I’ve just started running again, and some nice workout gear (trainers, leggings) would be great for my motivation. I love shops like Sweaty Betty, but everything seems so expensive. Do you have any more affordable suggestions suitable for the budget of a 17-year-old?
Great news: everyone is getting in on the sportswear act — even the supermarkets are turning out an entire gym kit for less than the average weekly shop. Tesco has this sports bra (1 £4). I wouldn’t necessarily go running in it, but it’s adequate for a gym session. The same goes for these trainers (2 £25) — I wouldn’t do anything high impact, but they look the part and will see you through a box-fit class. H&M is the best fashion shop for cool sportswear on a budget: this animal-striped set is fast-drying (4 £21). And these Nikes are bottom of the range, price-wise (3 £67; schuh.co.uk).
I have a Tara Jarmon striped summer dress in light blue and white, with crossover straps, that I’m wearing to a wedding in Aix-en-Provence in September. The bride is a big fan of neon colours, and, although it will be a traditional French church wedding, I would like to have a pop of colour on my shoes and jewellery. I have pale skin, which goes pink easily, and strawberry-blonde hair, so neon doesn’t normally suit me. Is there anything that would work?
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Soft fluoros rather than bright, brash neons are key with your colouring (actually, with anyone’s colouring — bright neons are to be treated with Hazchem caution). Sophia Webster’s tangerine-and-pink shoes have a playful flamingo design on the heel that will add a bit of fun to your look (5 £380). These strappy heels from Missguided come in a “neon coral” (7 £25), which doesn’t look too bright, and finally, this pair by J.Crew is my favourite (6 £238) — a slightly lower heel looks good with stripes, and they are made in Italy.
What an adventure — and a cold one, at that. Go for this pair of wool trousers by MSGM (8 £275; matchesfashion.com). The bold print is great for a wedding, and the muted colours won’t jar against the icy landscape. Team it with a navy blazer from Mango for added smart points (10 £45, from House of Fraser). You will get plenty of wear out of this set. Or try this warm wool dress from Jaeger (9 £180) in a gorgeous damson tone. Wear it with black thermal tights for added insulation.
If it’s a Shrimps-style coat you’re after, keep two things in mind: it has to be bold and it has to be fake. Zara has pulled out all the stops this season when it comes to chubby fake-furs, from lilac to leopard and bright yellow (4 £70). Whistles has produced the ultimate fuzzy fur (5) — a real must-buy for winter. It costs £275, but it’s worth stretching your budget for. Marks & Spencer has also got in on the act, and this coat (6 £95) has a similar ombré effect to the Shrimps design.
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How I solved the problem: the dream dress
Above: pink dress, £175, by Sandro, from Harrods. Neoprene skirt, £340, by Acne; brownsfashion.com. Shoes, £60, by Out From Under; urbanoutfitters.com
Sometimes a dress just works: it’s alchemy. Take this Sandro number — I shot this look for the column, and bought the dress from Harrods the next day (not before I had posted the photo of me on Instagram and got 143 likes — no biggie). Here, I’ve styled it with a longer A-line skirt, because it’s tight enough to behave like a sporty piqué top. However, it works equally well as a dress on its own. The skirt is short, but it’s something I hope I will be able to wear for a lifetime.
Animal attraction
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Above, from left: sweater, £125, pencil skirt, £165, hoodie, £185, sweatpants, by House of Hackney; houseofhackney.com
Don’t mind me while I recline on my House of Hackney Palmeral sofa with decadent fringing in divine chenille. It just happens to match my free-standing floor lamp and roll-neck-and-pencil-skirt combo. Ahhh, the life of a House of Hackney girl. Some might say it’s clichéd now — a victim of the great hipster hijack of 2014 — but I’m still a devotee, and it’s the clothing collection that is keeping me onside. I could live in nothing but this cool east London brand’s new Tigre print, in all its manifestations. Just add black heels or sneakers and it’s the easiest dressing decision you will make all autumn. The collection is available to order ahead of the launch on September 17; houseofhackney.com