My Favourite Style Tip: Mix Timeless Classics with Current Trends

French fashion retailer La Redoute has asked me to name my favourite style tip. A difficult task, as I have so many, but as I can only choose one, it would be to mix timeless, classic items with edgier trends to create a unique look of your own. Classic pieces are so versatile and can be mixed with any style from vintage to bohemian to urban, resulting in a fresh, modern and original look. As well as mixing designer with high street, think about what is going to make you look different.

As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

Over the years I have invested in classic staples that I use as building blocks in my wardobe, injecting my own sense of style with some more dramatic pieces - a statement necklace, an unexpected pop of colour, a leopard print handbag or a vintage dress.

It all started when I was a student living in Paris, and was heavily influenced by French women who are renowned for their innate sense of style and have that certain 'Je ne sais quoi'. I started to invest in timeless classics that looked chic, elegant and sophisticated. La Redoute has created The Secrets of French Style, a guide to the seven wardrobe essentials that you need to achieve the impeccable look that French women do so well. They include enduring pieces such as the trench coat, the white shirt, ballerina pumps and Breton stripes, all classics that I still wear to this day, from season to season.

All my outfits look better when there is at least one timeless piece in the mix, and once you have these, you can really start to have fun creating your own distinct style. My style is quite unpredictable in that I like to mix flattering classic items with unusual combinations. This might include mixing prints or fabrics such as stripes with florals, sequins with jeans, leather with lace or a jewelled top with tailored trousers.

This can be seen in the picture below where I am wearing a classic trench coat from La Redoute, with another timeless piece (the Breton stripe top). I have made it my own look by mixing the stripes with a camouflage print scarf and kept it fresh and current by wearing my New Balance sneakers. I've also mixed designer with high street by adding my Mulberry cross-body bag.

A close up of the classic tan trench with traditional Breton stripes and edgier camouflage print scarf:

In the picture below, I have dressed up my trench with black leather look chinos, eye-catching handbag (I adore leopard print with a trench) and added a pop of bright cobalt blue with my top and statement necklace.

Do you mix classic items into your look? And what is it about your style that makes it unique? As always I would love to hear your comments.

Abbi x