How to be effortlessly stylish this winter

Whether it’s going out for dinner after work, or shopping in town on a Saturday, we aspire to look stylish wherever we go. However, one myth about dressing fashionably is that it takes time and planning.

To avoid you cancelling on those plans, why not embrace effortless style? It’s the art of using some key wardrobe staples to create a perfectly polished and oh-so stylish outfit with none of the effort! Lazy outfit with a twist, some may say.

I’ve teamed up with QUIZ Clothing, fashion gurus and retailers of on-trend knitwear, to create this easy-to-follow style guide.

Knitwear

It’s that time of year again, when the temperatures are beginning to drop and knitwear becomes a necessity. The woollen trends predicted for this year include; cableknit, stripes and oversized jumpers. Having some staple knitwear pieces in your wardrobe is essential for the colder months, they are cozy and super stylish in the same time.

Jumper dresses

Together with thick tights for the colder days, jumper dresses are the perfect way to rock the latest autumnal look with very little effort. There is no time wasted choosing matching garments and with long, knitted sleeves, there’s no need to scour your closet for a complementing coat either.

For those dinner dates with your girls  that you suspect into a long night out, team your jumper dress with over-the-knee boots for a casual yet dressy look. If you’re in the mood to show off your curves, wrap a chunky belt around your dress to nip your waist in.

High neck knits

Jumpers are often thought of as being a bit ordinary, however, with the latest trend of layering, they are far from it. Layering is pretty self-explanatory and is achieved by wearing a polo neck underneath a square-necked top. Couple with your favourite pair of jeans and an ankle boot to fully master the look.

Use this trend to prolong that summer feeling too. Extend your holiday wardrobe by pairing a roll neck top with one of your pinafores or sleeveless sundresses. 

For work, a blazer-turtle neck combo would smarten up the trend – making it suitable for the office whilst keeping you cosy.

Ankle boots

As the rainy months approach, it’s time to ditch the sandals and peep-toe loafers. But this doesn’t have to be bad news – swap them for a smart ankle boot to dress up any outfit with minimal effort.

Sock boots are a key trend this autumn and winter. They feature a pointed toe, high heel and textured fabric that fits to the ankle. They are pull on for extra ease and can be paired with jeans during the day time and a stylish skirt for a night on the town.

A black ankle boot is perfect for autumn/winter as it can be paired with any outfit and the colour won’t tarnish in those days that you have to trek through snow and sludge to get to the office. Choose a pair with a chunky heel so that they’re suitable for day and night time.

Accessorising

Accessorising is a perfect way to keep your outfit looking smart and stylish at a reasonable price – buy a few staple pieces and be set for the season.

Statement earrings are a key accessory that is so in this season. Tassels, chunky metal and huge hoops (yep, they’re still on trend) are all acceptable this autumn/winter and can be matched with most outfits. Choose a black or gold pair to make sure that they complement your ensemble and keep them in your bag to slip in for after-work drinks.

Small, leather bags and backpacks are practical accessories that can be the finishing touch to many outfits. Black is an ideal option to go for if you’re hoping to use it every day; buy one with a cute pattern on to keep things interesting. Or purchase a brightly coloured one such as red or gold and buy matching shoes – pair with jeans and a dressy top for a cute autumn look.

So, there we have it – dressing on trend this season doesn’t have to require time or effort. Simply purchase a few staple pieces for your wardrobe and dress them up or down for each occasion.