School holiday fashion fun

Recently, I was invited to run a fashion workshop as part of a library school holiday program for girls aged 15 - 23.


It was a great day and a fabulous opportunity to actively participate in the community.

The workshop covered retail and vintage shopping tips, ways to construct outfits and the latest fashion trends, concluding with the girls creating their own fashion ‘look books’.

There certainly are some great budding designers, artists and stylists out there.

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Luv thy layer

A favourite trend of mine at the moment is layers which are a perfect in-between season outfit option.

My tip – to avoid looking stumpy try and choose a ‘base layer’ (the white in my case) that is quite fitted, avoiding A-lines and team with ankle boots or heels.

Also think about colours, fabric and length when choosing your layers. If you are tall you can afford to go for longer layers, if you are short try and stick to layers that sit above the knee. Avoid anything too thick as this will only add bulk to your frame.

Sticking to simple black, grey and white and accessorising with colour creates a chic yet bold statement look. Teaming with a belt defines and highlights the waist creating a more tailored look instantly.

This is a really simple outfit that cost only $60.

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Bringing plaid back

Plaid is a big hit with celebrities and is a great winter print that is so versatile

My tip – experiment with plaid – if you’re not brave enough to try skirts, shirts and dresses, why not accessorise a simple outfit with a plaid scarf or headband.

Try out different colours too. Reds and blues look great on brunettes, and greens and yellows on blondes.

I love to team a plaid shirt with a camisole and some distressed jeans for a simple casual look that doesn’t cost the earth.

Total cost of this outfit $90.

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Oversize me

This is one of the easiest, most comfortable and inexpensive outfits that anyone can throw together.

Simply grab an oversized shirt – I picked this one up for $10, you could also borrow one from a boyfriend, brother, dad. Add a plain cotton cardigan, team with leggings, cinch at the waist with a belt and heypresto you have a simple, stylish and affordable outfit for no more than $50.

My tip when opting for an oversized look like this is to always define the waist with a belt. This transforms a sloppy look into a polished outfit.

If you stick with a simple cardigan, why not experiment with different shirt colours and patterns. You could also swap the leggings for tights or skinny leg jeans and team with boots or ballet flats for a different look.

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Thinking outside the square

This is an easy summer outfit that certainly doesn’t break the budget. Simple accessories like a scarf and belt transform denim cut-offs and a plain singlet into a statement outfit that anyone can put together.

My tip is to think outside the square when styling outfits.

The shorts are an old pair of jeans that I’ve cropped, I picked up the scarf from an op shop and for the belt I’ve used a detachable handbag strap. Other belt ideas could be to use your favourite scarf or a long chain necklace.

Teaming this outfit with a simple cropped jacket makes for a more tailored look – great for a catch-up with the girls!

The total cost of this outfit, including shoes is $47, leaving you with more than enough for that extra latte!

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And so it occurred to me…

As the economy dwindles and the proverbial belt is tightened, it is more important than ever for people - you - to look and feel great…on a budget.

I will scour the stores for the best fashion bargains and share my tips on how to style outfits and stretch your fashion dollars further. Leaving you looking and feeling great without spending the earth!

So stay tuned for some helpful hints and ideas.

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