Tuesday 15 April 2014

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

17 comments:

  1. Great outfits and great advice, I couldn't agree more! x

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    1. I just love that you can spend a bit more on classic items, knowing they won't date! X

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  2. Spot on Abbi. I lust after a Burberry trench, myself, but would dither forever over which one. H xx

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    1. Yes, I agree! I love the one with the leather sleeves but that sort of defeats the object of getting a true classic!
      A c

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  3. Adore trench coats Abbi!Im still yet to own one though, and like Fashion40ish I would love a Burberry:) Breton stripes are always in my wardrobe as I love how stylish and effortless they are, I love to team with my favourite jeans and a slick of red lipstick! I'm currently addicted to a 3/4 length camel coat which I'm wearing with everything! Just off to have a look on La Redoutes website as I love the trench coat on your blog

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    1. The Breton must be the worn item in my wardrobe! If you do look on the La Redoute website, you will see that you get £50 off your first order! Their trench coat is a real classic and really good quality.
      Abbi x

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  4. Another Great post abbi. I really think the trench is timeless and with that leopard print bag...just fabulous. What lovely taste you have! Refreshing to see a blog pick up on these classic items for once too. Audrey tatou eat your heart out! Am inspired to go the la Roudutes website this evening and get shopping for summer

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    1. There are so many lovely things to choose from - no one does timeless classic like the French!
      A x

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  5. You can' beat the classics Abbi! Love the trench with the Breton.....so chic xx

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    1. Thanks! The Breton and trench are probably the two hardest working pieces in my wardrobe.
      A x

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  6. Great post. Classics are the way to go and love the idea of a pop of colour for this time of year! A new trench is on my wish list now!!xx

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    1. I really recommend the La Redoute one! such good value for money, especially if it's your first order as you get £50 off!
      Abbi x

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  7. Hi Abbi - I really enjoy reading yoru blog. You choose such varied and interesting topics and love the fact they are age related. As I hit my 30's I too started to invest in timeless classics, the trench coat being one of my all time faves. Looking forward to your next post already! xx

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    1. Thank you, that's very lovely to read. You can't go wrong with classics and I love being able to mix more modern things in with them!
      A x

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  8. Your outfit looks lovely, the trench coat is gorge, must get myself one! The Redoute article on french style is brill, I do love a white shirt myself, have so many of them but hardly wear them these days with kids and dogs! great blog as always.xxxxxx

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  9. I need to get a new white shirt!
    A x

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