Imagine you are Audrey Hepburn sipping an après ski cocktail, or Jackie Kennedy/Onnasis [...]]]> Summer is drawing to a close, and it will soon be time to pack away your mono-kini, your gladiator sandals and your saress and look for something to wrap up you up warm and for this season the 1950s should be your inspiration.

Imagine you are Audrey Hepburn sipping an après ski cocktail, or Jackie Kennedy/Onnasis snuggling into a cozy fireside scene, and you’ve got the gist of the 50s -inspired retro look that is the theme of this year’s autumn and winter collections. It’s a great opportunity to grab a bargain from those vintage second hand stores, and believe it or not, your old grannies handbags – you know, those boxy ones that look like miniature medical bags,  or even those bags she has that look like leather envelopes – are hot hot hot. So its time to rifle through the drawers of your older relatives and see what you can pilfer.

The vintage influence extends to patterns and fabrics, with a tendency towards those big florals and classic checks, but beware of anything that looks a bit too curtainy. This seasons favoured colours again evoke a bygone age of elegance, with camel, holly-berry red, icey blue and olive shades all being popular. Fashion’s obsession with purple is not yet over, but for the colder months, you need to go for richer darker tones, deep plum and aubergine rather than brighter violets. And for those with a sense of adventure, burnished metalics are another colour trend this season, though tread carefully to avoid that looking brassy, or like Xena Warrior-princess.

Instead of coats, we are looking at chunky knits or gilets as alternatives, and another 50s favourite – the cape. Sheep-skin lined leather flying jackets are also in vogue.

This summer skirt lengths were dominated by the maxi, with that wafting, full length elegance all over the catwalk and now all over the beach, but for autumn/winter its mid-length you should be looking for, think of those 50s icons, and go for A line skirts, or full circle skirts, or even a wrap around.

Finally, your feet can also go 50s with kitten heeled pointy slingbacks making a welcome return, or if all this retro feel is a bit much, other styles to consider are the ever versatile ankle boot, or long high heeled boots with wrap around zippers (can’t remember Audrey wearing those!).

The fifties look is more structured, more tailored, less free-flowing and less casual, and it oozes glamour and sophistication. But its not going to suit everyone. So if you aren’t sure if you are looking like Marilyn Monroe or your auntie Marjorie, contact me  ( at personalstyle.co.uk) for some one to one advice to steer you to the right combination for your figure, colouring & personality .

Dear Patricia, What a great gift, lucky you! Clearly this is quite a [...]]]> Dear Igor,
My husband is taking me this year to the horse racing at Ascot for my 40th birthday.
I’m really excited but we’ve never been before and expect there is a dress code. What should we wear for a such event?
Can you help?.
Your Patricia from Horsham.

Dear Patricia,
What a great gift, lucky you! Clearly this is quite a smart affair, but just how smart depends on whether you need to meet the “premier admission dress code” or are going to be in the grandstand. Clearly if one was going to Royal Ascot, the dress code is much stricter, with men needing to wear morning dress and top hats. Jeans, t-shirts, shorts or sportswear are not considered acceptable for premier admission. They are less strict in the grandstand, but its a special occasion for you both, and nice to dress to impress.

Head to the press page to see the full article

I am 28 and have spent the last 5 years studying and traveling rather than building up my wardrobe. To be honest I have no idea what I am doing regarding fashion and shopping. At the end of this month I will be in NYC and Las Vegas for a series of interviews and would like [...]]]> Dear Igor,

I am 28 and have spent the last 5 years studying and traveling rather than building up my wardrobe. To be honest I have no idea what I am doing regarding fashion and shopping. At the end of this month I will be in NYC and Las Vegas for a series of interviews and would like to sort my own style out before my trip, with at least a few basic combinations to get me on the right track. Given baggage restrictions, I will have limited space so I cant take a large variety of clothes, but would need some smart outfits for the interviews, and something more casual for sightseeing and relaxing.

please could you give me your advice

Pete from Ditchling

Dear Pete,

I would start with Black light weight suit preferably Mohair. Mohair is very good when traveling,doesn’t crease as much as wool and its a good conductor of heat – which is worth considering given your destinations. Another advantage is that you wouldn’t need to do any ironing,when you have a shower leave the suit in the bathroom and the steam will make the creases go away leaving it crisp and ready in the morning. I will buy a few different coloured shirts and ties.So you can just change them for different interviews and it will look like you have a few suits not just one. The degree to which you stick to a conservative look – white or pale blue shirt with dark tie – or more cutting edge – perhaps a citrous coloured shirt left open collared – will depend upon how formal your interviews are. If you really want tailored advice to find your own style, I would need to meet for a consultation to see your colouring, and learn more about your lifestyle.

As for basic casuals, you can’t really go wrong with dark Levi Jeans – and since you are going to America, its probably worth buying them there, since they will be cheaper, and you could save packing space. Mix these up with your interview shirts, and some self-coloured bright  t-shrts from Gap or Abercrombie & Fitch – again cheaper in the States.

I hope this will help you get some ideas, but contact me on my website for further advice.

Sky Showbiz stylist and presenter Emma Rice talks to Personal Stylist Igor about everything you need to know about the perfect holiday beachwear. From ruffles and polka dots to florals and monokinis, Emma gets expert advice to help you choose the right holiday beach look.