Statement Trousers: 9 of the Best Spring/Summer Staples | Fashion & Style

Statement trousers make my high street hit-list every season; versatile, wearable and sophisticated, they can work their way through a sartorial checklist in seconds. This spring/summer season, we’ve seen fresh takes on traditional trouser shapes deployed into our favourite stores: frilled hem cigarette pants, oversized striped culottes and lace-up black trousers are just a few of this season’s signature styles.

An office-friendly wardrobe addition, a pair of striped black culottes offer an alternative to dated pinstripe suits, whilst trousers sporting sulty frill and lace details promise to reinvigorate your eveningwear selection. As a self-professed statement trouser addict, I’ve curated my personal collection of favourite new in trousers from the high street: 9 of the best spring/summer staples.

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(from l-r, top-bottom): Zara Pearl Studded Trousers, £29.99; Boohoo Wide Leg Side Panel Trousers, £15; River Island Frill Hem Cropped Trousers, £38; River Island Cream Tropical Print Trousers, £40; Warehouse Leaf Jacquard Culottes, £45; Topshop Lace Insert Culottes, £49; Topshop Mixed Blossom Cropped Trousers, £39; Mango Striped Cotton Trousers, £35.99; Mango Striped Culottes, £19.99.

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My favourite new-season trouser style is, without question, frilled hem cigarette pants; I’ve seen options in River Island, New Look, Asos, Topshop and Zara, and they’re proving to be wildly popular. I’ve opted for a business-friendly pair in black, but I’m also considering investing in River Island’s gorgeous red pair. Which of these styles is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Get SS17-ready with these 3 new-season trends | Fashion & Style

As the high street sets its sights on spring, you’ll begin to notice the influx of catwalk-inspired pieces hitting your favourite retail destinations: blouson sleeves, laced-up knits, pyjama-style silky separates and oversized shirts. Dramatic cuts and over-the-top shapes are mixed in with light layers; tulle and silk skirts and dresses are offset with see-through tees and structured shirts.

With feminine florals in light fabrics, power-play co-ords or dynamic pieces in ruffles, feathers and tulle to choose from, there’s something for everyone this seaon. But with so much choice, I’ve narrowed down the spring/summer offering to my favourite three trends. Here’s how I’m updating my wardrobe for the new season. Images courtesy of Marie Claire.

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BRAZEN BRALETTES

I was so excited last September when designers took the underwear as outerwear trend to a new level, and I absolutely love the dramatic layering that our favourite fashion houses channelled. Bralettes are the perfect feminine antidote to an otherwise brash outfit: layered over structured shirts with skirts or trousers makes for a fresh take on your traditional 9-5 staples. My favourite bralette is this sequin crop top from Zara, which I’d layer over a white shirt with suit pants and sliders.

STATEMENT SLEEVES

I’m a huge fan of officewear, and I’ll definitely be updating my working wardrobe with shirts, sweaters, blazers and jackets which sport some seriously statement sleeves. From oversized, blouson sleeves to embellished styles with embroidery and dramatic cuts, there’s a new-season style you’ll sure to love. I’m going to opt for this poplin frill shirt from Topshop, and I’ll pair it with jeans, boots and a chunky knit.

THINK PINK

If Givenchy and Chanel are doing it, you can be sure your favourite high street retailer will be too: pink is everywhere this season, and it’s not going anywhere fast. Opt for a slick showcase of the statement shade on a shirt or jacket, or clash the colour by mixing and matches various shades in one ensemble. I love these velvet court shoes from River Island.

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I’m really impressed with Topshop’s new-season collection this time around, as I haven’t been particularly besotted with their range for a while now. Zara continues to champion fashion-forward style on the high street and other Inditex brands (Mango, Massimo Dutti) also lead the way. If you’re on a budget, definitely head to New Look – their buying team has put a lot into their new spring/summer offering and I think the store has seriously upped its game on recent years.

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High Street Hottest: January’s Most Wanted Fashion Arrivals

As I’m browsing through my wardrobe this January, I’m met with one pair too many of black skinny jeans and an overload of thick knits. Whilst the jeans-meet-jumper combination forms the basis of almost all of my outfits, I’m definitely in need of a little ‘new year sartorial spruce up’. Rather than browse through my wardrobe any longer, I’ve taken to my favourite brands’ online destinations and picked out a few new pieces that my wardrobe – and yours – might like. Here’s my selection of the best ‘new in’ pieces the high street has to offer.

Topshop:

Ballet Wrap Long Sleeve Top, £34

Oversized Cupro Shirtdress, £40

Pinspot Cigarette Trousers, £35

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Warehouse:

Blocked Chevron Jumper, £45

Pleated Midi Dress, £65

Suede Biker Jacket, £195

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River Island:

Khaki Linen-Blend Playsuit, £45

Khaki Midi Slip Dress, £38

Cream Faux Suede Belted Jacket, £80

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Oasis:

DB Belted Jacket, £60

Wide Leg Trouser, £45

Soft Rib Boat Neck, £18

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New Look:

Belted Longline Trench, £29.99

Black D-Ring Belted Shirt, £17.99

Khaki Waterfall Trench, £32.99

I adore the wrap blouse from Topshop, the DB jacket from Oasis and the River Island playsuit. I’m in the market for a new ‘going out’ outfit, and I think the wrap blouse with high-waisted skinny jeans and some Ghillie heels will become my new evening go-to look. I also love the two trenches from New Look. I’ve been thinking about investing in a new jacket for spring, as my two winter coats feature either a fur-collar or suede lining, and neither will work in the transitional weather.

That’s definitely all of my favourite pieces from all of this month’s ‘new in’ sections, though – what did you think of everything I chose? I can’t wait to see what other new spring arrivals will land this month. I’ve been avoiding Zara for a little while as I’ll end up splurging, but I can guarantee they’ll feature next month. Let me know what you’re lusting over at the moment!

How To Add A Little Luxe Layering to Your AW15 Wardrobe

I don’t know whether it’s the walking through crunchy leaves, ordering a gingerbread latte or wrapping up in a dressing gown that does it for me, but Autumn is by far my favourite season. It’s the only time of year that giggling in a pub over a cup of cider is acceptable, and when having your car heater on full blast is no longer a cardinal sin. Autumn can, however, cause some disarray when it comes to your everyday wardrobe; the transition between seasons can often catch us out (tights, or no tights, anyone?) and dressing for all weather possibilities can sometimes be a bit of a headache. Luckily, the secret weapon that is l-a-y-e-r-i-n-g can solve all of your Autumn-inspired sartorial woes. Here’s five key pieces that you need in your ‘it’s almost winter’ wardrobe:

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1. BLANKET SCARF

2. WAIST BELT

3. SHIRT AND SWEATER

4. POLO NECK

5. SLEEVELESS JACKET

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If I had to create a capsule wardrobe that would see me through my ‘everyday’, this would pretty much be it – just add a pair of skinny jeans and biker boots and I’d be in heaven. There’s so much you can do with a white shirt too, it’s the ultimate layering piece. I love a crisp collar paired with an oversized jumper, it’s my go-to for work and play.

Which of these key pieces could you not live without? What does layering look like for you? Let me know in the comments below!

SS15 Summer Style: Weddings, the Races & Occasion Dresses under £75!

As it’s coming  up to the end of July, it’s safe to say that we’re well in to the British summer season, and with the warm sunshine comes the BBQs, parties and days out in the heat. More importantly, though, is that we find our schedules full with extra special occasions to look forward to – be it a wedding, a day at the races or even your graduation.

Whilst I’m sure you’ve already been having lots of fun this summer, there’s definitely still lots of it left – especially now that school is officially out until September! So dust off that fascinator and remember where you left that invitation, as it’s time to start shopping for the best occasion dress on the high street!

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Closet Almari Jacquard Dress, £62

AX Paris Striped Midi Dress, £35

Miss Selfridge Bandeau Pencil Dress, £45

Warehouse Lace Overlay Dress, £65

River Island Jacquard Midi Dress, £38

Coast Lori Issy Dress, £39

AX Paris Metallic Skater Dress, £20

Boohoo Slinky Cowl Neck Dress, £20

Closet Lilac Curve Seam Dress, £48

Oasis Embroidered Midi Dress, £35

TFNC Floral Skater Dress, £48

Coast Sadie Pleated Dress, £69

Oasis Crepe 2 in 1 Dress, £20

TFNC Teardrop Shift Dress, £75

Oasis Lace Insert Pencil Dress, £20

Atterley Road Pleat Front Dress, £65

Warehouse Structured Shift Dress, £25

Warehouse Strappy Maxi, £50

New Look Coral Strappy Maxi Dress, £17.99

River Island Coral Bardot Bodycon Dress, £55

Miss Selfridge Floral Tea Dress, £35

Oasis Drape Crepe Shift, £52

Topshop Deep V Midi Dress, £42

Topshop Plunge Neck Satin Dress, £58

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As you might have noticed, I didn’t actually include any black dresses, and that’s because I’m going to curate my own collection of the high street’s hottest LBDs and feature my edit on the blog very soon! I’ve also been inspired by fresh, bright colours this season too – and that’s saying something coming from a bona fide ‘all black everything’ addict.

I recently wore a bright mint midi dress to a wedding, which was decorated with tonal grey flowers in a thick, textured material – it was totally out of my comfort zone but I really liked the dress (ASOS, FYI), so I definitely think it’s worth investing in a pretty piece for this summer season. (Go on, you deserve a treat!)

Which of the dresses is your favourite? I’m absolutely obsessed with the red, plunge neck midi dress by Topshop – at £42, that dress is a true high street steal! I can genuinely see myself purchasing this very soon for an upcoming engagement party I’m going to be attending. I’d love to hear which is your favourite though. And what fun events do you have coming up? Let me know in the comments below!