The past couple of years has certainly affected the way in which we dress day-to-day, with many of us opting to wear more comfortable items of clothing over more restricted pieces, while being comfortable no longer means messy casual or minimal effort.
To help you feel more ‘pulled together’ in your much-loved cosy pieces, we have created some simple fashion hacks to help elevate your look but retain your couch couture. From accessories to unexpected layers, here are five ways to go from casual to chic in an instant.
Glasses
As we are coming into summer, it’s a no brainer that chic sunglasses are the best way to elevate your outfit. They make everything look that touch cooler, not to mention the benefit of them acting as a barrier to UV rays plus, perhaps a roster of sins! If you’re an everyday glasses wearer, then choosing some stylish frames for glasses is a great way to instantly make you look more polished. From chunky acetate frames to make a statement, to finer metal frames which can be more delicate on the face, any option will make you look very in vogue
Gold jewellery
Chunky gold jewellery is an easy outfit hack that’s been on trend for a while and there’s still no sign of it going anywhere. Injecting some chunky gold jewellery into your look will immediately help move that outfit up a level without looking as through you’ve tried too hard.
Renowned jeweller Susan Caplan has some stunning vintage pieces including classics from Chanel and Dior – or if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge then Missoma or Monica Vinader have great pieces at a more entry level price point and a collection that you can gradually build on. Look for a chunky gold necklace, matching bracelet, and gold hoops for ultimate elegance with a modern twist.
Invest in a trench coat
Whatever the weather, a trench coat is an absolute staple to any woman’s wardrobe. As functional as it is stylish, the trench is timeless. Whether you invest in a more classic style like Burberry or more daring and oversized, one thing is for sure, the trench is perennially versatile. Layer over your everyday tracksuit, to off-duty denim, to workwear, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Work with a colour palette
This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but generally sticking to a colour palette will make your wardrobe seem more coherent and therefore easy to get dressed every morning. Many people choose to dress in monochrome or more cream tones, but it’s down to your individual style.
Choosing the right pieces will ensure you look chic and sophisticated. For example, an oversized blue shirt, teamed with blue denim jeans, a navy coat, accessorised with a pair of sunglasses and chunky jewellery is a great way to ease yourself into dressing tonally. If you’re feeling extra daring, throw on a pair of Gucci Printstown’s (fur lined of course), tie a dark cashmere sweater around your shoulders, sling on a crossbody bag and you’re good to go!
Invest in a cool bag
A designer handbag has always been on every fashionista’s wish list, but with so many to choose from it’s hard to know what style or brand to go for. We suggest avoiding anything too trendy. Whilst fuchsia pink and lime greens may be very on trend this season when it comes to bags, we suggest going mainstream to avoid them looking an outdated in a couple of years’ time and enabling you to get longevity out of your purchase.
It’s also worth considering practicality and what works for you. A cross body bag with a long strap is both cool and of the moment but also practical, allowing you to keep your arms and hands free. Whereas ladylike top handle bags may look cute and dainty but when it comes to running an errand is very impractical.
When it comes to elevating your style, it also comes down to how you feel and carry yourself. Invest in the pieces above to suit your individual style and you’ll be strutting around town full of confidence in no time.
