Short Styling: How to wear summer's most flexible item

Maybe it's the sunshine, maybe it's the sporty atmosphere at the moment, or maybe it is because I am really only 10 years old at heart but I just love nothing more than summer days spent in shorts. 

Shorts are as cool as a skirt but much more flexible and just as chic!. Whether building a sand-castle, riding your bike, or chairing a board meeting. Shorts are summer fashion set free....

So here are my top three ways to wear shorts in any eventuality.

Find a classic pair of shorts which can be dressed up or down. I love these paisley print chino shorts from J Crew. Sassy and summery, they are so on trend.

For a chilled, daytime look, team these with throw-on flats, a simple vest and a denim shirt for cover up.

Want to put these shorts to work? A gorgeous navy blazer will smarten them up for the office. Wear with an ultra crisp white blouse and some tan flats for a grown up take on this shorty look.

And for a glam evening get-up wear these shorts with some stunning courts and add some sparkle on top.

Short, sweet and super stylish!!

Simple Fash-a-matics: Style equations that really add up

When I help women with styling the most common problem they have with combining items to create an outfit is not with the colour or fabric of the clothes, but with the overall shape of the look.

This can be the trickiest thing to get right and the hardest part of styling to explain. However, if you have ever stood in front of the mirror puzzling as to why your trouser and top combo just does not work, the chances are your fashion sums are just not adding up.

Here are a few simple fashion equations which are guaranteed to equal a fabulous silhouette

Ultra wide leg jeans + fitted detailed blouse + killer day heels = a sassy take on 70's flare

This combo will give you a fabulous retro shape with a modern twist. Opt for wide leg jeans with a high waist and a pussy bow blouse tucked in. Add some killer day heels which are heavy enough to take the wide leg of the trousers; a fine stiletto would be swamped!

Super sleek pencil skirt + scoop neck t-shirt + pretty pumps = Parisian chic to go!

This is the perfect equation for a seriously pretty, yet practical look. Keep the skirt fitted and simple and embellish the look with a statement T for a gorgeous office to bar look. Ditch your usual heels in favour of some gorgeous pointed or round toed flats. The result -a modern, 'girl on the go' take on this feminine shape.

Pyjama pants + relaxed fit vest + gladiator flats = High octane 'play clothes'

This combo is all about comfort but get the balance right and it can look ultra luxe. Opt for flowing PJ style trousers with a fabulous print and team them with an equally  voluminous vest to balance the outfit. Wear with metallic gladiator sandals and a perfect pedi to complete the look.

Cropped trousers + peplum top + killer stilettos = an androgynous cocktail look

I love this combo for its boy-meets-girl appeal. The clean line of the cropped trousers provides the perfect balance to the girly peplum. Wear with perfect, classic heels, (red soles optional) for an evening look that will carry you through until autumn.

Simple fash-a-matics does not need to be taxing. Learn what shapes suit you and how to balance out your body with volume and tailoring. The result will be an overall more groomed look!

One for the boys: A guide to dressing the stylish man.

As you might expect, most of my styling clients are women, in search of the perfect look or a specific image. But recently I have been styling more and more men, and with a recent study showing that many women help dress their other halves every day, I thought I would dedicate this update to the boys (and the women who style them).

In many ways, dressing men is simple because their taste and shapes tend to vary less than us gals. In fact, most of the men I style want a simple classic look for the weekend which will work for a hot date, a rugby match or a night out with the boys. So here are a few easy pieces which should tick all those boxes.

Boys, when it comes to jeans, you really are best to sticking to the basics. Unless you are feeling exceptionally brave, or are a natural born exhibitionist, skinny jeans are not the trouser of choice. Most men feel much more comfortable in a relaxed fit straight leg. And in my opinion the most fail safe colour option is dark denim.

Most blokes spend their working week in a collared shirt so for their off duty look I suggest something a little more relaxed. I love long sleevedt-shirts on men. They show off the best bits while looking effortless and just the right side of sensible. Lovers of logo ts need NOT apply.

Blazers can look great for a smart casual image, but for something more laid back opt for a military jacket.  Avoid anything in camouflage or khaki, neutral tones of navy and grey are much more modern.

They say you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes. So what are yours saying about you? Scruffy, tired or stinky sneakers are not a good look, and if you are wearing your Nike Air Max outwith the gym you need some serious help.  Chunky brogues are a great look on men; they are smart but fun and show you have a sense of character.

Stick to the rules of keeping it simple and you will find a look which will please your girlfriend, you mates and your mum. 

Jeans - Diesel

T-Shirt - Dolce and Gabbana

Jacket - Mr Porter

Shoes -  Grenson

Smart Casual

Smart Casual by styleeyes1 featuring purple tops

Luxe Leather

Ultra sexy leather was all over the AW fashion week shows as models slinked down runways for designers including Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs in leather clad looks.   

Now it goes without saying that this look is not for the faint-hearted wearer with latex, PVC and leather playing a starring role in the trend.  So how can you embrace the subtler side of this trend? Details and accessories. Think leather cuffs, belts or items with leather panels rather than top to toe leather. 

If you are feeling brave then this is one look when I don’t think you can go cheap. A pleather, fake leather skirt is never going to look anything but tacky, and that sentiment times 10 if you are thinking leather trousers. 

Boy Meets Girl

I love this trend and think there is nothing as stylish as androgyny, as seen in the Ralph Lauren, Channel and Ferragamo and Celine

I would advise that you aim for a playful take on boy-meets-girl style this season with masculine coats, and elegant trouser suits.

Mix it up with feminine touches to avoid looking too manly, gloss it up with jewellery or gorgeous high heels or work in feminine colours.

This look couldn’t be easier to pull off. Think straight leg trousers, tailored blazers , all with clean straight lines.

For an added touch Invest in a pair of loafers- either heels or flats or ultra on trend brogues- to complete your boyish look.