Please note: The code GOODRHAMB entitles you to 15% off all new season pieces. If you use this code, I will receive a small % of the value of the sale, in commission.
Hello how are you? I hope that you are well and embracing the thought of crisp, chilly days, head on!
Now, you may have seen that recently I held an online workshop called “Girls’ Night Out”. Before running the workshop I asked people what they would like me to include in the workshop.
The answers fell neatly into one of two camps:
Ladies asked EITHER how they could keep warm, what flat shoes they could wear that were comfortable, what alternatives there were to tights etc (ie the practical considerations) OR…
They asked how to look on trend without being trendy, how not to look like mutton dressed as lamb, how not to look as if you’ve “tried too hard” (ie the emotional, or style confidence, considerations).
And it got me thinking about style confidence. Not only that but trends! And how a good way to illustrate and explain what the trends are for the season, in a way which is accessible and approachable, is to look to Baukjen.
Natalie, the Head Of Design at Baukjen, is cool, super stylish and young at heart. She’s also of a similar age to the Baukjen customer, as is Baukjen herself. This means that both of them understand what women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond are looking for in their clothes from how they fit, to the cut, the fabric, sustainability issues and also the interpretation of the trends. And there’s a HUGE amount of comfort that comes from knowing that you are safe in their hands.
So in this post, I’m going to take a look at this season’s trends, Baukjen style, starting off first of all with…
1. The statement frilled collar
The Enid blouse (£99) is an absolute favourite of mine. It’s also the blouse that I’m wearing in the photograph above – but shown here without the collar, which is perfect for those days when you’re not in a “statement collar” mood.
This blouse actually combines two of this season’s trends – the statement collar and checks. Tick and double tick. I can attest to the fact that it is made of a beautiful warm fabric (it’s actually organic brushed cotton) that will see you through the winter months.
In terms of how to style it, my preference is to wear a pretty blouse with more “dressed down” bottoms such as jeans, leather trousers, plain palazzos, or dungarees. It kind of makes for a simple, but put together, outfit!
2.The vest (or “tank top” or “pull over”)
Talk about a trend that has taken off BIG STYLE! A couple of winters ago you wouldn’t have had a hope of finding a vest. And now? Now they are well and truly having their moment. In actual fact they are a really practical item in your wardrobe, especially if you tend to run warm. Sometimes a sleeve can be a step too far. This is the Portia Cashmere Eco Knitted Vest (£149) which also comes in winter white and which is available to rent for £29
As to styling them, they work great over midi dresses, as well as pretty blouses with collars (oh, there they are again!) They’re less bulky under a boyfriend style blazer and add a dressed down look to leather trousers. Plus with a simple polo neck layered underneath, they are the ultimate in simple chic!
(Again, you can see that checks are a big story this autumn. Above is the Enid dress (£139) or there’s also the Elodie organic shirt dress (£129) which nicely ticks the shirt dress box, too!)
3.The Shacket
ANOTHER big trend of the season! Shackets (so called as they are a cross between a shirt and a jacket) are so practical. They are lightweight but warm, which is perfect for this time of year. They tick the “insouciant” box, have enough room to layer other pieces underneath them and are the perfect way to nod to a trend but in a way that is really accessible. When you can’t quite face the thought of a full on winter coat, a shacket could be the answer.
This is the Gabby lambswool shacket (£179) It comes in navy or deep khaki and is made from organic merino wool. It’s also available to rent for £33.
4.The Flared Jean
Will you won’t you? Can you can’t you?
Baukjen says you can, so that’s good enough for me! The thing is, adopting a new style of jean – whether it’s boyfriend or barrel, fitted or flared, can instantly update your wardrobe. Suddenly your tops take on a new lease of life. Knits that you’ve had for a while look fresher, winter coats are seen in a whole new light.
Just because you’ve done them before, don’t think that you can’t go there again. They might just be what your wardrobe has been waiting for. The Lou organic jean (£99) have a definite nod to the 70s with their patch pockets. But the all over indigo denim makes them very wearable and the shape is super flattering. Honestly, give them a try 😊 They’re made from soft organic cotton with just the right amount of stretch. I love a stacked heel under a flared jean – and a blazer works a treat too!
5.The floral print
Now this isn’t just ANY floral print. This is the Medea organic dress (£149) in ditsy floral print & autumnal colours. THAT’s the print of the season!
Beautiful rich, warm, spiced, autumnal colours are fabulous for this time of the year. They signify a move away from summer colours but at the same time, the small, floral print makes pieces eminently wearable. Not only that but Baukjen have several pieces to choose from.
Sometimes a dress is the order of the day – because it’s a “one piece” outfit that you can just throw on and go with a pair of boots.
Or the Medea blouse (£99) may feel more versatile because you can wear it with your favourite jeans, under dungarees, with wide leg crops, or with a denim skirt.
Both options are equally attractive – just choose one which fits best with your life and your style.
If you like the sound of the above, and would LOVE to try some of these pieces I’ve got a couple of things that might help. First, there’s a discount of 15% off all full priced items, using the code GOODRHAMB
And secondly, if you’d like to try something new but you’re lacking a little style confidence, you might like to grab my free 25 page “Style Confidence Guide” by CLICKING HERE…
In the Guide I cover:
* Why you deserve to have a wardrobe that you love
* Why having a wardrobe that works for you is crucial to your confidence, happiness and a positive mindset
* How identifying where you are now will help you to move forwards in improving your confidence
* Why style confidence comes from within and how you can build yours
* How to decide what type of clothes you actually love and what to include in your wardrobe
* What it looks like to have a wardrobe that works for you and one which makes you feel confident every single day so that you feel calmer and less stressed.
I really hope that you’re having fun planning a few new season purchases. Do let me know how you get on with the trends, the discount and the Guide!
Much love,
Beth x
