THEORY BLAZER | ARKET SKIRT | SOPHIE HULME BAG | VEJA SNEAKERS | WOLF CIRCUS EARRINGSUsually this time of the year I find myself in my annual winter style rut, rotating between the same few pieces. I always feel so uninspired by my winter wardrobe, that dressing everyday becomes very formulaic: jeans + knit + jacket + boots. Halfway through winter, I usually cannot wait to stop wearing all my jeans. The past year though, particularly this autumn winter season, has been vastly different and I have never felt so inspired by my wardrobe and the new additions before. I have pinned it down to a few things that have been the missing puzzle pieces of my wardrobe and added spark (and ease) back into dressing everyday. Tailoring It's only been in the last year and a half that I've started purchasing and investing in tailored pieces. During uni, denim and t-shirts were the core of my wardrobe and still are. But suiting has opened up a whole new level of versatility to my wardrobe and I have been taking total advantage. The simple addition of a black blazer and trousers has made the biggest difference when it comes to putting outfits together. Tailored pieces dressed down with trainers has been one of my go-to outfit formulas this year that always makes me feel good (and comfortable). It strikes the perfect balance of smart and casual, and always looks put together. Then, of course, you always have the option of wearing a suit for a more dressed up occasion. Think of it, as the ultimate basic coord in your wardrobe. If you've found yourself a bit stuck with what to wear this winter, go for a simple black blazer. It's easy to throw on with jeans and polo knit and will instantly elevate your look.New shapes & silhouettes While I've been totally obsessed with my black Everlane boyfriend blazer, there is something to be said about also having a fitted slim option. This Theory blazer has been a great alternative to style for looks that require more shape and structure. Playing with shape is an easy way to explore new options within your wardrobe without purchasing anything new. I normally opt of the oversized top half balanced with a slimmed down bottom half and cinched in at the waist - but playing with the opposite proportions has been fun. For example, this slim blazer down up with some straight jeans and sneakers.Sometimes, you just need to think a little out of the box to feel inspired by your pieces again. For example, maybe wearing your shirt untucked or opting for wider style pants. Colour paletteI have had quite the revelation this past year with the colour palette of my wardrobe. While the classic neutrals, black, grey and white are great to have in your wardrobe, they always appeared too stark together for me when it came to putting outfits together. I couldn't quite figure out how to make my basics not look completely boring and uninspiring. in the past, this resulted in a very disjointed wardrobe, with boring basics, and stand out pieces, that never really worked together. I made the major discovery last year of purchasing beiges, tans and natural toned pieces which became the big missing puzzle piece and trick to a more cohesive wardrobe. For example, they easily translate from season to season, as you just need to pair with white or paler colours for summer, and for winter black, and no outfit ever looks stark. One big bonus also, is that you can wear totally and varying shades of beige and they never look odd together. Incorporating colour into my wardrobe has also become so seamless. For example, blues, orange/yellows and pinks pair so well with natural hues. Timeless accessories You can probably guess, yes my Sophie Hulme bolt bag, has been one of the best accessory purchases and has shown be the importance and value in investing in timeless accessories. I think the older I get, the more I understand why people go on about investing in basics, and choose the basic option over anything else. I have been wearing this bag non stop since I purchased it end of last year, and I have absolutely no regrets. It is basic, practical and totally not boring. In fact, it's a classic example of a basic with a twist. I love the functional bolt detail holding the two straps and the exposed zipper is just so beautiful and classy. A more recent purchase have been these Veja sneakers. I was definitely hesitant in spending so much money on a pair of sneakers, but I have been wearing my Reeboks to death, so I thought I would get my value and wear out of them. And boy, they've been amazing. They definitely took some time to wear in (the tongue is very stiff) but they have been such a great pair of sneakers to wear with practically any outfit. The small amount of black actually has made styling that much easier. So if you're feeling a bit dull about your wardrobe, maybe it's time to updated your everyday bag, or your gold hoops, or a pair of classic sneakers or boots.Those are a few of the things really inspiring my day to day dresssing & I hope they can help you too if you're feeling a little stuck this winter. Leanne xxPhotography by Jordan Lee

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