After what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, wishing and outfit planning Fashion Week finally arrived in London last Friday. Much as I adore this bi-annual celebration of all things stylish, there's nothing like five days of catwalks shows, presentations and last but certainly not least, parties to really put a girl's wardrobe to the test. For magazine editors or celebrities with designers practically throwing gorgeous garments at them, a non-stop photo opp is no sweat. Similarly if you're Chloe Green it's merely an excellent excuse for a shopping spree. But if, like me, your budget doesn't quite stretch to a different pair of Louboutins for every day of the week then you might have to get a little more creative. And if you thought that coming up with enough ensembles was the only problem you'd face then think again. Fashion Week is a sartorial minefield of potential disasters and wardrobe malfunctions waiting to shame you in front of London's best dressed. Here are my top tips for avoiding any fashion week faux pas…
Invest in your accessories. Whatever you wear it with, a really good quality handbag will instantly give your outfit an expensive and more importantly, elegant edge.
Go for shoes you can actually walk in. I know it sounds obvious but you'd be surprised how many people you see hobbling around Somerset House in impossibly high stilettos looking utterly ridiculous. I recommend choosing a wedge or a chunky heel. Please not that this is not about being comfortable but avoiding falling flat on your face.
Similarly never, ever wear flats to Fashion Week. There will be 6 foot glamazons everywhere and you don't want to feel like an Oompa Loompa.
Style is more important than comfort. I'm not saying that this is a motto for life but for these all-important five days (and any other occasion where looking your absolute best is a must) ignore your goose pimples, whack on a blister plaster and get on with it.
When shopping the high street try not to buy outfits that have directly tried to copy a catwalk look. Chances are someone there will be wearing the real thing.
Stick to your strengths. Yes I know London Fashion Week is all about creativity but leave the artistic expression to the designers and choose outfits that you feel confident in and know you look good in. After all, do you really think an event attended by the fashion elite is the place to experiment with something wacky and new?
Don't wear sunglasses unless it's actually sunny and definitely don't wear them during shows. Anna Wintour can get away with it, the rest of us can't.
Always test out (and ideally photograph) each of your fashion outfits well in advance. An ensemble that looks good laid out on your bed may not necessarily look good on you.
Don't use small dogs as accessories. If they're cute they will inevitably distract attention from you and if they're not then what are they doing at a fashion show?
Do accessorise with a latte. Even when wearing skintight leather at the crack of dawn, a take away coffee somehow stops you looking like you've tried quite so hard.
Love Ella. X
Here's what I wore each day for Fashion Week:
From left: Day 1: leather jacket, All Saints; shirt and bag, Whistles; skirt, Urban Outfitters; socks, Cos; shoes, Topshop; necklace, Anne Bowes Jewellery. Day 2: checked shirt, H&M; skirt, American Apparel; socks, Cos; shoes, Tods; hat, Topshop; bag, Marc Jacobs. Day 3: leather jacket, All Saints; green dress, Urban Outfitters; shoes, Topshop; bag, Marc Jacobs; necklace:, Anne Bowes Jewellery. Day 4: red wool dress, Sessun; bow hairband, Urban Outfitters; shoes, Tods; socks, Cos; bag, Marc Jacobs; necklace, Anne Bowes Jewellery Day 6 black blazer, Zara; top, shorts and bag, all Whistles; tights, Accessorize; shoes, Topshop; necklace, Anne Bowes Jewellery
For my full Fashion Week Diaries go to La Petite Anglaise
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