Ahoy there! Bank holiday ahead – and it’s always a case of fingers crossed for sunshine. But whatever the weather brings, the long weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and do something. So forget work and that endless ‘To Do’ list and make the most of your time off. Here’s our top 5 bank holiday activities and of course, the perfect look for each.

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1  Lunch with the family

As the saying goes, ‘Other things may change us, but we start and end with family’, so use the 3-day weekend as a chance to get together and share a meal.

Vetono’s Jersey Cardigan and Tunic Dress will look great over white jeans. And if the sun decides to grace us with its presence, you can just slip the cardigan off.

2  Take in an exhibition

Get yourself a culture fix and head out to one of our world-leading museums or galleries.

Frank Walder’s Jacket, Top and Skirt outfit is an incredibly chic ensemble that’s ideal for this and countless other excursions.

3  Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Whether it’s pottering in your own garden, visiting a country house garden or enjoying a walk, days spent in the company of nature are always rewarding and relaxing.

Alice Collins’ hallmark is stylish yet practical activewear. This sporty Polo Top and Silky Gilet bare all the traits and are some of the season’s best buys.

4  Go out to dinner

The diet can wait until Tuesday! Try that new restaurant in town or revisit an old favourite – but eat, drink and be merry knowing you’ve the rest of the long weekend to recover (bliss!).

Feast your eyes on Gerry Weber’s Floral Satin Dress. An incredibly chic, figure flattering style, the satin dress has a touch of stretch to stay comfortable right through dessert and coffee.

5  Meet up with friends

For a catch-up over brunch, a country pub lunch, a stroll around an antiques market or a delicious afternoon tea (what’s not to love about tea, scones and cake!). Or pack your picnic hamper and enjoy a leisurely meal alfresco – brollies at the ready; it’s a British bank holiday after all!

Taifun’s Floral Satin Blouse and NYDJ’s Pink Slim-leg Jeans is a chic off-duty look that packs a pretty punch.

Go forth and enjoy. Do you agree with our activity and style suggestions? Use the reply box below to let us know…

Love G&O

For you, it’s all about bringing focus to your qualities. Some women choose to cover up with loose ill-fitting clothes; however, if you have the right knowledge, you will look outstanding. Create the illusion of a waist with silhouette defining garments in fabulous fabrics with vertical lines.

The best foundation for a rounded figure is to invest in well-fitting underwear. This will provide a great base for any outift and will make sure you are supported in all the right areas.

When it comes to clothes, the general idea is to remember the following:

Top

• Look for tops in a material that won’t cling and have a pattern or detailing to camouflage.
• Wear ruched or layered tops that mask the tummy underneath and v-necks that create a lean line.

This Ronen Chen scoop hem top is a great example. Ultra light and two-tone with its double layered and scooped hem works wonders for creating a soft contoured shape.

Another top for effortless glamour is Gold’s digital print mock wrap top in lime and navy. The asymmetric front trim and waterfall tab bring in the waist and flatter those with a rounder figure.

Bottom

Perfect with the top mentioned above, the Gelco panelled silky skirt is ideal for apple shaped women. It’s beautiful drape and fluid movement will compliment your figure in elegance and comfort.

• Show off your legs in skirts with pleats below the tummy to avoid adding volume to the stomach area and should hang straight.
• Figure flattering trousers should be wide or straight leg and not clingy. Ideally they should also have the fastening at the side to eliminate extra bumps to the front and have some stretch for comfort.

These Frank Lyman trousers in luxe jersey epitomise modern sophistication and gracefulness. The soft material will effortlessly glide over your waist and the straight leg fit will create the perfect silhouette. The coordinating top is also fantastic due to the drape effect at the front.

Middle

Tailoring and accessorising is a great way for women of any figure to provide structure to their silhouette.

• Blazers are a mainstay in fashion. Shorter ones that skim your hips and button around your waist are ideal in carving the perfect shape.
• Slim belts are a great addition to your wardrobe offering waist definition any time.

The Gelco Jersey Blazer is a classic in striking red. It can be dressed up or down for ultimate versatility.

Embrace the figure you have and enhance your assets with great clothing choices. Follow these simple guidelines and love your shape.

Love G&O x

Pastels are relaxed and utterly feminine – we have been wearing them since we were five, getting ready for birthday parties! They are romantic, lightweight and innocent and the best thing about them is that they can easily be incorporated into your everyday wardrobe.

Colour blocking

Add pastels along with your favourite pair of jeans for an effortlessly chic look. Keep your outfit wonderfully light and try the Gray & Osbourn colour block jumper in pink and white. This trendy oversized jumper has fitted sleeves for a really flattering fit and works best with Gardeur light blue jeans. It is effortless and classy and is a true nod to the trend.

Accessorise

Combining pastels with silver accessories is also a great way to compliment the trend. Add metallic shoes and belt to soft pastels to provide a subtle contrast and enhance both colours.

Achieve this in the Gelco pleated front sleeveless top in mint. The soft cotton top in a delectable pastel hue is not only smart but will compliment these best selling HB leather tassel pumps beautifully.

Pair with Neutrals

Incorporating neutrals from your wardrobe staples is a great way to keep the look in line. Wear the Gerry Weber slim fit jeans in mint green with a kaftan-style white shirt to break up the sea of sugar spun colour. Add a great bag like this one from Jane Shilton and you have the ultimate ladylike look that projects a more mature feel.

Pastels are fun and bring out the summer in you. You will find that they look great on sunny days as well as when the rain falls, especially when worn with classic  white.

What are your favourite ways to add pastel into your everyday wardrobe? Shop the pastel trend now and let us know.

Love G&O x

Well-fitting clothes can be a challenge to find, but when you do discover that ideal outfit, it will be versatile enough to wear to a variety of occasions. You never know when you might require a fabulous outfit, so having this ensemble will be your reliable stand-by.

How do you find a perfect outfit?

1. Know your body type and what you want to show off
2. Understand which colours work best with your complexion
3. When you find an outfit, walk around in it, sit down, lift your arms. You need to make sure you are comfortable in it for sitting, dancing and everything else
4. Wear the right underwear – it can make all the difference in enhancing your bust or hiding bulges.

In our office, we are big fans of the tailored dress; fitted waist and flattering cut and versatile. These are our favourites of the moment:

Gina Bacconi ruched mesh dress

Soft material that is extremely flattering in navy with open V-neck and hugging shoulders making it the ideal occasion dress. Sitting just above the knee, this dress can be teamed with just about any colour of accessory to make it enduring.

Apanage lace foil sleeveless dress

A fabulous dress that exudes sophistication at any event with its lace detail and touch of shimmer. Again, this is an extremely adaptable dress that can afford mix and match accessories for a more laid back approach, or a simple shoe, hat and bag combination for a fabulous summer wedding.

Gina Bacconi stretch crepe dress 

Colour block is perfect for those who wish to accentuate your top half and slim down the bottom half. The ivory bodice has flattering angled bands to create a sharp modern look whilst the grey skirt slims and is just the right length to suit most formal occasions.

You’ll know when you have found the perfect outfit when you can slip it on effortlessly and feel both feminine and confident.

Take a look at our wedding look book for more amazing outfits. We are sure you’ll find the perfect dress that you will come to rely on.

Love G&O x

Goodness, we live in a competitive world – and one in which the pressure to look young can be almost overwhelming. But hugely expensive face creams, unregulated injectables and radical surgery are not only frightening, they’re also just tactics (exhausting, depressing, dangerous!) in a battle that cannot be won. Age we will.

The solution of course, is not to engage in this crazy contest at all. But what’s a woman to do? Lie down, wrinkle up and weep? Certainly not! The point as we see it, is that ageing well is not about competing with younger, fitter, slimmer women, but about being the ‘best in class’ – the best for what you are. Here’s a handful of our favourite tips for succeeding in this far more achievable, rewarding and enjoyable pursuit:

1. Don’t dress like your daughter

Not a risk that most of our customers run, but always best to be on your guard. The shops are full of fast-moving fashions aimed at the teen market but avoid the temptation if you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard or you’re in denial about your age.

2. Wear quality clothes

It sounds obvious, but well made clothes in quality fabrics work harder for your figure, look more effortlessly elegant – even if you choose to dress them down, and will serve you well for years. It isn’t the case that expensive is always better, but our buying team insist on quality then look to add value.

  3. Know your style

Hurrah! Ageing has its advantages and one of them is knowing what suits you – what your best features are, what clothing cuts work for your figure, what colours lift your complexion and so on. With these in mind you can create a capsule collection of wonderful clothes which are the foundations of your personal style.

 4. Keep it fresh

Have a seasonal refresh – invest in a few new pieces that will bring the rest of your look up-to-date. And do a quick edit of your wardrobe to remind you what’s there and to look for different wearing combinations, or new ways to wear the same piece – a white blouse buttoned right to the top with a statement necklace.

 5. Don’t forget the hair and makeup

Even for a well-groomed woman, it’s easy to get in a style rut with these. But as we see at our photo shoots, hair and makeup evolve and if your look doesn’t change at all, then admire her though we do, there’s going to be an air of the Joan Collins about it. Hair salons usually offer free consultations and, with most of the luxury makeup brands, the cost of a makeover is redeemable against purchases. So take advantage, enjoy a freebie and see how you can move things forward beautifully…

It is a crazy world we live in, but one thing’s for sure. Style, glamour and even sex appeal are not about how old we are. It’s possible to feel good and look gorgeous at any age – and to be forever young in mind and spirit if not in body!

Got some tip for ageing well you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you – so please leave us a reply below.

Love G&O x

Swimwear – a must for any holiday season and should seriously be considered to ensure you look and feel your best.

Glumann’s printed swim suit is ideal, as it is cleverly designed to flatter and has soft cups and front lining for support. Its summery colours and stunning feather print make it the ultimate summer staple.

Embellished top – dress it down with a pair of shorts, or team with a pair of linen trousers or full length skirt for effortless evening wear.

Why not try our very own Gray & Osbourn kaftan with sequin detail. The gorgeous chiffon kaftan also comes with a separate jersey camisole for wearing out at night.

Cropped trousers – in your favourite colour. A definite for every summer wardrobe. They look great with a plain top or blazer and strappy sandals and can go from day to evening.

Try the Michele stretch crop trousers in one of four colours for a carefree look that will compliment any top.

Tunic dress – great for throwing over your swimsuit for lunch by the pool, or to dinner underneath the stars; this embellished beach dress is a holiday must-have.

Wedge – great with any type outfit during the summer and comfortable! The Gabor patent platform wedges have an adjustable strap and stylish heel making them the perfect accompaniment to day or evening wear.

Maxi Dress – this has been a summer staple for years. Find one that hugs your curves perfectly and shows off enough to make you feel great.

We love Pomodoro’s geometric print maxi dress for its simplicity in shape and fantastic knockout design. Feel effortlessly stylish in this jersey dress with its gathered empire line and full length skirt. You’ll be turning heads wherever you go.

Love summer… Love G&O x

Royal Ascot

Most look at Ascot as a source of fashion entertainment, however the dress code is much more than wearing an oversized headpiece and this year, they have put together a handy video of tips to help you create appropriate looks!

Dresses should be formal, of modest length and must have straps. If you prefer wearing a headpiece rather than a hat, make sure that your it has a diameter of at least 4 inches.

This stunning dress from Gold is the perfect blend of sheen and structure…and most importantly it adheres to Ascot rules! The silhouette defining, dapple print silky wrap over dress is the ideal outfit when teamed with Gold’s tape ribbon bolero and feather and bow headpiece.

Wimbledon

The world famous tournament is as notorious for its well-clad famous spectators as it is for the tennis. The weather is something to bear in mind when dressing for this event; layering is essential, if it turns cooler.

Summer florals are ideal; wonderful for sipping champagne and nibbling on strawberries and cream all day long. Gerry Weber’s floral print jersey dress is the perfect look for centre court, when teamed with a gorgeous Capollini pair of wedges and Gerry Weber’s fitted blazer.

The Open

The old saying goes “When in Rome”, so embrace your inner golfer and theme your outfit to suit. We love Alice Collins jersey stripe polo top as it is not only sporty but trendy, especially when worn with a pair of favourite white straight leg denim jeans.

Goodwood Festival

Many visitors at Goodwood go to great lengths to achieve an authentic vintage look and whilst it is not a requirement to dress up, it is certainly a great excuse for a new frock to get involved in the spirit of the day.

Paisley print is a true vintage style, but in this V-neck dress from Gina Bacconi, you will look stunning in a modern twist on the classic look. The pull-on silky jersey dress is gathered at the front for a sleek shape and is guaranteed to turn heads.

We can’t wait for these summer events to see whose wearing what. Check out our outstanding designers in our occasion wear section and find the perfect outfit for your event.

Love G&O x

1. The Art of Layering

This skill will stand you in good stead, especially in our predictably unpredictable climate. Double-check your wardrobe for these items and if you lack any, address the issue soon as: blazer (makes even jeans look polished), lightweight knit, jersey jacket, a mock suede jacket and of course, a raincoat.

2. White Jean Genius

We recently extolled the many virtues of white jeans, see blog White Jeans – Why we love them now and always. But in brief, they’re chic, contemporary and incredibly versatile. Ease yourself into summer by pairing with long sleeves or layers now and swap for a tee or sleeveless top when the weather hots up.

3. Key Style Buys

Get yourself into the summer mood with a few key style buys. This year there are so many trends to love: bright bold florals, stripes, colour blocking and monochrome. A few well-chosen pieces will both uplift your mood and refresh the rest of your wardrobe.

4. Check Your Diary

Early summer is a popular time of year for weddings, christenings and of course, a whole calendar of social and sporting events from the Chelsea Flower Show to Glorious Goodwood. So give yourself the style advantage by planning and budgeting for your outfit now.

 5. Get Ahead

Tarmac-melting temperatures and holidays may still be on the horizon, but you’ll thank yourself later if you buy your swimwear now – while all the sizes are still in stock. Check out Tessy’s Tropical Swimsuit and Pareo for incredible beach and poolside glamour.

You’re all set…just one last thing: enjoy every warm, sunny day that comes our way. We certainly plan to!

Shop summer style now

G&O x

There are so many ways to add prints to your style, whether it’s a dress, a top, pair of shoes or an accessory; but how do you make it work for you?

Alongside the leopard print favourite; tribal, zebra and snake print are also having their time in the spotlight, after designers took to the plains of Africa for inspiration. Everything from dresses to scarves has undergone a zoological make-over.

Sulu’s wonderful maxi dress is the epitome of the style; effortless and individual thanks to its Aztec ombre print and soft handle jersey fabric.

Another striking choice for day or evening wear is Olsen’s tribal centre top. The printed chiffon front with deep notched neckline is a great piece that works well on all shapes; and its subtle design gives a nod to the trend without being over the top.

Or why not be brave and try mixing prints with bold colours? The key with this is to go for a single vibrant colour with one stark print.

Go wild in this zebra print dress by Gina Bacconi; with soft gathers going into a lightweight broach under the bust, thus creating a gorgeous silhouette. Mixing this print with a fantastic blue will ensure you ooze confidence and make you want to indulge more

However, if you’re not ready to go all out, then add a hint of print and colour in your shoes. These snake printed pumps from the Capollini range are the perfect combination to indulge whilst keeping right on trend.

So take a walk on the wild side and embrace print.

Love G&O x

Not that we ever fell out, but we’ve recently fallen back in love with our white jeans. Perfect for the crazy weather system the UK’s been in for a while, they’re also fresh, contemporary and go-with-everything versatile.

Nor are we the only ones smitten with white. Liz Hurley, Cameron Diaz and SJP have long been fans. And both Middleton sisters have their favourite white cuts – boot legs for Kate, cute crops for Pippa.

Wear yours now in weather that’s still chilly with neutral knits and boots or pumps for a great look.

And, when the sun comes out, white jeans are the perfect foil for all the new season’s bright colours and florals. Embrace the trends without going head-to-toe and looking like you’ve fallen into a flowerbed.

Prefer your flowers in a vase? Other key spring-summer trends that are also brilliantly worked with white jeans include colour blocking and monochrome.

Time to pack for that much-needed getaway? White jeans will more than justify their place in your suitcase – for their chic, carefree style and for their day-to-evening versatility. Make yours dressier with a pretty embellished top and metallic sandals.

So white jeans are a year-round wardrobe asset, but finding the perfect pair can be harrowing – too tight, too stretchy, too sheer… Don’t worry; we’ve done the legwork for you. Straight, slim leg or cropped, you’ll find a great selection of tried-and-trusted styles online here – along with all the other items in this feature:

Shop jeans at Gray & Osbourn

Bye for now and see you online!

G&O x