How to update your clothes, rather than throw them away

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It is super easy to buy new clothes all the time because the prices are so low, but throw away fashion won’t do the environment any good, even if it does increase your Facebook likes. We have been looking at how you can update and transform the contents of your wardrobe, without adding to your carbon footprint.

Find a tailor
We understand that you want to look your best, so why not get changes made to the clothes you love so they look really fantastic? Adding darts to shirts and jackets, taking up hems and swapping buttons are all small things that can have a big impact. If you are a dab hand with a needle and thread, or have a sewing machine, you can make these changes yourself and you never know, it could turn into a money-making side hustle for you too.

Fitted, not baggy
OK, we know there are some days when you want to kick back in your joggers and sweatshirts, but most of us look better when our clothes fit us well. If you love palazzo pants, then add a fitted top and heels to give you a smart look, and pair those flared jeans with a long-sleeved t-shirt, leopard print cardigan and white trainers, for a casual look, with an on-trend edge?

New polish, not new shoes
It is amazing how a tin of polish can make a massive difference to your shoes, boots and even handbags. Use a clean brush to apply the polish, then buff up the leather with a rag (cut up and an old t-shirt, if we are thinking of sustainability) and watch your beloved possessions come back to life, and sparkle in a whole new light.

Think about underwear
Maybe you don’t need a lot of new clothes, you just need some decent underwear that works with, rather than against, your body. Shape-wear will instantly make your clothes feel better and create a flattering silhouette, and with a wide range of options out there, you are bound to find something that’s right for you. In the same vein, why not have a professional bra fitting and see the difference the right bra will make to your t-shirts, dresses and jumpers.

Layer it up
Layering isn’t just a way to keep you warm, it is also a really easy way to breathe life into your existing wardrobe. Putting a thick knit over a midi dress, wearing a lace vest under a slouchy sweater, and bringing dungarees to life with a Breton t-shirt are all ways to change an outfit in an instant. Think about creating new looks with contrasting colours and clashing prints and rather than one big coat, layering a biker jacket with a hoodie is an easy look that will take you from one season to another.

Mix and match
Mixing and matching your clothes will make them work harder for you, so don’t keep anything for best. That beautiful dress you wore to a wedding, can be made casual with a fitted jacket and flat pumps, jeans can instantly be made stylish with heels and a silk shirt, and remember that jewellery can brighten up anything, so don’t leave it in the box gathering dust.

If there are items you don’t need anymore, take them to the charity shop which can also be your first port of call if you have a gap in your wardrobe, but don’t want to buy brand new.

Team Pure Beauty

Where a white shirt and shine

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aviator glasses, Back to Front, belt, block heeled sandals, boardroom, Bold Prints, bright colours, buttons, cashmere sweater, catwalk, clashes, clutch, comfort, Dark jeans, designer price, distressed jeans, dress, dress it up, Duchess of Sussex, flamingos, full skirt, High Street, killer heels, leopard print, look, love, Meghan Markle, messy bun, modern twist, monochrome outfit, neutral outfit, new look, occasion, or down, outfit, painted toes, palm trees, pencil skirt, pleated midi, pretty flats, Prince Harry, print, red heels, relaxed, shops, slim fitting capri pants, Statement accessories, style, style statement, Suits, tailored jacket, tassel earrings, tucked in, Victoria Beckham, vintage necklace, wardrobe staple, weekend vibe, white Givenchy shirt dress, white shirt, white shirts, white trainers

Ever since Meghan Markle stepped out with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games, the simple white shirt has been hot on the High Street as well as the catwalk.

We love nothing better than this wardrobe staple and once you have found a style that works for you, there are endless ways to dress it up, or down and get a look for pretty much any occasion.

Keep it Simple
Dark jeans, pretty flats and a loosely tucked in white shirt is a classic, but easy outfit that ticks all the style and comfort boxes.

Add a Skirt
Pairing your shirt with a high-waisted pencil skirt together with block heeled sandals and painted toes, you have a look that is straight off the set of Suits.

Back to Front
If you like to spice things up when it comes to fashion, wear your shirt backwards, leaving the first couple of buttons undone and you have a whole new look going on.

All White
You will notice the shops are full of white skits and we suggest going for a pleated midi with your shirt tucked in and adding a pair of killer heels and clutch for a style statement that means business.

Go for Bold Prints
A simple white shirt is the perfect blank canvas for a vibrant, bold print. You can be as daring as you like, opting for palm trees, leopard print or even flamingos because nothing clashes with a white shirt.

Black and White
Bright colours not your thing? Don’t worry. Adding slim fitting capri pants or a full skirt, a la Victoria Beckham, you will create a monochrome outfit that will never date.

Up Your Game
If you have an afternoon meeting, slipping a tailored jacket over your shirt will instantly up the ante and make you boardroom ready, in moments.

Accessorise
Statement accessories, such as tassel earrings, red heels or a vintage necklace are all you need to add a whole new dimension to a white shirt and otherwise neutral outfit.

Layer it Up
A pretty cami underneath your shirt or a cashmere sweater over the top, can totally transform your look and if you want an on trend look, wear it under a dress and add a wide belt.

Keep it Casual
For a more relaxed, weekend vibe, distressed jeans and white trainers with the shirt untucked, is a winning combo. Leave your hair in a messy bun, add aviator glasses and a cap and you are good to go.

If you want to go a little leftfield with this, we also loved the Duchess of Sussex’s white Givenchy shirt dress she wore at Royal Ascot this year. Understated yet elegant with a twist thanks to the floral embroidery and a skinny belt. This is a really easy look to recreate and can take you from the office to the bar by simply swapping flats for heels and adding a slick of red lipstick. New Look currently have a cute white shirt dress in stock that tootally looks the part, but without the designer price, and is worth trying on for size.

Team Pure-Beauty

Wear pink with confidence this spring

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Look through any magazine and you will see that pink is everywhere.

If you’ve wondered whether this is the colour for you, the answer, this season at least, is… absolutely!

From the palest blush to honey hues and bright splashes, this sugary shade is here for spring, and beyond, and we have looked at how you can make it chic not shiny.

Go for a coat
If you want to make a statement with pink, go for a coat. Whether it’s a ruffle hem cape, silk bomber jacket, fitted Chanel-esque blazer or even a lightweight puffa, it will be a wardrobe staple. These are perfect all great trans seasonal items and can be worn with jeans and boots while it is still chilly, but pop over a dress and flats later in the season and you will still be on-trend.

Wear the jeans
From the catwalk to the High Street, there are some pretty pastel jeans on offer and they can be the perfect way to add a flash of pink into your day. Team with a navy long sleeve tee or an oversized sweatshirt in grey and silver trainers for a weekend look that will work all spring long.

Blouse it
An easy way to add pink into your office or evening outfits is to wear a soft pink blouse which will take the edge off black trousers but still look professional. It you get the right shade for you, it will reflect onto your face and give you a healthy glow.

Look at your feet
You might not have thought about wearing pink shoes but this is a brilliant way to start your fashion adventures in pink. Metallic pink loafers worn with a dark grey pencil skirt is a killer office look and you can inject energy into your gym kit by matching steel leggings with cerise trainers.

Accessorise the pink way
Pink accessories are an easier way to buy into this look before you really invest. Sunglasses, gloves, pumps, heels, scarves and bags are all the perfect way to add a pop of pink into your wardrobe and once you feel comfortable with this, you can go bigger.

It’s all in the make-up
Adding pink to your beauty bag is a great way to update your look. Swap your bronzer for a cream pink blush and apply to the apples of your cheeks, for a fresh, spring look. Experiment with lipsticks and go for a pink that adds warmth to your skin and brings your eyes alive. A bright, vibrant nail varnish can totally change your look and worn on your toes with white gliders is a winning look that never dates.

We hope we have convinced you that pink can work in any number of ways and you now feel brave enough to take the plunge.

What’s hot for spring?

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1990, 80s, agenda, dresses, fashion, flouncy flats, glittery gladiator sandals, great, grounded, Kate Moss, London, New York, nightwear, outfit, pants, Paris, pedi, pop, pretty, pumps, S/S16, skirts, sky-high heels, slouchy, smile, statement, sun-kissed shoulders, t-shirts, Uggs, wide-leg shape

We don’t know where the cold and wet has gone but winter is over and we can breath a sigh of relief now summer is on the way.

As well as being able to shed puffa coats and Ugg boots, spring also signals exciting new fashions and style. From sun-kissed shoulders showing through lingerie-inspired dresses to classic white shirts, there is something for everyone arriving in the shops.

Pleats please
Pleats aren’t just for girlie girls any more. Designers are transforming silhouettes thanks to pretty pleats that add structure and style. Long flowing skirts and super-cute maxi dresses are appearing in modern shapes and bold patterns and the added drapes means they will flatter every body shape and size.

Off the shoulder
There’s a a nod to the ‘80s on the fashion racks this summer. You may have thought that open, off-the-shoulder look has had it’s moment, but top designers decided it was time to bring them back. Boat neck tops, halter neck dresses and a clever take on the polo shirt are all being seen worn off the shoulder and looking just as avant-garde as they did the first time round.

Romantic ruffles
This season ruffles are big business. You can wear them soft and loose, cascading in tiers and falling in fountains in a multitude of colours and designs. Whether you opt for cotton, suede, silk or raffia the fabric will do all the talking as you look sultry and fashion forward.

The white shirt
Forget city boys and school uniform, white shirts are back in town for the girls this spring. Buttoned up, ruffled, twisted, tied at the tummy or slashed, this classic is a cool staple with serious fashion points to be collected when you pass go.

Pants to that
Nightwear is becoming day wear, underwear is more outerwear and there is certainly a feeling that slips over tees, a la Kate Moss in 1990, are back on the agenda. Go all out for a real statement or match pretty lace vests with black tailoring for a more grounded, classy look.

Glow ahead
The brightest fashion statement this summer is orange. These perky citrus tones are the perfect way to add a little passion to your wardrobe. Go for a bright shirt dress, pretty pumps or a pop of colour with your bag and you will transform your look with chic-ease.

Mesh it up
Here we see fashion going retro once again for S/S16. It’s never been easy to go sporty thanks to the sheer mesh trend that was all over the catwalks of London, Paris and New York. Whilst mesh has athletic roots, this trend has been added to t-shirts, skirts and dresses and offers a totally versatile summer look.

Low slung trousers
Trouser waistlines have dropped dramatically for spring and are being worn resting on the hip. These are perfect for balmy days by the pool and at the beach, for doing yoga and chilling out. Whether you go for silk, cashmere or cotton, opt for sleek styles with a slouchy, wide-leg shape and pair with silver gladiators or ballet flats.

Put your best foot forward
With your pedi done you will need shoes that show off those pretty toes. The good news is you will be spoilt for choice as sky-high heels, glittery gladiator sandals, flouncy flats and stylish trainers are already out on display.

Whatever you do, be confident with your look, wear what makes you feel great and top every outfit with a smile.