Do you often find yourself stuck around what you feel you should be wearing? How many men do you know that call each other to check what they’ll be wearing for a night out?

Not one?

They just don’t need that reassurance. They have their formula and they rinse and repeat it. The thing that is so frustrating to me is that so many women still feel as though there is some kind of code that will serve each one of us. We look to each other for guidance and a set of rules.

I’d really like to reinforce the message that WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT and what makes one woman look and feel amazing will almost definitely not make another look and feel the same.

This blog post is for you if you often get confused, overwhelmed and frankly a bit stressed about what to wear. The formula I’m going to share with you today really can work for everyone. You can dress it up or down, add as much colour, texture and print as you like, or keep it elegant and simple.

I fall back on this formula every now and then. I love the way it looks as though you haven’t tried too hard (but still looks great).

Simple silhouette

Choose a neutral base colour. Your dress, skirt and top or trousers and top need to be the same neutral colour (it can be different tones of the same colour). A simplistic silhouette is the key to this look. Know your body shape and choose cuts and shapes that flatter you. If you need help with this read my blog post on visually dropping a dress size.

Next, adorn yourself with beautiful or interesting accessories. This is one of my very favourite looks. The best news is that it is easier to wear this type of outfit at this time of year when it’s practical to wrap up warm by adding extra layers to our outfits as well as accessories like scarves, hats and gloves.

3 Ways to get this look

These photos show outfits that I love. They wouldn’t all work for me (especially number three) but  I know plenty of women that could rock this look.

You will notice that each of these outfits starts with a blank canvas outfit in black. Now, not everyone suits black, but if I give an example for each skin tone we will never get to the end (and I’m sure you have better things to do!). Feel free to replace the black with brown, grey, navy or whatever you prefer (or whatever you already have).

The Looks

1. Add a colourful scarf

The oversized scarf brings a pop of colour, a touch of drama and of course will keep you cosy and warm. I would expect to find a black shift dress under that coat with a bright blue camisole, long-sleeved t-shirt or polo neck to keep some colour if the scarf needs to come off. Every piece of this outfit is versatile. Love it.

2. Add a statement jacket

This is a sleek look. The jacket pulls the whole look together. Choose a colour that flatters your skin tone and a length and shape that flatters your figure.

3. Use a pop of colour

This is a perfect party look. There are so many alternatives to a little black dress but worn in the right way you can’t beat one! The red bag makes this look. It’s fun, flirty and gorgeous and the wrist strap means the bag is truly a part of the outfit. She won’t need to put it down to dance around.

Why this works

The benefits of dressing in one colour from head to toe are twofold. Firstly it is incredibly slimming. Secondly it is so darned easy to get right!

Feeling inspired? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Are you going to give it a go?