Can you wear converse with everything?

edits styling notes

This humble sneaker has long been owned by many of us and considered as one of our wardrobe staples. But should it be elevated to 'hero' due to it's ability to multi-task within our wardrobes? No longer a sports shoe, the classic Chuck Taylor has made it's way into the fashion mainstream. The timeless all-white sneaker is all the rage — again. Actually I don’t think it ever really went away. And just like denim jeans and the classic white shirt, the white sneaker is also ageless, classless and timeless. Just what every woman needs!

Last week Alexa Chung was seen on the beach with hers, gone are the Birkenstocks of last year, her old faithfuls went on holiday with her this year.

For several years now, a younger fashion set have ditched their predecessors’ love of stilettos for more sensible footwear — mostly sneakers — a trend coined as “normcore”. Needless to say the fashion industry, which often takes its cues from the street, has in recent seasons featured more athletic-inspired and the very on-trend sports luxe looks on the runways. As a consequence the traditional sports shoe has transformed into more contemporary versions and is being paired with everything from couture to casual.

So to prove how versatile they are, I set myself the challenge of whether my white converse high-tops can be worn with everything in my wardrobe, read on for the outcome....

1. Dungeree's + Converse = A timeless duo

2. Jumpsuit + converse = Will never go out of style

3. Jeans + sweater + converse = Relaxed weekend look

4. Trousers + converse = Sports luxe look

5. Flowery dress + converse = A match made in heaven

6. Tailored masculine pieces + converse = Most stylish at the office

7. Skirt + converse = A modern and stylish look

Why Leopard print looks good at any age

It's not what you wear, it's how you style it. The key to wearing it well isn't down to the pieces, but the attitude behind them.

Print is king for AW16 and whilst there is alot of talk about zebra prints and cowhide spots, our much-loved leopard print never goes out of style. There's something deliciously devilish about leopard print. Bypass the jokes about Bet Lynch and Pat Butcher and you've got the perfect statement print. It defies trends and crazes, sitting perfectly in your forever wardrobe like a faithful friend.

Loved by Kate Moss, Alexa Chung and Jacqueline Kennedy it works in any season and can be dressed up or down - whatever your age. To reinforce Kate's love for Leopard print, she has just designed a capsule collection for brand Equipment and of course there is alot of Leopard print involved.

Leopard print silk pjs - buy here

I think it's time we started celebrating the timeless fabulousness of this faithful friend. With this in mind, here are my styling notes when wearing the lovely leopard print...

1. Put your best foot forward

Animal print shoes are an easy way to wear the print without investing too much money or coverage on your body. Printed trainers or boots are a fun way to inject day looks with some style and character. Add some pointy pumps to your evening wear and it will give any unexpected kick to any black dress or skinny jeans and top combo.

2. A coat is a classic trophy item

Throwing on a leopard print coat is short cut to looking elegant but not too prim. Edgy but not too thought-out. I love my leopard print fut coat and every year wear it in the evening, to the pub of even over long black dresses. It looks great paired with black, but don't shy away from other colours as leopard print and yellow make a lovely combination too.

3. Accessories are key

This season I am obsessed with finding the perfect leopard print bag. Forget the fact that I already own a clutch bag in leopard print, a shopper in leopard print and come to think about it maybe a couple more sitting in their dustbags too...I would love a cross over body bag. It will go with all my coats and it become my new best friend.

4. Don't skirt around the issue

Still bang on trend for this AW16 and not going away is the skirt. Paired simply with a black top, denim shirt or sweater and biker jacket you can update your look with one simple printed piece.

For more styling inspiration, check out my pinterest board - Leopard print 2016

Some Leopard print pieces to buy now and wear forever

1. Sally leopard print coat, Boden £189.00

2. Mini Rider bag in calf hair, JCrew £198.00

3. Finely pleated leopard print skirt, Zara £29.99

4. Belmont Leopard print Chelsea Boots, Whistles £225.00

5. Slip on Leopard print trainer, Boden £69.50

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Women's style rules

If you have an interest in what you wear, in style and in fashion then you’ve likely spent a fair amount of time reading magazine's, online articles or newspapers full styling tips, street style observations, and educated thoughts about the world of celebrity dressing.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, and it can be hard to know the right things to do all the time.

The good news, though, is that sometimes things are much simpler than all that. There are a few general style guidelines that some of the world’s smartest, sharpest, and most stylish women stick to. I tend to use these rules in general for myself and also with clients. They are so universally wise and helpful that I felt I had to share them with you.

1. Good fit is the most important feature for any wardrobe

You could have on the trendiest, most expensive outfit in the world—but if it doesn’t fit you properly, you’re not going to look stylish, and all your effort and money would have been wasted. Know your body shape and what suits your silhouette. This means that regardless of what's in or out, your purchases will still retain a good fit and will flatter your figure which will leave you looking fabulous. It's better to buy the right length skirts, jumpers and dresses than buy into short-term trends.

2. Buy timeless clothing that will always be in style to underpin your wardrobe

Think indigo denim, shirts, sweaters, blouses, stripe jersey tops, good knitwear, converse trainers, a good jacket, brogues or flats and a leather jacket. These items have always been in style and always will be – how you wear them may change but the items themselves will always be a safe bet. Jeans might be turned up one year & not the next but they’ll always be a wardrobe staple.  This doesn’t mean that you should always play it safe – colour, pattern and texture play an important role in bringing these items to life.

Also, with these items, always remember the next rule...

3.  Buy the best quality you can afford

The best quality items fit better, last longer and some cases will get better with age. Don’t be tempted by cheaper, throwaway items – 9 times out of 10 they don’t last. Invest in key items that you know you’ll get value from such as shoes and denim. Whereas a less expensive, on-trend pair of jeans is fine to grab every now and then, you really need quality denim in your wardrobe to last you from year to year.

4. Buy clothing that's flexible

Build your wardrobe around key items that are versatile and can be worn a number of different ways. A great example is a denim shirt. Worn with converse trainers, over a simple striped jersey dress and you’ve got a great, timeless casual look. Team up with some black skinny jeans, heel’s, a necklace and a smart blazer and you’ve got the perfect outfit for an evening out.

Follow my August pinterest board here for inspiration - August 2016 Edits style inspiration

Where to shop right now

When working with clients on a weekly basis, I always get asked where to shop. Alot of women have perhaps lost their way with the same stores they shop in and want to be introduced to new online or high street stores. They are always surprised when I mention Topshop..."I haven't shopped in there for years!", "I'm too old for crop tops and hotpants!", is normally the response I receive until I go onto explain about Topshop Boutique.

What is the difference between Boutique and their main lines? Firstly the price. Yes it's more expensive, but only marginally.

Secondly, it has a more grown up feel to it. With cleaner lines, sophisticated shapes, stylish colours and prints and more of a Scandinavian feel to it.

Thirdly, alot of it is made in Britain.

Me in my Topshop Boutique printed top which is now sold out

The brand has a cult following and sizes often sell out really quickly, so you have to be committed to buying because if you go back the next day it could be gone!

Here is what I would buy from their range at the moment. Take a look and see for yourself, it might be worth a trip to Topshop after all.

Topshop Boutique Top 5 picks

1.  Wide Leg black culotte's £85.00

2. Ruffle peplum cami £40.00

3. Off the shoulder black dress £69.00

4. Triangle neckline tee £28.00

5. Off the shoulder white cotton dress £68.00