Some seriously stylish slacks

edits styling notes

I honestly think that at the moment pretty much any trouser shape goes. Skinny, culotte, wide leg, sports luxe, tapered, cropped, cuffed. So how do you find a style that suits you and is going to last the test of time?

Firstly it is down to taste, what ever floats your boat and fits into your wardrobe seamlessly. In other words you can wear with lots of tops/shirts/knitwear you already own.

Secondly you have to take into account body and leg shape, and what suits you. For example I love skinnies in the winter with an oversized jumper and a masculine coat. But wearing them with a cropped top in the summer, makes me come out in cold sweats - it's just never going to happen!

So this summer I have been drawn to more looser, sports luxe styles and been obsessing over finding the right ones for me and my wardrobe. As I normally live in jeans all year round want these trousers to add something new into my wardrobe and even though I'm buying them in summer I want to be able to wear them in Winter too.

They create a very modern silhouette whilst being ridiculously comfortable and fit perfectly, but I can't guarantee that they will go with every top in your wardrobe. I have found that plain or stripe jersey tops are the best, shirts and in the winter I will pair with smart knitwear. You can't wear them with printed tops unless you want to clash with the stripe down the side or with sweaters, unless you want to look like you are going to the gym. Here is some style inspiration to check out and follow my pinterest board here - slacks 2016

Here is how I have styled my sports luxe trousers -

To shop for your own pair of sports luxe slacks, check out my top 5 picks of the high street right now -

Top 5 sports luxe trousers

1. Zara jogging trousers £25.99

2. Me + Em contrast piping trousers £129.00

3. Finery London contrast panel trousers £55.00

4. Topshop satin cuffless joggers £45.00

5.  Zara jogging trousers £25.99

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

what to buy in the sales

I have to admit that I really don't like the sales. Never have and suspect I never will. It gives me chills seeing all those lovingly produced garments, designed by someone, made by someone, fitted by someone, approved by someone to be sold in the store, to then be squashed and racked together looking old, knackered and past it's sell by date! I hate to break it to you, but it probably is past it's sell-by date and that's why I don't buy in the sales.

But if I do buy, I have some good reason's and some rules.

Here are my reason's for buying in the sales-

1. If I have had my eye on an outfit for an occasion such as a wedding or a party and cost per wear is higher then I will buy it knowing that I got it for a bargin and I will wear it to said occasion that's coming up.

2. The piece is a wardrobe icon - the investment piece. For example a leather biker jacket, a pair of black boots, a blazer jacket, that bag you love - something that you will wear time and time again and goes with everything in your wardrobe.

3. A summer holiday trend purchase that I know I will wear on the beach, with the kids in the holidays and if it's ruined after the season ends I know I have got my money out of it.

When it comes to sale shopping I am on it like a rocket when there is something that I want and I've had my eye on. I will not break. I have my sales rules and I stick to them.

Here are my rules when sales buying-

1. Would you buy it if it was full price? Be true to yourself!

2. Buy it if you can see yourself wearing it now, not next season but now.

3. Buy less! I only ever buy 2-3 things in the sale as the rest is just not worth the money.

So it is as simple as that. Change your mindset, sales are not about bargins, it's still about spending your money wisely whilst investing in your wardrobe.

With that in mind, having brought my outfit for the wedding I have coming up, I am now focusing on the 1 or 2 pieces I would like to add in for the summer holidays.

So here are my top pick's from the sales that you should be buying to wear now for the summer season -

1. Zara embroidered dress - was £39.99 now £25.99

2. &other stories off the shoulder top - was £65 now £33

3. Whistles stripe logo tee - was £45.00 now £30.00

4. Mango printed jumpsuit - was £59.99 now £29.99

5. Sophie Hulme pink Barnsbury cross-body bag - was £350.00 now £245.00

What did you buy in the sales? Share with me here or on social media.