Ask The Expert
Keeping up Appearances
Keeping ahead of the fashion stakes may not be as easy as it was before you had kids, but with Debbie's advice you can look effortlessly elegant seven days a week.
Hiya,
I lead a very busy life with a full time job and young kids and tend to dress for comfort and convenience rather than style. I like nice clothes and I'd like to put more effort into my appearance but I just don't have the time. I don't wear heels, I'd like to but they're impractical. I live in T-shirts and jeans but need a change! Any tips?
Thanks.
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hello,
First off, I'm tempted to say, what's wrong with T-shirts and jeans? Most young mums live in a similar 'uniform', and as long as the jeans fit well, it's a great look, all year round.
The key is to get the colours right and add the best accessories. Blue denims, worn with a crisp white t-shirt and a funky 'ethnic' leather belt, are a fabulous combination. Add an elegant cashmere cardigan or this season's short fitted jacket and you could take the look anywhere.
But if you want a change, here are a few ideas. For this season I'd add four key pieces to your staple jeans 'n' T-shirt look:
1) A pair of cropped trousers (wide legged or more fitted 'jeans' style) which would look great with your collection of T-shirts.
2) A kaftan, which you could wear with the cropped trousers or with your jeans.
3) A simple cotton dress for days when you want to look a little smarter.
4) A front-tie cardigan, the kind that ties just under the bust.
As the summer is well underway, I'd hit the sales for your wardrobe updates, as you'll only have two or three months of wear out of them at most. Most of the stores are well into sales and there are some great bargains to be had. If time is your problem then shop online. La Redoute is worth checking out. They are a French company that sell very up-to-the minute clothes at very reasonable prices, and they are having a sale right now. Alternatively, Next, Top Shop and Marks & Spencer all sell their collections online.
I lead a very busy life with a full time job and young kids and tend to dress for comfort and convenience rather than style. I like nice clothes and I'd like to put more effort into my appearance but I just don't have the time. I don't wear heels, I'd like to but they're impractical. I live in T-shirts and jeans but need a change! Any tips?
Thanks.
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hello,
First off, I'm tempted to say, what's wrong with T-shirts and jeans? Most young mums live in a similar 'uniform', and as long as the jeans fit well, it's a great look, all year round.
The key is to get the colours right and add the best accessories. Blue denims, worn with a crisp white t-shirt and a funky 'ethnic' leather belt, are a fabulous combination. Add an elegant cashmere cardigan or this season's short fitted jacket and you could take the look anywhere.
But if you want a change, here are a few ideas. For this season I'd add four key pieces to your staple jeans 'n' T-shirt look:
1) A pair of cropped trousers (wide legged or more fitted 'jeans' style) which would look great with your collection of T-shirts.
2) A kaftan, which you could wear with the cropped trousers or with your jeans.
3) A simple cotton dress for days when you want to look a little smarter.
4) A front-tie cardigan, the kind that ties just under the bust.
As the summer is well underway, I'd hit the sales for your wardrobe updates, as you'll only have two or three months of wear out of them at most. Most of the stores are well into sales and there are some great bargains to be had. If time is your problem then shop online. La Redoute is worth checking out. They are a French company that sell very up-to-the minute clothes at very reasonable prices, and they are having a sale right now. Alternatively, Next, Top Shop and Marks & Spencer all sell their collections online.
