Our high street agony aunt Brogan is here for your fashion faux pas. From not knowing what to wear to a date to not knowing which shoes to wear to sixth form, she’s here to help you. If you have any concerns tweets us @Fashion_North and use #DearBrogan.
Our first query comes from Lauren from Gateshead:
Dear Brogan,
“I’m not very fashion orientated, so show up to uni most of the time in leggings and a hoody. I’m big on comfort, so don’t think I could cope a full working day in dressy clothes – I feel like I should make more of an effort with my appearance but need something that makes feel comfortable too. What would you recommend?”
“Hi Lauren, being a university student myself, I can completely relate. The key is to keep comfortable – something that you can sit in all day and look stylish at the same time. And, winter is the perfect time to do so. Don’t feel like you can’t wrap up warm and not look good – it’s a myth. All you really need in your winter wardrobe is a nice thick winter coat, a baggy jumper, a shirt dress, a pair of trousers, tights and a pair of boots and you’re sorted. Always stick with these and you will never go wrong. Skater dresses, jumper dresses and shirts tucked into trousers or skirts are also great for winter and are comfortable too. Go big on accessories as well, chunky necklaces, gloves and hats will top off any winter look. Here are some examples below to help you style the perfect outfit, to make you look and feel fabulous.”
Brogan x
Camel Coat, £51, Zara. Jumper, £20, New Look. Necklace, £20 New Look. Trousers, £15, River Island. Boots, £31.50, Dorothy Perkins. Bag, £35, H&M.
Shirt Dress, £28, Missguided.co.uk. Coat, £75, Topshop. Lipstick, Hearts Aflame shade, £15.50, Mac cosmetics. Tights, £2.99 New Look. Bag, £38, Zara. Ankle boots, £32, Boohoo.com.
P.s I hope this helped. It didn’t? Check out these links, to help you find your perfect winter look. Missguided and Topshop have great guides to winter warmers.
Dear Brogan,
“I was wondering if you could help me with my dress sense. I can’t seem to break the mould and continue to just live in shorts, joggers and hoodies.”
Lee, Sunderland.
“Hi Lee, It sounds to me like when you choose your clothes you usually choose what you feel comfortable in. You can still do this, but spice up your fashion at this time without going too far out of your comfort zone. Items such as jumpers over shirts with jeans with converse (like the image shown below) give off a smart casual look so you don’t feel over-dressed but look stylish at the same time. If you’re really wanting to go all out and change your style I have another example, also shown below. One thing to remember, you can never go wrong with black and white. I hope this helped, I’m sure those ladies will be after you in no time.
Jumper, River Island, £15. Shirt, River Island, £35. Jeans, New Look, £25. Converse, £45, Liberty.co.uk. Watch, Topman, £25.
Long sleeved t-shirt, AllSaints, £48. Jeans, Topman, £40. Boots, River Island, £45.
If these didn’t help, try these links to help style your new wardrobe. Asos, Topman, Debenhams.
Dear Brogan,
“I’ve been wanting to buy a denim shirt for a while now, but have no idea what I could wear with it. What would you suggest?”
Gordon, Gosforth.
Hi Gordon,
“This is a very common question asked as a lot of people think that you cannot double up on denim. However, that is a myth – but it does need to be done correctly and can end up being a disaster if it is done wrong. I always tend to say if you’re going to double up denim, wear a light denim shirt with darker denim jeans turned up, so the turn up is lighter and matches your shirt. If you’re not feeling daring enough you can match with a pair of black jeans or trousers. Here are a few examples to help you style your denim shirt, and think big with accessories. Denim shirts can be a great asset to your wardrobe.”
Jacket, River Island, £75. Denim shirt, River Island, £32. Trousers, Topman, £25. Trilby, Topman, £25. Braces, River Island, £12. Boots, River Island, £70.
Shirt, River Island, £32. Jeans, Topman, £70. Belt, H&M, £7.99, Shoes, Office, £100. Bag, River Island, £30.
I these didn’t help, try asos and Topman’s websites they have some great look books and ideas.
