My favourites: the sequined dress

Tis the season to be....sparkly. Yes. Christmas is rapidly approaching and with a season that spells party after party after party, there's no better time to invest in some sparkles for the festive season than now. A sequined dress is a great point of call, guaranteeing you'll shine - quite literally - on your night out. And with so much variety in style out there, you'll be spoilt for choice! Here are my top five.

1. The Green One

Motel Gabby Dress, Topshop £48

2. The Floor Length One

All Over Sequined Dress, Jane Norman £100

3. The Flapper One

20s Inspired Flapper Embellished Dress, Gatsbylady London £85 (Available from Notonthehighstreet.com)

4. The Colourful One

Morgan Open Backed Sequin Dress, House of Fraser £75

5. The Princess One

  Sequinned Midi Dress, Chi Chi London £79.99

Female politicians and the power suit

  

It's been a whirlwind of a political year. England voted to leave the EU and Trump won president of the US. Amidst both these surprising results, there have been two women at the forefront of the political scene. Theresa May and Hillary Clinton. Two women of formidable intelligence, determination, and strength.

But from a stylist view, two women who have also aced the game of power dressing. Whether it was May's Vivienne Westwood checkered suit (the same one which was also worn by supermodel Cara Develigne) or Hilton's Ralph Lauren red suit, the trouser suit has become an icon of female strength. #pantsuitnation even became a hashtag used by Clinton's supporters, proving that fashion and politics are not so far apart as one might think.

What's also great about this look generally is the message it sends out. Women don't have to dress in a way that is gender stereotypical - restricted to pretty dresses and skirts, with men only in the suits. As said in my last post, the gap between 'male' and 'female' dress is rapidly closing.

Fall/ Winter 2016-2017 trends sporting the pantsuit look. Image: Fashionisers.

Trouser suits are also freaking comfy. No need to awkwardly worry about maintaining elegance whilst getting out a car, for example. Since it's nearing winter, no need to have to wear tights in the knowledge that your legs will still inevitably freeze the minute you step out the door. Blazers are also an effortless way of dressing up.

Given there are so many fabulous retailers out there selling matching trouser suits, it's never been easier to purchase one. Go with block colour to play safe, or florals and checks if you're feeling more adventurous. It's a great look for the workplace or indeed for an event or dinner, perhaps teamed with heels if you fancy it. This gorgeous green one from ASOS is one of my favourites because of the simple tailoring and colour.

ASOS Premium Tailored Suit in Forest Green

May and Clinton have set the tune for strong women who mean business. Trouser suits have become a way to power dress - let's follow it.

Cross dressing - kinda

So one of my birthday gifts was a beautiful watch from nylondon - brown leather strap, large dial, simple design. I had been looking for a watch for quite some time but had always been disappointed by the glaring silver glitter that many of the female varieties had (no disrespect, just not to my taste).

I ended up finding the answer by choosing this watch which was part of the men's selection. In fact, I way preferred the men's watches - the larger dial and heavier feel they had - but maybe that's also because I'm a bit of a tomboy at heart.

Either way, it got me thinking that now, more than ever, incorporating clothes or items of the opposite sex is hardly something to bat an eyelid at.

Many of my shirts - at least the oversized ones, which I tuck into denim shorts or jeans - used to belong to my brother. One Ralph Lauren polo shirt I wore a few weeks back was also my brothers. No one even noticed.

Once upon a time, it was a taboo for women to wear trousers. Can you believe that? And yes, colour/gender associations are also being broken down. I owe way more navy and blue shades (traditionally 'male' colours) in my wardrobe than I do pink. In fact, I quite dislike pink.

And then take jackets - there are some gorgeous black overcoats designed for men out there that could also be worn by women, resulting in a sleek look similar to this:

The point being, there's never been so much overlap between male and female clothes. The androgynous look continues to filter onto our catwalks. This is written from a female viewpoint and it would be interesting to see if any men felt the same (feel free to comment below).

In an age of experimentation, who says we must only shop in the 'ladies' OR 'mens' areas. Okay yes, obviously not everything is going to work. Steer clear of jeans for one. But an over-sized, cosy, maroon jumper that just so happens to part of the M&S menswear selection? Don't mind if I do.