Blog | My Colour & Style | Friendly personal stylist Watford Hertfordshire

Accessories, Autumn Winter Style, AW'22, Colour Analysis

Be Bright This Autumn & Winter

The catwalks this season were full of mood-boosting hues in every colour of the rainbow, so this season isn’t one for the faint hearted! It’s not just the catwalks, but our local shops are full of exuberant colours.

And as the weather turns colder, there’s no better time to add a splash of colour to your outer wear. So here’s my latest top picks of bold coloured coats:

One of the biggest colours this season is bright eye-popping hot pink. This will work for you if you have pinky tones to your skin. This 80s inspired jacket from BA&SH hits this trend perfectly

Spencer coat, BA&SH £290

Or you can update your neutral coloured winter coat with a bold pop of colour. This hot pink beanie will work perfectly with a grey, navy or black coat

Deni Ribbed Beanie, hush, £29

If you have warmth in your colouring – more olive skin tone, warm red in your hair etc, then the cooler pinks may not be for you. But there are plenty of warm orange and red tones too, like this relaxed tailored coat from Marks & Spencer which will complement you completely

Twill Single Breasted Relaxed Tailored Coat, M&S £65

Or why not use a scarf to add a splash of red? Scarves in your best colours are perfect for a colour pop, as they sit right next to your face and will reflect beautifully against your face. I love the textured finish to this scarf from Superdry.

Superdry Cable Lux Scarf, £39

If the brighter reds are ‘too much’ for you, then how about burgundy? It’s a big colour trend for AW’22, and is a lovely rich tone for the autumnal months ahead. This is a great example from Karen Millen, and it will keep you warm right the way through winter

Down Filled Packable Longline Coat, Karen Millen, £189

Or this faux fur jacket from Hobbs? Faux fur jackets have been a key winter trend for a few years now, and showing no sign of going anywhere soon! They finish off a going out outfit as perfectly as they glam up jeans and a jumper. They are a personal favourite of mine!

Maddox Coat, Hobbs, £219

Whilst if you want to dial up the warmth, how about spicing things up with some mustard? This wool coat from LK Bennett is a real statement, and will make you standout from the crowd!

Yellow Double-Faced Wool Coat, LKB, £499

If a long coat in mustard is too bold, then how about a pop of mustard with these pretty mustard gloves from Fat Face:

Mia Cable Knit Gloves, Fat Face, £18

Pic 8. Mia Cable Knit Gloves, Fat Face, £18

Posted by Lynnette Jackson on 18/10/2022

Autumn Winter Style, Christmas Style, Colour Analysis, Festive Style, Image Consultant Hertfordshire, Party Season Style, Uncategorized

Christmas Jumper Style!

Christmas jumpers have gone off the ‘boil’ over the last few years – but I’m predicting a Christmas jumper revival this year (you heard it here first!) – as we are all planning and hoping to have the best Christmas ever to make up for lockdown Christmas of 2020!

As ever I like to give advice on how to look good no matter what the occasion – and Christmas jumper season is no different! Just because you are having fun with your clothing doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t look great yourself.

So here’s my best picks of Christmas jumpers this season.

If you suit dark colours, you probably have dark hair and eyes – and this super fun Christmas wreath jumper from George at Asda will work brilliantly with your hair and eye colour, and really enhance that natural depth that you have in your colouring.

Black Christmas wreath light up sequin jumper, George at Asda £16 (sale price)

Whilst if you prefer a more subtle festive vibe, then this relaxed fit silver star jumper from Hush is perfect.

Stella Star Jumper, Hush, £79

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 15/11/2021

Accessories, Autumn Winter Style, AW21, Body shape, Colour Analysis, How to wear green, Image Consultant, Image Consultant Hertfordshire, Personal Stylist

Wear Your Greens!

In the world of fashion, colours that reflect nature have been trending for a while now – some say it’s been reflecting the desire for comfort and stability during the uncertain times we have been living through.

In this AW21 season, we are seeing nature colours like green continuing to trend – but with wider and more diverse shades of green.

Pantone announced its AW21 colours which included the core colour of ‘Olive Branch’ – a tasteful green symbolic of growth, alongside ‘Green Bee’ – a grassy green that perpetuates nature.

So whether you are already a green fan, or the shade makes you think of your old school uniform – this season is the season to GO GREEN.

So here’s my tips on how to look great in green this season.

Greens this season aren’t just the deeper, darker shades that you can often associate with autumn/ winter fashion – this season the shades also include lighter (and brighter, but more on that later) shades. One of my personal favourites is this mint coloured biker jacket from the French fashion brand Captain Tortue. Not only is the colour perfect, it’s also a great layering piece which will take you right through to Spring. Dress down with jeans, or wear with a floaty dress to elongate your summer wardrobe.

Jacket, Captain Tortue, £106

Another great layering piece for those of you who prefer a lighter green is this super snuggly cardigan from White Stuff. The leaves pattern is perfect for Autumn!

Falling Leaves Cardigan, White stuff, £69

If you have dark hair and dark eyes then a deeper shade of green will emphasise those features, and look great on you. I love this animal print midi dress from M&S. Animal print continues to trend in AW21, and this dress can easily be layered up (underneath as well as over the top) and worn all through the season.

Animal print midi dress, Marks and Spencer, £45

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 21/09/2021

Body shape, How to wear pattern, How to wear red, Image Consultant, Image Consultant Hertfordshire, Personal Stylist, Valentine style

Lets Show The Love

Whilst this last year has been a year of challenges, I think it’s also been a year of LOVE. We have missed friends and family, and made us realise how much they mean to us and how much we love them.

So this Valentines Day, lets to share the love and show some kindness through our outfits!

An easy way of adding the LOVE to your outfit is through accessories, and a scarf is also perfect at this time of year for an extra layer of warmth. This stylish scarf from Accessorize will add a touch of colour and Valentines LOVE to your outfit

Scarf, Accessorize, £20

I’m obviously hoping that we won’t need an umbrella on Valentines Day, but given the British weather it’s probably quite likely! But if it does rain, this umbrella from Next is guaranteed to cheer you up.

Umbrella, Next, £11

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 09/02/2021

Animal print, Body shape, Colour Analysis, Exercise in style, Image Consultant, Image Consultant Hertfordshire, Personal Style, Personal Stylist, Style Personality

Exercise in Style

Well what a year 2020 was!

If you are like me, my saviour during lockdown 1 was PE with Joe. I was home-schooling at the time, and that 30 mins in the morning meant that the day started with a positive experience.

And since that I’ve been lunging, squatting and crunching in the privacy of my lounge. Now I can do a hiit session, but I’m no runner (and seriously admire people who can!) I know that lots of people have taken up running and jogging too, or even incorporating a daily walk into their working from home routine.

But whether we are exercising alone in our own private space, or heading out to get some fresh air and miles in the legs, we will feel better knowing that we are not only improving our bodies on the inside, but we also look the best version of ourselves on the outside.

I often get asked ‘should my exercise gear be in my best colours?’ And my honest answer is ‘why wouldn’t it be’? When working out we tend not to have as much (or any!) makeup on, and our hair is tied up out of the way – all we have is the clothes we choose to wear to make us look good – so my advice is to make those clothes work hard for you.

Whatever type of exercise you do there are two important style considerations: Colour and Patterns

Colour: Colour will brighten up a January jog or a winter workout. Plus colour brightens up how we look too. So wear your best colour on your top and next to your face – this way that fab colour will reflect on your face and give the effect of a brighter healthier you (even before you start your work out!).

This vest from Sweaty Betty in teal – is great if you like your colour on the subtle side. Plus Teal is a universal colour, meaning that it looks great on many of us.

Sweaty Betty Athlete Seamless Vest, Green, £38

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 08/01/2021

Colour Analysis, How to wear black, Party Season Style, Personal Style

How To Wear Black

As an Image Consultant and Personal Stylist I get asked about the colour black a lot! ‘Can I wear black?’ ‘Please don’t tell me that I ‘cant’ wear black!’ BTW I would never tell someone that they couldn’t wear a specific colour, but I would show them the most flattering way for them to wear that specific colour.

Many women use black as a staple ‘uniform’ or their wardrobe, whether that’s a working or social wardrobe. It’s often also the first colour choice for evening / socialising wear.

It’s often thought that black is slimming – it can be, if worn in the correct style and fabric. In fact, it’s just darker shades that are slimming rather than black per se.

But also – it’s not just the colour you wear but how you wear it that makes it a success.

Wear black on its own

If you can wear black on its own, then go for it and make a bold statement. You could add different textures to add interest your outfit e.g. if layering

Wear black in contrast

Some of us can wear black, but not on its own, and we need some contrast i.e. lighter or brighter colour teamed with it. Think monochrome look, or adding a splash of your best colour

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 16/11/2020

Autumn Winter Style, AW'20, Body shape, Checks, Image Consultant, Image Consultant Hertfordshire, Pattern, Personal Stylist, Seasonal Style

Checkmate!

As an Image Consultant, I love the change in Seasons! But this one has been quite a challenge!!

The AW20 season hit the catwalk back in Feb, and since then our shops have not only faced the challenge of covid19, they have also had to take the catwalk trends and shape them into wearable pieces for us everyday. Also during this time, how we have dressed has changed, with more home working – some of us will be happy with this, whilst others will be wishing to get back to their ‘normal’ dress code and the desire to get out and about again.

One element that came through the catwalk trends was a continued focus on sustainability, and pieces that are more classical and wearable over time. CHECK is a key ‘trend’ for AW’20. Check never goes out of style for long, which is presumably why with sustainability and a more seasonal-less approach to dressing, it was thought that AW’20 was the perfect time to bring it back to the foreground.

Checks are an easy pattern for even a print-avoider to incorporate into their wardrobe. However as ever there are some keys tips for getting the most out of this trend for you personally.

Colour checks:

If you suit dark colours, you probably have dark hair and eyes – and this cape jacket from River Island is a great throw on over everything from jeans to a pencil skirt

Black mono check cape jacket, River Island, £68

Whilst if dark colours overwhelm you, you probably have blonde hair and light eyes, and hence something like this fitted jumper from Marks & Spencer will balance out your delicate colouring. Its super soft, so great for the autumn days ahead, and whilst the design is bold but the lighter colours make it easy to wear.

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 04/09/2020

Body shape, Colour Analysis, covid-19, Make Up, Personal branding, Personal Style, Seasonal Style, Style Personality

Covid-19 and what it means for your Consultation

covid-19 colour consultation, covid-19 image consultant, covid-19 personal stylist

When I am in the appropriate tier and allowed to work face to face, this is an overview of what changes I have already made in my studio, which are aligned to the Government Guidelines.

So what will be different?

Face to Face Consultations (in my home studio)

I have PPE in place, along with all other measures you would expect e.g. hand sanitising, distancing as much as possible etc
Due to the COVID guidelines for the virus on fabric, my fabric colour drapes need 72 hours between clients, so I have limited slots for Colour Consultations (I would advise that you book ahead to secure your date)
I will also be consulting in a different place within my house – to limit your exposure to soft furnishing etc, and have direct access to use any hand washing, toilet facilities
All facilities will be cleaned before your Consultation, and fresh hand washing towels etc will be provided

Face to Face Consultations (in your home environment)

I am also offering mobile consultations – where I come to your home environment
I will wear my (now) ‘normal’ consultations PPE, hand sanitise, even bring my own hand towel for hand washing, and minimise contact with items in your house eg seats, sides etc
I charge a little extra to cover the extra travel time (based on your location from my studio), but if you are more comfortable in your own surroundings, then this is a perfect solution

Virtual Consultations

However just because I can see clients face to face doesn’t mean that is the only option
I will still conduct virtual consultations online, as these have been working very well during lockdown
So if you are isolating, or just prefer a remote option, then virtual sessions are perfect for this

Posted by Lynnette Jackson on 21/07/2020

Accessories, Body shape, Denim, Personal Style, Seasonal Style, Spring Summer 2020, Spring Summer Style

The Denim Edit

It has been said that if there is one fabric that characterises the modern wardrobe, and the ever increasing fluidity of our lifestyle its denim – and I couldn’t agree more.

It is a timeless fabric that has been reinvented over the years – and this season is much more diverse, with new shapes and textures.

So for those of you who love denim, you really will be in heaven this season!

In addition to this, Pantone have announced that their colour for 2020 is Classic Blue. So if there ever was a time to get out that blue denim – it is now!

Here’s a quick round up of some great denim options:

Jumpsuits are still very much on trend, as they have been for a few seasons now. The cut of this jumpsuit from White Stuff is slightly more relaxed, and is lovely and soft. A great casual option.

White Stuff £65

Whilst this one from Oasis is great for layering when the weather is still a little on the chilly side.

Oasis £56

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 05/03/2020

Accessories, Colour Analysis, colour psychology, Personal branding, Personal Style

The language of colour

What does the new year hold for you? We often take the turning of the year to reflect on the year past, and what we would like the future year to look like.

I see many clients in the New Year who want ‘New Year, New You’ – and in my world that means an image refresh. Rightly or wrongly we are judged on our appearance – someone who looks very well presented is assumed to be ‘on top of their game’. But our image also sends messages about who we are (or who we want to be perceived as).

In my new Personal Branding consultation, I focus on what our image says about us, and ensuring that image is the one that we want others to have of us. One element that I touch on is the psychology of colour.

Colour can not only make us look amazing, it can also send messages to others about us. Plus, the Colour we wear also has an impact on how we feel too!

So if you are thinking about your image going into the New Year – whether that to give you inner confidence or to wow your new boss at your interview – then maybe you might like to think about how you can use colour to your advantage to tell the world what you are all about:

Here’s a quick run through the primary colours.

Red – Is a real power colour! It’s exciting, energetic and ambitious. But beware, the power of this colour can be seen as aggressive to some. So use in situations carefully, and ones that you want to be in charge of!

If you just want a hint of this powerful colour, then an accessory like this chain strap handbag from Marks & Spencer is perfect.

Whilst if you want to command the attention that you deserve, then you will receive it in this structured but feminine silhouetted jacket from Hobbs.

Blue – In contrast to red, Blue is calmer. It conveys messages of trust, peace and order. It can also be seen as predictable and conservative – great for saying ‘I’m a safe pair of hands’, but not so much if you are more creative and want to shake things up a bit!

Read morePosted by Lynnette Jackson on 20/01/2020