When the cold weather suddenly hits with a vengeance are you caught short for suitably warm yet stylish outfits? Worry no more my friends! Here’s a little trick I use to get more wear from my light-weight clothes through Autumn & Winter. It may sound simple but that’s because it is…
Tah Dah the classic poloneck jumper! The most underrated of wardrobe staples, a good quality poloneck will layer comfortably underneath just about anything. The trick part is really that it must be fitted & of exceptional quality. Without those two points covered this won’t work. Why is that? Well can you imagine feeling comfortable in a bulky polyester poloneck? Ahem, no. The material will get whiffy throughout the day for starters plus the cheap ones tend to itch, ick. Indeed it is of the utmost importance that you don’t even notice you’re wearing it otherwise once you start layering on your blouse or dress it’ll ruin the entire look. Furthermore I can’t be doing with the over-heating especially now that I’m in Menopause. Equally I’m not prepared to peel off my layers throughout a busy day. You know what I mean right?
In any case if you get the right poloneck you are all set to double your Winter wardrobe. It’s that simple. The perfect poloneck in my wardrobe is this black one from Winser London. You all know I’m a huge fan of the label so it’ll come as no surprise to hear this but Ladies I kid you not & here’s why – The Winser poloneck is made from incredibly soft Merino wool & comes in a whopping eight colours! What makes this particular poloneck so awesome is the wide flat rib stitch allowing the jumper to mold to your shape without being tight & restricting movement. At just £79 I’m going to add the pretty duck egg & versatile camel to my closet. After all these little beauties will last a lifetime & won’t ever date. As for the sizing, I’m wearing a small so I’d say they’re true to size.
THE RETURN OF THE PUSSY BOW BLOUSE
Have you noticed the Pussy Bow blouse is back again? Funny name, fabulous concept – A blouse with its own neck tie! I’ve coveted this leopard print one from RIXO for ages. If you’re unfamiliar with this young British brand you can read a little background on them in my post here. I was fortunate to have met co-founder Henrietta Rix & speak to her at length about their design process. So as a huge fan, you can imagine my squeals of delight when I opened that delicious black box from Net a Porter. I can’t believe my gorgeous girls of the O40Co gave me this wicked blouse for my 50th, I’m spoilt rotten! Then again we are fashion bloggers who talk about clothes every day, I suppose I may have mentioned it at some point??? Cheeeky…
The fun thing about the Pussy Bow is being able to style it various ways. Wrapped around the neck twice or tied in an actual bow are a couple of other ways I like. Equally left untied looks rather sexy & relaxed. Almost a little undressed if you know what I mean wink? Here are a few more sensational Pussy’s for you…miaow
lovely leopard
WIDE LEG, HIGH WAISTED, CROPPED JEANS
It’s a mouthful alright & I didn’t even include the side stripe in my title. By all accounts the high-rise jean isn’t for everyone, it took me a while to get into this look. However with this pair from Whistles I have hit on a formula that works for me. A similar fit to the so-called “Mom” jeans, baggy yet not entirely shapeless, these are super comfy on. Surprisingly stylish with the addition of a dark denim stripe & funky cropped length. Yesterday I rocked them with my old kitten heel sock boots that have come back in fashion – see them here. Annnd to seal the deal they are ON SALE Hoorah! There are still some sizes left if you like them (I bought a 28 btw) or have a look through the other high-rise jeans I’ve picked below. A good way to gauge whether the shape will suit you is to imagine your silhouette when you’re wearing a particular cut. It’s all about balance. So if you’re short avoid cropped & look at the narrow leg styles. If you’re curvy or pear-shaped a kick flair should suit you. Is that making sense? If that all sounds too complicated why not just order a couple of different shapes online? Try them on at home & take photos to get a proper perspective, this works trust me. Then simply return what you don’t like.
EASY TIE BACK PONY TAIL
Pull your hair into a low pony tail & tie with an elastic band. Secure another elastic band at the end of your pony tail & pull a ribbon through that band. Take the ends of the ribbon in each hand, pull up the underside to the base of the pony & tie in a bow.
Et voilà! A sweet little French chic hairstyle in seconds. Remember not to fuss or tidy loose hair, it looks best left natural. I promise it won’t fall out. I can do a quick video of this if it’s easier to understand, just let me know. P.S. This ribbon is just from shop packaging, I always keep them for hair decoration so there’s never any need to buy. In fact I have a drawer full of various colours & sizes.
Bye for now loves, xxx
*Thank you to Winser London for gifting me the polo neck
Comments ( 24 )
Tracey
Looking fabulous Michelle. I love some leopard.
That’s a trick I use and layer polos under my Summer dresses.
I like my pretty dresses even in the winter.
Tracey x
MT
Exactly! Of course you know this Tracey, a girl after my own multi-layered heart 😉
xx
Rozanne Swift
You look fabulous…. But do you think a busty, short-necked Betty like ,me (paint an attractive picture don’t I 😂) could get away with a polo neck…? I never wear them on their own as they make me look like an egg in a wig but they work so well in they way you suggest…. X
MT
Well that’s the thing Rozanne, I do. In fact this is exactly how you should wear a poloneck. The pussy bow will lead the eye away from your neck & draw focus down, it’s the perfect trick actually… All you can do is try it, but will you please take a photo before you make your judgement because I’m sure you’ll see yourself differently from this perspective. I’m dying to hear how you get on! xxx
sequinist
I have never layered a polo neck under a blouse, but I’m inspired to try it now! It looks really great, like it is part of a layered set or something. I love a polo neck anything (especially with hair up), so I should probably invest in a few new colours too. Your jeans are fab, but I”m not brave enough to go in that mom plus cropped direction just yet. xx
MT
Ha you don’t say Lisa? I’m surprised because you look so fabulous in a poloneck xx
Wendy Kate
Well, you look fab as ever but I ditched all my polo-necks a while ago as I think they are super jowl enhancing. On me, they are ,anyway! x
MT
Ah I see your point Wendy Kate, is that even with hair down? And thank you for the lovely compliment x
ABby@Midlifecrisisnut
Now that’s a combination I haven’t actually tried yet! Sound really cozy! Plus I love Pussy Bow blouses in any shape and colour, so that one’s a keeper. Looking absolutely stylish there, Michelle! xx Abby
MT
You too Abby? I’m so surprised both you & Lisa don’t do this little layering trick! I bet you’ll be hooked now 😉
xxx
Catherine Lartigue
The Leopard shirt and the ponytail. So incredibly classic and timeless. BUT. How come you are not on that awards nomination list? YOU have one of the most addicting blogs. Girlfriend, you better be on that shortlist next year!!!
MT
Hi Catherine, apologies for my late reply I was moving my site which has taken longer than I expected. Doesn’t everything? Thanks for the encouragement! That has made my day 😉 Are you referring to the 30+ Blog Awards?
Renia
I am obsessed with that Rixo London top!
It perfect… and I love that you have paired it with jeans (my kind of combo).
Kisses
Renia
MT
Oh gosh Renia I’m obsessed with everything at RIXO! 😉
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
You look fabulous in the polo and that fabulous blouse over the top is inspired. A great look for Autumn/Winter. I shall be trying it out! xx
MT
Thanks beautiful xx
Fatima
I LOVE that chic little hair bow! So simple, but love it and the fact you keep ribbon wrap too. for this. Great share M xx
MT
Oh blimey yes I keep all the pretty wrappings, for everything from hair & accessories to gifts & school projects. Hardly ever have to buy anything like that. I bet you’re the same? I’ve seen you pull a rabbit out of a hat on photo shoots many times my friend 😉 xx
No Fear of Fashion
Strange, I knew I have commented on this post. Perhaps I did it and lost it or so. Anyway I love your blouse. Nearly everything of RIXO is beautiful. What a terrific present from your O40C friends. Indeed they spoiled you.
A high rise pair like yours is not good on my body frame, but my high rise flared Paige jeans are. Depends on your figure I suppose. Never did I wear a polo neck sweater under a blouse. A tight thin top yes, but not a polo neck.
Greetje
MT
Oh is Paige denim good Greetje? I often look but have never tried. Perhaps I will copy you 😉 x
No Fear of Fashion
Yes I like them. They stretch a little, but don’t they all? Sylvia has the same flared jeans. I think she rather likes them as well.
MT
OK I’ll investigate further, thanks Greetje x
Petite teacher
Hi Michelle. As a teacher I tend to wear lots of polo neck jumpers when temperatures drop, My voice is an important asset as a teacher and I take good care of it. It’s always good to find new ideas how to style what’s already in your wardrobe and you just helped me in that field with this blogpost. Love how you combined the polo neck. Have a great week. Love, Lieske
MT
Hi Lieske, Ah this is just what I love to read! Thank you for telling me that, it’s an absolute joy. By the way how did you get on with LinkedIn? xx