How to refresh your wardrobe for 2019

The beginning of a new year brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start across all areas of your life. January is a time for reinvention, self-improvement and leaving the past behind, so there’s no better time to rethink your personal style. To start the year as you mean to go on – as your most stylish, happiest self — why not use this month to revamp your fashion choices?

We’ve put together a simple guide to updating your wardrobe for 2019. January is a quiet month for most, with everybody detoxing and saving after the December blow-out, so pick a weekend where you don’t have any plans and dedicate that time to refreshing your look.

closet-3615613_1280-1030x649 How to refresh your wardrobe for 2019

Assess the situation

First, you’ll want to spend time pulling everything from the depths of your closet. That evening gown you wore to an event two years ago and left to languish, the ‘just in case’ dress that’ll never actually see the light of day and the jeans that don’t quite fit right: pull it all out and survey what you already own. What are the defining characteristics of your clothes? Do you own a lot of black, or is your wardrobe made up of mainly brights and whites? Are heavy coats and cosy knits taking up the bulk of your wardrobe space, or do you tend to buy more floaty skirts and tank tops? Figuring out what your personal style is at present will help you see how you can make changes.

Clear out

It’s a no-brainer, but you really should bag up any pieces that you don’t love and donate them to charity. If you didn’t wear it once in 2018, you most likely won’t be donning it in 2019. Clear your wardrobe of any clothes that don’t make you feel like you can take on the world when you wear them. That vibe is so last year.

There’s something very satisfying about minimising the excess baggage in your life and clearing out your wardrobe is a great way to start the year with an organized mind.

clothing-3906637_1280-1030x686 How to refresh your wardrobe for 2019

Find your staple pieces

Before you can update your wardrobe, take some time to recognize your staple pieces. Everyone has a pair of shoes they could do anything in, and a go-to shirt on hurried mornings. Your key pieces are the ones that form the basis of a good capsule wardrobe and you can wear them with any variation of the other items in your wardrobe. Basically, it’s the item you start with when you’re putting together an outfit. When you identify your favourite pieces, you can then build countless outfits around them.

Identify what’s missing and shop for it

Staple items sorted, you can now start browsing for anything that’s missing. As we shared in our guide to looking polished, we believe everyone needs a great pair of comfortable but stylish boots, a power blazer, a timeless white shirt and a jacket that oozes sophistication. So how can you build on your staple items?

A scarf that will complement any of your coats, another of your favourite sweaters in a different shade (or two!) and another pair of the jeans you feel best in, but in a different colour: if you love it and you know it works for you, buy more of it for the year ahead!

To bring your wardrobe into 2019, invest in a few more contemporary key pieces in addition to your basics. Trends come back again, so sometimes it’s worth buying things that are in fashion if you really love them. If you’ve been lusting after a certain piece of clothing but you aren’t sure it works with your wardrobe, now is the time to experiment! Use Instagram and fashion magazines to get ideas, or think about the style choices of other women you admire and emulate them. Inspiration is everywhere!

If you’re looking for a timeless piece that will update your look, our elegant Chain Trim Trench Blazers are the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

With this guide, you’re bound to power through 2019 looking and feeling confident, which is guaranteed to help you have an incredible year. For more tips for dressing well this year, check out our Instagram page.

Fall 2018 Lookbook Ideas

With hands firmly clutching pumpkin spiced lattes, one foot positioned in golden leaves and another dipping a toe into the colder months of winter, we can pulled in so many directions when it comes to fall style and trends.

At Charlotte London, we believe our stand-out pieces are what makes our brand beautiful but comfortable to wear during any time of year. With this in mind, we thought now would be the perfect time to showcase some of our beautiful, lookbook worthy blazers and jackets to give a snug, yet elegant feel during the fall months.

Rather than getting too hot in layers of unnecessary clothing, we think chic style blazers and jackets are your ideal option. They’re sharp, versatile, gorgeous in detail and are the perfect fit for almost any party, event or daily activity.

Our styled jackets paired perfectly with step-hem jeans to simplistic bohemian dresses and skirts, there are dozens of styles to choose from to make you stand out from the crowd. Here are just a few of our favourites from our latest collections.

change-123 Fall 2018 Lookbook IdeasButton Back in Emerald and Deep Blue

From the get go, your search for the perfect fall jacket is over. An elegant cut that means business, our stunning yet versatile Button Back jacket can be paired with jeans or a dress for an elegant look. Whether it’s afternoon tea, a business lunch or if you’re heading out for cocktails, this piece is a truly special addition to the wardrobe. A tailored cut threaded with jewel tones, Emerald green and Deep Blue, The Button Back In Emerald & Deep Blue is an investment piece fit for any wardrobe. Shop the look with us today for your fall statement piece.

tokyo-jacket Fall 2018 Lookbook IdeasTie Sleeve Kimono in Navy

This year, step away from the auburn shades and shake up your fall style with a fun print kimono. A little out of the ordinary, you’re sure to dazzle passerby’s with eye-catching detail. Paired perfectly with plain skirt, smart dress or blue satchel, our stunning Tie Sleeve Kimono in Navy is one of our favourite pieces which boasts elegant tie sleeve detail and silky soft satin lining. What more could a girl want in an outfit?

shanghai Fall 2018 Lookbook IdeasThe Classic Black Velvet Jacket

Waiting patiently in our collection is the timeless Classic Black Velvet Jacket which can be incorporated into your casual looks, whilst adding a touch of class to your day to day activities. Although primarily stated as a ‘winter-based’ item, the soft velvet is a beautiful addition to any capsule wardrobe and is paired perfectly with a patterned dress for the extra ‘wow’ factor. Whether you’re day exploring or have a special event planned, we predict this versatile jacket will be flying off the shelves.

What do you think of our latest collections? Could you see yourself wearing any of our gorgeous luxury pieces? Don’t forget to browse more our lookbook pages for further ‘fall’ themed inspiration. Get in touch and shop yours today.

Fall Beauty Trends: What’s In Our Make Up Bag

With a slow introduction of fall comes golden coloured leaves and a brand new makeup colour palette. As we pack away the bathing suits, denim shorts and wave goodbye to sun-kissed skin, we’re now ready to transition our bright summer glow into dark, ruby lips, plummy nail polishes and sultry dual-toned eyes. Here are just a few things we’ve been switching up in our makeup bag ready for fall…

manu-camargo-60128-unsplash Fall Beauty Trends: What’s In Our Make Up BagLaying Down The Foundation

In the sticky height of summer, there’s nothing glamorous about wearing a face full of foundation as it tends to slide straight off your skin. As the air blows cooler, wave goodbye to light coverage foundations, and welcome in full, moisture-rich formulas that promise to hydrate and nourish your skin all day long. To make life easier, you will first need to establish your skin type, If you have oily skin, it’s best to stick to matte finishes. Or if your skin tends to have dry spells, you’re best opting for oil-based formulas. A few of our favourites includes the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation SPF 15 or the Estée Lauder Double Wear which promise great coverage, a vast colour range and long-lasting results. There are plenty more fantastic foundations available, so be sure to choose the best one for your skin type. Vogue Magazine also revealed their top 10 foundations for 2018.

annie-spratt-466761-unsplash Fall Beauty Trends: What’s In Our Make Up BagSmokey Eye Palettes

The best eye makeup trends for fall are all about having fun and switching in the darker tones to replace light, blush colours. We love introducing rich, brown smoky eye colours that are sultry enough to wear at night, but still soft enough to get away with during the day. There are about a thousand ways to perfect the look, so the secret is about layering. Start off with a dark/brown eyeliner pencil, trancing along the lower lashes and over the lid. Then buff a darker shade of brown over the lids (a strong contender is the M.A.C. Shadow in Mulch), followed by a shimmery, golden bronze shadow to give your look some definition. Lastly, line the top inner rims of your eyes with black and smudge with a shadow brush. To get the spirit of the season, why not add something gold or yellow to make your fall look really pop!

beauty-girl-lip-gloss-6393 Fall Beauty Trends: What’s In Our Make Up BagBold Red Lipstick

A red lipstick is a ‘must have’ staple item in any make up bag during fall. Suddenly around this time of year, it just feels right to reach for a deep, dark colour to wipe out the summer watermelon-tinted balm. With a whole host of gorgeous, dark lip shades available to compliment any skin tone, first exfoliate with a light lip scrub to remove any dead cells before applying to dry skin. Popular choices in 2018 range from the Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer Matte Lip Stain in Honey Nude to Tom Ford Satin Matte Lipstick in Baby Boy. Mix, match and swatch different tones to find the perfect shade for switching to the dark side this fall.  

jonas-zurcher-544628-unsplash Fall Beauty Trends: What’s In Our Make Up BagNailed It

Not forgetting to pamper our hands as well as our faces, finding the right nail colour can be tricky. But by introducing dark, moody hues with this fall’s popular colors, you can’t go wrong. It’s also a perfect way to coordinate both your outfit, lips and hands in one simple look. Forget the standard blacks and fire engine reds and instead this year, embrace dark purple inky eggplant shades and vampy burgundy colours instead. One of our favourites is the Maybelline Color Show 357 in Burgundy Kiss. Take your manicures and pedicures to a whole other level and maximize your fall look in style.

Is there anything you would like to add to your makeup bag this fall?

How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For Fall

adult-beauty-blonde-hair-1299146 How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For Fall

Imagine opening your door to find a gorgeous collection of capsule wardrobe items. Each one can be mixed and matched with ease to create a seemingly endless combination of fall outfits. Getting ready in the mornings just got a whole lot easier.

As the nights begin to grow darker and the air blows cooler, there’s no better time to organise a beautiful capsule wardrobe to mark the transition from summer to winter

If you’re slowly starting to pack away your summer dresses, sun hats and high heels, we can only assume you are now ready to pull on something a bit more snug. This month we’re here to give you a few ideas on staple pieces you need to be wearing this fall.

Each season, we recommend investing in a few statement pieces to update your current look. By doing so; not only will you be decluttering your space and saving money, but the idea is that limiting your choice will make you think more about what you really want and need in your wardrobe. This can also help with fewer regrettable impulse purchases in future.

By investing more in high-quality pieces that you’ll love and wear for years to come, let’s start with some wardrobe basics that will transform the way you get dressed this fall.

samuel-schwendener-226127-unsplash How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For Fall
A Staple White Shirt

Whether it’s silky white or thick cotton, one of the biggest fall fashion trends that dominates womenswear and menswear yearly is a staple white shirt. Lending a smart and simple look, women’s shirts is one of the most versatile items to own. Formerly popularised by icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, a white statement piece lends an impeccable chic look and can easily be altered from a day to night look in minutes. Pairing well with smart trousers, stylish shorts or a beautiful skirt; in addition to coming in a variety of lengths and styles, this timeless piece can take you from working at your desk to drinking cocktails in an instant.

pete-bellis-189610-unsplash-1 How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For FallA Statement Skirt

A piece that all of the fashion girls are wearing this fall, we like to believe every lady will invest in at least one of these in her wardrobe. Not usually an item that makes a capsule suggestion list, this year calls for a shake up of usual fashion trends. An essential item that can easily be paired with a casual top for a simplistic, glamorous look, there’s no question that a skirt you can wear for ‘day or play’ is a valuable asset to any style.

Pairing well with a plain t-shirt or crisp white shirt (we told you it would come in handy!) we would suggest sticking to neutral pastel shades, bold coloured prints, or stripes for the most iconic fall look.

artem-bali-745711-unsplash-4 How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For FallThe Must-Have Bag Accessory

The circle bag trend was pulled straight from the spring 2018 catwalk and has been flaunted by the likes of Meghan Markle and other popular influencers, fashionistas and bloggers since. Having a serious moment – the circular bag won’t be disappearing any time soon. This hot-pick accessory is a proving popular and pairs well with any neutral inspired outfit. From the mustard, burgundy and slate-grey wicker variations, the pastel pink and mustard shades are perfect to match with any work or party outfit.

August-Collage-2-1 How To Declutter And Organise Your Wardrobe For FallChic Gold Jacket

As autumn reigns down on the style calendar and the temperature begins to plummet, don’t risk ruining your fall outfit by wearing the wrong outerwear.  If comfort is the ultimate luxury, what could be better than sporting a gorgeous lightweight slip on prep-school-inspired piece. The key is not to overdo, but keep layers minimal for a sophisticated and tasteful look.

With a host of luxury macs, lightweight blazers and large coats to choose from this season, keep your fall wardrobe in check by wearing a light and shimmery jacket that is sure to compliment any outfit. Perfect for all types of weather, our specific nude and gold chic jacket looks fantastic when paired with jeans, or a gold or rust coloured outfit.

Do you have any of these staple items in your wardrobe for the fall season?

What To Wear On A Dinner Date

Going out for dinner with friends, family, or even on a romantic date is one of life’s many luxuries. You can spend the occasion indulging in fantastic food and tasty treats, great company and sipping on cocktails under your heart’s content. So whether you’re heading out for Afternoon Tea, or on a luxury dining experience, naturally you want to feel your absolute best.

Here at Charlotte London, we understand that choosing an appropriate dinner date outfit can be one of the hardest challenges, especially if you’re unsure how to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Thankfully, the team are on hand to reveal some of our best selling jackets and blazers that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Before you go ahead with choosing an outfit for your dinner date, it’s important to understand that versatility works best. Regardless of whether you’re heading out during the early afternoon, or plan on an evening type occasion, you should take into account the type of place you will be visiting and what type of attire would be best worn.

Wearing a jacket or blazer further means there are plenty of ways to mix and match your wardrobe to create some solid alternatives to the date night dress. Take a few minutes to browse through our gorgeous versatile collections that can transform both day and night attire into something more chic and sophisticated.

White-Cocktail What To Wear On A Dinner Date

Palm Beach Blazer in Pearl

Want to portray a cool, confident look? We can’t recommend a white blazer enough. This cute, cropped Charlotte London blazer has a matching pearl satin lining, accompanied by a sleek, pearl trim. A classic black and white combination never goes out of style so show off those toned summer legs in a pair of black shorts and blazer ensemble, or alternatively, opt for smart black trousers with elegant heels to pull this look off. We guarantee a 100% satisfaction rate from both you and your date. This blazer is available in sizes XS-XL (US Size 2-10). Please see Size Guide for equivalent UK/EUR sizing.

White-and-Black-Cocktail What To Wear On A Dinner DateThe Sweetheart Jacket with Bow Detailing

Keeping with the white, elegant vibe, the Sweetheart Jacket is a timeless piece with smooth, metal buttons and a silk black bow collar that can either be worn tied up or untied depending on your mood. With its figure-hugging tailored cut and dreamy romantic detailing, this signature piece is a perfect wear to showcase both a classic and modern vibe. Pair this jacket with  a little black dress, or a contrasting bold print dress for maximum effect. Don’t forget, a pair of beautiful heels or stunning sandals are perfect to compliment the luxurious textured jacket finish. If your goal is to impress, this feminine layer will stand out for all the right reasons. Available in UK Size 8-16. Please see Size Guide for Equivalent US/EUR sizing.

Black-and-Gold-Cocktail What To Wear On A Dinner DateBlack And Gold Waterfall Jacket

No matter what the temperature, a black jacket is a statement piece that toes the line between dressed-up and sleek casual attire. This gorgeous transitional piece is both flattering and comfortable without the ‘itch’ some jackets give. Not only does a black blazer with detail set the tone for your whole outfit, but if paired properly with patterned gold accessories, a black top and high-waisted trousers, you’re bound to catch someone’s eye. This Midnight tweed jacket with a waterfall detail raises the bar by taking a black blazer from a boring day-job look, to a chic night on the town. Available UK Size 8-16. Please see Size Guide for equivalent US/EUR sizing.

Purple-Cocktail-1 What To Wear On A Dinner DateThe Royal Jacket in Violet and Silver

If black and white outfits don’t excite you, then perhaps this statement jacket in the prettiest violet shade will turn your head. Ideal for a night out or casual dinner date occasion, look the best you possibly can in this bold and breezy staple item from the Notting Hill Collection. Pair perfectly with a vibrant skirt, patterned trousers or compromise with plain black jeans for a fashionable look. An easy to wear blazer with silver hardware and a gorgeous cream lining, there’s no wonder this jacket is one of our best sellers perfect for a dinner date. Available UK Size 8-16. Please see Size Guide for equivalent US/EUR sizing.

Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon Tea

A typically quintessential English tradition, with visions of royalty dressed in silk attire and dripping in sparkling diamonds, it’s no wonder that attending high tea provokes sheer panic in the hearts of many.

However, owing to many modern day takes on classic afternoon tea, many places do not enforce a strict dress code in keeping with such a high class affair. From melt-in-your-mouth buttery scones, to tantalisingly sweet cakes and delectable treats, we think afternoon tea is something everyone should try.

Thankfully our beautiful Charlotte London jackets and blazers are perfect for such a delightful occasion. With all of our pieces available to buy from our online shop, we want to share with you some contemporary pieces that we think would be perfect to reflect the relaxed and refined atmosphere of what is a beautiful dining experience.

Screen-Shot-2018-07-06-at-11.30.23 Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon TeaPalm Beach Blazer in Soft Pink

If the sweet, tantalising textures of strawberries and cream makes your mouth water, we think our gorgeous cropped Palm Beach blazer would be a perfect match for this first course. Make everything look effortless and create a polished and sophisticated look with soft, pastel colours. One of our most iconic, best selling staple items, this gorgeous soft pink blazer can be worn in both spring and summer settings. The matching satin lining with a coloured gemstone trim is set to leave a lasting impression. Available in sizes XS-XL.

Screen-Shot-2018-07-06-at-11.48.26 Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon TeaBondi Box: Pop of Yellow

Similar to fresh, tangy lemon curd macarons, if bittersweet pops of colours are your thing – we guarantee you’ll love this stunning yellow Bondi Box Chic Beach Jacket. A colour vibrant enough to brighten up any room, make an entrance with this daring piece which complements bronzed or tanned complexions. Not forgetting this jacket looks stunning with a plain white dress or shirt underneath. If you need a comfortable jacket with a little more day-to-night versatility, this is the perfect item for you. This well-cut piece can take your outfit to a whole new level. Available in Size XS-L.

Screen-Shot-2018-07-06-at-12.04.00 Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon TeaPalm Beach Blazer in Soft Green

With green tea renowned as ‘the elixir of life’ owing to its medicinal properties, bring it down a shade with this soft green Palm Beach Blazer. Just like green tea, this stunning item also has many impressive benefits and properties. A cool-looking staple blazer with a matching silver lining and fun faux crystal trim perfect to catch the light, this gorgeous blazer is ideal wear for sipping drinks with the girls in the late afternoon sun. This season’s must-have shade is perfect to inject a pop of colour into your summer wardrobe. Available in sizes XS-XL.

Screen-Shot-2018-07-06-at-12.20.53 Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon TeaRuched Sleeve Blazer in Bright White

As tempting as delicious white sandwiches can be, we guarantee there’s nothing more refreshing than eating them with cold, refreshing cucumber slices in our crisp white Charlotte London Ruched Sleeve Blazer. Ideal for an elegant high tea setting, just be extra careful not to drop anything down yourself! Boasting elegance and simplicity, this classic take on a white blazer, with matching satin lining and flattering ruched sleeve detail is a must-have wardrobe item. Bound to turn heads the moment you walk through the door, this item is available in size XS-XL.

Screen-Shot-2018-07-06-at-12.32.24 Jackets And Blazers Perfect For Afternoon TeaRope Jacket in Classic Red

As vibrant as jam on a rich, buttery scone, we’ve saved the best till last just like this striking Charlotte London Rope Jacket in Classic Red. Not only does this high quality shimmering jacket have simplistic gold rope detail; it pairs well with a bold colour dress or a beautiful white shirt. This classic royal red blazer will add a sharpness to your look and is a sure way to make you stand out amongst friends and family.

What do you think of our blazers and jackets perfectly suited for afternoon tea?