FASHION MODELLING CONSIDERING A MODELLING CAREER?

DON’T OVERLOOK THESE POPULAR MODEL NICHES

If you are considering a career in modelling, you have more opportunities today than ever to enter this field. Opportunities exist to work in Fashion Modelling editorial modelling, fashion print catalogue modelling, and even showroom modelling. The woman (or man) with a “non-traditional” body type also has more options than ever to work. There is an incredible array of model work available, and if you know which model niches are right for your look and body type, you can focus your hard work where you have the best opportunities for getting the work.

PLUS SIZE FASHION MODELLING

Plus size modelling is one of the hottest growth areas in modelling. If you have what it takes to be a plus size model, you could make a great career in fashion Modelling and/or commercial modelling. Many of the top modelling agencies have added plus size modelling as a niche that they serve. There are also plus size model agencies focused exclusively on serving the needs of clients who sell plus size clothing either exclusively or as part of their clothing selection. Perhaps you could be the next plus size supermodels, like Whitney Thompson or Chloe Marshall. Unlike traditional fashion modelling, plus size models are generally determined by size rather than narrow measurements. Plus sizes start at size 14. If you want to become a plus size model, you should be between 5’9” and 6’0” and wear at least a size 10 or 12. Size 12 is more commonly sought than size 10 it is where the fashion world starts to use models to showcase clothing for the plus size woman.

While runway work is still rare for the plus size model, there are lots of opportunities to model for catalogues, speciality clothing brands, print and showroom. You don’t need to be runway thin to be a plus size model, but you will still need great skin and teeth.

PETITE MODELING

Yes. There is model work available for women under 5’9.” Petite modelling generally starts at less than 5’7” in height. Petite models are in high demand for body parts modelling, and with smaller hands and feet are in great demand for hands modelling and foot modelling. Smaller models don’t usually get runway modelling jobs, but since body parts modelling, fashion bathing suit and fashion lingerie modelling don’t require the height needed for runway work, a great petite model can find success in many opportunities to work in these niches.

GLAMOUR MODELING

If you have a beautiful face, a curvy body, and sex appeal, your modelling niche might be glamour modelling. Glamour modelling is more open about sexuality and sensuousness than you will find in fashion modelling, so it is no surprise that it is normally targeted toward men rather than women. Glamour models are featured in men’s magazines like Maxim, Playboy and Nuts and in calendars, posters and pinups targeted to men. Although Glamour modelling does not have height and weight requirements, due to the sexual themes involved, you must be at least 18 of age to work in this niche. The most popular glamour models can make as much money as top fashion models and unlike fashion modelling, you can work in Glamour modelling well into your 30’s and beyond.

FIT MODEL

If you have perfect proportions for a specific clothing size, you could find lots of work as a Fit model. Fit models are used to help fashion designers to visualise how their clothing on a real person. Designers and garment makers use fit models to visualise how their clothing fits and moves on a person. Fitness models must maintain their size as even minor fluctuations can mean they get dropped, but for those who can, some companies will hire them on a more or less permanent basis. Fit modelling is not glamorous and is really a behind the scenes type of modelling. You spend most of your time just trying on clothes for the client, but if your measurements remain consistent you could find steady, long-term opportunities in this niche.

As you can see, there are many different ways to slice the modelling pie. The most important thing to do is to figure out your niche and work hard to meet the standards of that niche. Signing with a reputable modelling agency or online modelling platform will help you get noticed and get jobs in your niche.

FASHION FITNESS MODEL

The demand for Fitness Fashion Modelling has grown along with the public’s interest in maintaining good health and physical fitness. Fitness attire has also become popular as everyday attire and more fashionable, creating demand within the fashion Modelling industry for models that have athletic, well-toned and more muscular bodies. It is not uncommon for fitness models to begin their careers as athletes and fitness trainers first. If you have the right body type for this niche you could become a fitness model working in ads for fitness centres, fitness magazines, supplement manufacturers and athletic wear catalogues.

www.elirving.com

A-Z of Modelling Terms.

 

A

Agency - see Model Agency or Casting Agency.

B

Book - see Portfolio.
Booker - a booker is someone who works in a model agency and keeps track of which clients hire which models.
Bookout - Notification to your agent that you're not available for a casting or job, for either professional or personal reasons. You are not available at this time, the clients cannot book you during that time, you've "booked out".
Buyouts - This is the payment for the use of model pictures. Often this is negotiated on top of the dayrate and sometimes it's included. The type of use must be set (poster, advertisements, internet, TV etc.), as well as the run-time and the countries.

C

Calltime - The time at which a model must be at the location and ready to work.
Call Back / Recall - after the first casting a callback or recall is held to narrow down the selection process. It is not unusual to get a callback before getting a job or being turned down.
Casting - Castings are notices of modelling jobs which are made to models, casting agencies, or on modelling websites. They show details of the types of models required for an upcoming production. This could mean a call where every model can apply or a date on which (preselected) models introduce themselves to the client, who will then make the final decision. The client sets the requirements and makes his/her choice.
Casting Agency - Casting agencies are agencies specialised in finding talented people for different fields like modeling, singing, acting, dancing and others. They work similarly to scouts. They search for perspective persons that could participate in different kinds of projects like TV, photo, video, advertisement casting and others. Usually the models in a casting agency doesn't have an exclusive contract and can work for different agencies.
Casting Detail Sheet - Information sheet for the model, which contains all important information about a casting: calltime, direction, client etc.
Catwalk/Runway - Catwalk or runway describes a narrow, usually elevated platform that runs into an auditorium, used by models to demonstrate clothing and accessories during a fashion show.
Close Up - In film, television or photography a close-up tightly frames a person or an object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly along with medium shots and long shots.
Composite Card - Also referred to as a comp card, sedcard, (zedcard) or model business card. A composite card is a piece of card which is printed with at least two photos of you in various poses, settings, outfits and looks (the widest variety possible). It includes your name, your contact information, usually your agency's info and all your stats. Comp cards come in lots of different formats depending on the city, agency and the type of model you are. Agencies will usually issue comp cards for you after they sign you. A composite card serves as the latest and best of a model's portfolio and are used as a business card.
Contest - A contest in this case mostly refers to a model contest. This is an event in which models engage in competition against each other, often for a prize or similar incentive. Modelmanagement.com runs it's own international Fresh Faces contest annually.
Copyright - Copyright is the set of exclusive rights granted to the author or creator of an original work, including the right to copy, distribute and adapt the work. These rights can be licensed, transferred and/or assigned.
Cover Shooting - A photo shooting for a cover of a magazine. Depending on the magazine it has great significance for the awareness of the model.
Cuttings - Documented releases of a model in magazines, catalogs or other medias.

E

Editorial - Photographs made to illustrate a story or idea within the context of a magazine. These are usually assigned by the magazine.

F

Fitting - The session that takes place before the photo shoot where the clothes to be modelled are fit onto the model. Based on the model's particulars, the clothes are usually altered to fit. When you go to a fitting, be prepared to stand around partially clothed all day long, in front of several people. These people will usually be stylists, seamstresses and designers. The fitting is often included in the dayrate.

G

Go&See - A model's appointment to see a potential client, to present his book and his - or herself in person and to leave a good impression. Often a client keeps the models in mind for his next shoot/job.

H

Hair Stylist - A hairstylist is someone who cuts and styles hair. He or she often offers other services such as coloring and hair extensions. He or she cares for the perfect hair style of the model at the shooting, runway show or event.
Head Sheet - A poster displaying head shots and information about models represented by a modeling agency.

L

Lingerie - Lingerie is the word use for alluring undergarments.
Location - Any place where a shoot (photography or film) takes place. When you are on location, it means you are outside the controlled environment of the studio or soundstage and should prepare accordingly.

M

Make-Up Artist - A makeup artist (MUA) is an artist whose medium is the human body, applying makeup and prosthetics for theatrical, television, film, fashion, magazines and other similar productions including all aspects of the modeling industry.
Model Agency - A model agency is a company that represents fashion models, to work for the fashion industry. These agencies earn their income via commission, usually from the deal they make with the model or the client. The model agency presents the models to the clients, promotes them to foreign agencies and is in charge of the models chart, book, portfolio, buyouts, travel etc.
Model Release - A legal document provided by the client/photographer and signed by the model or agent. It gives permission to the photographer to use photographs taken at a particular sitting. If photographs are used without a release, or in a way different from what is stated in the release, then the model can sue for breach of contract.

N

New Faces - New Faces or newcomers are models who are new into business. They are just starting their career and usually don't have a professional book done.

P

Plus Size - Plus-size model is a term applied to a person who is engaged primarily in modeling plus-size clothing. Plus-size models also engaged in work that is not strictly related to selling large-sized clothing, e.g., stock photography and advertising photography for cosmetics, household and pharmaceutical products and sunglasses, footwear and watches. Therefore plus-size models do not exclusively wear garments marketed as plus-size clothing. This is especially true when participating in fashion editorials for mainstream fashion magazines.
Polaroid - Polaroid photos is a special type of photos that are used in modeling business. Polaroids are usually needed for agencies or scouts to see the natural look of the model. This is something every model needs in their portfolio if they intend to be serious in this business. Modelmanagement.com offers professional polaroids for new models who require them or for professionals who need up to date polaroids.
Prints - Prints are printed negatives, the real photos.

S

Sedcard - See Composite Card.
Senior model - A senior model is a professional model in his 40s/50s/60s. As the average age is constantly raising, the advertisements go back more and more to older models to approach their target group. A senior models often has a good book as they can show a lot of experience or after easily being booked for ads they get publications from the beginning on.
Set - This is where the action of shoot takes place usually within a professional studio or within a location. It includes all the elements which make the shoot; for example the lighting, camera, art direction and art directed scenery.
Shooting - Shooting in general means the implementation of photo or film shoots.
Stock Photos - Stock photography is the supply of photographs licensed for specific uses. It is used to fulfill the needs of creative assignments instead of hiring a photographer. Today, stock images are usually presented in searchable online databases, where they are then purchased and delivered online. Often, they are produced in studios using a wide variety of models posing as professionals, stereotypes, expressing stereotypical emotions and gesticulations or involving pets.
Stylist - The stylist is in charge of the outfit of the model and discussing at length with the photographer or director, about theme of the shoot.

T

Tearsheet - sometimes written 'Tear sheet' is a term used by Advertising agencies to denote a page cut or torn from a publication to prove to the client that the advertisement was published. Media buying agencies are often required by clients to provide tear sheets along with a post analysis of any advertising campaign.
Test Shooting/TFP - An agreement between the model and photographer to whereby they work for each other on a mutually beneficial basis. No fees other than sharing film-and-developing expenses are involved. They work together on a new idea or on their portfolios. The photographer provides a selection of prints from the shoot in recognition of the model's time commitment.

U

Usage - Models get paid for each different medium in which their photograph is used. These different mediums, or usages, may include: consumer magazines, trade magazines, product packaging, print ads, bus ads, subway ads, billboards, magazine covers, direct mail, magazine editorials, posters, catalogues, brochures, point-of-purchase (point-of-sale or p-o-p), annual reports, book covers, kiosk, duratrans (those big portable billboards that are towed around behind trucks), newspapers, etc. The model receives an additional fee for each usage the client buys. Usages also vary according to time and region. The longer the ad runs and the more markets in which it appears, all drive up the model's fee. The largest usage is the unlimited time usage, worldwide buyout. That means the client can plaster the photograph across every city in the world in every possible usage until the end of time.

WWW.ELIRVING.COM

Commercial Modelling

Commercial modeling comes in a wide array of sorts. There different types include newspapers, catalogs, magazines, editorials, brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, and so on.

Unlike a very specific tall and slender look that you see in fashion modeling, being a commercial model needs you to look like a real person. Commercial models come in all forms and sizes. As long as you fit the look the company is aiming for, you can be a commercial model regardless of your height, weight, size, age, or race.
 


Fees for commercial models vary on a project-by-project basis, although adult models are expected to make around £50 to £250 an hour, while children can earn up to £75 an hour. However, due to the variety of needs for commercial modeling, to get into the market, you must be able to do your research and gather vital information about the modeling industry: what types of photos are needed, what is expected of you, www.elirving.com can help here as your agent.

There are several advantages to being a commercial model. For instance, the hours are extremely flexible, and the hourly fees are far from minimum wage. And of course, don’t forget to the thrill of seeing yourself or your child in a magazine, newspaper, brochure, poster, or better yet – a billboard.



Before you start giving out headshots, however, you should know how to create a good portfolio. If you watched any of the cycles of Next Top Model, you’d know that a good portfolio or composite sheet means the world in modeling—fashion or commercial.

However, because of the difference between fashion and commercial modeling, you can’t just go ahead and do artistic photo shoots—you have to figure out how to work your look and how you can represent yourself to the world. Choose a genre in modeling, if you will. www.elirving.com can advise and assist you.



Ask yourself how you are going to be cast best—as a student, a young professional, a mother, a grandparent, a plumber, an athlete, and so on. Ask which setting you will look best—in an authoritative looking building, sitting behind an office desk, around a campfire?

Think about how you can showcase yourself properly to get the right modeling job that fits your look and personality. Before you get in front of the camera, look through magazines, newspaper ads, and even talent and showcase books to get ideas as to the type of modeling that you’re aiming for.
Once you have your look down pat, it’s time to take photos. You don’t have to spend hundreds of pounds to get your photos professionally taken, but they have to at least look professional. Unlike the stoic (or as Tyra Banks puts it, “fierce”) looks of fashion modeling, make sure that your photos make you appear approachable, happy, and interesting. Dramatic photos are not encouraged either.

www.elirving.com can recommend a professional studio for your images.



Also ensure that your photos make your personality shine, so stay away from distracting jewelry, clothes, or hairstyles; your photos should look like you. An agency or photographer’s studio could actually fire you for “misrepresenting” your looks.

Unlike fashion models, commercial models do not need to attend modeling classes. However, they may need to have basic acting skills. Attending a few acting classes or workshops is a good start.

Still, your photos will not be enough to book you jobs. While the looks depend on what the client wants in his ad, you have to be able to shine through by your personality and character. Being a diva will not get you far in commercial modeling, because clients want a model with not just the right look, but the right personality, versatility, and even acting ability.

The demand for commercial models is very high, as companies are upping their advertising and marketing strategies. However, as is is with any other job, it is essential that you work hard and be professional during shoots. Looks will only get you so far—you can find success in your determination and perseverance more than you can with your smile.

www.elirving will look after and guide you through everything, get you jobs and look afer you thereafter.

www.elirving.com

Become a Successful Model

In order to be a successful model you need to have an extrovert personality as well as a ‘look’ that is either classic or which is a good fit with current fashion trends. It is a combination of these two factors which are likely to determine the success, or not, of turning modelling jobs into a modelling career. There are many reasons why people choose a career as a model and work with modelling scouts like El Irving, but he considers five of the major perks associated with this challenging but hugely rewarding career.

Meeting the rich and famous

One of the benefits of being a model is that it provides the opportunity to meet people you would not ordinarily get to meet. As well as meeting those who can be influential in a modelling career such as fashion designers, magazine and newspaper editors and photographers, modelling can also ‘open doors’ and enable models to meet actors (like Emma Watson), producers, business people and even royalty. If a model is successful, he or she may find them selves invited to parties and gatherings where they can mingle with the rich and famous. For some of those who decide to enter into modelling, this is a major motivating factor.

Travel in modelling jobs

For many models, one of the great things about the work is the fact that there can be a great deal of travelling. Whether this is travelling at home or abroad, the opportunities are endless. For successful catwalk models, overseas travel is a large part of the job. Travel provides the opportunity to experience many different countries and cultures, and possibly to pick up a new language or two along the way. Additionally, international assignments are often better paid and provide better allowances. All of a model’s travel expenses and allowances are covered by the client. Provided that you are happy to hop on a plane, sometimes at a moment’s notice, this is definitely one of the benefits to being a model.

Learning new skills

Working as a model is a great opportunity to learn new skills. Modelling work involves lots of waiting around, creating perfect opportunities to improve knowledge and pick up tricks of the trade. For instance, models spend many hours with makeup artists and hairdressers, so they almost invariably pick up elements of these skills. As modelling provides the opportunity to travel, this also means that many models are able to learn and speak other languages. They may eventually speak confidently in the country they are visiting and communicate with fashion designers for whom English may not be a first language. And models need to be fit and healthy, so learning how to maintain a healthy body is a skill that all models acquire.

Promotion and profile raising

Many of those who want to take up modelling have other aspirations: acting, singing, dancing or performing in other ways. Modelling is a great way to get noticed and to make influential people see who you are and what you can do. Due to the nature of modelling, models can find it easier to appear in the media in some form, whether it be in print or on television. This may lead to more appearances, furthering one’s modelling career while opening doors to other opportunities such as acting, television presenting and even writing.

Money

The one thing that most aspiring models believe is that a career as a model will lead to them earning huge amounts of money. For some, this is the main driving force behind their desire to succeed. While earning money beyond most people’s wildest dreams is true for those who make it into the ‘super-league’ of modelling, relatively few are in this category. That is not to say that modelling cannot be lucrative, but any aspiring model needs to be prepared for a few years of earning relatively modest sums. Once they have built up a large enough portfolio, they are more likely to be considered for higher value work such as advertising campaigns for major fashion labels and cosmetics brands.

These are just some of the opportunities and experiences that are available if you choose to pursue a career as a fashion model. The diversity of this industry allows for a great deal of flexibility and numerous potential career paths, regardless of your talents and interests.

If this is how you see yourself, please get in touch www.elirving.com

Tips for Models

MODELLING TIPS

Modelling is not as easy as it seems, and anyone who says that models have it easy has obviously never modelled! Don’t let this worry you, www.elirving.com has some great modelling tips & tricks to help you through your photo shoots.

Modelling Tip 1:
You must relax; tensing up will make your poses look stiff. Breathing exercises may seem silly but they’re a great way to relax the body.

Modelling Tip 2:
If you feel like your body is too tense, shake it off! You may feel silly shaking your arms and legs about but it’s another great way to relax your body and make you more ‘fluid’.

Modelling Tip 3:
Do not pout; more often than not it’s not a good look so why risk it in the first place.

Modelling Tip 4:
Match your facial expressions to what you’re wearing, don’t wear a serious look in casual wear.

Modelling Tip 5:
Your imagination is a powerful tool; if it helps to picture yourself lounging on a beach for casual wear then do it!

Modelling Tip 6:
Listen to the photographers, stylists and hair & make-up artists this early on in your career, anything they have to say you should value more than gold.

Modelling Tip 7:
Be confident, this is easier said than done but if you can master your confidence it shines through in your photos. There are tonnes of confidence tricks online, see if you can find one that suits you.

www.elirving.com

The men's best moisturiser

www.elirving.com could be accused that we blog to much on women, thier clothing line and products that they could use.....

Well GUYS here you go The Best MEN'S Moisturiser for every skin type!!

The skin around your skull has to put up with a lot. Even putting aside the damage caused by extreme weather and thick pollution, chances are you drag a sharp razor across it several times a week and pump it full of booze on the weekend.
The easiest way to steady the effects all this can have on your mug is by using a man-friendly moisturiser that’s tailored to your skin type. From the solutions that smooth out lines to the hydration that help conceal a hangover, here are 10 of the best.

Best For: Dry Skin

Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream

See ya later alligator (skin). Even if Aesop’s blend of nut and plant extracts didn’t deliver anti-oxidant fortification and richly nourishing hydration for dry skin (it does, FYI) the brand’s Instagram-baiting apothecary bottles would still win it a place on this list.
Available at Mankind, priced £47.

Best For: Oily Skin

Clinique For Men Oil Control Mattifying Moisturiser

If you’ve got skin slicker than snot on a doorknob, use Clinique’s Mattifying Moisturiser to provide oil-free hydration. As well as helping control shine, the fast-absorbing cream soothes shaving irritation and cools razor burn from its manly gunmetal grey tubes.
Available at Clinique, priced £25.

Best For: Sensitive Skin

Nivea Men Sensitive Moisturiser

Nivea has a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable men’s grooming products – and for good reason. The brand’s Sensitive option is repeatedly voted one of the best, owing to an easily absorbed and alcohol-free formula enriched with calming chamomile and nourishing shea butter.
Available at Boots, priced £6.99.

Best For: Acne-Prone Skin

Ren T-Zone CC Gel

The path to flawless skin can be a long and bumpy one. Combat breakouts and blemishes head on with Ren’s T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream. The antibacterial formula helps reduce sebum production while also protecting against free radicals to leave skin looking clear and healthy.
Available at Lookfantastic, priced £16.

Best For: Those On A Budget

Bulldog Original Moisturiser

The mutt’s nuts of the bathroom shelf, Bulldog’s best-selling original moisturiser is packed with natural, face-saving ingredients and essential oils like vitamin E. Add to that the tight leash the British brand keeps on its prices and it’s easy to why we’ve been loyal to this one since 2007.
Available at Boots, priced £6.35.

Best For: Anti-Ageing

Kiehl’s Super Activated Cream

Stave off the swing of sharp medical implements by slathering on Kiehl’s Super Activated Cream. Impressive-sounding name aside, it lasers in on the main visible signs of ageing including wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines. Ten years from now, you’ll be glad you did.
Available at John Lewis, priced £48.

Best For: The Morning After

L’Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic

When you wake up feeling the wrath of grapes, reach for oranges. L’Oréal Men Expert’s Hydra Energetic Daily Moisturiser pulls on the power of vitamin C to revive dull skin and reduce dark circles. Meanwhile, added caffeine gets to work promoting circulation so the caffeine in your cup can focus on fixing that head.
Available at Boots, priced £5.29.

Best For: SPF Protection

Malin + Goetz SPF30 Face Moisturiser

If you want to age more like Kevin Costner than Keith Richards, get into the habit of protecting your skin from sun damage on a daily basis. In addition to being packed with vitamins spanning the whole alphabet, the SPF 30 moisturiser from acclaimed US grooming brand Malin + Goetz is bolstered by antioxidants to counteract environmental damage.
Available at Mr Porter, priced £28.

Best For: A Bit Of Colour

Lab Series SPF BB Cream

To look good in pictures you could learn how to use Photoshop, or you could fortify your grooming regime with Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturiser. The lotion delivers a subtle hint of colour and high SPF while concealing a range of skin imperfections.
Available at Mankind, priced £36.

Best For: The Bathroom Shelf

Acqua Di Parma Collezione Barbiere Revitalising Face Cream

For a salve worth it’s shelf space, choose Acqua di Parma’s Collezione Barbiere Revitalizing Face Cream. Specifically designed for men’s skin and inspired by products found in an Italian barber shop, the fresh, lightweight formula is not just a pretty face.
Available at Acqua Di Parma, priced £42.

New Style Tricks For Winter

New Style Tricks For Winter

It’s a yearly event: that morning when it dawns on us that the weather has changed, and we’ve entered the cold season. There’s a discomforting chill inside our still unheated home, we leave the shower and hesitate before unwrapping the towel, and as we get dressed, we know it’s time to dust off our overcoat, check our jumpers for moth holes and search for the wool scarf we haven’t seen since March (it’s usually inside a coat pocket, by the way).
You already know your wardrobe response to the new temperature will be exactly the same as last year: it’s time to return to comfort layers – those that keep you warm and protected against the elements.
However, this can quickly make our looks appear boring and unimaginative. Is it because we think it’s bad taste to take sartorial or stylistic risks when everyone else is curling up in uninspiring layers and walking about with cups of hot watery soups, shoulders shrugged, depressed due to the weather?
Just as the soup could be swapped for a hearty, imaginative hot sandwich, there are ways to keep warm in the colder months without blending into the crowds. To help, we’ve come up with a few simple tricks you can try, to ensure your winter ensembles aren’t dull.
It’s all about rethinking your layers and adopting new ideas that often get ignored when you’re trying to remain warm and comfortable…

1. Swap Outer Layers

If you, like many of us, have a puffa jacket for weekends/casual outings and a tailored overcoat for work, try inverting the game:
Wear your puffa over the suit. You might want to invest in a slightly roomier version to accommodate the jacket. It’s less expected and won’t raise eyebrows in the office, where it will be removed. The same goes for other traditionally casual outerwear silhouettes such as your fur-collared parka or bold coloured duffle coat.
As for your great-fitting overcoat, it shouldn’t retire: let it drape casually over your t-shirt and jeans while off-duty (extra points if the look is finished with trainers).
Juxtaposing your inner and outer layers will bring new energy to your winter outings.

2. Switch Your Middle Layers

There are clear guidelines: knitted jumpers for smart-casual wear and dressing down your tailoring, sweatshirts for casual getups. Break this rule.
A classic grey crew neck sweat over your shirt will revolutionise casual Friday, and, whether you agree with me or not, wearing cashmere to the gym is just too cool for words.

3. Adopt Unapologetic Cold-Weather Accessories

A sensitive subject, as it might take you back to school days of being bullied for sporting leg warmers, dorky beanies and patterned scarves.
Guess what? Now that you’re all grown up, well put together and hopefully haven’t seen a school bully in a while, those same knitted winter staples your mum wrapped you up in will look great paired with your carefully curated attire.
In order to pull the look off with panache, stick to high quality materials and sensible colours/patterns (stay away from brights, Technicolor or silly motifs). A break from the skinny striped scarf alone will do you good.

4. Boot Up

Perhaps the greatest thing about winter is the freedom to explore extreme footwear, with your alibi provided by the weather.
Army boots, unusually thick lug soles, shoe-trainer hybrids – they’re all fair game. You need your soles to grip on the wet, icy pavement, to keep your ankles warm and such.
Strong, confident boots that will give your brogues a break are a definite ‘yes’ for a winter pick-me-up.

5. Sunglasses In Winter

No, they’re not just a summer item. No, they don’t look silly on a cold day. They protect your eyes from light, and bright winter days (particularly after it has been snowing) can be just as blinding.
From a style perspective, shades finish off your winter look, add mystery and act as efficient shields – when people are cranky due to the weather, or when you’re tired, have a cold or just don’t want to be too accessible.
However, stay away from bright, summery frames. Keep them neutral or in classic tortoiseshell to avoid looking like a douche.

6. Try An Alternative Outer Layer

This is the boldest piece of advice in this guide, and should only be followed if you feel 100 per cent sure of what you’re doing: skip your coat and go for an on-trend blanket, poncho or cape-like piece that will bring attention to you.
Big time. Can you handle it?

7. Skilfully Embrace Your Sloppy Staples

There’s a worldwide fashion movement which, to put into one sentence, is encouraging people to ‘dress real’ by utilising ‘unfashionable’ items. Call it 21st-century grunge if you like.
This means pieces such as sweatpants, hoodies/sweatshirts, light wash ‘dad’ jeans, old t-shirts and other very casual items (Birkenstocks being the ultimate symbol of this movement) are more than welcome in your autumn attire.
However, don’t take this trend too literally. You’ll be better off incorporating a few select garments into your look, offsetting them with more considered, refined pieces.

8. Look At Misunderstood Materials With Different Eyes

Another trickled-down aspect of Normcore: it has become acceptable to finish off your smartest looks with synthetic fleece, acrylic wool and other man-made materials, all for the sake of combating the snobbery of quality (and high price tags).
Good news, since it means you won’t have to spend as much to refresh your cold-weather wardrobe this year. On the other hand, staying true to quality staples (even if they’re very low key) should be a non-negotiable habit. Start slow, maybe with a fleece polo neck worn with your tailored trousers.
If you miss cashmere and merino wool too much, just ditch this trend altogether.

9. Loosen Up On The Accessory Front

Your heavy framed briefcase in vegetable-tanned leather may be your pride and joy, and will always be there for you, finishing off your most dapper looks. This fall, however, do you think you can sport a canvas backpack instead? What about swapping your monk-straps for trainers?
Look at the most formal items in your wardrobe and pick one to completely turn your back on, replacing it with the most relaxed, nonchalant substitute you can get away with.
Remember: if the change is within your comfort zone, it won’t create the desired effect.

10. Make Inner Layers Warmer

Your outer layer doesn’t necessarily have to be long and heavy. You can keep warm with a chunky jumper, thermal underwear or extra layers and finish off the look with a denim, leather or bomber jacket, for example.
Just make sure that your under layers are somewhat visible to combat the dreaded ‘sausage’ effect, which can happen when you look stuffed into multiple layers that cannot be seen.

Final Word

There you have ten easy tricks that will ensure your autumn/winter style is anything but boring this year.
Have you got any styling tricks of your own that you care to share?

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