Buying Outerwear Without Losing Style

Buying outerwear, activity wear, winter wear

without losing style

Considerations of practicality often trump any thoughts of style when it comes to wet weather clothing, activity wear and colder weather items. Our desire to be warm and comfortable can often mean any considerations of style are long left behind. These clothes do not often put a spring in our step or enhance our look! I thought I’d give you a few ideas to boost your look and tackle buying those practical pieces we all need. 1) Decide what you need. I know this sound really obvious but our lifestyles can change year on year, so be honest about what you are going to need. Get all those clothes you currently have in this category together and cast a critical eye over them. What is now past its best, could do with renewing or needs some other attention (dry cleaners?). What is missing? 2) Start early. Kick this process off ahead of the season. If you know in advance what you need you have more time to consider the options and find something great rather than buying out of desperation an item ‘that’ll do’ that you subsequently regret and then feel you have to hang on to. You want to feel great in these clothes too! 3) Online research can really come into its own at this stage. If you need serious performance or have some particular requirements get online and again start sooner rather than later. Clothing retailers start getting their first season’s options out early. Don’t just go to your usual option, keep a broad mind. Contact your consultant too to see if they have any top tips for particular brands that might work for you. 4) Colour is key. A neutral or a wow colour will serve you best for investment pieces. You will be confident that it looks fab on you too. It will also work with everything else in your wardrobe.

It will also add some style and interest in it’s own right. Plus it will be a boost when you put it on. 5) Styles. Remember there is huge variety out there with new brands coming along all the time so don’t go for the first thing. Does this highly practical waterproof hit any of my style considerations? Does it come in at my waist if that’s what my style needs (they do exist)? Is there an interesting detail that adds something

to it? If you’re not seeing anything great leave it a little while and come back to it. 6) Accessories. If you’re not investing in a new snow proof, rain proof option just yet think about renewing the gloves, hats, etc. in some fab colours. This is where you can add some more personality (and if you’ve done style consultation you’ll know what that could look like) to your look. Again don’t necessarily just opt for the first woolley hat offering warmth that comes your way. Be choosy, would a little felt trilby (they can be waterproof!) actually be more fun and stylish while walking the dog? 7) Don’t compromise. You might be spending a fair amount of time in that winter jacket, why not absolutely love it. We owe it to ourselves.

Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist