STYLE+

THE RULES STYLISTS LIVE BY

We asked four of our favourite professional stylists for the tips and tricks they turn to time and time again. Here’s what Lauren T Franks, Chloe Forde, Vickie Keeble and Louise Carmel Hall had to say

Woman wearing black jumpsuit, red lipstick and white sunglasses

Lauren T Franks

Formerly style editor of Red magazine, Lauren T Franks is now a freelance stylist and art director based in London and Amsterdam

“Keep red lipstick in your bag at all times. It is an immediate outfit enhancer, transforming your I-just-ran-out-in-this combo of jeans and a jumper into something unexpectedly cool.”
“Have a back-up plan for those mornings when you are running late. If in doubt, wear black. It’s easy, simple and looks effortlessly chic, especially when worn head to toe.”
“Always buy your knickers one size too big. Underwear tends to fit snug anyway, and this way you can avoid VPL or horrid red lines on your skin.”
“I love slightly cropped trousers, but in winter that equals cold ankles! So I choose thick, hiking-style socks that keep me warm and look cool worn with lace-up flat shoes.”

Shop the new collection

THE STYLIST’S ESSENTIALS

The ultimate get-up-and-go jumpsuit

£89

Make any outfit pop in an instant

£10

Avoid VPL with chic high-rise undies

£6

Style meets practicality with these socks

£10

Woman wearing striped top with trench coat

Chloe Forde

Chloe Forde is a London-based fashion stylist who works with Marks & Spencer and other big-name clients

“Wear a striped top underneath your everyday basics (think: sweatshirt, crew-neck jumper, etc) and pull the sleeves out. A little touch of colour and print at the neckline and cuffs adds interest to an otherwise plain outfit.”
“Wear brown and navy together. Contrary to popular belief, these colours really complement each other. For example, a navy top looks super chic paired with cocoa-brown tailored trousers.”
“The best dresses can be worn year-round. When shopping, pick out designs that will work layered over shirts and ribbed polo-neck tops paired with tights and boots in the winter.”

Shop the new collection

THE STYLIST’S ESSENTIALS

Wear with the sleeves peeking out

£85

Pure cotton in six must-have shades

£6.50

Switch black trousers for versatile brown

£45

Layer with a polo on chilly days

£55

Woman wearing grey coat, grey jumper and sequin skirt

Vickie Keeble

A former fashion assistant at Elle and style director at Net-a-Porter and Matches, Vickie Keeble is a freelance stylist and consultant

“Don’t save anything for best. Think high-low and pair a statement piece like the sequin skirt you wore all party season with a low-key cashmere sweater and pumps for spring.”
“Invest in the items that you wear every day: the go-with-anything boots, a wool coat. It’s worth spending more on the classics.”
“I’m not particularly tall so I always find that jeans and jacket sleeves are too long. I roll jacket sleeves once and jeans twice so that they just hit the top of an ankle boot.”
“When you look in the mirror, pay attention to where your clothes finish. A long shirt left out could look great loose or it may look better tucked in. Try different variations and experiment with proportions.”

Shop the new collection

THE STYLIST’S ESSENTIALS

Reach for cashmere on chilly mornings

£75

Go dressy with luxurious leather

£199

A classic coat for year-round style

£69

This shirt looks chic tucked in or out

£39.50

Woman wearing trench coat, white T-shirt and jeans

Louise Carmel Hall

Louise Carmel Hall studied embroidery before moving into styling and works with major fashion brands

“Find the perfect pair of jeans for your shape. Try on lots of styles until you find the right silhouette for you – once you do, it will become your failsafe option for day or night. If in doubt, opt for a mid-to-high-rise style in authentic denim with a straight or wide leg: it works for most figures and is on trend.”
“If you’re afraid of wearing colour, try adding a single bright item with an otherwise tonal outfit. It could be a jumper, a skirt, an accessory or even a punchy lipstick or nail varnish.”
“Invest in a quality nude-toned T-shirt bra. A plain tee is the foundation to so many looks, and the right bra perfects the look. Get professionally fitted and replace your everyday bras regularly.”