My Simple Formula For What Trends To Buy (Or Avoid!)

I had a great conversation with a client this week about trends… 

We were selecting shoes for her wardrobe and when presented with a pair of Le Monde Beryl Mary Janes she asked me;

“I like them but do you think they will go out of fashion?” 

The simple fact she asked me this question told me that these shoes were not a good investment for her. 

Let me explain…

You can love something 

OR

You can love the ‘idea' of something. 

✔️ If love something and you get excited about the future you wearing it, even though you feel ‘pushed’ stylistically, then you know that the item is inherently you... or should I say the future you. 

OR 

❌ You see it on other people and think it looks great on them but just can’t imagine wearing it yourself without feeling like you were wearing someone else’s clothes, then don’t invest. 

So instead of asking yourself ‘will this go out of fashion' ask this instead….

“Will I love wearing it next year?” 

This will tell you whether you will wear something and look like you have ‘style’ 

OR

Whether you will wear something and look like a ‘victim’. 

(a very special shout of to my client Coral who has worn Mary Janes for years and is enjoying exploring the new iterations of a style staple)

Look, we all make mistakes… experimentation is what makes fashion so damn fun and creatively satisfying. 

But to avoid too many (costly) mistakes, I have a simple formula to help you with this. 

When considering your wardrobe for the new season, the gaps and what to invest in, my very simple formula is…

👖 70% wearables 

💎 30% Now-&-Agains (this includes trend items)

➡️ If you have a more classic style preference then maybe you lean more towards 90%/10% 

➡️ And conversely if you have a more creative style preference you might be more 60%/40%

Understanding the tenets of your style and your comfort levels for exploration and experimentation will give you the power to make educated decisions on what to invest in and what to swerve. 

My wardrobe oscillates between needing to update my wearables and the now-&-agains needing a refresh. 

Here’s is what I have my eye on

Have a great week,

Penny

P.S. To understand the tenets of your style and make the process of working on your wardrobe easier, faster, more satisfying, you need to join Wearable, the Style Club. Opening to new members at the end of May. Get on the list!  

After 1000 Shopping Appointments, This Is What I Know About Style

I worked out that I have completed (almost) 1000 shopping appointments since I started my business 15 years ago. 

As you can imagine, it is now a well oiled machine.

So I'm used to helping my clients navigate all the emotions that come with exploring style… 

I can see when a client is elated, overwhelmed, excited, tired and all the variables in between. 

There was a moment in a shopping appointment with a new client this week, where I could see her feeling frustrated. 

She said to me “I’m just loving the styles that I usually wear…”

Which she seemed to think was a bad thing. 

She was feeling frustrated that styles that were new to her just felt off. 

The process of working on your style is... 

❌ not about reinventing the wheel

✔️ but updating the hub caps. 

It is about understanding what you love to wear (in the Style Club we call them outfit formulas) and fine-tuning it. 

And, in the process, identifying old habits that don't feel good anymore and that keep you stagnant (stagnation is so suffocating!).​

For my client it was small but significant tweaks... an evolution… however small that may seem to the untrained eye. ​​

💥 exploring fresh colour combinations 

💥 trousers with new cuts

💥 shoes with updated shapes

💥 knitwear in luxe fabrications 

My client now has a wardrobe that feels satisfying stylistically and emotionally. A wardrobe that feels authentic, so she feels easeful and assured. 

Getting the help of a personal stylist is not about changing your style personality, it's about enhancing it. 

Understanding what you love sartorially and refining and defining it. 

But as I said… I've completed (almost) 1000 shopping appointments and I know that working out how to do this yourself is…

Hard. 😥

That is why I started the Style Club. I wanted a way for women to work on their style the only way it feels satisfying... with a structure.

A step by step road map that would take them through the stages I go through with my clients so there is 

🙌 exploration

🙌 satisfying progression 

🙌 confirmation. 

I’m working behind the scenes getting ready to re-launch the new look Style Club in May (Dates to be confirmed! 💃) 

Make sure you are on the list

Penny 

P.S. There are going to be some great updates to the Style Club this time around. Including a new team member to support you. I’ll update you soon so get on the the list.

How To Take Back Control Of Your Wardrobe {Plus Announcement}

I’ve developed bad habits lately.

Or should I say, I have got out of some good habits! 

My gorgeous client Liz reminded me of this on a zoom styling session we had last week. 

She talked about the joy of dressing in winter with her outfit formulas and how keeping a style diary had helped her evolve her style in an intentional way, allowing her to see and celebrate how far she has come with her style. 

I’ll be honest…

I was jealous. 

Jealous of the ease, joy and clarity that she was feeling around her wardrobe by using the tools that I had given her. 

My jealously comes from a place of dissatisfaction…

I have been feeling so detached from my wardrobe lately…

And yet I have been doing nothing about it! 

Succumbing to the numbness. 

Because Liz has something that I do not.

💥 Discipline. 

To take back control of my wardrobe and step back into satisfaction and inspiration, I need discipline. 

It’s as simple as that. 

All I have to do is use the tools I have developed and step back into focus and I will feel like me again. 

So I am writing to you today about an incredible opportunity to join me…

To take the first step back into focus and alignment with your style, wardrobe and ultimately, yourself. 

✔️Because we all know life so much more easeful when we are in alignment with ourselves, 

❌ and SO much harder when we are not. 

👩🏼‍🤝‍👩🏽​ The first step is often the hardest which is why I want you to know that I am here for you. 

I will help you recognise your strengthens and your weaknesses and give you the tools you need to move forward. 

Step by Step.

And when you focus and stay close to your tools, you will break through any barrier you have around your style and wardrobe. 

Of course, like me, you will have moments where you feel hazy, out of sorts but the assurance and comfort you will feel when you know you have everything you need to step back into clarity is priceless. 

To join me, add your name to the waiting list here. 🙌

You will be hearing more about the incredible benefits of being part of my Style Club in this newsletter...

BUT to be the first to know about the relaunch and exclusive offers... 

Add your name to the list!

This is the push you need to step back into freedom and pure satisfaction with your wardrobe. 

I can’t wait to have you in my Club. 

Penny

P.S. the Style Club is going to be bigger and better than ever! I’m also working on a re-brand and I can’t wait to share it with you. Don’t forget to add your name to the list.

If You Are Struggling To Put Outfits Together Right Now, This Is Why

I have a love hate relationship with this time of year.

The lighter mornings and the anticipation of summer fills me with joy… but navigating what to wear when it’s not warm enough to leave the house without layers is annoying. 

And the schizophrenic weather means you need to be prepared for anything… and everything. 

I left the house this morning with sunglasses on and now out of my window is full on sideways rain. 

And I know you struggle too… I’ve been back to back with clients over the past few weeks so time for writing my newsletter has been non-existent. 

So what do you wear when you are SO ready to shed the layers and break free from the chrysalis of winter to enjoy spring summer dressing but the weather is taking so long to catch up? 

Try this 2 + 2 method

2 items from your ‘Autumn Winter' wardrobe 

+ 

2 items from your ’Spring Summer’ wardrobe

Example Outfit Formulas

1. knitted dress + trench coat, loafers (with your favourite socks)

2. wool trousers, boots + fine gauge cotton knit, suede jacket

3. leggings, long line double faced coat + heavy cotton T-shirt, ballet flats

4. boots, cashmere knit + cotton skirt, field jacket

And extra points for any of these items being ‘water resistant’. 

For this to work you need to…

✔️ identify those items that get to graduate… that you wore in autumn winter that, paired with lighter fabrications, can then be worn in spring summer. 

✔️ understand your outfit formulas and have these items in lighter fabrications and or lighter colours 

✔️ acknowledge you will be layering and de-layering.

And know that warmer days are upon us. 

Want to know what to invest in? Click here. 

Penny

P.S. The time and effort it takes to work all this out can be removed from your life by clicking here. My client this week said to me "Today was so fun! I don’t know how you do it but THANK GOD you do”. Don’t you think it’s time you had more fun with your wardrobe, {{ subscriber.first_name }}? ​

This Is Embarrassing For Me... But It Will Help You

I want to know how you are feeling about your wardrobe right now?

Give me some verbs…

Stimulated?

Excited?

Supported?

Or do you feel...

Agitated?

Overwhelmed?

Underwhelmed?

When it comes to not feeling good, my instinct is to retreat and retract… especially from my wardrobe.

In an act of self sabotage I wear the same thing and often the worst thing in my wardrobe…

like I'm not good enough for all the beautiful things that are hanging there.

I’m not embarrassed because I find this time of year hard…

or that I default to clothes that don’t actually support me (this is very normal)…

I’m embarrassed because I know exactly what to do to fix it...

⭐️ The EXACT steps I need to take

⭐️ How changed and invigorated I will feel after

⭐️ How life will become easier, light, full of joy

Buy why don’t we do the thing that we know will make us feel our best?

🧐 Maybe because getting dressed is just a moment in our day...

so I see why it feels easy to write it off as just something you have to do to function at a basic level in society.

How many times a week do you get dressed and think, "that will do"?

But I also know the power of my process.

I talk to women (and men) daily about their wardrobes and they know that having me and my team on their side to figure it all out arms them with confidence so they feel free and 100% comfortable in their own skin. Because basic is never good enough.

The success and progression of your wardrobe depends on two things

1. Knowing the steps you need to take to solve your problems

2. A sprinkling of emotional risk

The reality is when we step outside of our comfort zone and take strategic action it ignites something inside of us.

There is alchemy in a wardrobe and when we create new from old and push our mental boundaries we feel ALIVE

Because clothes have the power to move us.

If you are excited by the prospect of this (I’m excited for you!), let’s talk.

Book here...

There's no obligation, it's just a chat.

BUT it could be a conversation that activates you into the most exciting possibilities for your year

Love your style, beyond the clothes.

Penny.

P.S. The re-opening of Wearable, my online Style Club is coming... stay tuned.

These Are The Earrings I Am Most Complemented On {And Where To Buy}

​One good thing that came out of lock down, is that I developed a very easy formula for dressing for virtual consultations and presentations. 

A significant amount of my work is still done online...

• Teaching and inspiring the next generation of Personal Stylists at London College of Fashion

• Mentoring students from all over the world and in different time zones, to achieve their potential

• Delivering inspiring and action orientated Style Masterclass workshops to corporate clients

• Wardrobe edits where I plan, strategise and refresh outfits for UK and overseas clients

And this one thing has helped me looked pulled together no matter if I have had 3 seconds to get ready or if I am coming straight from yoga...

Earrings

{And jewellery in general actually}.  

When you work online, your image is reduced to what I call...

The Influencing Triangle

You have from the top of your head to the tips of both your shoulders to communicate who you are. 

Yes, we can lean on clothing, colour choices and great grooming (I find the zoom filters help with this)...

But jewellery is 1 thing I get complimented on...

AND is so easy to chuck on 3 seconds before a call starts. 

Click here to see the 1 pair that always gets the question...

'Where did you get those earrings?' 

{You will find lots of incredible options... you will see there is a theme ❤️}

N.B. It's almost Valentine's day. Show yourself some love and gift yourself a great pair of earrings. You are your best investment 💥

Penny. 

P.S. We know the simple formulas you can use to 'get up, get dressed and go'. Book a call to find out what is possible for you. Simply click here. 

Bored Of Wearing The Same Coat? 4 (Work Appropriate) Micro Trends To Revive It

​Last week I talked about my dislike of trends.

Maybe dislike is the wrong word… disregard? 

I disregard trends for myself and for my clients that are not wearable/functional/style appropriate. 

But I love updates on items that we all already wear (like denim) 

You can read last weeks newsletter and what styles to buy into here.

I also love trends that bubble up from the street instead of trickling down from the runway. 

Case in point - the micro trend. 

A small, seemingly insignificant detail that gains traction by those that know. 

These are trends I pay attention to. 

These are the trends that you can (usually) buy into at a lower price point that enhance and update your classics. 

AKA stop you from getting bored with your wardrobe or burning your coats in a sacrificial ceremony to the Sun Gods. 

Here are 4 micro trends to update your favourite coat.

Red Socks / Tights

Socks being on trend sounds like an oxymoron but that’s how fashion keeps us on our toes. This is the easiest way to update your winter coat AND stay warm and comfortable. 

Prediction... 

Virginie Viard, the creative director of Chanel, sent every model down the run way of the S/S24 haute couture show in white tights inspired by ballet dancers and contrasting black shoes. I’m into it… also with a gold sandal. 

The Scout Scarf 

Pioneered by Toteme, this triangular scarf can be tied around your neck or secured round the shoulders. Wear it asymmetrically for scandi girl cool. 

Shirt Sandwich

Instead of a traditional wool scarf  to keep your neck warm, try a shirt sandwich. Perfectly executed by the Row and in Victoria Beckham’s collection, layer a coloured polo neck (COS do the best) or scarf under your shirt. Add a chunky (must be chunky otherwise it won’t stand up to all the layers) necklace too for added shine. Throw on your coat and feel the boredom subside. 

Not a fan of a polo neck? Try a white high necked T. 

Brooches are back!

I love Jill Sander’s jewellery and they have included brooches in their collections for a while now but I have noticed the resurgence… even in the menswear collections. Vintage stores and Etsy are full of them but look for clean shapes. 

To help you relinquish the boredom, here is my selection. 

Penny. 

P.S. Your existing wardrobe is full of potential. We can show you how to make the most of what you already have. Book a free discovery call with myself, Nadyia and Antonia and we will change the way you feel about your wardrobe. Just click here. 

Fun Fact. 

In 2021 I sent the creative director of Tibi a picture of myself in one of her dresses with red shoes and red tights. ‘We all love this in the office!’  

Cut to Spring collection 2022 where she sent models down the runway in red tights and shoes. And so it began… Let what you love lead you. 

3 Denim Trends To Know In 2024 {Plus What Style To Wear To Work}

​I don’t pay attention to trends…

...pants worn as shorts anyone? 😮

What I mean by that is I’m not interested in buying into a look for the sake of (F)ash-ion

{I’m sorry Fashion it’s not you, it’s me}

Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be curious. 

If something is speaking to your personality, don’t resist it. 

❌ BUT you shouldn’t look like you have a completely new personality. 

✔️ What I do love, when it comes to trends is the evolution and reinterpretation of classics. 

The subtle tweaks to something that is so familiar but is made to feel new again. 

This is also the smartest way to buy into trends…

Take a piece you love and wear all the time and buy into its new iteration as you already know you will wear the hell out of it. 

So I love to keep my eye on denim trends. 

Take an item we all know and love and refresh it. 

That way we are not reinventing the wheel we are just updating the hub caps 

So what have been the most popular searches for denim on the world wide web in 2024 and what are my clients loving? 

👖 DARK DENIM

The indigo jean is back and it is clean and polished. Great for a workwear option match with tonal navy or classic camel. 

Extra bonus points if you add a pleat.

Designer Inspo: MIU MIU

👖​JUMBO JEANS

These guys ride low and loose. Pair with slim line tops and great jewellery for a more feminine take

Designer Inspo: Loewe

👖 HORSESHOE…BARREL…BALLOON

They go by many names but all have the same curvy shape. They feel vintage but modern at the same time. 

Designer Inspo: Alaïa 

We are still LOVING…

Straight leg jeans. The loyalty lies in its versatility. 

💥 See my selection here including a brilliant style for petites

Penny

P.S. You know what is always on trend? People who take action... a very special shout out to Lucy who has gone from a dedicated subscriber (since 2016!) to a client. If you are like Lucy and want to move forward with your style book a call HERE. Don't be sitting here in 2025 WISHING you had done it sooner 

This winter skirt goes with everything you already have in your wardrobe

​Last week I revealed all the items, the good, the bad and the ugly (well, no ugly actually) I bought in 2023. 

(Did you miss it? You can read it here)

In that email I brazenly said 'I don’t wear skirts in winter'… and I don’t. 

As soon as I typed those words, I immediately asked myself ‘why?!’

If I heard that statement muttered from a client’s lips, I would immediately question, analyse and challenge. 

So I flipped into Stylist mode and started to question my own propensity to wear trousers in winter. 

And this is what I discovered…

• I like outfit formulas (or uniform dressing, if you will) 

• They are convenient, jeans go with everything (as long as they have a blue NOT yellow undertone)

• I wear a lot of over sized knitwear so the ‘gap’ between my legs creates visual balance

• They are practical: easy to wear, run around in, keep me warm

• They are anti-trend

➡️ So what I need is the winter skirt answer to jeans 💥

Elementary, my dear Watson. 

• It needs to go with my sweaters so would need to be narrow 

• It needs to be comfortable so has stretch

• It needs to be convenient in that it can be paired with multiple shoe options

• It needs to be warm. 

• It needs to still live in my wardrobe next season… and the season after that

And I have found it. 

The irony is that I have always styled my clients in this skirt…

It’s...

✔️ Stylish

✔️ Warm

✔️ Has dress up and down versatility

✔️ Pairs easily with boots or trainers

AND the best bit is that the skirt is often accompanied with a matching knitted top, like dressing by numbers

I love an elongated silhouette so I’m going to opt for something long that I can wear in the day with trainers and socks or to work with my flat over the knee boots. 

But I have also included midi options for all my beautiful petites out there. 

The Knitted Skirt Edit 

⭐️ STYLING TOP TIP: The fine knit versions look great at work with a silk blouse, blazer and boots. The ribbed, cable and mohair look more casual and are great for the weekend with trainers and chunky boots. 

Stay Warm! 

Penny 

P.S. Do you want to learn the 3 things that may be holding you back in your style? Book your Discovery Call now. 

What I Bought Last Year [And What I Didn't Wear]

​Welcome to 2024!

I am excited for another year of helping you navigate your wardrobe with my Sunday Style Solutions newsletter. 

❤️ Thank you for being here. 

\I’m not one for NY resolutions...

BUT

I do love to review the year that has been and set some pragmatic wardrobe goals. 

My ultimate goal for myself and for my clients is, and always will be, conscious consumption. 

Why am I buying this and what purpose does it serve? 

✔️ Ultimately, do I love it and is it logical. 

In 2023 I ‘consciously’ bought 55 items (around 4 items a month) 

I know this because I write everything in my Style Diary that lives in my wardrobe…

You need one. Buy one.

✔️ It keeps you focused

✔️ Stops you from buying things you don’t need

✔️ Is a true reality check when it comes to your buying habits. 

So here is my list...

TOPS

3 x jumpers

14 x tops 

2 x shirts

TROUSERS

1 x wide leg trouser

1 x cargo trouser

1 x jean

1 x shorts

SKIRTS

3 x summer skirts in cotton

DRESSES

3 x wool midis

4 x cotton midis

JACKETS

1 x bomber

1 x blazer

1 x wool 

COATS

1 x trench 

1 x wool 

ACCESSORIES

1 x bag

3 x wool hat

4 x earrings

1 x necklace

SHOES

1 x loafer

1 x ballet flat

1 x boot

1 x sandal

OTHER

3 x swimwear

1 x thermals

💥 My analysis...

Action - I buy more in the autumn / winter than the spring / summer

Analysis - We wear so many more clothes in A/W and we wear them for longer

Action - The item I bought most of was tops

Analysis - I still feel this is a section of my wardrobe that needs work so this will continue to be a focus

Action- I like to buy before I go on holiday 

Analysis - This is the only time I spend shopping for myself which does mean I am not always 100% engaged in the process

Action- The two brands I bought from most were Tibi and Toteme

Analysis- The items from these brands are also the ones I wear the most. Classics with a distinct design perspective. 

❌ What I didn’t wear

• I’ve worn my designer items so much more than the highstreet purchases but this is also because I only buy highstreet for items I don’t wear often like swimwear, trend items and statement jewellery

• I bought a dress and skirt from Zara that I have worn once and will donate to charity

• I don’t wear skirts in the winter - I much prefer dresses, trousers and jeans

⭐️ 2024 Goals ⭐️

1. To buy less (= 2 items per month)

2. To wear trainers less and invest in some ’soft shoe’ options (more on this next week!)

3. Keep finding new ways to wear what I have 

4. To buy more second hand (sadly this requires more time!)

5. To photograph my outfit every day

Stop putting your style on hold...

Let’s make 2024 the most stylish, fun and satisfying yet! 

Start with your goals... I have created a template for you. 

💥 Get it here!💥

No excuses. 

How many items did you buy in 2023? Where you surprised by the result? 

Let me know. 

Penny.

P.S. Fast track this process book a call now. My client, Erica, spent years feeling less than herself with a wardrobe that didn’t function and that consistently let her down. She sent me this message… “Thank you for all the brilliant styling! I love my new clothes, I’m having fun getting dressed and I feel more like myself than I have in ages” 

2023 What We Wore

Change is exciting and hopeful. 

When you have a wardrobe that reflects who you once were, you can feel off. Not like yourself. 

Because clothes are so much more than tools to keep us warm.

What we have in our wardrobe reflects who we are, how we feel about the world and our place in it. 

There is nothing more fascinating and stimulating to me than evolution. 

And the best bit about my job is that I get to be part of your evolution, name. 

Even if we have not worked together personally, the fact that you engage with this newsletter means you are a curious person who wants to always feel like their best self… 

And that is my type of person. 

So Here is a list of the biggest winners for my clients in 2023 but also what blew up the internet according to Lyst Year in Fashion Report. 

PBSC Year in Fashion Report

For my clients it was a year of simplification - we paired back on the prints and worked on building on strong foundations of wearable clothes with a design perspective. 

It is no coincidence that the brands I worked with the most this year have that same DNA - quality, timeless but with absolute personality. 

• Most bought brands - Max Mara, Joseph, Toteme, Khaite, Theory

• Most bought clothing item - wide leg trousers and jeans

• Most bought accessories - earrings

• Most bought shoe - western boots

• Most requested - basic tops that aren’t basic

• Most common brief - capsule wardrobe 

2023 LYST Year in Fashion Findings: 

From their annual report analysing the search data of the platform's 200 million users to determine the top brands and products. 

• Brand of the Year: Miu Miu

• Logo of the Year: Loewe Anagram

• Shoe of the Year: Alaïa mesh ballet flats

• Sneaker of the Year: Adidas Samba

• Bag of the Year: Uniglo Shoulder Bag

• Power Dresser of the Year: Jennie Kim

• Tour of the Year: Beyoncé's "Renaissance"

• Fashion Couple of the Year: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

• TV Show of the Year: "Succession"

• Campaign of the Year: Jacquemus' VR campaigns

• Front Row Dresser of the Year: Kylie Jenner

• Viral Moment of the Year: Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtcore

• TikTok Moment of the Year: The Tabi Swipe

You can see it all here…

What was your favourite new purchase this year that made you feel like you but better?

Penny. 

P.S. I am back at my desk on 9th January and booking from the last week of January. Make 2024 your year when good enough, is not enough. Book a free consultation calendly.com/penny-stylist/discoverycall​