This week I want to help you think about how to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and on trend without slavishly following fashion. I don’t really like that ‘F’ word and I suspect, if you’re reading this, then neither do you. I do, however, think it’s a good thing to follow trends to a point so that your style isn’t dated, and you look current. 

#Truthbomb the fashion industry has a massive influence in what we wear, however original we like to think we are. They decide and forecast key trends in styles and colours and that filters down into the high street way in advance. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, when I was a young designer, the studio that I worked for were involved in the forecasting industry. We hear about Pantone colour of the year etc – this is the type of thing I mean. 

You’ll notice recurring themes popping up in shops, in magazines and Sunday supplements, with Gok on This Morning etc. This summer has ‘stories’ (i.e. Trends) around stripes, capes and corsets for example – not necessarily altogether! 

The key trends on the catwalks tend to filter down into the High street. Here’s what to look out for in summer 2021 if you want to be on trend: 

• Black and white is on trend this summer, it is a tricky combo of colours for most people to wear without being draining but you could buy a tote bag and team it with colour blocked separates or tie a black and white scarf to your current handbag instead of physically wearing it. Be creative. Or don’t bother and stick with what you know suits you. 

• Floaty maxi dresses – this will be a good one as far as I’m concerned. I love a maxi dress because it’s an all-in-one outfit. Personally, I prefer the ones that finish just above the ankle or they can be a trip hazard and I’m of an age where if I have a fall people are concerned. 

• Wide legged trousers are in – be careful with these though. Even the lankiest, skinniest models look a bit crap if they’re not styled right. I suggest wearing with a more fitted top with them. Think about volume – fitted top/voluminous bottoms or vice versa. If you have volume top AND bottom, you’ll just look shorter and wider. 

• Bralettes – so basically a cut off, strappy top showing your belly. Great if you’ve spent your lockdown doing sit ups. I’ll leave this one there. 

• Cut outs – see above. There were lots of dresses with holes cut out of the sides. If I wore something like I’d look like something out of a butcher’s shop window ready for roasting on a Sunday. 

• Corsets – if you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood you’ll know that these have never been out of fashion in her eyes. Corsets are great for cinching you in but if you’ve ever worn one and are well endowed, you’ll know what I mean when I say about your boobs coming out under your chin when you sit down. They look great when you are standing up though. My wedding dress had a corseted back and it very supportive once I was laced into it but is not something I’d wear on a daily basis. 

• Capes – these could be a winner! Hide a multitude of sins and have a romantic feel to them. Cape dresses and tops are a spin-off of this trend. 

• Net – this to me, looks like crochet stuff so could be an easy one to adopt. Bolero jackets, hobo handbags etc 

• ‘Lady with a twist’ – this trend is basically a pretty dress with a cagoule or sportswear with something pretty. I think it might be a trickier look to carry off with panache… 

In my opinion, it’s not worth spending a large amount of money on an item that is a key trend, as it will look quite dated the following year. I’d say be aware of trends and IF you like, them then adapt them to suit your signature style. You need to comfortable in what you are wearing to feel confident. 

I think it’s generally much more important to you when you are younger to follow fashion, you don’t really mind if things don’t suit you or not. As you get older and your personal style evolves, you can adapt fashion to suit you. 

I’m certainly not saying just because you are a woman of a certain age you should ignore trends, but I am suggesting that you adapt trends to suit your colouring, body shape, lifestyle and personal style. For example, you might love a bit of animal print (like myself) choose one item in it and team it up with your neutrals; it could be a pair of shoes, a handbag, a dress, a scarf, a top - just don’t be tempted to dress head to toe in it. 

If you’re anything like me, you just want that feeling of confidence when you look good and feel amazing in your clothes. And this is where understanding what works for you as an individual comes into its own. 

You probably want to look on trend but then start worrying about looking like mutton dressed as lamb. You are definitely NOT ready for a twinset and pearls or wearing those Velcro fastening shoes from the back of the Sunday supplements. Neither do you want to dress like your daughter. 

You are somewhere in the middle; young at heart and want to look nice but aren’t always sure that you’ve got your outfit 100% right. It doesn’t seem that easy to get things feeling perfect; so that you look great and walk out of the door feeling self-assured. 

For that to happen you need to feel comfortable and confident that you’re expressing your identity authentically. You’re saying something about who you are – happy in your own skin and have your personal style nailed. You always know what to wear. You can get dressed without the stress. 

The problem is you have a wardrobe full of clothes but still feel like you’ve got nothing to wear, and you feel frustrated. You get cross with yourself because you’re an intelligent woman. This should be easy for someone like you, a successful woman in the prime of her life…why can’t you manage to be one of those women who always look effortlessly stylish? 

If this sounds a bit like you then you then you’ll be pleased to know you’re in good company. I hear this kind of story often. I created my business because I believe that you deserve to look good and feel amazing regardless of your age or body shape. I understand that you don’t have loads of time to faff about every day which is why I offer a range of products and services to help women like you. 

With the recently opened non-essential retail have you got excited to go clothes shopping or have you got more used to doing it all online? 

Before you dash off out and buy stuff, I’m inviting you to check out my different programs that will save you time and money in the long run they start at just £57 with the Suss Your Style in 30 Days program. 

By investing in yourself and working with me it at whatever level it will help you stop mindlessly rifling through lots of different clothes, and instead, open your wardrobe and immediately be able to choose clothes that are not only appropriate for what you are doing that day, but make you look and feel amazing too!