10 Christmas Outfit Suggestions

How To Dress: How To Be Stylish And Dress Better

 Working in fashion for over 20 years, people often ask me for my tips on what they should be wearing, how they should be wearing it, what trends to buy into and what is woefully out of fashion.

As someone who principally loves fashion for its self-expression, for its ability to speak for its wearer and tell the world how that person is feeling, I am always reluctant to tell anyone how to dress or enforce any rules. As far as I am concerned, wearing what you feel like - and what makes you feel like you - is the only fundamental.

However, there are a few tips, tricks and hacks that I have learnt over the years. From that necklace that elevates basics to the benefits of regular clear-outs and changing room mantras (‘thou shalt not impulse buy’), they help me when buying something or putting together an outfit in the morning, whether I am working from home or getting ready to reemerge into a brighter new world post lockdown.

Writing my book, The Ten: Stories Behind the Fashion Classics added a few more. Thanks to conversations with experts like designers Barbara Hulanicki, Martine Rose and Samuel Ross, and researching wardrobe icons from the trench coat to the miniskirt to humble jeans, I have a newfound appreciation of wear-every-day classics, and how they can combine with new pieces to refresh your look each season.

1) Keep It Simple

Learn from the best - from Sade to Coco Chanel. As Mademoiselle Chanel once said: 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.' A ‘base’ of core items helps.

Everyone will have their own version of what that entails but a white shirt, a good cashmere sweater (try COS) and a well-cut trench make good investments. I wear these time and time again.

2) Fit Is Everything

You know that woman who always looks pulled-together? You’ll notice her clothes always fit her properly. By contrast, clothes that don’t fit - a wonky hemline, a too-tight polo-neck - can impact on a first impression.

Taking the time to pay attention to fit is a surefire way to add polish. Make sure:

The seam of a shirt hits your shoulder

A skirt zips up neatly

A shoe meets the back of your heel

They’re subtle but these tiny things make a difference. A good tailor is also your friend here - I often buy items and have them altered at Rosario Tailoring in Savile Row.

3) Find A Graphic T-Shirt That Expresses How You Feel

Graphic T-shirts are perhaps the epitome of a sartorial statement - whether you’re communicating your music taste (a Beychella T-shirt) or recent boxsets (a ‘La’ T-shirt by Philip Normal).

Go for organic cotton if possible to keep things sustainable, and longer-lasting. If you’re a novice at this kind of outfit, don’t think graphic T-shirts have to be combined with a plaid shirt and sneakers. The likes of Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski elevate theirs with high waisted trousers and ankle boots.

4) Accessories Can Be A Game Changer

A pair of statement earrings, a skinny new belt for your not-so-skinny jeans or a necklace worn with an LBD, this is the lazy girl hack to change up much-loved items.

This is another tip where ‘keep it simple’ works - pile on the accessories and you’ll look too busy. Zoe Kravitz is a good reference here - her use of a ‘wow’ earring is masterstroke in a style that is otherwise lowkey.

5) Take The Time To Try Jeans

I once interviewed Jeff Rudes, the co-founder of J Brand, and he said: 'Every jean should count – they all have to be "the one".' Ideally, you want a well-edited ‘wardrobe’ of jeans that work for different moods and occasions - a high-waisted pair for a night out, boyfriends for a lazy Sunday etc.

Japanese denim is still the connoisseur’s choice and can be found at brands ranging from APC to Uniqlo. Too much stretch should be avoided if you want your jeans to last. Think differently about your purchase too - vintage is a great option, and Ganni x Levis new capsule allows you to rent your denim.