How To Freshen Up Your Urban Uniform

Is it time to freshen up your urban uniform?

You can look away now if you’ve never worn skinny jeans and a Breton stripe top together. I am a fan of this ensemble too but sometimes it does feel like I’m wearing a uniform and I want to freshen it up a little. Apparently, the Breton Stripe was originally a Naval uniform, designed to help distinguish the sailors from the waves so you could find them more easily when they fell overboard. As most of us are not in any immediate danger of going overboard and we have the freedom to wear what we want, I think we can allow ourselves a change. The arrival of the first ranges of spring gives a perfect time to do this.

I’ll start with the jeans as there is going to be a massive shift in denim this season. It already started bubbling under last year but now the stores are full of new shapes and styles and there are lots of them! In a nutshell, we are moving away from skinny jeans into higher waists, straighter legs and flares. The more fashion forward among us will probably go for the ‘Mom’ jeans which sit high on the waist with a wide slightly tapered leg. Also, look out for the crop flare as modelled by Alexa Cheung. I like the ‘Girlfriend’ jeans which are more flattering than the ‘Boyfriend’ and have a slim, tapered but not skinny leg. They are as versatile as the skinny as you can wear them with ankle boots, heels and trainers.

Stripes, including the Breton, are a big trend this season. I’ve chosen this bold, bright one as we can all benefit from an injection of colour in this trans-seasonal period. There will be lots of bold stripes around this season, in dresses, skirts and even trousers – eek!

The popularity of trainers shows no sign of abating, thank goodness! I’ve chosen these Velcro ones as I love the Khaki colour but the outfit would work with any colour and style, including a skater pump.

Moving on to the ‘Coatigan’. I didn’t make up this word – honest! These are a brilliant staple to any casual wardrobe. The longer line shape covers a multitude of sins and they add a contemporary twist to any outfit. Just one word of caution, this is not the same as a ‘waterfall cardigan’ which can age most of us by 10 years. The new shape has a cocoon silhouette with a clean edge and….no waterfall!

I’ve finished off the outfit with this beautiful printed scarf which complements the colours in the top. It’s a silk square, another big trend for the season, which will take you though to the warmer weather and beyond. In cold weather the outfit would work just as well with a chunky scarf too, especially in a check.

Finally the bag. I’ve chosen a simple, cross shoulder style as I like to be hands free when I’m not working. You can’t go wrong with tan leather as it will work with everything.

Stockists

Jeans – Gap, Top – Top Shop, Shoes – Whistles, Scarf – Liberty, Bag – & Other Stories

If you feel you need to add some fresh spring styles into your wardrobe why not book a Personal Shopping session today? I’ll help you pull together a selection of styles that will work for your lifestyle and budget, saving you pounds and hours in the long run.