5 of the best weekend sweaters for men

5 of the best weekend sweaters for men

Shirts and fine knit V necks are the perfect winter work solution but the weekend calls for a different mood. Cable knit, Mohair or Shawl collar -  there are plenty of great sweater options that will add interest to your weekend looks. Here are 5 of my downtime favourites. Keeping the chill out never looked this good. 

Cable Knit - I love this version from Ralph Lauren. All the detail but without any bulk. 

Mohair - This fair isle version is not just for Christmas. Great for aprés-ski too. 

Shawl collar - I love the extra detail of the shawl collar on this cardigan

Cashmere - The weekend is the perfect time to stray from your neutral workwear colour palette. 

Hoodie - The hood gives this cashmere a really relaxed and cool look. Layer it under a jacket or gilet. 

If you find smart casual confusing and want to create a cool and contemporary casual wardrobe then I would love to hear from you. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Image Consultant covering London and the UK that will change how you feel about your wardrobe forever. 

5 quick tips to avoid impulse sales shopping

5 quick tips to avoid impulse sales shopping

I love this time of year but it can also be overwhelming…all the gifts you need to buy but also all the emails in your inbox tempting you to ignore your Christmas gift list and buy all those items you didn’t know you needed but suddenly are very appealing because they are on sale - but are they REALLY good value? Below is a simple formulae to help you decide if something is actually good value and some quick tips to help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases and sale guilt. January is hard enough without an empty bank account and a wardrobe full of clothes that you aren’t wearing. 

Good value = wearability + love + need

It’s that simple. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it is good value. You will end up with a wardrobe full of clothes that at the time were ‘a bargain’ but at the end of the day they are still a waste of money.  I’m not being a kill joy - I love the satisfaction of a sale purchase as much as the next woman. But I use my experience to navigate the sales and make considered purchases. It’s easy and fun… here’s how. 

TOP TIP 1. 

Value NOT Discount - Something is good value when you know you are going to wear it and it fits with your current wardrobe. Shop with a specific list in mind and don’t stray from that list. If you are looking for a jumper dress for example firstly you should read my blog on jumper dresses but secondly you should not use the discount as the main factor for making a purchase. Check the sale section to see if there is something that fits your specific criteria but don’t sell out. You won’t wear something that is too tight, the wrong colour or the wrong shape even if it is 60% off. 

TOP TIP 2.

Shop Online - some stores even let you add items to your basket before the sale begins for easy checkout. I like this strategy as it allows you to sleep on it and put some time between the raging impulse and the purchase. It also allows you to review it in light of your current wardrobe so you can imagine what you would wear it with. If you still love it the next day then you know it is a good buy. Shopping online also removes you from the competitive-shopper mode that can take hold when you are in-store

TOP TIP 3. 

Build a Wish List - Online boutiques like Net-a-Porter, Matches and Shopbop have brilliant wish-list functionality. Build your wish-list of pieces you love and need throughout the season, NOT just at sale time. This ensures when it is sale time you are buying something that you are have thought about for the whole season and was potentially out of your reach. The purchase is no longer impulse but premeditated and good value. I have some Gianvito Rossi boots, A Burberry trench and a cashmere polo neck from Acne on my wish list that I am planning on purchasing in the sale. They are timeless pieces that I know I will love forever and even more so for the discount! 

TOP TIP 4. 

Check the Returns Policy - If you are caught in the moment and making an uneducated snap decisions please make sure that you can return it and get your money back. 

TOP TIP 5. 

The Only Time it is OK to Buy the Wrong Size - If something is one size too big and the alteration is simple/doable/viable it’s ok to make a purchase. I have been known to do this with expensive items I couldn’t justify but when on sale now meet my budget expectations. I have an amazing tailor at The London Fashion Workrooms who works magic on my clothes. BUT never buy something that is too small for you now, you will never wear something that is uncomfortable. Also buying it in the hope it will give you the motivation to loose weight is not a good strategy, in my experience it only serves to demotivate you. 

Have fun with your sales shopping but be smart and strategic. If you need help then please get in touch. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Image Consultant covering London and the UK that will change how you feel about your wardrobe forever. 

The dos and dont's of wearing your winter boots

The dos and dont's of wearing your winter boots

I shouldn’t use the word rules, especially when it comes to fashion where rules are made to be broken. But I do have a lot of clients who like me to give them ‘rules’ as this simplifies the outfit building process and takes the stressful decision making process out of their day. So I thought it would be helpful to share with you my do’s and don’t when it comes to styling your boots because the wrong shoes can completely destroy the effort you put into choosing an outfit. 

WOMEN

Ankle boots... 

DO wear them with mini skirts and dresses, maxi skirts and dresses, cropped and flared jeans or under tailored trousers. 

DON’T wear with with midi skirts if you have shorter legs as your legs will look even shorter. And don’t wear them with full length skinny jeans as the jean will bunch around the ankle and shorten your legs and widen your calves. 

Knee high boots...

DO wear them with midi skirts and dresses, knee length skirts and dresses, under wide trousers or cropped culottes

DON’t wear them with mini skirts if you are tall (fine if you are petite). The jury is out whether it is acceptable in 2017 to wear boots over your jeans…. I would say proceed with caution. Though I did see Pernille Teisbaek wear incredible zip Celine boots over jeans with aplomb so rules are made…

Over the knee boots...

DO wear over your skinny jeans, with tights and aline mini skirts and dresses, under knee length dresses and skirts or maxi dresses and skirts and you negate the need for tights. 

DON’T wear with very tight fitted dresses or skirts as you are too easily veering into Pretty Woman territory. 

MEN

Lace-up leather ankle boots - Refined enough to wear well with both tailored and casual trousers. 

Desert Boots - I love Red Wings for a cool casual look with denim. 

Chukka boots (Possibly named after ‘chukka’ a period of play in polo)  - The suede versions or those with a crepe rubber soles are great with casual trousers and jeans. Leather versions work well with tailored trousers or casual trousers. 

Chelsea boots (though the elasticated design was patented in 1851, the name ‘Chelsea' was attached to the boot due to its popularisation in the 60s with groups such as The Beatles and their association with King’s Road in Chelsea) - There are many iterations of this versatile boot with its laid back elegance. A suede pair will work well with jeans and casual trousers and a leather pair with tailoring or jeans. 

I hope this will takes some of the guess work out of your shoe choice but if you need more personalised advice, please get in touch

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who love to look confident but lack the time and inclination to shop for themselves.

My favourite winter styling trick

My favourite winter styling trick

Layering. Even the word fills a lot of my clients with dread. Layering is not only essential for warmth but it allows you to create fresh looks out of pieces that are already in your wardrobe. Plus, should a bit of overheating occur, you can always peel off the garments throughout the day to keep cool and comfortable indoors whilst still looking pulled together. It’s time to master the art of layering so here are my favourite tricks for men and women.

For women

Topping off a dress with an oversized sweater is my favourite layering trick. Mixing different fabric textures is the key to creating interest in your winter looks and I love the lightness of the dress contrasted with the knitted top, finished off with a coat and grounded with boots. It is also a great way to utilise your summer dresses (printed silk dresses work really well) and gives them a new lease of life in the cooler months. The key is to choose a restricted colour palette and use the texture to add the interest - I love burgundy, navy or neutrals but choose a colour to suit your skin tone. To take the guess work out the equation follow this simple arithmetic...

Red Printed dress + polo neck jumper + coat + suede boots

Neutral printed dress + cashmere jumper + textured coat + ankle boots

For Men

Swap the ubiquitous v neck jumper for a zip through sweater. Whether you choose a zip up cardigan or a half zip sweater, they look great over t-shirts on the weekend or over shirting for work. Layer them under blazers, gilets or coats and they add a touch of interest without taking you out of your comfort zone. They are also perfect for the conundrum that is ‘casual Fridays’. Here are my favourites; 

For work...COS, Paul Smith, Paul Smedley

For the weekend...Ralph Lauren, Officine General, J Lindberg

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who love to look confident but lack the time and inclination to shop for themselves.

4 steps to moving house in (stress-free) style

4 steps to moving house in (stress-free) style

Packing - it's the most stressful part of preparing for your move. But this shouldn't be a time-consuming or troubling affair; you should just be looking forward to settling into your new home. To help you avoid a complete meltdown, I’m doing that laborious part for you. Here are my 4 steps to a seamless and stylish re-location.

1. It’s all in the preparation

Most of my clients come to me because they feel overwhelmed by having to edit and make decisions about their wardrobes but although it seems tiresome, for a stress-free move you just have to do it. Even though your wardrobe is one of the last things to be packed, you need to start thinking about editing your wardrobe 3 months beforehand. I know this seems excessive but as you get closer to your move date you are going to overwhelmed with other priorities and decisions about your wardrobe need to be removed from this equation. Also it allows you plenty of time to take unwanted items to charity or ebay/sell items for cash that can then be reinvested back into your wardrobe.

Moving house provides the perfect opportunity to start a fresh with your wardrobe in your new home. You don’t want to get close to your move date to find you are packing unwanted items that will then clutter your new wardrobe and take up valuable space. Purchase a portable rail – it is not only an indispensable tool for regularly editing your wardrobe but also when you arrive in your new home if the storage solutions are inadequate, you have somewhere to hang the clothes. Start by removing all the items that you love/wear regularly (this is also important for Step 2).

Now, review the rest and remove any items that are damaged, outdated or no longer resonate with your style. Anything that needs repairing or professionally cleaned can also be removed. If you are moving to the UK  from an alternative climate to what you are used to you, you need to consider what will be appropriate. Don’t take anything with you that you won’t use, conversely you may need to add some items to a shopping wish list that need to be purchased before you move.

Think about your new living arrangement and the space you have available. If you are moving to a home with limited space you will need to consider this when editing. Alternatively if you need the assistance of a joiner to design built-in wardrobes, you can give them a very good idea of how many clothes and shoes you have so they can advise on wardrobe solutions to make the most of every centimetre of space. 

Before you put everything back in your wardrobe, move onto step 2

2. Create a capsule

From the items that you love and wear regularly, create a capsule wardrobe for the move. What I mean by that is a selection of say, 15 items that you can easily mix and match and dress up and down.  Look at your dairy for the next 4 weeks or however long you think you are going to be interrupted by the move and make sure you have an appropriate outfit available. You can’t anticipate how long it is going to take you to get settled (especially if you have young children) and the last thing you need is to be scrambling around trying to find a matching pair of shoes or a pressed blouse.  Having a selection of go to outfits that are packed into a cardboard wardrobe box takes the time and stress out of getting dressed when you move. Which brings me seamlessly to step 3.

 3.   Packing Solutions

Cardboard wardrobe boxes are easiest way of hanging your pressed garments safely while having relocate your clothes. They also make great makeshift wardrobes while you are sorting out your storage solutions in your new home. Put your capsule wardrobe into one box and group styles together in the other boxes so all tops together, bottoms, jackets, coats etc and labelling them clearly will help you to locate items easily.

4.   Storage solutions in the new home

Swap out your metal hangers for thin velvet covered ones; rearrange your wardrobe by category. As you go remove those items that you may have reconsidered post move. Once you have hung all your clothes into the new space take a step back and consider the space. Do the rails need to be moved or new ones added? Do you need clear Perspex storage boxes for keep shelves organised? Make a list of wardrobe accessories and organisational tools taking into account your new living arrangements and what space you have.

It feels great to open your wardrobe and see the clothes you love to wear arranged neatly on matching hangers. Having control of our wardrobes helps us gain control in what is one of life’s most stressful events. Moving is all about good preparation and seamless organisation.

Yes, this takes time. So if you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and you want a professional who understands what will work and can give you pragmatic and honest advice, then please get in touch

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down and they need a fresh pair of eyes to fine tune their style. 

Give your workwear a promotion

Give your workwear a promotion

You’ve spent the summer enjoying your holiday wardrobes and weekend looks but now it’s time to focus on updating your working wardrobe for the Autumn with some polished pieces. And let’s be honest, there is nothing like beating the post holiday blues with a few fresh wardrobe additions. Give your workwear a promotion with my top 5 tips. 

1. Swap cotton shirts for silk ones. Not only is silk warm but with a pair of statement earrings, it takes you straight into evening too. 

2. As the weather gets colder and wetter, what to wear on your feet can pose a real dilemma. Ballet flats that worked the warmer months won’t cut it so invest in a good quality flat shoes like a loafer. A shoe boot is the perfect transitional shoe as they look great under trousers but also with opaque tights and pencil skirts. And don’t forget to protect your shoes with a weather proofing product to protect your investment. 

3. It’s time to rethink your suiting. I love the versatility of separates but this season the trouser suit takes centre stage but don’t worry they are far from masculine and boring. The most important thing is fit and finding a style to suit your body shape. If you are petite a cropped trouser and neat jacket work well or if you are tall try autumns trend for a wider trouser. It is essential the jacket fits your perfectly across the shoulder and don’t be afraid to get the arm lengths altered as this can totally change the look. I recommend all my clients to The London Fashion Workrooms.

4. Autumn calls for a more structured day dress so opt for clean architectural lines in a sturdy fabric. I love the focus on reds, berries and burgundy this season and a dress in these tones would be the perfect update. 

5. A midi skirt is perfect for the working wardrobe as you can wear it with bare legs now and opaques into the cooler months. They also work beautifully with boots for a cool casual weekend look. 

 

Transitional tips to ease you into Autumn

Transitional tips to ease you into Autumn

I love the optimism of September, it's a marker for fresh starts and looking ahead. In the spirit of the starting-over mood, now is the time to take your winter clothes out of storage, review each item and return it to your wardrobe. Now take a step back and see how it looks. You might see a collection of random pieces that don’t work together and you need to know how to make your wardrobe work harder or you might see a wardrobe of outdated items that don’t compliment your lifestyle or where you want to be with your personal style. If you are not 100% happy with what you see in your wardrobe then I would love to help you build a wearable wardrobe of items you love and are complimented on. But in the meantime here are my top 5 transitional must haves to ease you back into cool morning and shorter days.

1. Leather jacket - I don’t leave the house at the moment without my leather jacket, it is endlessly versatile - over your favourite printed dress, with a t shirt and jeans or a polo neck and wool trouser. And did I mention they are waterproof! Is leather ageing? No! But consider the style and colour. For a more classic style I love Theory’s leather jackets with clean lines and minimal detailing. On the high street try Massimo Dutti. 

2. Slippers & Mules - the easiest way to update your denim this season is with a backless shoe. If you are on the fence about this look, you might like to know that this style has magical leg lengthening capabilities. Up the anti with this velvet version from Iris and Ink. Great high street versions can be found at & Other Stories

3. Blazer - Loved for all the same reasons as a leather jacket, it is perennially useful. Look for textured styles and push up the sleeves for a more relaxed look. I love Blaze Milano, Isabel Marant and on the high street Zara, Arket and Warehouse have good styles.  

4. Dresses with sleeves - Wear to work, wear to dinner or wear on the weekend. A dress with sleeves and a jacket helps me ease into the cooler months - You still have that carefree summer vibe but with the coverage you need for autumn. Wear with flats until your ankles can’t stand the cold any longer and then swap for boots. The perfect day to night piece. 

5. Cotton knitwear - The knit to wear now. Keeps you warm on the early morning school run and feels comfortable throughout the day. Update your Breton style with a new sleeve shape like this from M&S and add a leather skirt and ankle boots. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down and they need a fresh pair of eyes to fine tune their style. 

6 new bag brands you can afford

6 new bag brands you can afford

The new season brings new and exciting bag shapes. An updated luxurious bag adds a different dimension to last seasons knitwear and denim but it can also put a massive dent in your bank balance. So what if you want a distinctive bag at a palatable price point that looks and feels as good as Gucci? The popularity of brands like Mansur Gavriel has given rise to other cool, contemporary bag brands that are offering luxury and quality at an accessible price. So before you decide to live off baked beans for a month, here are my top 6 boutique bag brands that will have people asking ‘where did you get that bag?”.  

1. Danse Lente - London based label, Danse Lente is french for ‘slow dance’. Famous for its Lorna bucket bag but I also love the Mia. 

2. Cult Gaia - famous for its re-issue of the traditional Japanese picnic basket. They are now moving into clothing too and it is good. Very good. 

3. Mehry Mu - You can see the Turkish influence in Günes Mutlu’s designs. I love these jewel coloured velvet box bags 

4. Building Block - Focusing on form over fancy detailing, these LA based sisters are certainly on form with the box leather shoulder bag. 

5. PB 0110 - German Philipp Bree’s bags combine clean lines and an irresistible colour palette. They are instantly wearable and this circular shape is at the top of my wish list for a great new season update. 

6. KARA - Not a new kid on the bag block but worth a mention as I own 3 of their bags. The tie leather tote is perfect for work or if you have the kids in toe. And I love the new season green 

7. Cafuné - another one to put on your bucket list 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down and need a fresh pair of eyes to fine tune their style. 

why editing your wardrobe is good for you

why editing your wardrobe is good for you

START THE DAY RIGHT

Imagine waking from a night’s sleep in a calm room and opening a neat and organised wardrobe. Picture the ease of browsing, selecting and pulling out your favourite outfit and opening a neat draw full of underwear that fits well, taking your shoes from their ordered and dedicated space, and having your complementary handbag at arms length. You are not rushing around trying to find items that you thought were in your wardrobe but could be at the dry cleaners. You are fully dressed in three minutes. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

When you stand in front of a wardrobe that has been re-organised, the results are instant - your head feels clear and you will feel more energetic and motivated. This energy is then transferred into your day, setting you up for success. I had a client say she felt lighter and that the room felt lighter too once her wardrobe was edited.

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

When I sort through a client’s wardrobe, the average amount to sell, donate or recycle is five large bin bags – this may seem drastic but I have never once had a client who has had a problem later on. In fact many find the process addictive and review their wardrobes on a regular basis re-evaluating items that they once considered essential, that now look totally out of place. It shows they feel empowered by the process of selecting what to discard and they feel proud because they know they have achieved it on their own.  It’s a total change of their mindset. Once it becomes habit they regard their wardrobe and the items in it differently. They become more selective with their shopping choices only selecting items that reflect their style and deserve a coveted space in their wardrobes. And they take better care of their clothes, understanding their value and getting longevity out of their clothes. 

ENJOY GETTING DRESSED

Reducing the amount of clothes we have in our wardrobes allows us to see what we have and importantly, we are more likely to wear what we have. Getting dressed stops being stressful and overwhelming and becomes a joy.  When we detox our wardrobes it has a detoxing effect on our minds and bodies.  I think this is because we realise we don’t need wardrobes full of clothes and our desire to constantly buy new things decreases. When before, over stuff wardrobes stopped my clients from seeing what they had, they were never satisfied and always wanted something new to wear - that illusive item that would magically solve all their wardrobe problems. They were buying on impulse in an attempt to alleviate the stress of their wardrobe. But the buzz of the purchase is short lived when you realise you are adding to the anxiety as you try and stuff the item into your wardrobe. When all you are really craving is space physical and mental. Once we have selected and properly stored all the items they love, they feel like they have everything they need.  As my client put it, ‘Getting dressed in the morning is like shopping in my own wardrobe’. Your mind becomes clearer and you can focus their mental energy on the days tasks and enjoying life.

FEEL EMPOWERED

Although the benefits seem obvious, some of my clients find the process of discarding clothes really hard, they believe that having a wardrobe full to bursting affords them some security or saves them money. So I start the process by focussing on what they love to wear, what makes them feel confident and gives them happiness. By starting on a positive note and focusing on what they have and love stops them from feeling anxious about focusing solely on throwing things away. Empowering them with the ability to choose what they are keeping not what we want to get rid of.

DON'T TRANSFER THE GUILT

When discarding items becomes difficult, there is a tendency to want to pass unwanted items to relatives or friends. Be mindful of this unless you know they will love them or they reflect their true style. My client was not able to develop an instinct for what she loved because the majority of her clothes had been passed onto her by her mother. It stifled her ability to develop her own style but it also made her feel guilty about not wearing clothes she had been given. Although passing something on seems generous, it doesn’t help mindset or reduce clutter, it just transfers the guilt of not being able to throw something away onto a family member. Be considerate; they don't need the anxiety of owning more than they need. 

CREATE ORDER IN YOUR WARDROBE AND YOUR MIND

After the editing process and the decisions made on what to keep it’s time to start putting the clothes away. How you store your clothes also impacts on mindset- creating order in your wardrobe is a great step in helping us gain control in our lives and sets you up for the day.  It feels great to open your wardrobe and see the clothes you love to wear arranged neatly on matching hangers. You no longer have to take a deep breath before opening the doors to overstuffed rails of clothes slipping off wire hangers, impossible to find what you need.  Wardrobes are not only messy because they are over stuffed but because the space isn’t being used efficiently and there is lack of understanding as to how to store clothes properly. One of my client’s wardrobes was so packed it took her 5 minutes to find the jacket that she wanted to show me and when she finally found it, all the clothes on either side slipped off the hangers or got tangled, catching on a mass of wire hangers. The wire hangers were the first things to go!

TRY IT!

I’ve seen the amazing impact that streamlining your wardrobe can have but I have had many people question whether paying such attention to your clothes and the way they are organised can possibly have such a positive and lasting effect. So why not try it? It is more achievable and enjoyable than you can ever anticipate. As my clients say, it’s life changing. Swap out your metal hangers for thin velvet covered ones; rearrange your wardrobe by category. As you go remove those items that are out of date, damaged and ill fitting and reduce your wardrobe to those items you love. Creating space gives clarity and calm. When we regain control we can operate from a place of clarity and it gives us confidence and impacts on how we manage ourselves socially and professionally. 

Yes, this takes time. So if you feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe and you want a professional who understands what will work and can give you pragmatic and honest advice, then please get in touch.  

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper and Image Consultant who works with successful men and women from London and the south east who feel their wardrobe is letting them down. 

summer workwear for a steamy city

summer workwear for a steamy city

We are all aware of the remarkable impact our clothes have on how people view us and treat us so despite the hotter weather, we still need to look crisp and professional. Here are my top five tips on how to look stylish despite the rising temperatures.

1. COLOUR

Wearing black when the sun is blazing only makes you feel hotter. Opt for a lighter colour palette of whites, taupes, light grey and cooling blues that are summery but sophisticated and don’t feel as heavy as dark grey and black.

FOR WOMEN - Summer is a great time to experiment with print. A subtle print can add interest to an outfit and importantly prints are great at hiding sweat marks!

2. GO LIGHT

FOR MEN - A suit in a ‘tropical’ wool will be indispensable at this time of year and perfect for travelling to sunnier climates the rest of the year. A summer light weight wool is 7oz-9oz - although just be aware the ‘heavier fabrics tend to drape or hang better which affects the overall look of the suit.

FOR WOMEN - a sleeveless dress with a bracelet sleeve jacket as an option for meetings or more formal situations. Look for lightweight but wrinkle resistant fabrics like cotton blends and silk blends. A Lycra component will help the fabric keep its shape. Also consider the fit – fabrics that skim the body will be keep your body cooler. Swap your pencil skirt for a fuller style in a subtle print or brighter colour.

3. ACCESSORISE

FOR MEN - opt for Silk ties in brighter colours or with small understated Hermes style prints to add a summery element to the formal suit. Short sleeve dress shirts err on the wrong side of casual so instead when in the office roll up your sleeves. This is also the perfect opportunity to show off a fine wristwatch. Maintain composure and carry a pressed crisp white cotton hanky in your pocket to wipe the brow of perspiration. I know many men find hats hard to pull off but their ability to keep the head cool whilst keeping the sun off the face should not be overlooked. A finely woven panama with a navy suit is refined and functional . Just remember to take if off when you are inside. 

FOR WOMEN - Add sophistication and polish to more summery looking dresses with jewellery. A statement necklace or refined drop earrings work well but avoid bracelets that can bang on the desk when typing and can be distracting. Try a brighter handbag like a red to lift a more neutral palette.

4. FEET FIRST

Feet swell in the heat so opt for softer fabrics like suede that will stretch easily with an expanding foot

FOR MEN - A tan shoe will work with the light colour palette of greys and blues.

FOR WOMEN - Try a brighter coloured shoe with a fit and flare dress and if you can, leave the tights at home and prep the legs with Sally Hansen’s airbrush legs

5. CHECK THE DRESS CODE

Most UK firms seem to have a summer dress code so it is worth enquiring with HR. Some flexibility during these periods of intense heat is advantageous - the more comfortable the staff are the more productive they will be but a more relaxed approach to dressing in these periods should not be carte blanch for looking ungroomed and sloppy.

FOR MEN - If the office culture is more flexible then a cotton suit or a light wool blazer with chinos and polo shirt make a great hot weather combination. 

FOR WOMEN - Softer silhouettes will be comfortable, cool and professional and if your office is air-conditioned a cotton silk cardigan will take the edge off. 

If you feel your professional image is letting you down then I would love to help you raise your sartorial game and your confidence so please get in touch. I wish you all a successful and productive summer 

Penny Bennett is an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist and Shopper who works with successful executives, entrepreneurs and working mum's in London and the South East. 

3 steps to the perfect print

3 steps to the perfect print

Summer is the perfect time to wear and experiment with print. But a lot of my clients find print challenging to wear because they don't know what prints suit them, they feel overwhelmed by print or they don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons. So how to find the prefect print for you? Follow my 3 easy steps and you will be enjoying the interest and beauty that print brings to your wardrobe. 

1. SIZE - you want the size of the print to match your scale. That is, if you are petite and fine boned you want to opt for small prints. Anything larger will overwhelm you. If you are tall and athletic then you want a medium to large size print. Anything too small will look dull and can make you appear bigger than you are. If you are shorter but a size 18 plus then opt for larger prints that add interest and disguise problem areas. 

2. SHAPE - the shape of the print should compliment your shape of your body but also the shape of your facial features. If your body is more boyish and straight or if you have angular facial features and high cheek bones then geometric or stripes work well. If your body is more contoured or your facial features are more rounded then circular, abstract or floral will be complimentary. 

3. COLOUR - opt for a print combination in your perfect colour palette and you can't go wrong. If you have warm colouring then cream, orange, blue and green work well. If you have cool colouring then pink, grey, white, burgundy and blue look stunning. Understanding your colouring opens you up to so many new and exciting colour combinations and takes the guess work out of choosing the right print. If you are confused about your colouring and would like clarity on making the best colour choices for you, then I would love to hear from you. My previous post on why colour matters is a must read for anyone who is still on the fence. 

PRINT IN THE WORKPLACE - If you work in a conservative office then block colours may be preferable but introducing print in the summer months is a great way to add interest.  Opt for monochrome ie two colours in your print for example black and white, navy and cream, burgundy and navy. It is also worth noting here that print decreases the authority of a look and is more approachable. Depending on what your role is then incorporate print when appropriate. 

WHERE TO SHOP - The Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders is the king of print and pattern and has transformed DVF's print offering. Here are my favourites...

Workwear - this blouse is perfect for the office or a night out with a bright pencil skirt. 

Weekend - Wear this to a picnic or pub lunch.  A simple white t shirt will let the print take centre stage. Wearing print away from your face is the perfect way to dip your toe in without it feeling overwhelming. 

Wedding - well it is the season! This Chinese vintage inspired print is heavenly and in a flattering wrap dress style. 

Everyday - the print doesn't have to be dominating. You could wear this everyday - subtle but statement all in the same breath. 

I also love Rixo, La Double J and Doên for original prints and patterns. 

ON THE HIGHSTREET - I'm always on the look out for amazing prints on the hight street. The best places are & Other Stories, Warehouse, Topshop and Finery.  

I would love to help you take the guess work out of finding your perfect print so please get in touch

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist and Shopper who works with successful men and women in London and the U.K. 

Why colour matters

Why colour matters

When I first start working with a client I really like to get to the heart of how they want to look and the subjectivity of colour plays a huge part in this. My clients already have an instinctive, pre-conceived idea of what suits them but they don’t know why those particular colours work and why others don’t. I talk to them about the colours they love and they discover why they are successful and I introduce them to colours and combinations they would never have considered. There have been so many goose bump moments when I dress my clients in a colour they instantly respond to or a colour they had never considered before that looks amazing. It’s game changing. 

There are not only emotional reasons for wearing the right colours but it is also physically important

 your best colours can –

-       even out skin tones 

-       diminish lines and dark circles

-       help complexion look more radiant

-       bring definition to features

-       give you a general look of wellbeing

-       make you look younger

-       make your outfits look expensive

-       help you outfits look effortless

 

the wrong colours can –

-       cast shadows on face

-       exaggerate uneven skin tones

-       accentuate lines or dark circles

-       make the complexion look drained, washed out, grubby, sallow

-       age the face

-       make you look tired

-      make your outfit  look cheap

-       look overwhelming- like you are trying too hard! 

The colours you wear also effects how others perceive you. The colours we wear communicate whom we are and how we feel we fit into the world around us. So the next time you choose an outfit for a presentation or to facilitate a deal or get a project across the line, consider the perception of a colour. 

BLACK – sophistication, security, efficiency and substance. 

BROWN – serious, warmth, reliability, support

GREY – psychologically neutral 

WHITE – hygiene, clarity, purity, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency. 

GREEN – balance, reassurance, equilibrium

RED – strength , warmth, vitality, energy

BLUE -  intelligence, communication, trust, calm.

If you are confused about colour choices, don’t know how to coordinate colour in outfits or are stuck in a rut, contact me to discover your best colour choices. 

Penny Bennett is a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant working with successful men and women in London, UK.