A denim shopping masterclass for 2016

" A great pair of jeans should accentuate your best assets".

They’ve been the big thing for the past few years – but according to this month’s Vogue, skinny jeans are out!

I tend to massively disagree with this statement as they are now a denim classic. But every year the fashion trend reports have to give us something new to try and rival it - the truth is nothing ever will. It doesn't mean that the skinny leg jeans flatters every body shape, but we have just gotten used to seeing a slimmer, straighter, skinny jean in the past 20 years and moved away from the wider leg bootcut jean.

So what have they hailed will be their replacement I hear you cry? Here are the top 3 denim trends for 2016 -

1. The Wedgie

YES Levi's are back on the fashion radar! Last December Levi's introduced a new fit for women, "the Wedgie". According to the brand, the new jeans are modelled on the brand's famous vintage styles, while eliminating "that all-too familiar awkward front bulge that can occur when ladies wear vintage jeans."

With the popularity of vintage jeans on the rise, the brand is looking to capitalise with its new high-rise style that is – as the name suggests – intended to create a wedgie. But that's not all. According to the brand, "the back pockets of the Wedgie Jean are slightly tilted inwards adding the allure of the ultimate 'mum butt'."

It might sound alarming, but the brand is rolling out a shorts version for Spring 2016, so for now it looks like the wedgie fit is here to stay. Oh! and be sure to thank your Mum for the inspiration!!

2. Print it

Printed denim was everywhere on the Spring/Summer 2016 catwalks, from the outrageously floral motifs splashed around at Versus Versace and Alexander McQueen to the organic-looking, subtly mottled effect seen at Chanel. Prints are a great way to add depth or texture to your outfit so embrace your wild side. This is a much more pretty feminine look than past printed denim days, so this trend done tastefully could be a nice addition to your summer wardrobe.

3. Wide leg 90s style

90s style wide, loose and baggy is one of the chicest ways to rock your denims this year. Whether you opt for a relaxed fit with a drawstring waist or for more of a gentle flare as seen at Stella McCartney, worn low-slung, will gain you serious style points. I see the high street versions of the catwalk as culotte's rather than the big and baggy skater type cropped trousers. This isn't a look for everyone, depending on their body shape, but the right pair in the right wash could be a fab new summer staple in your wardrobe.

"I don't know about you, but I think I'll stick with my skinny jeans for a while longer thanks!..."

Black washed Skinny jeans from Levi's £95.00

Show us your stripes!

After the expense of Christmas shopping might not be top of your agenda right now. But not to worry, you have nearly made it to the end of January when you can go on a little splurge to treat yourself for making it through! Let me help you choose that little treat...

I always get asked by clients, friends, people in the street... "what should I be buying now to update my wardrobe?"

At this time of year the whole of the high street is immersed in sale with Spring making a breakthrough in small sections on the shop floor. Most new Spring stories without fail in fashion contain a stripe (or two!). The nautical story always rears it's ugly head in January as the Breton stripe is a cool classic that everyone can understand. But what I am seeing emerge as the newest trend in stripes for now and for all of 2016 is the new updated stripe.

Nothing is more simple, more basic and more hardworking that a Breton stripe tee. And while it's something that exists in most people's wardrobe, it truly does go with everything. But I think it's time to mix it up abit and it seems the high street is right there behind me.

My first inspiration for this trend was seeing a tiny article in Style magazine last summer and tearing (still the buyer in me!) the piece to put in my edits-styling trend books. "Double stripes" was the headline and the stripes were bold, two colour and clashing when worn together.

If both Sienna Miller and Olivia Palermo are wearing stripes, then it's a definite fashion winner. I am sure every high street buyer in the country also ripped that small piece out of style magazine for inspiration to update their January transitional range.

Then it came down the AW15/16 catwalks in New York, using stripes in all different ways.

And only last week one of the biggest models of the moment, Kendall Jenner was seen wearing a fab stripe jacket and trousers combo at LA airport.

It's not just about double stripes though. I want to draw your attention to all manner of stripes on tops, dresses and trousers, matching and none matching.

Earn your stripes now! Take my advice, I think this trend is going to roll on through the whole of 2016, so whatever you buy now will still look great in the Summer and the Autumn. I know what I will be out shopping for this week!

Top 5 new stripe updates

1. Zara stripe top and trousers £25.99 &29.99

2. Whistles Darwin stripe top £110.00

3. Topshop Stripe wrap dress £55.00

4. Mango pocket stripe shirt £29.99

5. Ted Baker tribal stripe fold tunic dress £159.00

And...one to hold onto for Summer, as stripe jumpsuits will be big!

6. Mango cotton stripe jumpsuit £39.99

Check out my pinterest board for more inspiration on how to wear stripes the 2016 way

Forget summer, can I have Autumn trends now please?

I know, don't wish your life away right? Having not really had a summer and now with retailers launching their sales online and instores, I always hate this time of year for shopping! It's great to grab a bargin, especially if you know what you are looking for or have something specific to buy for. This makes sale shopping all the more easier and you don't waste money on items you don't need. Unless you are buying for a holiday, honeymoon or an occasion outfit such as a wedding, I like to know that what I am buying will last me a little bit longer than to the end of August.

In buying and fashion calendars, Autumn/Winter products go on sale in July, but as summer sales have been so bad some are selling new season right now (see Zara, Whistles, Matches.com, Selfridges). So it's time to make sure that what you are buying in the sales is right for now and also right for next season.

Here is my round up for the 5 biggest Autumn trends that you won't be able to resist once summer is over:

1. Geek Chic - Think Royal Tenenbaum's movie and Margot Tenenbaum is your main muse. Loafers, prim pussy bows, crisp white shirts and cute suits. Designer's were all over this on the catwalks with Tommy Hilfiger’s varsity girl wears her team colours on her sleeve.The only thing missing from Chloe’s professeur chic, meanwhile, is a couple of suede elbow patches. Whilst Gucci's kooky bookworm look will have us tucking our shirt into our skirts and popping off to the library.

2. 70's Boho - The folksy theme continues from Summer into Winter, so a great one to continue to invest in whilst sale shopping. Your key piece for the season is going to be the poncho. Yes again it is making a comeback! If you just brought those denim flares that was a good call as they are the must-have denim shape for next season. With statement tassles and textures such as knits and suede's giving the trend an update. Valentino, Chloe, Burberry and Lanvin were piling on the prints and fringing in a texture overload on the catwalk.

3. 80's revival - There is a massive move toward's a revival of the Eighties, if Balmain does it then it's likely most will follow next season, so this is one to look out for! The 80's revival has everything from power shoulders, to ruffles, colour block knits and retro waisted belts. Channel Dynasty, early Madonna and Wham! then you will be way ahead of the fash-pack next season!

4. Where the wild things are - If you didn't buy your fur coat or gilet last winter then you will not be able to escape it this year- it is about to explode! Come September the high street will be covered in fluff and everything furry, if you can find one in the sale now, bag it! This warm and fuzzy friend needs to be your essential first buy of the season. Whether you go for curly sheep gilets in glorious bold colours or abominable yeti-like black and white jackets, you will also find fur in accessories such as shoes and bags.

5. Bold prints - The most vibrant of the new season trends is the bold, graphic art-inspired mood which came in every hue imaginable at shows in all four cities. Monochromatic checkerboard prints appeared on drop-waisted dresses at Valentino while grey tunics at Loewe came emblazoned with red and black cubes. Christopher Kane's scarlett coat with black zig-zags is bound to be an AW15 must-have. Wear top-to-toe if you are feeling brave, otherwise break it up with some retro colour blocking.

Follow my AW15 pinterest board for more inspiration here - https://www.pinterest.com/EditsStyling/aw15-trends-board/