Ladylike style

All too often we find ourselves throwing on the nearest comfortable outfit we can find, usually because we are rushing to be somewhere. The feminine element of fashion is elusive and to often thrown in the too hard basket. With a few little details and a bit of attention paid, we can turn this around and inject our style with a ladylike element – without the frump.

A form-fitting skirt is the best way to start. Ditch the A-line school-girl look and go for a simple, knee length style that reaches up to your waist. Don’t let that waist go unnoticed – this is key. Tuck a simple knitted or cotton top into your skirt, letting your figure speak for itself.

At the same time, play it cool and steer clear of an all-tight ensemble by throwing on a simple knitted cardigan. One with a little lace detail or a pretty scalloped collar will draw attention to the detail itself while allowing you to relax in something comfortable. A structured, A-line coat in a contrasting colour finished off the look.

The feminine details here should be kept subtle – buttons in a differing colour or simple piping trim can be enough to give you a hint of all things ladylike without going overboard on the ‘girly’ factor’.