Why going on vacation was the perfect time to spice up my wardrobe

Brandy Melville shirred tank (similar tank here in white), Stella Jean tiered pleated skirt, Spurr black mules (similar option here)

It’s fair to say that generally, I look at my wardrobe through monochromatic-coloured glasses; black, white and grey with a dash of denim generally make up my colour palette of choice, and it’s not often that I stray beyond my comfort zone. I’ve said this time and time again, but I truly am a creature of habit, and most of my efforts over the last few years to try and introduce a bit of colour to my wardrobe have typically fallen flat – not that there’s anything wrong with sticking to the things you feel most comfortable in. But, there’s no harm in willing to persist, and our recent trip to the Maldives felt like the perfect opportunity to stash a couple of wild card pieces into my suitcase, which felt like they fit the bill for the perfect tropical retreat wardrobe.

I’ve always felt that what you wear on a daily basis says a lot about you; not only does it play a role in a stranger’s first impression, but I see the day-to-day style of any one indiviaul as an extension of their personal self. For some, a new style or a killer outfit can feel like a form of escapsim, but by the same token, a well cut classic blazer can give you a newfound confidence from the moment you slip it on.

It’s this very sentiment which underscores my approach to vacation or holiday dressing as the perfect opportunity to try something new. Whether you’ve travelled to an exotic new location, or are just a few hours drive from home on a casual road trip, being outside your home environment strikes me as being the ideal opportunity to take a sartorial risk with a new trend.

This vacation was all about location, location, location. Spending a week in what could only be referred to as paradise, I couldn’t help but want to look the part (and a few recent shopping trips probably reflected this well). Palm leaf prints, straw hats, classic one-piece swimsuits and ultra-feminine pieces in red were at the top of my list. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to be loaned a couple of gorgeous items that fit the bill, this pleated tiered Stella Jean maxi skirt among them, which felt right at home along the tree-lined pathways at the Conrad Rangali Island resort (which at times felt a little like being on the set of Jurassic Park!).

Pairing this skirt (which is currently 30% off with MORE17) rather simply with a fitted shirred tank from Brandy Melville, and some low heeled black mules, it was the perfect way to quickly jazz up an otherwise simple outfit, without feeling like a far stretch from something I’d usually reach for on a daily basis, given the climate. It elevated my holiday wardrobe from basic to extra, and made me feel like I had all the elegance of Audrey Hepburn in one of her classics, Roman Holiday.

Given how much I gravitate towards a classic wardrobe, this small foray into a bolder style (at least for me!), has served as a huge dose of inspiration, that I’m planning to continue to draw on, now that I’m home.

For those of you looking to add something special to your wardrobe for the season ahead, whether it’s a gorgeous printed tiered skirt like I’m wearing above or a millennial pink cocoon coat, or alternatively are planning on investing in some classics like a black tailored trouser or a silky blouse, now is definitely the time. With so many Cyber Week sales having launched already (and Black Friday on the horizon), I thought I’d do a round up of the best sales currently going around on the web below. Keep an eye out for my ultimate guide to Black Friday shopping which will be dropping tomorrow morning, in addition to a video featuring some additional ‘new in’ items on my YouTube channel that might serve as a little bit of inspiration. I’d love to know what’s been inspiring you lately, and if there’s anything in particular that you’re planning to snap up – if there’s any time for it, it’s definitely now.

CYBER WEEK & EARLY BLACK FRIDAY DISCOUNT CODES

THE ICONIC: 30% off a large range of selected styles with the code ‘ BLACK30 ‘

ASOS: 20% off everything with the code ‘ WIN20 ‘

TOPSHOP: 50% off a selected range

SHOPBOP: Tiered discounting with up to 30% off all stock using the code ‘ MORE17 ‘

MISSGUIDED: 50% off everything with the code ‘ CYBER50 ‘

ALL SAINTS: 30% off everything

RIVER ISLAND: 25% off everything

NORDSTROM: Extra 20% off all sale items

MATCHES FASHION: Up to 50% off all sale stock

LUISAVIAROMA: Additional 20% off all sale items