Wool 101 - a whistle stop tour

Image: Pinterest

Winter means you want to stay warm - it goes without saying. And wool, one of the oldest natural fibres around (thank you fluffy sheep), is your best bet. My favourite coat is made from 100% wool. My turtle-neck jumper? Wool. That blanket scarf? Wool too. But before buying woollen clothes, there are some important things to know.

First up, some wool is higher quality than others. If this is important to you, then Merino is your best bet (named after the Merino species of sheep). It's super durable and is also the softness out of all the wool varieties. That means wearing it and not having to worry about itchy skin - because ain't nobody got time for that. 

Speaking of  which, you'll read labels stating that wool is 'super fine'. This is another term for softness, rather than thinness. So a 'super fine' wool jumper will have a much softer feel than a normal one. Basically, if the diameter is smaller, it's less likely to push against your skin and create that dreaded prickling feeling. 

Extra fine, merino turtle neck sweater, £24.90, Uniqlo

Next up. Did you know that wool is classed? Just like you get 'Class A' groceries in the supermarket, wool is also classed. There are even people called 'Wool Classers' who determine the type, based on fineness and brightness. Most commercial wool is of a whiter type, meaning it is easier to dye. So if you have a strong shade/colourful look, chances are it will be this class of wool. Shetland varieties will be of a browner colour and may skip the dying process altogether, leaving a more authentic garment. Who knew? 

And finally, blends. 100% wool does seem very appealing, but sometimes having a wool blend can give you the best of both worlds! For example, 10% nylon will add some elasticity, meaning the jumper will have a more snug fit. Just be sure to ensure that wool still makes up 75% of the blend, to get the full benefits (especially warmness) that wool brings. 

I always read inner-labels now to check the composition, before buying. Be warned, some wool looking clothes are actually made from synthetic polyester! Oh how looks can be deceiving....

Wool is one of the most timeless fabrics out there - and one of the best for winter. It retains its shape well, is durable, comfortable, soft and warm. 

What's not to love? 

* Sparkle this Christmas *

Tis the season to be merry! And sparkly. Yes, if there was ever a time to wear sparkles it's Christmas. Multiple work parties, festive gatherings and 5 course dinners mean it's perfectly acceptable to get the glitter out. Whether it's just a subtle touch or a full blown-affair, here are some ways to get sparkly.

As Mariah Carey once sang, All I want for Christmas is.....

Glitz up your make-up. I hardly ever wear make up, but a cute glittery eye-shadow will add a festive touch to any outfit. Opt for golds, emerald greens, royal blues and dark purples for a fully dramatic look that'll be sure to turn heads.

And your accessories. A sparkly clutch bag. Yes please. Diamonte earrings. Yes please. Sparkly heels. Yes please. Why limit yourself? If your outfit is relatively plain, then glittery accessories won't look over the top. Instead it'll be the perfect balance and festive touch.

Sparkly dresses are a yes. There are three occasions when wearing a head-to-toe sparkly dress is totally okay. Your birthday, Christmas and New Years. It's the ultimate party look and there are soooo many varieties out there! Whether it's a long gown (perfect for black-tie Christmas dinners) or a short number, get browsing now.

Search for the details. Adding glitter needn't be difficult. You can experiment with subtle touches - think glittery collars on a shirt, buttons made out of jewels or sparkly hems on skirts/trousers. These small details will make your outfit extra special.

Warm up with glitter. Woven gold or silver threads in beanie hats, gloves and scarves is a cute (and cosy) way to add sparkle. The perfect option for Boxing Day walks. Go matching for ultimate glitter pizzazz.

Now, where's the mulled wine?

Suited, Booted: what to look for in a blazer

I love wearing a suit. Not everyone will say the same, but back in sixth form when we had to wear suits, I definitely found it a cause of celebration, not commiseration! Fast forward 5 years and now in a London corporate job, a suit is pretty much expected. It puts you in the right mind-set. It looks smart and sophisticated. It's professional. Did I go out and shop for suits before starting? Oh yes - and picked up a few things along the way.

Firstly, a blazer might be in your size, but sometimes it pays to go up a size, or down a size, depending on the look you want. I have a blazer which is slightly over-sized but that's because I liked the way it fell/hung. Liked having it that tad bit longer. On the other hand, you might decide to go for a blazer one size (or a few inches) down, to achieve that 'nipped in', fitted look. Be sure to try on a few.

And be sure to experiment with different fits, as well as sizes. One blazer which has lasted me from sixth form to now has a tapered front but a shorter back. This means wearing it with high-waisted trousers or a high-waisted skirt creates a feminine silhouette from the side. I like that it's a bit different to the fit/style of a normal blazer. Keep your eyes peeled for those slightly unusual styles.

Image: bcbg

And experiment with colours and patterns! Obviously black, navy and grey are perfect fail-safe options and should definitely make up a good percentage of your blazer collectiom. But a check blazer? A pinstripe blazer? A maroon blazer or emerald green blazer? Why not. Just be sure to check with the company policy first - or save it for that weekend dinner party...

Also, don't forget functionality - e.g check for pockets. If you're like me and always have your personal/work phone on you, you'll want to have a pocket in your blazer. The number of blazers that skip pockets altogether (or have 'fake' ones for stylist purposes) is more than you think. It's a practicality worth considering.

Image: mango

As is the lining. Good quality lining will mean the blazer will last longer. It's also an aesthetic consideration too. Sometimes, you might want to roll up the cuffs of your blazer for a stylish 'rough and ready' look. But to do this, the underlining has to look pretty good. Just because it's on the inside of the blazer doesn't mean no one will see it. A solid colour works well, like dark blue or red.

I could go on but I'll stop there for want of blazer frenzy (!). Other factors to consider include buttons (are there spare ones included inside?), lapels (how much of your shirt do you want to show?) and shoulder pads (a little, yes, too much, no.)

Happy Blazer-ing!

First photo courtesy of Telka Zcos & VanityStudios 

My favourites: the trench coat

Trench coats are a quintessential part of Autumn dressing (for both men and women). There is something so classic about the fit and look, something so wonderfully British. Yet there are more styles out there than you might think.
Here are my favourite five right now.

1. The Black One 

Saskia Trench, £199, Hobbs London

2. The Draped One

Patty Drape Flared Trench Coat, £200, French Connection

3. The Classic One 

Artistry Wool Camel Trench Coat, £195, Oliva Bonus

4. The Tartan One 

Angela Mele Milano, £184, Yoox

5. The Pastel One

Wrap trench coat, £80, Yumi 

Going out? Read this first

Going out is one of the pleasures of life. So is getting ready. There's nothing better than glamming up, with your girl-pals, over a glass of wine. Trust me, sometimes I prefer this to the night itself! Okay, not completely, but it certainly does set the mood for the night. 

But it can also be stressful. Outfit malfunctions are the biggest cause of being late. (Source: Friends of Niluka). To take the stress out of getting ready - whatever and wherever you might be going - read on.

Image: 8tracks

1. Plan your outfit the day before - or at least in the morning 

There's nothing worse than trying to haphazardly piece together an outfit when you have sub 1 hour to spare. Rushing is just not ideal in a situation when you want to look your best. Sure, have a couple of options in mind, but don't leave it all to the last minute.

2. Do an underwear check

If your dress/top is low cut and might reveal a flash of underwear - have you decided what bra will go? If you have a halterneck, do you have a strapless bra at hand? Is it better to ditch the bra altogether?! Be sure to consider all options when getting ready.

3. And a weather check, of course 

Image: HackneyGazette

Yes, your outfit is fab. But standing in a queue when temperatures are sub 5C is not. Not matter how good you look, shivering and moaning is not the best #ootd. If you know you might end up outside for a bit, or have to walk, then always take a coat. The cloak room fee is totally worth it.

4. Pack your bag before you start getting ready 

Hands up who has ever forgotten their ID before? Yep, me too. Frantically trying to chuck your card, money, ID, make-up and phone into your bag, just as you are about to leave, is a recipe for disaster. Having learnt from experience, I now get my clutch ready before the evening. No stress added.

5. Consider the accessories 

Image: Pinterest

An outfit can be made by a necklace or pair of earrings. Be sure to factor in an extra 5-10 minutes to experiment with jewellery when you're dressed. Sometimes, nothing may be needed (e.g a fussy dress that can do the talking by itself) but often, a piece of jewellery will bring an outfit together.

6. Consult your trusted forces

Asking someone for their opinion on your outfit is the perfect sense check. If you have your label  sticking out, or your outfit is too under/over dressed for the occasion, your friend will probably tell you. It'll also give you a boost of confidence to go and have a bloody good time. Cheers to that.

Autumn is the time for...

Image: pinterest

It's official. Summer has gone. Autumn is here. The temperature is rapidly dropping and the mornings getting darker. Daytime drinking is less acceptable, along with short shorts and permanently wearing your Raybans. But the season (if you're reading this in the UK) is also a cause of celebration in terms of fashion and clothes. Let me explain.

Autumn is the time for maroon, burnt orange and earthy brown colours. When the leaves are so beautiful, who can resist a tertiary colour palette that imitates the nature around us? These shades are also very easy to mix and match. Team with a dark maroon lip for full effect.

Autumn is the time for trench coats. It's definitely coat weather now (my recent Insta poll showed that 95% of you agreed). To ensure it matches the rest of your earthy wardrobe, invest in a classic belted trench coat in a light or medium beige.

Image: i0.wp

Autumn is the time for thick, cable knit scarves. As we transition to cooler weather, layering becomes essential. Not quite hat and gloves weather just yet, but a chunky scarf will not only protect you from blustery winds, it'll lift your entire outfit too.

Autumn is the time for knee high boots. Hard to get right, but when done well, knee high boots look extremely sophisticated. Dark brown or black is best. Choose a boot that has a simple design and is relatively flat (as opposed to high heeled) to avoid a tacky look.

Autumn is the time for quality jumpers and cashmere cardigans. Soft, wool-based fabrics, will feel great against your skin and keep you warm. Opt for looser styles that have a flattering cut. Chai tea latte to go? If you insist.

Online or Offline? That is the question

It's 2017 and E-commerce (the fancy name for online shopping) has never been bigger. Major retailers cannot survive the High Street without investing in an online platform for customers to purchase orders. On top of that, we're surrounded by digital marketing campaigns utilising social media, online advertising and emails. The question on many lips - will the High Street survive? 

My own opinion is yes. Why? Because although pretty much everything can be bought online there are some things worth buying offline. For certain (often trickier) items, going into a shop has major merits.

Here are the ones to watch out for.

J is for Jeans

Jeans are the staple of all wardrobe staples. It's something you can't afford to get wrong. 90% of people are unlikely to buy the very first pair of jeans they try on - normally it takes a few shops and a few styles to get the right one. Those with longer than normal legs find this especially hard (why does Zara not have a Tall range please?!) Can you imagine doing all this online? A whole lot of returns and stress that can be avoided.

S is for Suits 

This one applies to men too. The fit, fall and general look of a suit cannot be predicted from ordering online. The model is not you and though sizing guides are normally OK for most things, blazers and suited wear are often a hit and miss. Cut the hassle and go into store. Added bonus: you can mix and match different shades and styles while there.

B is for Bras

Balcony, T-shirt, Plunge.....there are so many bra styles out there. The phrase 'try before you buy' definitely applies to this one. Size 32C or 36E in one store can be very different to another retailer. To be direct, ladies's er bits, are all different, meaning it often requires a lot of trial and error to get the right bra that fits you. Also applies to bikinis.

H is for Heels 

Blisters are a part of life. But the chance of getting them can be dramatically reduced by purchasing a pair in store, where you have the luxury of trying on 100+ pairs and choosing the one that not only looks best (as you would online) but feels best too. Amen.

***

Want more?

 Email ask.niluka@gmail.com to voice your opinion, request content and have the chance to collaborate. 

I'm always keen to hear your thoughts!

The 5 shoes every girl should own

As Marilyn Monroe famously said, 'Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world'. Emphasis on shoes plural, not shoe singular. Because let's face it, we all need a solid weaponry of footwear for whatever the occasion. We know slippers are for bed, trainers for sport, and flipflops for the pool - but what about the rest?

Look no further, this is the ultimate shoe checklist -

Block Boots

Standard boots are great for a) mild weather and b) comfort. But heeled block boots have an added bonus - ideal for times when you don't want to wear normal heels, but still want extra height. (Think parties and long nights dancing). Not only that, but they look great dressed down with skinny jeans.

Proper Heels

Unfortunately though, not all occasions allow for heeled boots. Really swanky events require a pair of quintessential, traditional black heels. To avoid the dreaded 'Ow my feet' syndrome, try to get ones that have a fairly wide heel (not like a pin), with added height at the front of the shoe.

Smart Flats 

Perfect for work, afternoon tea and day trips. I personally love patent styles which add extra shine to the shoe (also eliminating the need to polish them). Brogues are great, as are dolly pumps, but be sure to choose ones that are firm & padded so they last.

Casual Pumps

One down from the full blown sports trainer, pumps are great for those times you just need to nip out, or have a casual errand to run. I also love wearing them shopping, since you can easily slide them on and off to try on clothes, as well as walk around in them for ages.

Two Strap Sandals

And finally. Ideal for dry and warm weather, two strap sandals are the staple city break/holiday shoe. They take zero time to put on, are comfortable AF and are supportive enough to last all those miles by foot (especially when you get lost...).

My favourites: the floral crop

What's better than a cute crop top? A cute floral crop top, that's what. They really are great - team with high-waisted shorts/skirts/jeans and you're good to go. Dress up or down, just be sure to make the most of them during summer. Stay top of the crops with my favourite five. 

1. The Embellished One

Floral Embroidered Crop Top, £125, Raishma at House of Fraser

2. The Sheer Mesh One

Floral Mesh Cropped Blouse, £25, Glamorous at Topshop

3. The Bodice One

Endless Rose Short Sleeve Floral Print Crop Top, £48, House of Fraser

4. The Off-the-Shoulder One

Sunflower Floral Crop, £15, Nasty Girl

5. The Bow One

Marguerite floral-print cotton cropped top, £225, Rebecca Taylor

Personal Shoppers - the check list

Image: Luxeexperiences

There are moments in life when a personal shopper is an absolute necessity. I'm thinking weddings, balls and other special occasions. Rather than trudge through rails for the 'perfect' outfit, not knowing where to start, sometimes we need a little extra direction. I'm yet to use one (mainly because I just love trying on evvvvverything...) but if you're short on time, this is the answer.

The demand for personal shoppers is on the rise -  for many, it's a full time job. Selfridges, House of Fraser and other luxury department stores have them. Retailers like Topshop are also rolling out the service, offering options such as 'The Big Event' to 'The Wardrobe Overhaul' (both free of charge).

So, what should you look for when deciding to hire one?

They have experience

Just as personal trainers have experience in fitness, personal shoppers should have experience in fashion. Do your research and ensure they know what they're talking about. Expect higher prices for those more established.

Image: Pinterest

They do their prep

A personal shopper should contact you before the appointment day to ask about the event (if any), your style, what you like/don't like wearing and your key personality traits. They should then have options waiting for when you arrive.

They listen 

A good personal shopper will listen to you and be genuinely interested in what the clothes are intended for  - whether it's your new career or a best friend's wedding. Friendly rapport is key.

They're diplomatic 

Even with their expertise, not everything they choose will look good on you. Rather than a blunt response, lines like 'We can do better' or 'Let's experiment a bit more' will stop you feeling awkward and make the process all the more enjoyable.

Image: Pinterest

They offer perks 

Really good personal shoppers will offer complimentary drinks and snacks (especially those working for luxury retailers). Free prosecco? Yes please.

They don't pressure you 

The last criteria - and possibly the most important. You should never feel pressured to buy throughout the experience, or at the end. If you aren't happy, walking away empty-handed should feel a plausible option. Remember, a personal shopper is there to advise, not sell.

Denim: our enduring love affair

Image: Elizamagazine

In 1969, a writer for American Fabrics magazine said that “Denim is one of the world’s oldest fabrics, yet it remains eternally young.” Sitting here writing this in 2017, I see what he meant. Denim - and denim jeans in particular - is something which never seems to be in or out of fashion. It never gets old. It's just wonderfully, gloriously here. 

And it's unsurprising really. The sturdy cotton textile has a twill weave which means it is super durable - even thinner denim will last longer than most material. It endures not only in the fashion stakes but literally, physically too! That snag on your wool top? It just wouldn't happen with trusty denim.

Whereas once upon a time, denim was restricted to blue jeans, the fabric has been re-invented time and time again. Coloured jeans were all the rage in 2014/2015 - yellow, green, red, you name it. Forget apps. There's a coloured jean for that. And then we have our low waisted/high-waisted denim shorts - frayed, neat or turned up. And then we have denim jackets. And denim shirts. And denim dresses (my last Insta post). And denim accessories. There's even denim lingerie available now. Have we gone denim mad?

Image: houseofelegancefashion

Not really. The long lasting appeal of this fabric (for both sexes) comes down to a classic appearance that says 'you can't go wrong'. I've even started wearing my dad's old Wrangler jacket - probably the only thing I'll ever borrow from his wardrobe (sorry dad). Double denim may have once gone against the fashion rule book, but rules are made to be broken - especially this one. Fashionistas Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio have all sported double denim in recent years, proving that we just can't get enough of the stuff. 

So what's the deal with denim now, I hear you ask. Well, 2017 was the year where jewels were added to denim - pearl encrusted denim was seen by the likes of Zara, Topshop and ASOS. It's also a big time for flared jeans (#tb to the 80's) and ruffle hemmed jeans. Patterned denim is bigger than ever. 

New embellishment, cuts, colours and patterns. Denim is a fabric which is both timeless yet constantly evolving. Three words - watch this space.

Image: Pinterest

The Bikini Bible

Oh England. Here I am sat writing in the rain and cold (it's apparently August, but a sweater is still needed). This time last week, rain was swapped for sun, a bed swapped for a sun-bed and a cup of Earl Grey swapped for a Pina Colada. Thank goodness for holidays.

Most importantly, my sweats were swapped for a bikini. Since me and my friend bought enough bikini's between us to clothe a small island (!) a blog post just had to be done. Still got a holiday planned and want to buy a new bikini set? Here's what to consider before buying. 

All images: pinterest

Firstly, avoid the urge to buy online. Definitely been there - bought two online which looked fantastic but had to return one since the fit just wasn't right. For almost any other form of clothing, online shopping is pretty fail safe (to a degree). But sizing for lingerie and swimwear is often more tricky to get right. Avoid the hassle and try it on.

Next up is material. You may have noticed I have a thing for good quality textiles and it's no more important than with a bikini. All that sun, sea and sand can ruin your bikini if it's made from cheap material. Thin material will also leave you a little exposed...ahem.

From material to fastenings. A lot of bikini tops come with a removable halter-neck style strap so you have the option of wearing it strapless. Double check the clasp fastening. Here's a secret - in Bali the tiny plastic clasp of one bikini top snapped. Which meant it had to always be worn strapless. Needless to say I avoided it (crashing waves would definitely have bought it down!). 

Lesson learnt: ensure the entire bikini is constructed well, clasps and all.

From wear to aesthetics, don't be afraid to mix and match! A black bikini top paired with tropical bottoms can look great, as can two clashing colours or prints. Buying separates means you get more for your money, since rotating them around will inevitably create different looks. Plus, who doesn't love a little holiday experimentation!

And finallyyyyyy, make sure you are comfortable. No matter how good the bikini may look on the outside, if you're constantly adjusting the top or worrying about the bottoms you won't enjoy yourself. And that's what holidays are for, right? 

Now to re-fill my cup of tea and book that next trip...

Look cool, stay cool

Aha. The heatwave has begun. No clue as to how long it'll last (#Britishweather) but while it's here, you'll find me outside soaking up the sun. Jug of Pimms preferable.

Of course, the downside to this hot weather is the potential for clammy clothes, sweat patches and general over-heating. To reduce such possibilities, here are a few key tips for dressing in scorching temperatures.

Make linen and cotton your best friends

Image: linenbeauty

Unlike synthetic fibres, natural fibres cotton & linen are breathable and light. Rather than barricading sweat within the fabric itself, these fibres let moisture in and out. Basically, you'll have less chance of getting hot and sticky.

Avoid black

I know, I know. There's nothing more comforting than an all-black outfit. But in the heat, you'll be anything but comfortable. Throwback to GCSE science and the lesson that black absorbs most heat. To avoid becoming a walking furnace, choose light colours instead.

Loose bottoms, always

There is a time for hotpants and bodycon skirts. 35C is not it. No one wants to be wearing something extremely tight when the weather is hot - your skin will have no chance to breathe. Instead, opt for floaty skirts and shorts with a loose cut.

Hot weather accessories

Image: Pinterest

I have a friend who hates wearing hats. Despite this, she always wears them when the weather is scorching. Why? Because hats and sunglasses are made to protect you from the sun and keep you cool. Plus, they are the easiest way to accessorise.

Ditch the lining 

How your clothes are constructed is a big factor when it comes to keeping cool. Tops or dresses with an underlining result in an unwanted, unnecessary layer. Even 'light' summer blazers often come with a synthetic lining. One word - avoid.

My favourites: the Breton top

2017 is the year of Breton - the Spring/Summer collections were full of nautical stripes. Large stripes or thin, navy stripes or black, Breton-style tops are perfect for warmer months. And with summer finally here, what better time to channel French Rivereia chic than now? Here are my top 5 - team under dungarees, tuck into shorts or pair with jeans.

1. The Ruffle One

Breton Blouse with 3/4 Length Ruffle Sleeves, £39, Yumi at La Redoute

2. The Bow One 

Alexandra Breton top in navy stripe, £29, Hobbs London

3. The Sequin One

Deckhand striped sequined silk-satin top, £300, J.Crew

4. The Classic One

Antonia Cream Stripe Cotton Top, £85.00, L.K Bennet

5. The Sleeveless One

Oasis Stripe Tie Shoulder Top, £29, Oasis at House of Fraser

Tailoring - why it's worth the extra ££

Image:robertold

Important event coming up? Summer ball? Your best friend's wedding? A formal dinner? Whatever it may be, finding the perfect dress is tricky. First, you must consider the level of formality required (smart vs black-tie vs white-tie) before moving onto the colour, design, length etc. It isn't easy - there's a reason personal stylists exist after all.

On top of all this, the FIT is essential. Hands up if this has ever happened to you: You spot a gorgeous dress that looks ideal for the occasion and head quickly to the changing room. Only to find the fit is well off. You try a size smaller or a size bigger. Still no luck. It's too tight in X area and too loose in X area. You leave feeling dismayed and perpetually annoyed at said store.

It's for this reason that I've become a convert to getting dresses tailor made. Now, I know it isn't cheap. However, if the event is really special - and one you're going to remember - it's worth it. This happened to me recently with an Oxford ball, where I wore a two-piece bodice and skirt (above). The bodice fit was perfect, thanks to multiple measurements of the upper body. And the skirt was made to my waist size - but with an extra inch added for breathing/eating/having fun room.

Tailoring is also great for suiting different body shapes. Most retailers make dresses with a standard 'soft' hourglass shape in mind. For athletic figures or for those who are top/bottom heavy, these type of dresses might not hang as well. Tailoring will help, being tailor-made for you. 

Image: stitchnfix

Just be careful not to pay too much. Dresses that come with a tailor made service will of course cost more but shouldn't break the bank. There's also the option of buying a dress and taking it to your local tailors. Most dry cleaning places will also help alter your dress if it's just a small adjustment that needs making - such as an inch added or taken off a certain area.

Finding the ideal dress is hard enough as it is. Take the hassle out with tailoring.

Slogan tops: the basic rules

2017 marked the year that slogan tops made a comeback. They have always been around, but recently we've seen them sky-rocket to the heights of fashion. Whilst once having a reputation for being crude and a bit 'young' (think t-shirts with I heart One Direction on them), they've had a re-vamping. The spring/summer 2017 shows had models parade down the catwalk in t-shirts adorned with witty, feminist and even controversial slogans.

But getting the right slogan top can be trickier than you think. Here are the ground rules.

Image: harpersbazaaruk

1. Short and sweet works best

Let's remember, a slogan is there to be read. And not everyone can read quickly - nor wants to be staring endlessly at your chest for that matter. Stick to a statement of a few words, rather than a convoluted sentence.

2. Wear political statements at your own risk 

Unless you're ready to get into a heated discussion - and have some strong points to win the argument - avoid slogan t-shirts with political or religious views. Pick carefully. A T-shirt with 'I am Feminist', is very different to one stating 'God's not real', which is likely to cause offence.

3. If you choose a brand, make sure it's one you genuinely love

Only wear brands and labels across your top if you genuinely like them and what they stand for. You pretty much become a brand ambassador by wearing a top with a clothing label, so choose wisely.

Image: cliqueimg.com

4. Positive vibes only

No one wants to be faced with someone wearing a depressing slogan across their top. Morning commutes are already grim -  not least if you're sat opposite someone with 'what is life?' scribbled across them. You might feel edgy and contemplative wearing one, but best to avoid the sombre.

5. Witty to you or everyone?

Okay. Witty statements are probably the hardest to get right - but if done right, they can make an outfit. Do a 'sense' check when buying this type of top. Is it funny to just you or would your friends/colleagues/family find it funny too? If the answer is no to all of them, leave it on the shelf to avoid comic disappointment.

Image: Pinterest

6. Don't forget aesthetics

Slogan tops need to look good as well as have a punchy line. If the colours are off, the sizing odd, or the pattern/font just not appealing, don't buy it simply because you like the statement. You have to wear it remember.

7. Style it right

Which brings us to the final point. Styling. Try to keep the top on show, rather than have it covered (defeating the point of having a slogan in the first place). Simply tuck into jeans or high-waisted shorts and let it do the talking. Literally.

Image: wheretoget