Well hello, Eliza reader! I must say I am beyond thrilled to be here as a fashion columnist. I’m someone who has always loved fashion, but never felt particularly fashionable growing up – can anyone relate? But now that I’m in my 30s, my personal style has informed so much of who I am.
As a size 16-18, navigating the high street has been tricky on good days and downright frustrating on bad ones, but what I hope more than anything is to show you what we’ve got to work with…
My Style
Fashion should be fun! Cultivating and crafting your personal style should be fun! And that’s something I try to emulate through what I wear.
The beauty of clothes is that we all need them, so it’s entirely democratic. But I used to feel so wrapped up in trends and obsessing over losing weight to look good in clothes, where in actual fact – I wear the clothes, these clothes don’t wear me.
And getting older means understanding now at age 30, I will never look like Alexa Chung and that’s absolutely fine. What suits her, won’t suit me.
I’m a huge fan of tailoring and suiting, but with a bit of difference – bright matching sets or patterns are such a powerful moment. I love playing with textures in fabric as well to add depth to a look.
On my new season wishlist
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My colour palette
I used to really shy away from colour and prescribed to a lot of the old school fashion rules like, “wearing all black to look slimmer” before understanding that I actually don’t want to follow any of these rules.
Now more than anything I love colour – bright and bold, or soft pastels, I’m a rainbow lover. I’m about to be in my Tracee Ellis Ross bag! I also love a good print and pattern, mixing and matching them or clashing them to make a real impact.
Three looks that sum up my personal style
All about me
I grew up in suburban northern Virginia, just outside Washington D.C., and during that time it wasn’t really a place to experiment with your outfits or trends (nor is it now, to be honest).
Getting older and moving to London really gave me the inspiration and the courage to play around with my looks.
Even my changing body (I gained weight during the pandemic, but who didn’t?) has never made me shy away from going bold. The high street still has a ways to go when it comes to plus size and extended sizing – especially in store – but I hope this column inspires you.
If you plan to make considered purchases that will make you feel luxurious, confident, playful and the best version of yourself, without having to break the bank, I’m here for you. See you soon!
Nicole x
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