In order to balance out the giant nature of the coat, the wearer needs to be tall (or heeled) and have slim legs. Otherwise one could easily start to look a bit like a big fur ball. Secondly, in order to avoid looking like a prostitute, its best to wear it with plain dark clothes – black skinny jeans would be a good call or a body con dress and tights. Just make sure that leg wear is clearly visible below the coat.

When selecting your fur coat, go for a natural colour, non-natural coloured coats will definitely look cheap. Brown or black is a good idea.

Makeup wise, keep it simple. Black winged eyeliner can give your outfit an edge without overpowering your face. Hair wise, unless it’s short, it’s best to wear such a coat with your hair up so it doesn’t look like an extension of the fur.

A faux fur coat is very much an investment piece. There is no point buying a cheap, vile one because it will look cheap and vile and you’ll never wear it. Go top end high street or vintage.

The best example I have seen of someone working the faux fur in a non-Furby manner, is the picture Claudia Winkleman at a Halloween party recently.

Written by Kate Lloyd