https://hotshot-apparel.com Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:41:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 All-Time Classic Winter Fragrances For Men https://hotshot-apparel.com/all-time-classic-winter-fragrances-for-men/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/all-time-classic-winter-fragrances-for-men/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:41:29 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=35 Winter is the season of indulgence—cosy knits, crackling fires and, of course, deep, sophisticated fragrances that wrap around you like a warm embrace. While lighter, citrusy scents work well in […]

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Winter is the season of indulgence—cosy knits, crackling fires and, of course, deep, sophisticated fragrances that wrap around you like a warm embrace. While lighter, citrusy scents work well in the summer, the colder months demand something richer, something bolder.

A great winter fragrance isn’t just an accessory; it’s an extension of your style, a signature that lingers long after you’ve left the room.

Here, we present 20 of the best men’s winter fragrances ever created. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these scents are guaranteed to elevate your cold-weather game.

Dior Homme Intense
A modern masterpiece, Dior Homme Intense combines powdery iris with amber and a hint of leather to create a luxurious and elegant scent.Perfect for winter date nights, it oozes sophistication without trying too hard.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille
Tobacco Vanille is pure indulgence in a bottle. Its opulent blend of tobacco leaf, creamy vanilla and warming spices is the fragrance equivalent of sitting by a roaring fire with a perfectly aged single malt.

Bold, warm and unapologetically masculine.

Bleu de Chanel Parfum

While Bleu de Chanel is a year-round staple, the Parfum version’s deeper, woodier profile makes it ideal for winter.

Amber and sandalwood add a rich warmth that pairs perfectly with chilly evenings and tailored outfits.

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme

This is winter’s party starter. Spicebomb Extreme lives up to its name with an explosion of black pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla.

It’s seductive, attention-grabbing and the perfect choice for nights out.

Creed Aventus

Yes, it’s a staple, but there’s a reason Aventus keeps topping lists.

Its smoky birch and fruity pineapple make it endlessly versatile, but it truly shines in winter when its richness feels natural.

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Stylish Working From Home Clothes All Men Should Own https://hotshot-apparel.com/stylish-working-from-home-clothes-all-men-should-own/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/stylish-working-from-home-clothes-all-men-should-own/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:37:09 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=32 Let’s be honest—WFH isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re full-time remote or doing the hybrid shuffle, one thing’s certain: the work wardrobe has changed for good. Gone are the days of […]

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Let’s be honest—WFH isn’t going anywhere. Whether you’re full-time remote or doing the hybrid shuffle, one thing’s certain: the work wardrobe has changed for good.

Gone are the days of rigid office attire for five days a week. With fewer in-person meetings and more flexible schedules, dressing for work is now as much about comfort as it is about professionalism. But let’s be clear—working from home doesn’t mean spending your days in coffee-stained joggers and an ancient band tee. Your wardrobe still matters, whether you’re jumping on Zoom calls or simply trying to smash through your to-do list.

A well-curated WFH wardrobe should strike the perfect balance between ease and elegance. Think soft tailoring, high-quality loungewear and elevated essentials that make you feel put together without sacrificing comfort. Below, we break down the key pieces every stylish home worker should have.

Cashmere Sweater

There are sweaters, then there are cashmere sweaters. This super-soft, super-comfortable woollen fabric is the holy grail of knitwear, offering exceptional warmth and a silky-smooth hand feel. A proper cashmere sweater is every bit as comfortable as your favourite slouchy crew-neck sweatshirt, but will look a lot more professional over Zoom calls. For these reasons, we feel it’s an integral part of any good WFH wardrobe.

There are lots of excellent brands making beautiful cashmere knitwear, but in our experience some do it better than others. We’d suggest browsing the likes of Stenstroms, Luca Faloni, John Smedley, N.Peal and, if you’re feeling particularly flush, Brunello Cucinelli. Try ASKET or Uniqlo if you’re on a tight budget.

Drawstring Pants

We’ve been singing the praises of drawstring pants for many years now and widespread WFH has cemented our position further still. These comfortable trousers sit somewhere between chinos and sweatpants, taking the best from both worlds to make a legwear option that’s both comfortable and presentable.

Because of this, drawstring pants are perfect for working from home. They offer the comfort and ease of a jogging bottom while being smart enough to wear with a shirt without looking like you got dressed in the dark. Plus, if you pick a neutral colour, they’ll go with absolutely everything. We’d suggest opting for a linen-cotton blend in the summer and twill in the winter.

Soft Shirt
If you’re going to be attending regular online meetings with your webcam enabled then it’s important you look put together… particularly the top half. Opting for a shirt made a softer fabric such as merino wool or jersey over traditional poplin or oxford cloth is a great way to retain that WFH comfort while still looking like you’ve made an effort.

These materials have a bit of stretch to them which aids comfort but everything else is the same as your standard Oxford shirt – classic collar, button front and smart looks. They are the perfect alternative to your old work shirts and makes an excellent base upon which to cultivate your WFH wardrobe.

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Affordable Style Hacks: How to Upgrade Your Look on a Budget https://hotshot-apparel.com/affordable-style-hacks-how-to-upgrade-your-look-on-a-budget/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/affordable-style-hacks-how-to-upgrade-your-look-on-a-budget/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:34:12 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=29 Looking the part can be an expensive affair. But it doesn’t have to be. The likes of Musk and Bezos are living proof that even with all the money in […]

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Looking the part can be an expensive affair. But it doesn’t have to be. The likes of Musk and Bezos are living proof that even with all the money in the world, it’s still possible to dress terribly. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a limited budget is holding you back. If you want to dress better, there are plenty of ways to do so without spending a fortune.

Tom Ford suits and fancy Swiss watches are nice to have, but they’re in no way a prerequisite for looking put together. If you know how to play to your strengths and are prepared to try new things, you can elevate your style on a shoestring.

Consider the tips below as a manual for dressing better on a budget. They’re tricks and tweaks you can use to get the most out of your current wardrobe and add new pieces without casting yourself into financial ruin. From finding your perfect fit to buying in bulk, here’s what you need to know.

Off-The-Peg & Altered > Made-To-Measure

Made-to-measure clothing is a privilege few can afford, but it’s not the only way to ensure your wardrobe fits impeccably. A cheaper option is to buy off-the-peg garments and take them to a tailor to make alterations.
This doesn’t just apply to your suits, either. A good tailor can do everything from nipping in your waist to extending sleeves to reducing hemlines, meaning everything in your rotation – shirts, tailoring, jeans, tees – can benefit from a little nip or tuck.

The result is a wardrobe that looks like it was made for your body, and we all know great fit is the key to being well dressed.

Buy In Bulk
Boxers, socks, T-shirts. The true wardrobe ‘essentials’. They can all be bought in multipacks for a good discount.

Find ones you like and stock up. You’ll always need them, so buying more than one at a time makes sense. These are the foundation of every outfit you’ll ever wear, but that doesn’t mean you should be paying over the odds.

Master Sartorial Minimalism
Capsule wardrobe. It’s a term we use a lot, but that’s because it’s such a fantastic concept for streamlining your style and finances. It means having fewer garments you can do more with, making each go a little bit further.

That doesn’t have to mean wearing boring clothes – your capsule wardrobe can be made up of whatever you want – it’s simply a case of choosing things you want to wear that work together in lots of different combinations.

Start with the basics and build it up from there. If you get it right, ultimately you’ll end up buying fewer clothes, thus saving yourself money in the long run.

Find Your Fit
Fit is everything when it comes to clothing, and it costs nothing to find yours. Try things on until you find pieces that work with the shape of your body and make you look your best, then stick with them.

Having clothes that fit you properly will make a huge difference to your overall look, but it’s an aspect of style that so many men neglect. In terms of bang for buck, it’s one of the best style upgrades you can make.

Trademark Trim
In much the same way that the fit of your clothes can drastically alter how you look, so can your hair. It’s not one size fits all. Different cuts look better or worse on different people.

It has a lot to do with face shape, so the key is to determine yours and explore hairstyles that complement it. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have a go-to style that will not just suit you, but become part of your visual identity.

Shop Second-Hand
This one is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s always worth reiterating. Shopping second-hand is better for the planet, better for your wallet and, if you do it well, better for your wardrobe, too.

You’ll be able to get your hands on high-end pieces you may not otherwise be able to afford, and you might find yourself coming across garments you wouldn’t have considered if you were just scrolling some online store.

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Currently Crushing: The Fisherman Sandal https://hotshot-apparel.com/currently-crushing-the-fisherman-sandal/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/currently-crushing-the-fisherman-sandal/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 11:31:14 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=26 Clearly, we’re in a shoe mood this week on It’s Casual. Earlier this week, I shared my love of mesh flats. But what about when you want something a little […]

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Clearly, we’re in a shoe mood this week on It’s Casual. Earlier this week, I shared my love of mesh flats. But what about when you want something a little different? Something a little cooler, dare I say? Let me introduce you to fisherman sandals. While I don’t think fisherman sandals are the hottest trend, I think they’re out there and very much prevalent in the fashion space, and something that could add a nice touch to your existing wardrobe.

Fisherman Sandals
I think the first pair of fisherman sandals I saw were from The Row. Basically an instant love. I didn’t invest in them, and instead waited for the day when they became available to the mass market.

Ok, so WHY do I love fisherman sandals so much? I think they add a level of “I don’t care” to my outfit. Not in a bad way!! In a chill way, you know what I mean? The weather is all over the place these days, I believe that fisherman sandals are VERSATILE as f*ck. Since they’re a pretty covered sandal, it’s perfect for a lot of temperatures. Plus, even when it’s cold, I’m just throwing on a cashmere sock. These sandals are officially a classic in my head. They feel vintage, in a way, yet modern and trendy. Any time I wear mine, I get a lot of compliments – and that’s when you KNOW they’re good.

How To Wear Fisherman Sandals
I love a these sandals because it really does help transform your look. I can wear them with trousers and a button down, or I can wear them with a dress. It’s a sensibly, yet chic shoe. It’s a perfect balance between feminine and masculine. I’ve found that they flatter the foot quite nicely. It’s a shoe that can do it all!

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Moods of Summer feat. Tales of Masai https://hotshot-apparel.com/moods-of-summer-feat-tales-of-masai/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/moods-of-summer-feat-tales-of-masai/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:44:46 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=22 Summer is a season of adventure, leisure, and effortless style. Whether exploring sun-drenched landscapes or relaxing by the coast, summer fashion embraces wanderlust. Louis Philippe’s Tales of Masai collection captures […]

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Summer is a season of adventure, leisure, and effortless style. Whether exploring sun-drenched landscapes or relaxing by the coast, summer fashion embraces wanderlust. Louis Philippe’s Tales of Masai collection captures this sentiment, blending nature’s grandeur with sartorial excellence.

A Canvas Painted by Africa
Inspired by the African savannah and the Masai tribe, this collection embodies raw beauty and intricate craftsmanship. The vibrant Adire textiles, beaded jewelry, and bold patterns infuse tradition with modern sophistication.

Beyond the Fabric: Craftsmanship at Its Best
Designed for the modern traveler, these pieces provide breathable comfort and timeless style. Whether in cityscapes or nature retreats, Tales of Masai ensures effortless sophistication.

Signature buttons, intricate details, and bead-inspired accents transform attire into wearable art, celebrating resilience and creativity.

Denim Supremacy: LP Jeans
LP Jeans redefine denim with anti-stain technology, odour-free properties, and power stretch. Signature trims and premium fabrics enhance both utility and luxury.

Summer Styling Tips for the Season
● Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen.
● Embrace soft neutrals, deep blues, and earthy tones.
● Elevate your look with accessories and classic sunglasses.
● Choose loafers, espadrilles, or minimal sneakers for comfort.

The Legacy Continues
Louis Philippe’s Tales of Masai fuses cultural heritage with summer’s essence. With new shoot images capturing this synergy, the collection invites you to embrace a lifestyle where every stitch tells a story. Experience timeless charm where summer’s spirit meets sartorial brilliance.

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The secret style hack to dressing with confidence this Autumn https://hotshot-apparel.com/the-secret-style-hack-to-dressing-with-confidence-this-autumn/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/the-secret-style-hack-to-dressing-with-confidence-this-autumn/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:37:17 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=19 And just like that the Summer is over! It’s been a lovely busy one for our household and we’re now preparing for my daughter to go off to University. I’m […]

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And just like that the Summer is over! It’s been a lovely busy one for our household and we’re now preparing for my daughter to go off to University. I’m thrilled for her and sad in equal measure.

I’m putting on a brave face by keeping busy and embracing the new Autumn season. I love the seasonal fashion switch and seeing the transformation of the shops – they are already full of gorgeous new Autumn styles. That’s why now is the ideal time to reflect on your Summer wardrobe.

Yes, you read that correctly! It’s easy to rush into buying new season trends but taking time to note the garments you have enjoyed wearing is the key to creating future outfits you love and dressing with confidence.

The secret hack to dressing with confidence
Here’s how you can do that:-

1. Pull out all the styles you have enjoyed wearing in the past six months. Put them on a rail if you have one. Include accessories and holiday wear. I would set aside an hour to do this so you can focus on the task.

2. Try them all on and make a note of how you feel when wearing them. If you can sum up your feelings in three or less words, all the better.

3. Look for patterns, quite literally, look at what is on the rail and see if there are any recurring themes. Are there lots of bold colours, prints or textures or a particular style such as statement tops or maxi dresses? Write down two to three themes you notice.

4. Note the styles that flatter your figure and any details on these garments. Do they have a particular shaped neckline, waistband, leg shape, hemline etc. Write down at least three key details.

5. Create a wish list. Now you have noted all these details, consider how you can translate them into your Autumn wardrobe. For example, if you loved wearing wide leg linen striped trousers in Summer, you could look for wide leg patterned trousers in a heavier fabric for Autumn.

How I helped Kate come out of ‘hiding’ in Autumn
The process of taking time to reflect what you enjoy wearing is key to dressing with confidence as it enables your personality shines through. Use these notes to shop with intention and find the pieces that align with your personal style.

My client Kate and I did this during her wardrobe consultation. She loved wearing colours and prints in Summer but her Autumn work wardrobe was full of plain dark garments. She realised her image wasn’t aligned with her personal style and she was ‘hiding’.

We added in bolder colours and statement prints and she immediately felt more confidence and like herself. Not only did Kate feel great in her new outfits, they got her noticed and her career has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The most important part of dressing with confidence is having a wardrobe that feels like ‘you’. Do this today and you’ll feel more positive as a result – guaranteed!

Need an Autumn wardrobe refresh?
If you need some help to refresh your Autumn style and would like a wardrobe full of outfits you love then drop me a line. I have a range of styling packages to help you update your key pieces and the rest of the wardrobe!

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The trends to say goodbye to in 2025 https://hotshot-apparel.com/the-trends-to-say-goodbye-to-in-2025/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/the-trends-to-say-goodbye-to-in-2025/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:34:51 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=16 This is my first blog of the year to my subscribers. If you’re not already signed up to receive my monthly style update direct to your inbox you can sign […]

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This is my first blog of the year to my subscribers. If you’re not already signed up to receive my monthly style update direct to your inbox you can sign up here .

I hope your New Year has got off to a good start. We had a bad start to ours with a very poorly pooch who had to have an overnight stay in a pet hospital. He’s on the mend now, thankfully, but I’ll know to hide the mince pies better next year.

I thought I’d start the New Year with some positive reflections. Don’t worry, I’m not going to go on about goals, resolutions and manifesting – we have enough of that in January.

I’m referring to the womenswear trends you’ll be glad to see the back of in 2025. You’re (hopefully) #blessed that you didn’t waste your hard earned money on these:-

The womenswear trends you’ll be glad to ditch in 2025

Mesh shoes

Yep, they are officially on their way out but only if it’s not raining, snowing or on the chilly side. The shoe style you can only wear in perfect sunny and dry conditions – so not that much in the UK then. The ‘emperor’s new clothes’ of the shoe world has been discovered to be as useless as it appeared.

Mesh shoes

Yep, they are officially on their way out but only if it’s not raining, snowing or on the chilly side. The shoe style you can only wear in perfect sunny and dry conditions – so not that much in the UK then. The ‘emperor’s new clothes’ of the shoe world has been discovered to be as useless as it appeared.

Pyjama trousers

The trousers we usually wore just to bed were worn outside – as featured heavily on Instagram last Summer. They were great if you were trying to perfect that ‘just woke up and there’s no milk in the fridge’ look but odd otherwise.

Underwear as outerwear

Specifically knickers worn without trousers. These are not just any old M&S apple catchers (said in the sultry voice of the M&S advert), these are embellished, expensive, designer apple catchers. This Vogue article might help us understand.

Excessive ruffles

The revamped boho concept looked soooo nice on the Chloe runway. The high street reality looked like a collection of tea stained flammable rags that even Sienna Miller would struggle to look good in!

To be fair, this is a trend the young ‘socks with everything generation’ pulled off and will continue to. I would advise anyone over the age of forty to proceed with caution though. My clients can be reassured that it will never enter the changing room on my watch.

Are you bored of your wardrobe?
Make 2025 the year you fall back in love your style and create a stylish, modern and effortless wardrobe that reflects the best version of you.

January is the perfect time to clear out the clutter—both in your wardrobe and your mindset—and invest in your future self. The confidence and positivity this brings can be life-changing, with benefits that last for years.

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How to lay the foundations for a successful wardrobe in 2025 https://hotshot-apparel.com/how-to-lay-the-foundations-for-a-successful-wardrobe-in-2025/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/how-to-lay-the-foundations-for-a-successful-wardrobe-in-2025/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:31:13 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=13 1. Your reasons Write down three reasons you would like to update your wardrobe. Think beyond the ‘bored, tired, fed up’ and delve a little deeper into why you feel […]

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1. Your reasons

Write down three reasons you would like to update your wardrobe. Think beyond the ‘bored, tired, fed up’ and delve a little deeper into why you feel this way. Are there particular situations that trigger these feelings e.g. are you ‘fed-up’ with your work outfits because you don’t feel confident in them? Are you ‘bored’ of the clothes you wear when meeting friends because you feel out-of-date in them?

The process of clarifying when and why you struggle will help you to focus on the specifics of what you need rather than buying random items as a quick fix.

2. Your lifestyle

Your wardrobe needs to be aligned with your current lifestyle. By that I mean that you have ‘go-to’ outfits you love wearing every day. Your job role, figure, family situation and day-to-day activities change over the years and to work properly your wardrobe must adapt.

During wardrobe edits I often see clients holding onto clothes for a life they had ten years ago and these clothes no longer serve (or suit) them. Your wardrobe must be aligned with who you are today as otherwise it will be frozen in time resulting in you having nothing to wear.

Note two to three main activities that you do on a monthly basis and how many outfits you have for them. Ensure they are outfits you actually love wearing too. Do you have enough outfits for your lifestyle or are you muddling through with ‘that’ll do’s?

3. Your goals

Consider what you would like to achieve in 2025 and how you would like to show up. Are you seeking promotion at work, starting a business or embarking on a new venture? Write down one goal you can view daily and keep this in mind when you get dressed.

A recent client who was recovering from injury and the impact of menopause wanted her wardrobe to be more joyful. By keeping this in mind when selecting styles and creating outfits I ensured that the brief was fulfilled. ‘Awesome!’ was how she described her new wardrobe.

Taking the time to focus on these points will make getting dressed and shopping so much easier. If you do need to shop you’ll shop with intention and not be swayed by items that don’t work for you.

If you would like a hand to create a wardrobe tailored to your lifestyle, goals and personal style, I’m here to help. Get in touch today to book a one-to-one personal styling session. In just a few hours you’ll have a hard working wardrobe full of styles you love, that look and feel great.

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Guess how many jean styles M&S sells (the answer will shock you!)?ac https://hotshot-apparel.com/guess-how-many-jean-styles-ms-sells-the-answer-will-shock-youac/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/guess-how-many-jean-styles-ms-sells-the-answer-will-shock-youac/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:27:44 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=10 I talked about ditching skinny jeans back in 2018. Up until that point nearly the whole female population wore the same style of jeans which changed roughly every decade. I’m […]

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I talked about ditching skinny jeans back in 2018. Up until that point nearly the whole female population wore the same style of jeans which changed roughly every decade. I’m glossing over the male population as most of them have worn the same style for decades 😉

Nowadays, there are a huge amount of jeans styles around, I counted over 300 styles in M&S alone! The upside side of this is that there’s a shape that’s perfect for you. The downside is knowing where to start when faced with so many options.

The other bonus is you no longer have to wear the on trend jeans that don’t suit you. I’m so pleased camera phones weren’t a thing in my skinny jeans era and let’s not even go there with low rise!

If you need help to cut through the overwhelming choice, follow these five key tips to help you find jeans you love:

1. Workout what you need before you shop. Ask yourself if you need jeans for work, weekends, going out etc. Decide on a few shapes and colours that you like. If you need jeans for lots of different occasions you’ll likely need more than one pair. Searching for one pair that covers everything is like searching for the holy grail!

2. Try on loads – try at least 3 different shapes and take sizes up and down of your usual size into the changing room. The fit varies so much between styles and the varying denim fabrics, you’ll save time and frustration this way. If you’re after designer jeans head to a specialist denim department such as Selfridges or Trilogy Stores as they’ll guide you.

3. Be prepared to alter the length if needed – don’t be put off if jeans are too long as this is easily sorted. Retailers make them this way as they know they can be shortened as opposed to the other way round! When pinning the hem ensure you try them with the shoes you are going to wear them with.

4. Stick to a few trusted brands – if you are not going to a specialist denim store or department, narrow down your search to three or four brands. Always take a look at the styles they have online before you visit the actual shop. I recommend trying them in person but if you’re shopping online order multiple styles and sizes.

5. Push out of your comfort zone – we humans are creatures of habit and it is easy to return from the shops with the same style you already own. Vow to try on at least two new shapes. Note: New styles take a few minutes for our brains to get used to so don’t rush when trying them and move around for a few minutes before deciding. I see this with clients all the time.

Here are a few bonus tips that I learnt whilst creating denim ranges as a buyer:

A higher price isn’t a guarantee of quality. High street denim retailers buy huge quantities so they can offer you quality fabrics at lower prices.

The same style jeans fit may be altered when it is made in a different colour. That’s because the fabric is treated differently in manufacturing or may be a different denim fabric all together.

Jeans may shrink in the length when first washed so either wash them before shortening them or allow a little extra in the length. They also shrink width ways too but this will recover when you wear them.

Jeans are one of the hardest working items in your wardrobe so it’s worth the effort to find a pair you love. Updating your jeans is a quick way to refresh your outfits and give your wardrobe a new lease of life. Plus you can wear them rain or shine (if they’re not white) so they’ll see you through a drab February until Spring.

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Rules for looking amazing (and feeling great) in middle age https://hotshot-apparel.com/rules-for-looking-amazing-and-feeling-great-in-middle-age/ https://hotshot-apparel.com/rules-for-looking-amazing-and-feeling-great-in-middle-age/#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:25:14 +0000 https://hotshot-apparel.com/?p=7 I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions but what I am going to do more of in 2024 is follow (on social media, not the streets – that would be […]

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I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions but what I am going to do more of in 2024 is follow (on social media, not the streets – that would be weird) inspirational women who are embracing midlife.

I don’t mean the ‘Look at yourself in the mirror chanting something positive’ sort of gurus. I’m talking about women who are sharing a positive narrative about aging and accessible ways to feel good about ourselves.

I’m 51 ( pretends to hear a ‘No! really?’ in the distance) so this is a subject close to my heart. I also work with many mid life women in my role as a personal stylist and understand how this can be a tricky period in our lives.

It’s no surprise midlife women are confused as we read articles telling us we can’t wear certain clothes (sequins according to this article in the Daily Mail) and we feel we have been largely ignored by the fashion industry for many years.

Now, I’m no expert but I have learnt some key insights over the past couple of years through my work and own experience. So if you need some no faff guidance on your mid life journey click on the button below to read 10 things I’ve discovered:-

1.There is no such thing as ‘dressing your age’
Wear whatever feels good, although it goes without saying it has to be appropriate for your day ahead. Don’t shire away from styles you like because you consider them ‘too young’. Instead work out your own unique style and the clothes that suit your bodyshape. Personal style is unique and ageless. For more tips on how to style your shape you can sign up here for my free guide.

2. Style wobbles are normal
I have them, yes I really do! Whilst I’m happy with my wardrobe overall there are occasions when I need to try on a lot of different outfits to get the right look. Making time to plan your outfits in advance is key in these situations.

3. Elevating your style elevates your mood
What you wear affects your mood, that’s a scientific fact. By choosing clothes that you love and that make you feel great you can put yourself in a positive frame of mind. So before you reach for the first garment you can find, think about how it will impact your mood throughout the day.

4. Bright colours are a tonic
I know how easy it is to reach for dark colours when you’re feeling ‘meh’. What you’re actually doing is subconsciously hiding and making yourself invisible. Choosing a vibrant colour garment will boost your mood and ensure you stand out as you should.

5. Accept that your waistline will expand
There are very few women who don’t have to deal with an expanding waistline in midlife. The cause of this is mainly down to lower estrogen levels and women aged between 45 and 55 years gain around half a kilo per year. A recent client felt she couldn’t wear anything but stretchy skinny jeans because of this although she really wanted an updated jean style. On our shopping trip we bought modern straight leg jeans that had an elastic back waistband. She was delighted with the new style which updated her look but was also comfortable. There are solutions out there so don’t feel you need to hide behind baggy, shapeless clothes.

6. Beware of polyester
The current trend for recycled polyesters may be more environmentally friendly but they will still make you perspire more than natural fibres. Choose cottons, linens, bamboo and Merino wool instead, especially for tops, as these allow the skin to breathe. No one wants to deal with sweat patches under their arms.

7. Loafers aren’t for everyone
Don’t choose a style just because it’s the hot trend. I love loafers but haven’t found a pair yet that work for me. They make my chunky calves look heavier and I feel like an extra in a police drama!I find boots and trainers far more flattering and I’m fine with that. Choose what works for you and don’t be swayed by trends.

8. It’s okay to want to be viewed in your best light
It’s not frivolous to want to look your best. Feeling good in your image and being taken seriously are not mutually exclusive. In fact, I’d say the opposite. When you feel great people are more likely to respond to you positively. Note that looking your best and seeking perfection are two different things. Remember, for every picture you see posted on social media there’ll be hundreds that have been discarded as the subject doesn’t look their best.

9. Seek out people whose style you admire
Over the past year I have been following more midlife women whose style I admire. For me that’s women who are bending the rules of what a 50 year old should look like but remain authentic and natural. Do I dress the same as them? No, but they do influence me to not play it too safe e.g. buy a bright lilac coat instead of a sensible navy or black one. It’s important to get some outside influence to keep your style fresh and modern. It’s also important to unfollow people who make you feel inadequate! Watch this recent video for tips on how you get inspiration to refresh your style.

10. ‘Specialist’ menopause creams are a pile of c**p!
I found this out the hard way! It seems obvious now that ‘menopause’ isn’t a skin type but I fell for the marketing hype. The global menopause market is said to be worth over $600 billion and with that comes unscrupulous companies cashing in. I would suggest doing your own research or talking to an independent expert before buying.

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