Category Archives: Fashion

Autumn/Winter Fashion Trends

October 15, 2026 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Layering season is officially in full swing, bringing with it a fresh wave of autumn/winter fashion tremds. The arrival of a new style calendar is always highly anticipated, offering a first look at the latest collections from leading fashion houses. This season does not disappoint. From runway translations to everyday wear, several key aesthetics have already made their mark on high street rails.

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Chunky Necklaces

If you are a fan of bold, structural jewellery, this is your season. Chunky necklaces have made a major comeback, pivoting away from delicate minimalism in favour of maximum impact. When styling this trend, think big and unapologetically bold. Heavy metallic links, oversized resins, and statement collars are leading the change, serving as the perfect visual anchor over cosy, high-neck knitwear and structured winter outerwear.

Chocolate Brown & Burgundy

Black is taking a back seat this season to a richer, softer palette of neutrals. Deep chocolate brown and rich burgundy are the definitive “It” colours of the season. High-street retailers like Marks & Spencer and H&Mare packed with deep-red trench coats, espresso-toned wide-leg trousers, and leather boots. Wearing these two tones together creates an effortlessly expensive, tonal look.

Tactile Suede & Faux Fur

exture is doing all the work for simpler silhouettes this winter. Rich, velvety suedes and plush faux furs have made a major luxury comeback across outerwear and accessories. Slouchy suede tote bags, shearling aviator jackets, and longline faux-fur coats are everywhere, offering the perfect tactile contrast when layered over basic cotton tees or smooth knitwear.

 Sleek Mid-Calf & Knee-High Boots

Footwear is moving away from the ultra-chunky, clunky “Frankenstein” lug soles of recent years. This season belongs to sleek, leg-lengthening boots that hit mid-calf or just below the knee. Whether you prefer a flat riding boot or a soft, slouchy style with a sculpted kitten heel, these refined shapes sit beautifully under the season’s longer coats and wider trousers.

Heritage Checks & Houndstooth

Traditional British tailoring has returned with a distinct “business-casual” edge. Preppy check prints, tartan, and houndstooth are defining the season’s statement tailoring and outerwear. The easiest way to style this high-street favorite is to let the print do the talking—layer a sharp, checked blazer or a dogtooth coat over a clean white shirt or a minimalist neutral knit.
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Whether you embrace bold chunky jewellery, wrap up in rich tactile textures, or lean into sophisticated winter hues, this autumn/winter season is all about effortless styling. The beauty of these top five high street fashion trends lies in their versatility. They effortlessly mix and match, allowing you to elevate your everyday basics into a perfectly curated winter wardrobe.
Happy styling! 🍁🧥✨

Why Thermal Trousers Deserve a Place in Your Wardrobe

October 14, 2026 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Some cold creeps up on you. It isn’t the frost on the windscreen kind, it’s the damp, grey sort that hangs around for weeks once the weather turns. You can wear three jumpers and still feel it, because cold legs make the rest of you cold too. Most of us have learnt that on a long wait for a late train.

Most men focus almost entirely on their top half when the temperature drops. A good coat, a decent knit, maybe a thermal base layer under the shirt. The legs tend to get forgotten about, left to fend for themselves in whatever trousers you’d wear on a warm day. And then you wonder why you’re still shivering at the bus stop in Harrogate or walking the dog across a windswept park.

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What Actually Makes Them Worth Wearing

Thermal trousers have had a bit of an image problem over the years, if I’m honest. People still link them with leisure centres and retirement, which is unfair, as fleece-lined trousers have come on a lot. The newer styles sit properly at the waist and come in neat cuts that go over boots or with trainers. They aren’t bulky either, so you won’t look as though you’ve borrowed your dad’s gardening trousers.

The fleece lining is what does the work. It keeps a layer of warm air against your legs, which means the fabric itself doesn’t need to be heavy. There’s none of the stiffness you get with thick denim, and none of the rustle of waterproof overtrousers either. If you’re outdoors a lot when it’s cold, commuting, walking the dog or pottering in the garden, they make a lot of sense, though most people don’t think of them until their knees go numb.

Good mens thermal trousers aren’t trying to replace your smarter trousers or your favourite chinos. They fill a specific gap in the wardrobe, the everyday trouser that can handle a cold day without making you look like you’ve given up on style entirely.

How to Style Them Without Looking Like You’re Off Camping

This is where plenty of men get it wrong. Pair them with a fleece, a parka and heavy walking boots and the whole outfit looks purely practical. That’s fine for a walk up a fell near Keswick. For a Saturday in town or lunch with friends, though, it’s a bit much.

My advice is to wear them like any other casual trousers and dress around them. A chunky jumper or wool overshirt on top looks good, and so do plain trainers or Chelsea boots, with a longer coat over the lot when it’s really bitter. Nobody will spot the lining, and you’ll look smart and warm while other people shuffle about stiffly in cold jeans.

It’s worth thinking about colour as well. Navy, charcoal and dark khaki go with most of the knitwear and coats people already have. Bright shades or very relaxed cuts can start to look like tracksuit bottoms, which probably isn’t the look you’re going for unless you’re working from home with the camera firmly off.

Everyday Comfort That Actually Holds Up

There’s also something to be said for how differently you move through a cold day when your legs aren’t fighting the temperature. Errands feel less of a chore. Even a quick walk to the shops becomes pleasant rather than something to hurry through. Being warm lifts your mood more than you’d expect, and you notice it most on a raw morning when you’re comfortable from the waist down for once.

So if you’ve never bothered with thermal trousers, it’s worth giving a pair a go before you rule them out. They do a useful job, they’re easier to style than you’d think, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a pair that’s warm and fits well. Often the most useful things in your wardrobe are the least glamorous.

5 Easy Ways to Style Vintage-Inspired Dresses for Everyday Wear

October 9, 2026 By in Fashion Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments

Vintage-inspired dresses have a certain charm. A square neckline, softly gathered waist or delicate floral print can make an outfit feel put-together before you add a single accessory. Yet the difference between a lovely everyday look and something that feels like a costume often comes down to how you style it.

The good news? You do not need a special occasion, a full vintage wardrobe or an elaborate beauty routine to make these dresses work. A few thoughtful updates can take a romantic piece from a weekend coffee date to the office and beyond. Here are five easy ways to give retro-inspired dresses a fresh, wearable feel.

1. Make Romantic Prints Feel Relaxed

Start with a floral or polka-dot dress and pair it with something decidedly modern. Clean white trainers, a denim jacket and a roomy tote soften the dressier details, making the outfit practical for running errands, meeting friends or exploring the city. If trainers are not your style, simple leather flats create the same effortless effect.

A polka dot dress from RIHOAS makes a useful starting point: the print brings a vintage accent without requiring matching retro accessories. Keep the rest of your outfit uncomplicated. If the spots are bold, repeat one of the print’s quieter colours in your shoes or bag rather than introducing another pattern.

5 Easy Ways to Style Vintage-Inspired Dresses for Everyday Wear picture

Blue Square Neck Floral Chiffon Midi Dress. Image: RIHOAS.

2. Add Structure with a Blazer or Denim Jacket

A romantic dress can look surprisingly sharp with the right outer layer. For a more polished outfit, wear a single-breasted blazer over a softly flowing dress. A slightly relaxed cut keeps the look current, while a blazer that finishes around the hip helps balance a fuller skirt.

This approach works especially well for a casual office, a daytime event or an informal dinner. Choose a blazer in navy, cream, chocolate brown or another colour already present in your dress. Keep the footwear streamlined with loafers, ballet flats or low-heeled ankle boots.

3. Let a Midi Hemline Do the Work

Midi-length dresses are useful because they offer enough coverage for everyday plans while still showing off your shoes. They also give vintage silhouettes a particularly modern feel when the accessories are simple. A pair of ankle boots can make a soft A-line dress look more grounded; sleek sandals can take the same dress into warmer weather.

A plaid dress from RIHOAS makes a good example: a midi-length checked style looks sharp with a fitted jacket or a neatly tucked cardigan. With a straighter skirt, a loose knit or longer coat can add a relaxed contrast.

Pay attention to where the hem falls on your leg, too. A length that sits comfortably below the knee or around mid-calf, paired with shoes that do not cut awkwardly across the ankle, is often the simplest combination to wear.

Brown Plaid Boat Neck A-Line Midi Dress picture

Brown Plaid Boat Neck A-Line Midi Dress. Image: RIHOAS.

4. Choose Accessories That Feel Like You

Vintage inspiration does not mean every accessory needs to come from the same decade. In fact, mixing old-fashioned details with contemporary pieces is what makes the whole look interesting. Try small gold hoops with a floral dress, a minimal shoulder bag with a gingham print, or a sleek watch with a puff-sleeve design.

If you love pearls, a hair ribbon or a silk scarf, pick just one as your statement. Wearing them all together can make the outfit feel themed rather than personal. You can also use accessories to change the mood of a dress you already own: a woven bag is relaxed, a structured leather bag is smarter, and a colourful clutch feels ready for an evening out.

5. Make Your Favourite Dress Work Across Seasons

A vintage-inspired dress need not be packed away when the weather changes. In early autumn, add a fine cardigan, tights and ankle boots. As temperatures drop, a longer wool coat and a cosy scarf provide warmth without taking away from the dress underneath.

For sleeveless styles, a thin, fitted top can sometimes be layered underneath, provided the neckline and armholes allow it to sit comfortably. Alternatively, wear a soft knit over the dress so that the skirt looks like a separate piece. A belt over the knit can help define the waist if the outfit feels too loose.

In spring and summer, remove the heavier layers and swap boots for flats or sandals. Thinking in terms of layers makes one good dress work harder throughout the year, rather than limiting it to a single outing or season.

A Modern Approach to Vintage Style

The easiest way to wear vintage-inspired dresses is to enjoy their character without feeling obliged to recreate the past. Begin with a silhouette that feels comfortable, add one contemporary contrast and dress for the day you are actually having. Whether you favour florals, polka dots or a classic plaid, the combination of timeless details and practical styling can make a favourite dress one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.

*collaborative post.

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