How to make outfits interesting

By popular request it’s another style tips post today – you see one of the conversations that crops up regularly during the colder months is about how to make outfits interesting. That’s because so often our AW wardrobes consist of darker colours that initially feel refreshing after summer’s brights but then quickly become monotonous. Of course your individual look has a lot to do with the way you wear things but years of studying market research has shown me that when midlife women are surveyed about their personal style, they tend to fall into two camps. There are the ‘style doyennes’, those who are confident in their look, who know how to dress their frame to its best advantage and communicate their personality through the clothes and colours that they wear. And then there are the ‘style seekers’ who will say they struggle, either because they don’t have the time/budget to experiment… or they find their body and/or life is changing… or simply because they don’t feel the visuality of style is their skillset.

This means that each camp is looking for something different when it comes to shopping for clothes. The women who know their style have often established their capsule wardrobe, they’ve invested in their key pieces but they find themselves easily stuck in a rut, bored with their established look and in search of inspiration. The other group want to reinvent their wardrobe but don’t know where to begin. So retailers have to provide for both without alienating either camp; they need to have good, solid foundation pieces but also the extras that will add new flair to an established wardrobe. And the common ground is that everyone wants to work out how to make outfits interesting.

Today I’m looking at Boden because they’re probably one of the few brands that caters well for both groups of style hunters. As we all know, after a few years of courting fashionability they very publicly did an about-turn this spring. They promised to return to their roots and bring back the clothes and approach that made them such a cornerstone of the British high street. And it’s working. Whereas sales to December 2023 were down by 13%, this year they’ve not only recovered but they’ve seen 18% growth.

What do they put it down to? Gently updating tried and tested staples but also going back to their encapsulation of optimistic British style, conveyed by models and photos that tell a story. And when you think about it they really are pretty much the only retailer that shows women who appear to be out and about enjoying themselves – they give us permission to smile and be happy in everyday settings. They don’t equate cool with moody and that in itself is refreshing.

Now usually, as you know, I’d be doing a try-on but today I’m looking at style theory instead. It’s partly because, as I mentioned,  quite a few of you said you really enjoyed the style tips I ran earlier this month and wanted more. It’s also because I have what I’m hoping isn’t a slipped disc which means I just can’t take things on and off easily at the moment. So let’s look at some forensic solutions to how to make outfits interesting – and I’m aiming to have ideas for everyone today, whether you’re a style doyenne or a style seeker. A challenge is that a lot of pieces are selling out as fast as Boden launch them this season but everything I’ve featured here is, as I type, either in stock or available on pre-order.

How to make outfits interesting

1. Add one hero piece

A hero piece is the one that you find yourself immediately drawn to and yet so often pass by, afraid that it’ll be ‘too much.’ Often these items are wardrobe saviours though, enabling you to wear your simplest, plainest outfits and yet still have panache. Here I’m looking at this fabulous pair of leopard boots dropping next week but there’s also a silver pair that would be interchangeable. I already have these boots in both the plain black and the tan so I know they’re true to size and I’ve pre-ordered them in leopard. The thing about a pair of boots like this is that they do all of the work you need to lift an outfit. I’ve had a pair in snakeprint for years and any time I want to wear simple blocks of navy, black, brown or grey they elevate everything for me. The other benefit is that they’re great for wearing with shorter skirts because they break up the need for tights that tone perfectly – a problem I often have with plain navy or black boots.

So the outfit rows here are just three different ways of incorporating them into your wardrobe. The first with skinny jeans tucked in, the second with one of Boden’s fabulous tulle skirts (I have three of these in different colours and they’re the skirt I wear more than any others because of the texture they add to a winter outfit). The third is worn with the midi-dress that sold out as soon as it landed because it’s so very Me+Em in style with its zip front for an adjustable neckline and its flattering waist panel. It’s such a suits-all colour too and it’s been restocked on pre-order.

Style notes

• Camel coat: timeless wool blend coat that will work with everything
• Black and ivory breton: wear it with black jeans like this or with blue to add a Parisian edge – so much cooler than the classic navy version
• Leopard belt: buy now, wear it forever, a subtle nod to the perennial trend
• Skinny jeans: seemingly coming back, for some they never went out of style – yes you can wear skinny jeans
• Scalloped cardigan: a cardigan is often a better option than a jumper because the neckline can be adjusted to balance the outfit – and your temperature levels!
• Tulle skirt: a constant in my wardrobe – especially good for travel because you pack them twisted into a corner of your bag and they never crease
• Zip front dress: an adjustable neckline that will cater for both a large and small bust with a flat waist panel to disguise any lumpy areas
• Leopard boots: as discussed, outfit saviours and a great talking point – they suggest confidence whether you’re feeling it or not

2. Introduce a trans-seasonal colour

Moving on to the trans-seasonal colour, I’ve had a strong response from you this season on the subject of multi-seasonal colours – i.e buying colours that work all year round rather than being a specifically seasonal shade such as burgundy. So here’s a way of using pink which is joyfully unexpected in winter and it comes with the extra edge of adding a touch of metallic too. I often wear metallic boots and shoes and tops as you know, they’re always a conversation starter because they shine out whenever you’re in a sea of flat tones and patterns. Here even the bomber jacket has a touch of sparkle in the trim. If you remember the common thread theory from last time, I’m working it here.

You’ll notice I’m playing around with jeans styles in these boards. That’s because a few of you have said you find the current trends of wide and barrel/horseshoe jeans hard to wear. I’m not a huge fan of barrels either unless they’re worn with a heel – I know they’re super cool but I very rarely see anybody other than models working them well with a flat shoe or trainer. And that’s the key with jeans, you just need to find whatever shape works for your body and your lifestyle. I wear wide jeans or flares with trainers in the city and the girlfriend jeans below are one of my favourites for my country life. They’re flattering and easy to tuck into wellies.

Style notes

• Bomber with feature trim: wool and viscose blend bomber in a neat Parisian style fit, glitter trims to elevate any outfit
• Metallic belt: can be worn with jeans or dresses to add an extra element to your look
• Sporty sweatshirt: sporty chic is key this season whether as a sweatshirt or a rugby shirt, guaranteed to add youthful insouciance to simple weekend style
• Girlfriend jeans: the Goldilocks of classic jeans – not too wide, not too skinny, more flattering for most people than the looser boyfriend look
• Silver loafers: silver continues to be the key metallic this year, these loafers will add to all kinds of different outfits
• Metallic bag: add a splash of colour to all of your winter looks, a sensible black or navy coat will look so much more stylish worn with a pop of colour and sparkle like this

3. Work with texture

Quite a few of you are finding yourselves back in the office on a more regular basis for the first time since 2019. You’re telling me that there’s a new hybrid dress code, not as casual as wfh but not as smart as office attire used to be. This is where with working texture can be the solution, enabling you to build a low key mix and match capsule but still have a bit of chutzpah too. Texture is the most important element when you’re wearing simple shapes and colours. Here I’ve mixed wool, ponte, silk. velvet, suede, pearls and metallic to create an outfit of constant contrasts. The differing textures absorb light in varying ways meaning that as you move around, the outfit changes giving it a luxe look that goes way beyond the plain, flat navy of a uniform.

The necklace will be a bit of a shock after the last ten years of layering light chains but it’s a look that’s coming back as the statement moves from ears to collar. Polka dots are suddenly everywhere too. And the ‘third article’ (remember the last style theory post?), the metallic bag with its guitar style strap ensures everything is bang up to date.

Style notes

• Wool coat: another wool blend classic in a cut that works so well with trousers or midi-lengths, the texture and trim raises it higher than other high street options
• Spotty silk blouse: as 80s style makes a comeback the polka dot returns and this will work for the office or at weekends with a simple pair of jeans
• Velvet blouse: a desk to dinner option with a flattering high collar and ruffle front – easy care jersey velvet
• Ponte trousers: Not in a rush to wear restrictive tailored trousers? Try these with a classic tapered cut and plenty of stretch – three lengths available, also in black
• Loafers: the most versatile style of loafer because the pointed toe adds balance to wide leg trousers as well as an Audrey Hepburn effect to crops
• Gold toned earrings: almost a pearl but not quite and in an oversized shape so not too classic, wear them at Christmas and all year round
• Statement necklace: the vintage style necklaces slowly making their way back – wear this over a turtle neck as well as with a blouse
• Gold bag: simple leather crossbody with great reviews, removable strap, also available in pillarbox red

4. Play with a trend

If you already have everything you need and are stuck for inspiration why not play with a returning trend? Boho, as you’ll have heard, is back but in a softer way than last time. Chloe made it look fresh again by presenting it in soft shapes and colours. Once again this is a season-less outfit that will work all year round.  The faux sheepskin jacket will work with most things in your wardrobe to give them a Boho slant and the waistcoat is one of the few I’ve seen without the oversized shoulderline that ruins your silhouette. It’ll work over a turtleneck jumper in the depths of January all the way to a white t-shirt on a cool summer day. Wide jeans are most definitely the simplest way of updating your wardrobe right now and these have both petite and long options too – I know not everybody finds them easy to wear but if you haven’t tried them yet give them a go, they might be just the update you’re looking for.

Style notes

• Faux sheepskin jacket: I have this in the long version and absolutely love it, so cosy and yet the light colours lift every winter outfit
• Fair isle waistcoat: perfect for a Christmas jumper and yet not Christmassy at all – a lovely cut although reviews suggest you size down
• Statement collar blouse: great for Zoom meetings or just coffee with a friend, any time where the top half of your outfit needs to do the talking
• Door knocker earrings: another 80s reference creeping back, the door knocker earrings that work so well with any kind of Chanel look jacket too
• Wide jeans: once you get into the swing of these they’re a shortcut to youthful style
• Block heel boot: a low heeled boot with an almond toe is often the easiest choice if you don’t want to wear trainers with your wide leg jeans

So they were just a few examples of how to make outfits interesting. You need a lot more pieces to make looks stand out at this time of year but once you’ve worked out your formula, you’ll quickly get a lot more mileage from your wardrobe. I hope it’s given you a fresh way of looking at Boden and some extra inspiration regardless of whether you’re a style doyenne or a style seeker. At the moment code N7V9 will give you 15% off at checkout.

Pre-loved clothes sale

Sorry for the confusion I caused with the postal dates for charity sale buys last week. I’m feeling beset by gremlins at the moment – both tech and health. For some reason half of the products didn’t appear in the shop last Friday either so if you have another look today there are more preloved winter items to choose from.

If you haven’t received it already, everything that’s been ordered so far is on its way. I’m going to leave the shop live for a little while so there’s still time to shop with a good conscience and raise money for Blood Cancer UK – I’ll be making the final donation at the beginning of November. Thank you so much for supporting it, I’ve had messages from quite a few readers who are also affected by one of the many blood cancers. The key ones are leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma but there are many, many more and they’re often very difficult to detect so resources are very much needed.

You can find the sale with new items added here

Advent calendar time

I’m ignoring most advent calendars this year, I still have a lot of teeny tiny samples left over that it’s probably too late to use from previous years so I’ve gone off them a bit. However, I do think the M&S version is good value now that their beauty department has expanded to include a few more premium brands. It’s just gone live and it’s yours for £50 when you spend over £35 on clothing homewear and beauty (content value £300). I doubt it’ll be around long – you can find it here.

Best value beauty advent calendar

Don’t forget the clocks!

I usually approach the end of October with dread because I hate the clocks going back but I only realised that it was looming today so it’s caught me by surprise. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone! Anyway here’s a reminder that we have an extra hour on Sunday to make up for for the darker nights – so do something special with it, don’t let it just pass you by. If my back is still as bad as it is at the moment I’ll be lying on the floor with my knees at a right angle (not as exciting as it perhaps sounds!) – but at the very least I’ll light a winter candle to celebrate and listen to an audiobook. I hope you do something far nicer. And I look forward to seeing some of you at our London event next week, I might be shuffling around a bit but I’ll still be smiling! Don’t forget to eat before you come. Have a great weekend and I’ll be back with a midlife lately catch-up post next Friday.

Disclosure: ‘How to make outfits interesting’ was commissioned by Boden but as always, the subject of the post was down to me

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