The ultimate guide for open-air style

It’s been a BIG week, shops have reopened, as have bars, restaurants and pubs…we are allowed back into the wild! I have had SO many conversations with my lovely clients suddenly panicking about what to wear for their reunions and date nights! It’s thrown us all into a frenzy with our wardrobes. It doesn’t help us that the weather is being particularly British too.

My friend Amy used the term ‘National Glow up’ which I think is spot on… and returning to normality is a celebration and with that, I think we should dust off the things that we ‘save for best’ (or even better, treat yourselves to something new) and wear wear wear them. You should know that one of my ‘rules’ is to not save things for best but to wear them because we adore them and feel amazing in them.

I have created an ‘Open Air Style’ shopping board on Moonsift which you can see here. I have chosen 4 variations of the most head-turning but also practical pieces for some inspo. I cover everything from coats to accessories so when you walk into that garden to see your nearest and dearest you look and feel phenomenal. What a way to party!

Before I delve in to the good stuff… I’m just going to say one thing… layer, layer layer, I know I have recently written about it so I won’t harp on too much but if you missed it, you can find it here. Essentially layers will keep you warm, and then if you’re too hot you can take them off one by one to find your ultimate temperature! All I can say is roll on the sunshine so we can leave the house with just a dress and no other care in the world!

Coats

Here I have a classic trench which I think everyone should own, it’s the perfect balance of smart and cosmopolitan and will work with literally anything you have already. A cosy textured faux fur/teddy coat that will feel like a hug and keep the wind off your bones but also look completely fabulous. I feel like I don’t need to write an explanation for the most amazing leopard cotton coat – It will do the talking for you and its essentially a neutral so will work with anything under it or clash with any pattern in a super edgy way. Finally, a very awesome take on a denim jacket… which again, works with anything from a beautiful long dress, leather or double denim. Everyone should also own a denim jacket… just sayin’

One stop look

The one-pieces aka pull on a go dresses or a jumpsuit. Admittedly this denim boiler suit is mega faff if you have lots of layers on and need to nip to the ladies but no pain no gain. This stunning number is beyond versatile and will work with all of the above coats (yes even the denim jacket) and is the ultimate ‘this old thing?! – I just threw it on’ vibe. Next up, the glorious red maxi, can be warmed up with cora leggings (find them below) and cosy knits layered over the top and oh wait, any of the above coats (see where this is going now) The jaw-dropping mini speaks for itself… pretty hard getting a knit over it but wear a thermal cami under with cora leggings and any coat again and you’re good to go. The embroidered dress is pretty different from my usual style, mainly because I can’t be trusted around white so avoid coffee and red wine and you’ll be fine. Cinch this in with a belt, edge it up with a printed or block colour knit and any of the shoes mentioned below and you are set.

Knitwear

The best kind of layering and now cardis have been reinvented and finally made cool again, we can layer out hearts out. Knitwear looks wicked with leather trousers, clashed with printed or block colour bottoms and for a more natural style, denim. The obvious is also over dresses. I love the knitted vests, they have made a huge comeback and they are here to stay so layer over a printed or denim blouse (see below) and experiment with colour and size of knit for warmth. If you don’t like print, texture is an awesome way of adding little extra to your look. Most of you know that any knitwear that cinches in your waist, you’ll get a thumbs up from me so don’t look past that as an option too!

Blouses

The trustworthy blouse – so many uses as well as covering up your girls. As just said, great under knitted vests, work gloriously under chunky cardis but also tied up over a dress (like the red and white above) and with any trouser option… There’s nothing they won’t work with. Make sure they don’t hang in the wrong places, fit your shoulders properly or don’t crease too much. If its super chilly wear a vest underneath or if its mega hot, wear them instead of a jacket, they will roll up nicely into your handbag and you can pull them on when the sun goes down. Also, a great way to add a subtle metallic or if you’re on a date, show a little flesh without revealing too much.

Trousers

Ye old faithful… well a bit like marmite, you either love a trouser or they cause pure hell in the changing room (unless you understand your body shape that is) Denim will be most peoples go to, so why don’t you mix it up and try a flared jean for an awesome 70s vibe? The soft bell will create proportion if you have a curve at the hip or if you are straighter, they will add some drama to your bottom half (I don’t need to say they work with everything in this collection…) A leather trouser… well WHAT an entrance you’d make, also easy to wipe down if you have a spillage… A gorgeous combo with a metallic blouse, a knit, any coat… oh and any shoe or accessory mentioned later. I think you have to put your brave pants on to wear but I assure you, worth the investment 100% Don’t get me started on how cool a block colour trouser is, if its grey outside, what a way to brighten up the mood and you can add height if you are petite with wearing a similar colour top/knitwear or play with print and texture to take it to the next level. The last pair most of you are likely to raise your eyebrows to but, I know some of you will adore and embrace how amazing they are. Dress them down with the trench coat and trainer or up with a silver boot, teddy bear coat and metallic blouse

Shoes

Two safe bets… trainers and boots. Great for all year so again, worth the investment (minus the knee boots in summer – you will melt) A metallic will go with literally anything from maxis, to leather and denim. The high tops are for a cooler edge and a print clash. Knee boots if you want to create a bit of drama with your look (which im all game for) Avoid high tops if you are conscious of your legs and want them to look a long as poss, this is because they chop your leg off and can sometimes makes them look a touch shorter than they are.

Accessories

If it’s freezing and you are literally hidden in your coat and wrapped up in a scarf… a headband and earring will make sure you still look the part. They can also pull a look together and add that extra je ne sais quoi. Headbands can add a very needed pop of colour if you are wearing a lot of black, white or denim. Everyone should own some decent hoops and studs, if you don’t want to invest just yet, go for some costume jewellery. I hand on heart can’t recommend Kastur or waranddrobe highly enough. I’m obsessed with both brands.

My layering essentials

Scarves… for the obvious answer. Cora leggings, because they work under everything and look way cooler than tights and urm… a gilet to hide under your amazing coat because if your body is warm, you are likely to stay warmer, just don’t tell anyone I have recommended it.

Happy browsing, let me know if you go for anything and enjoy reuniting with loved ones, just stay safe (and warm)

Stylish wishes,

Sian

I am Personal Stylist based in London. I am a colour analysis expert, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. I specialise in body shape style, wardrobe edits, and shopping for clients. I am also a virtual stylist. I do online styling, online style advice, virtual body shape workshops, virtual wardrobe edits and online personal shopping. Fashion Stylist in London. Personal Stylist in London. London stylist