Author: Styled By Susie

While stuck in bad London traffic yesterday, I had a great conversation with my black cab driver. He was asking about my work and we got on to the topic of modern day fashion.

He said he has noticed that there is increasingly less difference between men and women’s style these days, and he was asking my thoughts behind it and whether it’s something I had noticed too.

I said to him, firstly, that we are so fortunate, living in the UK where you can get away with dressing however you want. I feel British style reigns supreme because it’s natural, effortless and expressive. You only have to look at the difference between the style at Glastonbury, to Coachella, to see that festival chic comes much more naturally to us Brits. It never looks forced.

We style clients according to their body shape and colouring, but for me, the most fascinating part, is helping a client to express herself through her clothing. You can express feelings, emotions and personality through clothing, in a way that you can’t with anything else.

Your style should never stay still, it should never be “done” or complete. Far from it.

My style has changed so much over the years, even while having my business. When I started Styled By Susie, I was a huge fan of Kate Middleton’s style. I loved blazers with jeans, I straightened my hair and went for lots of eyeliner.

A few years later, I chopped my hair into a bob and loved a more edgy, Caroline Flack style. I felt like my confidence was growing more around this time. I was doing more video blogs, growing my social media presence and becoming more confident in my own skin.

Fast forward to 2019, when I have experienced the biggest personal growth in one year, than I ever thought possible. I have felt stress levels like never before, I have cried many tears, had many sleepless nights, yet also experienced so much joy and progress. 2019 has been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and has pushed me to grow, make myself vulnerable and remove any inhibitions I may have previously felt.

My style at this moment, reflects how I feel and who I am. I have never felt more at ease with who I am, how I dress and how I am with people. There’s something liberating about surviving people throwing rocks at you, because you ultimately come out stronger as a result.

I went to see Charlie’s Angels at the cinema recently, and despite the terrible reviews it received, I absolutely loved it. I totally identify with Kristen Stewart’s style and I am really enjoying playing around with an androgynous look. If I feel I sway too far into masculinity, I add a bright lip and a dash of femininity.

This leads me onto the subject that me and my cab driver were chatting about.

He was asking me why women are dressing in a more masculine way these days. He wasn’t criticising, he was interested.

I said to him that I feel women are rising. I feel that women are realising their power, their true potential and that women more than ever, are supporting each other and building each other up.

We are realising that we can do so much, even though on some days we have NO idea how we get it all done.

Women are gaining strength and momentum, and I feel that we are moving away from the traditional views of how women “should” dress. We add strength and power to our outfits, we are shunning heels for trainers and brogues. The trouser suit has reigned supreme this season and will gain even more momentum next season.

More and more fashion houses are ditching gender specific lines. Gender fluid clothing is becoming more popular and it’s not unusual for teenage boys to buy Topshop jeans, and for women to buy Topman blazers.

I think that this will become the future, and it won’t go down well with many people, but I personally think it’s brilliant.

It shows true equality and the more open minded fashion houses and high street chains can become, the better.

This doesn’t just go for gender fluid clothing, this goes for other aspects too. I would love to see a day when we don’t have plus size ranges, and that they just include all size options in every store.

I want to see a day that any woman of any size can shop in any high street store and not feel alienated.

The key to enjoying and developing your style, is to be open minded. Don’t just stick to the same shops, don’t just stick to women’s clothing. My client recently got loads of floral dresses in Dorothy Perkins, but then we got her a fabulous tweed blazer from Burton’s. It was cut better than any blazer we had tried on, and had perfect structure across the shoulders.

I have read so many horrible comments about celebrities who have dared to change their style over the years. “How dare Taylor Swift go from that sweet girl with the guitar and country songs, to this unrecognisable popstar?”

Who knows what Taylor Swift has gone through, and who the hell are you to even comment? Maybe Taylor didn’t like her old style and feels more herself now. Who knows, but I love the way she has evolved over time.

Try to never let your style stand still. It’s ok to develop it, it’s ok to change who you were. It might scare people, but if it feels right for you, it’ll bring you more joy than you have ever known.

Well hey there! It’s been a while hasn’t it? The great thing about delegation is that it frees me up a bit to do more blogs and hopefully more podcasts. I did wonder about doing a podcast today but I felt I had nothing to chat about (I must be coming down with something!).

So, instead, I have gone back to basics and I’m blogging (does anyone even blog anymore or is it just me?!)

I have had the best weekend. As you may have seen from social media, I took myself off for a weekend away and it was amazing. I am missing my little hotel room as I sit here typing, while my credit card cries about the room service bill I had to pay yesterday!

I was also very unpopular at breakfast yesterday morning. I ordered kippers, and in all fairness, at this point, the restaurant was empty. As they brought out my smelly fish, a couple who were clearly on a romantic, sexual weekend away, sat behind me and I heard her ask the waitress for the vegan options. If you’re reading this, I apologise for stinking you out with my smoked kippers!

Anyway, now I have word vomited all over you and told you my weekend escapades, let’s get on with the show shall we?

So, it’s Christmas soon isn’t it. I wish I was one of those people I see on Facebook. You know the ones, who wear matching pyjamas, have their Christmas shopping done by November and have the neatest, tidiest Christmas tree, usually with a colour scheme.

Well, me that is NOT! I am disorganised, my tree looks like the inside of my brain (colourful, messy and chaotic) and I can’t even blame my child for decorating it badly, as it’s me that does it!

But one thing I do know how to do, my friends, is DRESS for Christmas, so I am going to share my wisdom with you all.

Now I am about to have a MAAAAAJE article come out in national press, on Christmas party dressing, so I can’t do a similar article on here I’m afraid. I’m doing the photoshoot for it next week so all will be revealed.

In the meantime, let’s talk what to wear on the day itself.

WHAT TO WEAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY

There are two types of people on Christmas Day. You have Type A (let’s call her Barbara) who goes for the Christmas jumper, flashing earrings, reindeer horns and greets you at the door with a mulled wine (you are my kind of lady…).

You then have Type B (let’s call her Sarah Lilly…cough…I mean Margaret). Type B decides to dress up on Christmas Day. She wears a sparkly dress, bold makeup and heels which she kicks off the minute she enters the house.

Let’s see if we can merge Barbara with Margaret this year, and come up with a comfortable yet stylish look for you to rock on Christmas Day.

Let’s call this winning combination, “Barbaret”.

CHRISTMAS JUMPERS

You can get a Christmas jumper for every personality and this year I have got myself the most awesome Wonderwoman one.

Go to Merchoid online as they have so many fun Christmas jumpers. I cried trying to choose between whether I wanted to be Wonderwoman or John Snow on Christmas Day, but in the end Wonderwoman won. If you like quirky Christmas jumpers, head there! Alternatively, Primark have loads of great ones this year.

Don’t just pair your Christmas jumper with jeans – borrrrrrrrrrrring! – they deserve so much more than that!

Try wearing your Christmas jumper (like this one from Matalan) with coated jeans or leggings. The beauty of a coated legging is that it’s stretchy and won’t make you bloat after Christmas lunch.

Alternatively, go for the coated biker jeans from Next which have been a winner for my clients this season. Add a biker boot like these from New Look, and you can easily go for a nice walk in this outfit after Christmas lunch.

If your Christmas jumper is a more fitted fit (now you know why my PR lady checks my grammar on articles) then try popping over the top of a dress (like this sequin tee dress from Next).

This gives you the best of both worlds because you can be all Christmassey and festive during the day, and then when you are feeling a bit cheeky (hate that word) and full of booze, you can whip it off to be more evening appropriate for Cards Against Humanity.

HATE CHRISTMAS JUMPERS?

Some people just don’t do the Christmas jumper thing. No judgement, we are all friends here. Christmas jumpers can be very hot and uncomfortable for many!

How about adding sparkle in other ways? If you are a more of a Margaret, you could go for dressy wear, but add some festive accessories this year. If you don’t like Christmas jumpers, it’s highly likely that you won’t want to wear brussel sprout earrings, so instead, why not try dressing up a little black dress or jumpsuit with some accessories?

You can go for something really blingy and sparkly, like these statement necklaces from Accessorize….

Alternatively, if you have in laws that you’re not keen on, wear this necklace (from Sour Cherry) with your outfit, over lunch!

Sour Cherry are really good fun for costume jewellery pieces, and if you like Tatty Devine (did someone say EXPENSIVE?!) then you will love them because they’re similar and cheaper too.

WANT COMFORT?

It’s important to feel comfortable on Christmas Day. I remember making the mistake of wearing a thick, waist cinching belt (circa Girls Aloud “Biology”) and I regretted it, the minute I had annihilated my first tube of Pringles at 10am.

I love a high waisted jean but Christmas Day is probably not the best day to do this to yourself. Instead, look for dresses that you can wear with big, massive tights or even a jumpsuit.

Jumpsuits are one of the comfiest items of clothing you could ever own, and if they frighten you, just think that it’s literally just a top and trousers that have been sewn together (don’t try this at home kids, it won’t look good).

You can wear your jumpsuit with trainers, it’ll be forgiving for the mid afternoon bloat and you will have plenty of relatives around to help you out of it when you’re 5 sherries down (your poor uncle will never look at you in the same way).

These two jumpsuits are from Next and will give you mucho longevity next season when you can frolic around in springtime meadows in them.

I am going to finish off by telling you to chill the hell out this Christmas. I had a long walk with my best friend recently and we were chatting about the pressure we feel about Christmas.

Trying to book “the best” Father Christmas is like getting effing Glastonbury tickets and you have to do it in July. Don’t do Elf On The Shelf if it’s going to take away your sanity, don’t make a Christmas Eve box if you have too much shit to do, don’t worry about booking the best Father Christmas – your kids will probably cry anyway!

My memories of Christmas years ago, aren’t the material things. My memories are board games, fun conversations, Christmas Day walks, paperchains that gave you tongue papercuts when you had to lick them and singing Christmas carols at school.

Just enjoy it, do the things you want to do, not the things social media tells you to do.

And if you want a laugh, think about me when I was a teenager. There was a knock on my door one afternoon and one of the boys who bullied me at school, was standing there singing Christmas carols to earn money. It was too late for him to change his mind though and we both had to stand there for 3 painful minutes while he sang Jingle Bells to me.

Happy Christmas Barbarets! 😉

The single best thing about the nights drawing in and the cold autumn mornings, is the opportunity to add a fab new outerwear star piece to your wardrobe.

From Faux fur fabulous to dog walking chic, theres something for everyone.

COLOUR

Bored of black? Check out these babies to brighten up the bleakest of winter days

The winter can be tough enough without fading into the background in black. One thing that we hear so often is that there is a lack of colour for Summer and Spring seasons, the below will give old Joe a run for his money:

Don’t be scared to go really bright, just try and keep the style classic so you can wear it again over the years to come.

The below are suitable for every body shape, long line is not only practical for the winter months, the length will elongate the silhouette beautifully.   

       
M&S, Boden, Mango

CLASSIC

A coat can be a big expense and with sustainability and wanting longevity from our clothes, the below are great classic shapes that wont look out of place for years to come.

The key with classic is to go for exactly that. Avoid anything that has been ‘tampered’ with, for example a few years ago embroidery was all the rage – turning a perfect classic into a nightmare when you turn around to reveal the enormous rose emblazoned on your back – just no. 

Trench

The classic trench comes around every single year. great for showing off that waist Hourglasses and Pears, or creating the illusion of one for Rectangles!   

M&S, New Look, Hobbs

Duster/Single breasted Coat

If you are a Strawberry or Apple look for Duster style, single breasted coats that drape and skim over the silhouette.

Zara, M&S

Camel coat

We often get asked about this style, the main query being, ‘can I wear camel as a Summer or Winter season’? The answer is you absolutely can, whilst the colour is not one from your palette, think instead of what you layer it over. Keep you look simple and chic opting either for simple tailoring and a white shirt or jeans and a good quality tee for a truly chic and classic style.  

F&F, New Look

FAUX

There is always going to be a place for a glamorous faux fur coat, the perfect jacket for the winter parties and guaranteed to give even a jeans and tee outfit a glam edge.

These jackets have a habit of adding bulk to the upper body so go for fitted pieces underneath like skinny jeans or tights and a above the knee a-line skirt and ankle boot.

They will work on every body shape.   

New Look, M&S

Double the fun with the below Animal print number, this will work best on Rectangles and Pears 

M&S

CURVY

Flatter your fabulous feminine curves with styles that show off your gorgeous legs and elongate your silhouette. Don’t shy away from colour, texture and fun, if you are a Curvy Hourglass or Pear aim for belted styles, if you are Strawberry or Apple aim for single breasted/duster styles.

Mango Violeta, Yours, M&S

DOG WALKING/SCHOOL RUN

One of the most common thing we hear is , ‘but I am only walking the dog or on the school run, I don’t want to look over dressed’ – scrap that, turn those pavements into your catwalk! The below ensure you are weather proof, whilst look every bit the chic señorita you are:

Boden, Zara, Hush

PETITE

If your 5’2” and under, don’t be scared to go for longer line coats, just ensure you buy from a petite section as the proportions will be in the right place. Petite ranges will ensure the fit is right not only in the length, but the waist and the sleeve length will both correlate with your height.   

New Look Petite, Boden Petite, 

Remember, it’s all about trying styles that appeal to you. Have fun with it and enjoy sashaying into Autumn in all your fabulous glory.

Sarah xxx

You’ve all been screaming at me to blog about boots since August, but there are 3 reasons I have put off doing so until now.

1. August is summertime and I am a summer girl through and through. I don’t wear boots until it’s absolutely necessary as I believe the winter is TOO GOD DARN LONG, so we should prolong winter wear for as long as possible.
2. I had to wait for the boots to actually come into the shops. It’s been a slow burner this season, but I can safely say that it’s well and truly boots season in the shops now.
3. Let the girl have a holiday, purleeeeease!

I made the mistake of asking on Instagram the other day, “does anyone have any questions about boots they’d like me to answer in a blog?”. The response was like the scene in Bruce Almighty when Jim Carey converts all the prayers to emails and he spends all night speed typing ha ha!!

So I am going to cover as much as possible. So don’t whinge at me cos I am a people pleaser and you will keep me awake at night wondering how you will survive without the boots for your specific shape! There’s literally thousands of you now, so I have broken down the most commonly asked questions….

1. What boots should I wear for my cankles?

Now I don’t like using the term cankles because it’s a negative, but seeing as SO many of you used this word, I thought I would use it as the headline.

Not sure what a cankle is? A cankle is apparently where there is no definition between the calf and the ankle.

So what do we do about cankles? We look for boots that have a gap around the leg. This rule goes for slimming any part of the body you don’t like. Shorts with a gap between the leg or t-shirt sleeves with a gap are going to be much more flattering than something closely fitted.

You should ideally look for slip on boots, such as Chelsea boots. A laced up hiker boot is going to be less flattering as it will lace too closely to the leg.

You could go for Dr Marten’s but ensure you leave a couple of eyelets unlaced to create a nice little gap.

It doesn’t have to be a huge gap – just enough that we see some separation between the leg and the boot.

These boots would be good for cankles….

Topshop

New Look

New Look

River Island

2) But Susie I love knee high boots? Do I have to walk around in bare feet this winter?

Listen, my advice is exactly that. Advice. It’s advice based upon an extensive qualification in styling, as well as 7 years of working with thousands of women. Don’t like it? Don’t take it 🙂

If you love your knee high boots, keep wearing them if they make you feel fabulous. You won’t set off any alarms and I won’t bungee jump into your house, Jason Bourne style, to rip them off you.

If an item of clothing (whatever it is) makes you feel confident then carry on wearing it.

The thing with knee high boots, is that they can look a bit dated (don’t shoot me) but if you like a classic look, you can keep them. They can also shorten the legs and make them look bigger.

That being said, there are clients who absolutely NAIL a classic style and wouldn’t look right in ankle boots. I have helped them choose knee high boots during a personal shop because it’s been right for them and their shape.

Knee high boots can work if you have skinny legs and ankles but try to ensure they have some kind of heel so you don’t look like you’re off to ride Black Beauty.

3) Do I tuck my skinny jeans into ankle boots? Or do I rest them on top? Help me, I am not sleeping I can’t decide what to do.

Chill out girl. You can do either. If I am wearing my Dr Marten’s I tend to tuck my skinny jeans in. If I am wearing a heeled boot or any other type of boot, I roll them up a bit and have them resting on top of the boot.

It’s then inevitable that you will see your leg when you sit down, so you could go for a sexy little pop sock (never thought I would use those words together) or fishnet sock, depending on personal preference. Alternatively just go bare and show that lovely skin.

3) Can I wear boots with trousers or Mom jeans?

Yes but for the love of God, don’t do a flat boot with them! Make sure the boot has some kind of heel.

4) Can anyone wear Dr Marten’s?

They tend to work better if you have either curvy legs or you have a curvy frame overall.

They are a bitch to break in. I had actual blood on my heels the first time I wore them, and limped sadly to the school gate after a 3 hour personal shop. Once my feet recovered I could wear them again, and they are now soft as Utterly Butterly.

5) What do I wear for skinny ankles?

A chunky boot is no friend of the skinny ankle. Look, instead for zipped up boots, hiker boots or any style that is laced up. Topshop generally do great ankle boots that work well for clients with skinny ankles. Avoid Chelsea boots and Dr Marten’s.

These are all from Topshop and would work well…

Western boots also work well. Try these from New Look…

6) How many pairs of boots do you need?

Well I am going to be getting my trusty Dr Marten’s out again (best investment ever) but I am also a lover of animal print boots. They jazz up any outfit, and animal print works as a great neutral that you can clash with any colour or print you’re wearing.

It’s worth having two pairs of boots – one casual pair that you can muck around in, with jeans, and another dressier pair that could work for evenings or work.

I have been to see clients who have 5 or 6 pairs of boots, which isn’t necessary. How many feet do you have?

7) Where do I shop for wide fitting styles?

Sooooo many shops have wide fitting options. So much so, I struggle to find shoes for my narrow, banana feet. Check out New Look, Next, Clark’s, Evans, Yours Clothing, Marks & Spencer, Simply Be and Dorothy Perkins.

So there you go ladies. Go forth and buy the boots. Have fun with it, don’t get hung up on it! Let me know what you end up buying!

One of the biggest pleasures of my job is I get to work with women of all shapes and sizes. The highstreet can be overwhelming and some times intimidating to navigate. We’re all guilty of writing off a brand based on ‘oh they’re too young for me’, ‘too expensive’ , ‘too girly’, but what if we’re writing them off because we’re too scared the brand wont go up to our size? Sound familiar? Not a very pleasant way to shop, is it? I’m here to guide you through some places to go, what to look for and best buys on the highstreet right now. Some you may know, some may surprise you!

New Look: Sizes 18-32. Best for ‘Edgy’, ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’ and ‘Boho’.

Although not in every store, New Look Curves is stocked widely, and ranges are listed online in Store Finder to help you find your closest. This is the place to head for edgy and cool pieces, with this season’s offering being full of boilersuits, slogan tees, camo jackets and acid wash denim.

New Look also stock a great range of shoes that go up to a size 9 and come in wide fittings. 

John Lewis: Please note brands may vary from store to store –

Max Studio: Sizes 18-24. Best for ‘Edgy’.

Hands down my favourite of the curvy ranges, Max Studio have the best range of high-end, good quality pieces ranging from fabulous wide legged culottes to team with blouses, loafers and blazers for chic corporate looks, or with a slogan tee and biker jacket for an edgy daytime vibe. 

Kin: Up to size 20* . Best for ‘Parisian’.

Kin is in a nutshell, achingly cool! Beautiful pieces made from  good quality fabrics, the vibe is slightly scandi and deconstructed in shape, the prints are fab and the colours muted and neutral. Look especially for their shift style maxis, printed poplin tops and shirted waisted tops.

*Kin is generous in fit, with pieces made with oversized and deconstructed tailoring that often works for sizes up to 24.   

Modern Rarity: Up to size 20*. Best for ‘Parisian’.

Another fabulous brand, exclusive to John Lewis, Modern Rarity are great for their tailoring, creating dramatic pieces such as floral print blouses and long line cams and shirts which look fab teamed with a smart trouser or a pair of jeans.

* Modern Rarity is another fab brand that creates beautifully crafted and tailored pieces which can comfortably fit sizes up to 24.

Evans: Sizes 14-32. Best for ‘Girl Next Door’, ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’ and ‘Edgy’.

Evans hides a fabulous little secret in store – and that’s the shoe gallery! As well as stocking some amazing clothing pieces and accessories, if there’s one thing that needs to be on your radar it’s the shoes.

Stocking sizes 4-10 in wide or extra wide fits, the styles are varied, fun and really reasonable! The brand is also great for tailoring, think cigarette trousers and long line blazers, wide strap camies and printed blouses. Team with sandals or a brogue for a stylish autumn look.   

Yours: Sizes 16-36. Best for ‘Girl Next Door’ and ‘Girl Next Door with Edge’.

Yours is a store I desperately want to re-merchandise… The layout is cluttered and confusing and as a result the clothes can look uninspiring and unappealing. But look past all this and there are some real gems to be found – great for stylish culottes, animal print midi dresses and tropical florals – a great destination for some key season pieces that will flatter and accentuate your gorgeous curves.   

Monsoon: Up to size 22. Best for ‘Boho’.

Monsoon is your one-stop destination for feminine and boho chic styles – full of floaty maxis, linens and funky paisley prints. Look for hanky hems – great for flattering the legs. Sleeves are either cap or wide cami straps – great for covering those bra straps. Monsoon also have a great online curve range, stocking sizes up to 24. 

Best of the Online stores

John Lewis I.Scenery: Sizes 18-28.

Amazing for corporate wear with a twist, check out their polkadot suit for a cool and edgy workwear update.

M&S Curve: Sizes 18-32.

I’ll be honest, M&S are in my bad books at the moment. They’ve recently pulled their Curve range from in-store, which, to my mind, is unbelievably frustrating and short sighted. Their current range is a little on the safe side. They’re great for basics: look for tailored trousers, simple shifts and shirts. Put your own stamp on the pieces with oversized necklaces and chunky bracelets from their accessories range.

Mango Violeta: Sizes 14-22.

Best for edgy pieces, think animal print, camo and lace. Current pieces include lace trimmed or coated jeans to team with slogan tees and chunky trainers.

River Island Plus: 18-28.

I love this brand! Think bold and brave pieces, abstract prints, oversized houndstooth and faux leather pleated skirts.

H&M Plus: Sizes L-4XL (16-24).

Edgy, cool and chic – best for wide legged culottes, printed blouses and bardot dresses.

Apricot: sizes 20-26.

In a nutshell, Girl next door! Think pretty floral dresses and kimono style tops to wear with pretty sparkly plimsoles and a denim jacket.

Lindy Bop: Up to Size 26.

The place to go for retro, glam and feminine pieces. Channel your inner Marilyn with their 50’s inspired swing dresses, Rockabilly dresses and funky hair accessories.

And finally…

There are too many amazing brands to go into detail on. I don’t want to be the cause of decreasing bank balances everywhere, so I’ve focused on the ones I think are the best right now! But some others to note are:

Simply Be, ASOS Curve, Flora Day, Elvi, Studio 8 and Dorothy Perkins Curve.

Remember, its all about experimenting. The above is aimed to inspire and encourage trying brands you might have overlooked or written off.

Happy shopping gorgeous ladies xxx

I know you’ll all be groaning, seeing these words, as you haven’t even gone on your summer holidays yet, the kids haven’t broken up and you’ve only just bought your summer sandals.

However, in our world, we are already thinking about the season ahead!

Ideally, it’s always good to start planning next season’s clothes, a few months before. My clients in March, looked at me like I was crazy when I was encouraging them to buy their shorts and sandals. Not so crazy now, as when we actually hit summer, there are no shorts or sandals left!

I have been researching the emerging trends for next season, and I have been keeping an eye on things over the last few months, to see what patterns are forming.

Here are the main trends slowly emerging, and that you should keep a look out for.

SUITS:

I remember buying my first business suit in 2002 when I had my first office job. It was from Next, it was powder blue, and should probably be forgotten! However, at the time, I remember how awesome I felt whenever I wore it.

Suits can now be worn casually and don’t have to be saved for corporate office wear. You may have seen my shorts suit last week from Sainsbury’s which I wore with white trainers.

The beauty of buying a trouser suit is that you can get a few different wears out of it. Firstly, you can wear it as a set and switch out trainers for loafers or brogues, depending on your taste. Secondly, you can use just the jacket with a pair of jeans for a smart, casual look.

Thirdly, you can wear the trousers with a fine knit jumper in winter, loafers or brogues and a biker jacket. So in short, you get three different looks just from one suit, and that doesn’t include the many combinations you can put together using different tops and footwear.

You can go for a black, navy or grey suit, if you want to keep things simple and understated. If you have a more colourful personality, choose a brighter hue, such as green!

The catwalks have been increasingly non binary, with designers sending the message that the same fashion items can be worn by any gender. There are more and more unisex lines being produced, and the silhouettes this season reflect this change.

STATEMENT BAGS:

I saw a bag the other day in Zara, that looked exactly like a puffa jacket. It was so bizarre!

Big bags are flattering if you are curvy, and you can fit lots of crap in a big bag, which is my favourite thing about them!

Choose prints or patterns to jazz up a dark winter coat, or a neutral hue to go with more outfits.

FEATHERS:

I think this is a trend that I will be leaving alone, as I could just imagine it getting my feathers matted on a drizzly school run! Keep an eye out for feathers on shoes (how very 90’s) and on Christmas party frocks later in the year.

It’s also been lovely to see a few designers creating synthetic feathers to keep their lines cruelty free. Others have been sourcing feathers from farms that have naturally molted, to avoid cruelty to birds.

NEON SHOES:

Hailey Bieber caught my eye with her neon heels, distressed jeans and blazer, earlier in the year. A pop of colour can dress up a dark winter outfit, and if you’re wearing a black dress to your Christmas do this year, let your feet do the talking with some brights!

Alternatively, go for some neon trainers that would look fab with coated or skinny jeans, this autumn.

Neon colours look best on dark skintones as they really enhance their naturally deep tones.

WAIST BELTS:

These went out of fashion a few years ago but they are back with a bang. I’ve always loved adding a belt to my outfits as it gives my shape definition. You can have fun with a thin belt or thick one, or even a chain style!

Try mixing prints by adding a leopard print belt to a patterned dress or jumpsuit. This is a trend you could start experimenting with this summer. In winter, start adding belts to shift dresses, skater dresses and shirt dresses.

Cinching in a waist works for all body shapes. Experiment with belts of different widths and have fun with this look!

Alternatively, go for a classic trench coat, which works for all body shapes. It’s so chic and you’ll give the little nod to the cinched in trend!

TARTAN:

90’s grunge isn’t leaving anytime soon! Tartan is great for Autumn/Winter and looks great with thick black tights and ankle boots. If you love the rock chick look, branch out with some Dr Marten boots or some studded biker ones.

If you’re a Strawberry or Apple shape, have fun with some tartan or checked trousers next season.

Every shape looks great in a tartan dress!

LEATHER:

Get those coated jeans back out girls, because leather is staying here for a while! Coated jeans (or leather look jeans) are a great alternative to skinny jeans. You can dress them down with a hoodie and trainers, or dress up for evening drinks with heels and a blouse.

If you haven’t got one already, start looking out for a biker jacket next season. I prefer pleather over leather, because I find it less bulky (and it’s cheaper). A biker jacket will be the hardest working item in your wardrobe as you can wear it with absolutely everything. It updates any outfit you’re wearing and looks great with a chunky, warm scarf.

DOUBLE DENIM:

Is that the sound of B*Witched playing? Yes, double denim is back, particularly the darker shades of denim such as indigo and black.

With this in mind, you can keep wearing those denim boiler suits throughout the winter months, to get the same effect. Denim boiler suits are so comfy because they are warm and their oversized nature, allows you to pop an extra layer underneath to keep you cosy!

POCKETS:

I’ve kept the best one for last – POCKETS! Yes we all love a pocket don’t we?! I see so many clients leap with joy when they try a dress on with pockets. I love them because I am so awkward, it’s somewhere to put my hands when I am talking to someone!

Pockets are getting a supersized makeover and you’ll see them on coats and blazers in particular.

AND FINALLY….

As always, you can skip a trend or jump on it, depending on your personal preference.

Use the trends to work for your shape. As an example, if you’re a Strawberry shape and you have a broader top half, look for tartan or leather on your bottom half, and keep your top half nice and simple.

Play around with it and have lots of fun – that’s what it’s there for!

Come and let me know on Instagram or Facebook, which trend you’re going to try out next season!

Love, Susie xxx

Every time you tell yourself that you are fat, ugly, frumpy, too tall, too short, too this, too that, your body listens. Thinking about your body in this way is harmful to your confidence and it means that over time, all you see in the mirror, are the parts that you don’t like. The good bits get lost and forgotten, like precious toys thrown to the back of a cupboard.

When you feel crap about the way you look, you don’t want to see anyone, you don’t want to go to that party, you don’t want to have your photo taken and you want to blend into the background.

It’s normal to feel that way (particularly around your period!) but if you find this is becoming a recurrent thing, it’s time to look at ways of breaking the cycle, before you become completely reclusive. I can’t promise that you will feel confident every day (not even celebrities do), but I can promise there are ways of changing your mindset and rewiring your brain to make the good days more frequent than the bad.

I have parts about my body that I’m not keen on. Yes I am a stylist that promotes body positivity, but I have my own body hangups that come and go. But that’s half the reason I am good at my job, is that I totally GET how you feel. I never tell anyone the parts about myself that I’m not so keen on (after all, how boring is that for conversation?!). Instead, I focus on the bits I DO like.

I like my legs, I like my collarbones, I like my arms, I like my boobs and I like my eyes. More than anything, I like my personality and that wins every time, no matter what you’re wearing!

If I am having a day when my hair isn’t going right or I am not feeling so hot about the way I look, I focus on the good. I wear an outfit that shows off a good part of my body or I tell a funny story on Instagram to make people laugh. I don’t hide away in a baggy outfit, I don’t shy away from social media and I certainly don’t cancel plans.

I never weigh myself, I never compare myself and I try to follow my own path with what I wear, say and do.

A month ago I was on a lot of medication for my asthma that left me breathless, sleepless and depleted of energy. Taking my selfie photos in the morning was so hard because I felt like death most days and would have to wipe the sweat from my face where my body was really struggling. It would have been easy for me to hide away and only show you my good days, but that’s not reality is it?

Instead, I wore lots of pretty dresses that month, I did regular face masks, upped my tanning regime and treated myself to lovely new makeup. I changed my diet, I cut out alcohol, caffeine and prioritised sleep, rest and self-care. I felt dreadful in myself but making that effort each day, made me feel so much more positive.

Don’t neglect yourself. If you’re feeling crap, don’t drown your sorrows with more wine in the evening which leads to bad sleep, slugglishness and a low mood the following day. Look after yourself from the inside out and care for yourself in every way possible.

Surround yourself with good people. My circle is small, tight and I only let certain people in, who make me feel energised and loved. Note how you feel after you have seen certain friends. Do you feel positive afterwards or do you come away feeling a little bit down about yourself? Surround yourself with those that lift you up, not the ones that try to bring you down.

I know that a lot of you can struggle even naming one part of yourself that you like. But I bet if you thought about it, you could come up with something – even if it’s just your fingernails. Paint them a bright colour!

Ask a friend within your ‘circle of trust’ to tell you 3 positive things about your appearance. Don’t dismiss them. Thank them for their words, write them down and really focus on them, even if you don’t believe what they say. Use them as affirmations, tell yourself every day that you have good legs, a great waist and a lovely smile.

Focusing on the good, eradicates the bad. It gives less energy to the bad and it makes it less of a big deal.

Nobody else notices the bits you don’t like. Nobody cares, and I will tell you why….because everyone is so worried about how THEY look, they don’t have the capacity to focus on your thread veins/tummy/bum/ankles.

It’s possible to love your body and it’s possible to find confidence and self love. You just need to train your mind, like you’d train your body if you were running a marathon.

Keep at it every day and you’ll get there. Your body and mind will thank you for it xx

There’s a common theme that occurs. When you find the world of Styled By Susie you feel excited at what is to come! You see all of the ladies on our community, talking about Apples, Hourglasses and Pears, and you want a piece of the action!

You send off your photos and questionnaire, and wait for the results. This is going to change your life like it’s changed everyone else’s right?

You receive your Style Analysis and with excitement, you read through it, texting your friends to tell them what shape and colouring you are.

But what happens next? Many clients are absolutely fine and run off to experiment, never to be heard of again!

Others feel fearful…the fear of getting it “wrong” and overthinking everything in their wardrobe. After all, how chunky is too chunky a trainer?

If this is you…..stop….and breathe!

This blog is to help you with the next stages, after your Style Analysis.

Step 1) Read your Style Analysis.

This seems simple doesn’t it? But you really need to read it! Read it once, twice, three times, four times. Each time you read it, you’ll find something else. Each time you read it, it’ll make more sense. The temptation is to skim through the analysis and not take it in properly.

Don’t read your analysis when the kids are around. Sit down with a coffee and a quiet moment and read through it slowly.

Step 2) Make a list.

What jumps out at you? What excites you? We might have mentioned something you don’t like (such as ripped jeans). If you don’t like it, don’t wear it! Instead, make a list of the parts that DO excite you. Maybe some new colours, a different type of print or maybe a new type of costume jewellery.

Step 3) Head to Pinterest.

Create a Pinterest account and start looking for inspiration. Type in key words that we might have mentioned, such as “tortoiseshell earrings” or “biker jacket maxi dress”.

You will get lots of inspiration from Pinterest, and while many of the women on there are models, you can still see how items are put together, if you are someone that struggles to visualise something.

Step 4) Use the Facebook Community (but please be respectful)

Our Facebook Community is a hive of activity and a great place to chat to fellow clients and followers.

Please remember that every analysis is unique and bespoke. While you may be an hourglass, you might have been given different advice to another hourglass.

This doesn’t mean your information is “wrong” (remember we are a small business and before you post, we ask that you think how it may come across). It just means that you are an individual and we have given you our professional advice, based on your shape.

If you jump in there too early and say “Just been diagnosed as a Winter Apple. What should I wear?”….Firstly, this is frustrating for us to read, because all of the tools are in your analysis advising you what to wear, and secondly you might get a fellow Apple advising you, who has been given alternative advice!

So enjoy the community, but remember your analysis is bespoke to you only.

Step 5) Look through your wardrobe.

Purchase our decluttering guide from the website, which has helped many clients who don’t live locally enough to see us in person. We give you all the tools to declutter your wardrobe. From there, you can purchase our Basic Bitches TM guide, which gives you a great shopping list of items for your body shape.

Step 6) Try some new colours.

If the thought of trying a patterned jumpsuit is freaking you out, then start small. Try a new lipstick, a new coloured scarf or maybe just a different neckline.

You really don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe straight away, and baby steps will be much more effective in the long run, while you are seeing what works and what doesn’t work for you.

Step 7) Don’t like it? Don’t wear it.

Styled By Susie advice isn’t legally binding. There’s no siren that will go off if you wear ballet pumps tomorrow. Our advice is purely that…advice!

Step 8) The work has to come from you.

Your Style Analysis is a toolkit. It gives you ideas and suggestions, designed to help you shop by yourself.

If you saw a counsellor, would you expect the counsellor to fix everything in your life while you sat back, without making any changes?

The counsellor gives you tools to apply to your life, in the same way that we give you tools to apply to your style.

Ultimately, you have to be ready to put the work in, and how far you wish to try and experiment, completely depends on your mindset. The great thing is that you always have your Style Analysis to refer back to, and the Facebook Community for support.

Points to remember….

1. There is no such thing as failure. As long as you are trying new styles and having fun, you can’t fail or go wrong.
2. It’s not an overnight process. I (Susie) became a stylist in 2012 and I am still experimenting and developing my style, 7 years later. Your style is never complete.

Susie here! There is something hugely liberating about wearing dungarees. Any item of clothing that makes you feel happy, fun and childlike, is fine by me! When you become an adult and have responsibilities, endless unanswered emails, bills, school runs and little snotty noses to wipe, it’s easy to feel like life has become waaaaaay too serious.

When life feels too serious, it becomes even more depressing when you spend your life confined to boring clothes!

Any form of “all in one” can be scary when you first try it. I have many clients that have shuddered in fear when I have presented a jumpsuit in a changing room, but ended up loving it, and then buying several others, months later. Wearing it for the first time can be scary but you soon get used to it.

Boilersuits are going to be huge this season, and I can personally vouch for how comfortable they are. Due to their loose fitting nature, it’s always best to size down (yes, even in Topshop!).

Both boilersuits, current stock from ASOS.com

Who do they suit?

While jumpsuits suit all body shapes, dungarees are slightly more restrictive. Due to the clasp detail and position of the upper part of the dungarees, they are less forgiving for women with fuller busts (say, an F cup, upwards).

If you have a fuller bust, you could always try wearing your dungarees undone for a more relaxed, casual look. I have been known to wear mine like this, by the time it’s 6pm and I am cooking dinner!

Image from Pinterest.

Boilersuits are a great alternative to dungarees, if you have a fuller bust, yet they also work on smaller busted ladies. They usually have a zipped upper body, which works well for all shapes, even if you’re breastfeeding and need easy access.

Boilersuit, current stock from Boohoo, at ASOS.com

I’m plus size – why can’t I find any boiler suits?

Boilersuits don’t tend to come in many plus size ranges, so if you’re above a size 20, it’s worth going down the jumpsuit route instead (of which there are many!). Go for big, bold patterns and style them in the same way that we have recommended below.

I’m tall. Can I wear boilersuits?

Hell yes, girlfriend. This style was positively MADE for you! Go forth and boilersuit yourself up.

I’m petite. Can I wear boilersuits?

Many petite ranges stock boilersuits, but I recommend sizing down to ensure they don’t drown your frame too much.

Boilersuit, current stock from ASOS.com

How do I style them?

Dungarees and boilersuits look great as casual daywear. All they need are a pair of trainers in springtime or flip flops in summertime! Roll up the cuffs and hems of your boilersuit, to feminise the look.

Boilersuit, current stock from Topshop

If you’re unsure how to style dungarees, you can’t go too wrong. You can keep the look really plain and simple, with a white tee underneath, or a Breton stripe. When it’s warmer, go for a vest top, and when it’s cooler you can even pop a jumper underneath.

Image from Pinterest

Just a word of caution – never wear yellow underneath a pair of dungarees as you’ll look like a Minion!

What style of dungarees are best?

Dungarees come in a variety of styles. The style that suits most body shapes, would be a pair of dungarees with a skinny jean style leg. A relaxed, boyfriend style dungaree, is great if you’re really tall or you have slender hips.

Dungarees are also great to wear when you are pregnant and want to feel stylish, not frumpy!

Both current stock from ASOS.com

How should a boiler suit fit?

With boiler suits, they are traditionally designed to be loose fitting, so don’t worry if it’s not super fitted like a jumpsuit or pair of dungarees. The loose fitting nature of a boiler suit, adds to the cool, casual element and is really comfortable!

How do I leave the house confidently?

The first time you wear your dungarees or boilersuit out of the house, you will feel self conscious. This is only natural because it’s down the “upper end” of the scary scale on most people’s comfort zones! It doesn’t help when your husband or partner makes a rude comment (I will skip to the ending – men don’t tend to like them!).

When you wear something new for the first time, you may feel like the whole World is watching and staring, but most people are too consumed in their own minds, worries, thoughts and insecurities, to be worried about what others are wearing. In short, no one cares.

If they do stare, and if they do say anything, it is probably because they think you look fab, or they wish they were brave to take such a style risk.

I felt really scared wearing mine for the first time, but now I love them and I feel like 12 year old Susie when I spring around in them. You should really try it!

Your Styled by Susie guide to all that’s hot next season, by Sarah Lilly.

It seems unimaginable to think beyond the glitter and sparkle of the festive season, but for those of us who are trying daily to build lasting capsule wardrobes out of Christmas Jumpers and sequinned boob tubes the glimpse of next season’s trends is a welcome sight!

Below I’ll reveal the trends we think are going to be hitting the highstreet, what to look for now and how to get a step ahead of the fashion pack.

Whats great about looking at the Catwalks is that, to some degree, everything filters down to the highstreet. At first glance it’s easy to look and see a mass of collections that simply won’t work in Tesco or on the school run, but when you look closely, you can start to spot some trends that might start popping up over the coming months.

Colour palette

We’ll see a nice even mix of offerings for the seasons, with winters and summers having pale yellows, light blues, pale sage greens and cobalt blue. Autumns do well again this season with deep olives greens, warm reds and chocolate browns – springs can pinch some autumn colours including like the warm reds. Cobalt blues will be a colour we can all use – team SBS colours anyone?!
Below l-r: buttermilk yellow, powder blue, sage green, oat, deep olive, auburn red, cobalt blue, chocolate brown.

Shapes and cuts

We’ll see eighties shapes continue – think shoulder pads and big earrings. Skirt lengths are midi, A-line, asymmetrical and maxi. We’ll see some difference in waistlines with the 1920s dropped waistband, although thankfully The high-waisted trouser is staying (I hear the cheer!). Trousers continue to be beautiful and wide-legged or slim and tapered, cigarette style.

Lace and trimmings

Where to buy now: Warehouse, Zara, Dorothy Perkins, M&S.

Look for pieces that have a little lace detail, like the above Zara trousers with a lace cuff at the bottom, or the warehouse jumper with tonal lace inlay at the neck.

Feathers and fringing

Where to buy now: Topshop, Dorothy Perkins.

This trend is obviously one of the more extreme. The best way to add a little bit into your outfit its to accessorise. This could be with a cool necklace, earrings or indeed the feather mule!

Pattern clash continued…

Where to buy now: Warehouse, H&M, Mango.

The simplest way to do this trend is to DIY it. This trend has been around 2 seasons now and is getting more extreme. A easy way of doing it is adding a patterned belt to a patterned dress, or some patterned tights to a patterned skirt. Its really an ‘anything goes’ trend, so don’t be scared to go bold!

Coloured tailoring

Where to buy now: Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins, River Island.

This is probably the easiest fashion update you can go for. Accessible to all of us, this trend is suitable for all body shapes and there will be a broad range of colours to choose from.

The BIG bow

Where to buy now: Zara, M&S.

Oh my goodness this trend makes me happy! This is why I adore fashion so much – there is a sense of humour at the root of this. Our interpretation doesn’t have to be so oversized – instead tie a pussy bow with a silky blouse, or you could incorporate the above pattern clash and tie a silky scarf in a big bow over the top of a printed blouse or t-shirt.

The cycling short

This is more of a heads up than a ‘lets do this!’. There is one place these belong and thats, lets see, oh yeah, they don’t…

And just in case there was ever any doubt…