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.

Spotted.

Style on Sheffield's streets.
 

Eilidh McGregor, a 3^rd year at Sheffield University

Should a dress only be worn as a dress? Eilidh converts her All Saints dress into a top by tucking it into her H&M trousers and she customises the outfit with a vintage locket.
She loves getting jewellery from Collard Manson on Division street.

Cate Dixon, a 3^rd year at Sheffield University

 Boldy wearing a leopard print fur coat from River Island [Joey (our resident lad) wouldn't be impressed but the ladies at 'Wear Nice Clothes LOVE it!] over a vintage jumper with tapered trousers from Topshop. A customised headband and vintage jewellery adds an original twist to the outfit.
  Cate's favourite Sheffield shop is Cow on West street.

Amelia Shepherds, a 3^rd year at Sheffield University

 Amelia wear's a navy playsuit from American apparel underneath a fur coat from ‘Alice Takes a Trip’- never fear, although Alice takes a trip has moved out of the Forum on Division street, you can still buy online and Freshmans on Carver Street stocks Alice Takes a Trip items!
Amelia’s favourite shop is the Meadow Hall Topshop.

Written By Lizzie Lewis.