STYLE SECRETS: Winter accessories

Unable to rely on fierce colours to keep your wardrobe happy? Don't have enough money to keep buying a new dress each week? 

Winter - with it's black and grey tones - is a hard season to dress for on a low budget. Don't do it right and you could end up looking as drab as the sky above you. 

That's what makes winter accessories so important. So I'm going to share my secrets with you...

If you invest in the right accessories, you can mix and match them with the plain, winter-friendly garments you already have in your wardrobe - which makes keeping up your fashionista image much simpler!

Here's a list of they key items you need to get you through:

#1 A BAG

Firstly, you need a decent bag. Black bags are lovely, elegant and classy. They go with everything, so you won't have to change bags permanently either. 

When you're choosing a black winter bag, look out for those with statement features - you don't want it looking like 'yet another black bag'. You also want a bag which is big enough to fit your winter essentials, such as gloves and tissues for the inevitable sniffles.

Try this one:

TOPSHOP, £32 - buy here

Incorporating black, white and gold, this bag will compliment any outfit without dictating what you have to wear with it!

#2 A SNOOD

Investing in a snood is the best way to keep your neck warm this winter. The simplicity of putting them on saves the hassle of wrapping a long scarf around your neck a million times and stuffing the excess down your coat.  

Treat your snood as if it's a statement necklace. A warm statement necklace. It's no use wearing a snood which hangs down your chest and doesn't even cover your neck. 

Assuming that you have a black coat - as most people do - a scarf of the opposite colour can give your coat an edge.

Try this one: 

TOPSHOP, £25 - buy here

Seriously fluffy and super soft, this snood will go with any colour, suit any outfit and keep you warm!

#3 TIGHTS

Tights are my best friend! It's often hard to remember to look in hoisery sections of shops, as you're too busy checking out the latest garments on offer. But the search pays off!

For me, it's my key accessory. Tights come in so many different patterns, prints and fabrics. They can completely change your 'look' even if you're wearing the same black jumper dress you were 2 days ago!

Start by buying yourself a pair of tights in each of your favourite winter colours. For me it's got to be burgundy and navy blue. Then branch out to different patterns and fabrics.

Try these:

Jonathan Aston Heritage Carnaby Tights, £15 - buy here

#4 BELTS

Same as tights - you need a good bank of belts to spice up anything. In my wardrobe I have 5 belts: black, gold, red, brown and studded. However, it really is down to your favourite winter colours.

I'm a fan of thin belts but get whatever suits you - thin, fat, whatever!

Here's a suggestion: 

River Island, £15 - buy here

#5 EARRINGS

Statement jewellery is a must during winter. If you're entire body is covered from toe to neck, the least you can do is show some earring. Think big, chunky and bright - so they stand out!

Try these: 

Forever 21, £5.65 - buy here

Those are my winter fashion secrets! What are yours?

MORE: For my winter footwear recommendations, click here!

OOPS! Impulse buys...

It's been another one of those days where suddenly my card details make their way on screen and a few minutes later I realise that I've just spent money I don't technically have...


But I remember my reasoning now. See, too many times have things been delivered which then look crap on me. So I end up never getting anything, as they go straight back to the shop. So the idea was that I order loads and then send most back.

Here are the picks, all available from Boohoo.com, along with the reasons why I chose them:

£15

•  Love the shorter at the front, longer at the back thing. Definitely perfect for some days in the park, when sitting down in certain dresses can lead to unlawful exposure of self.

• Wrap dress - great for the hourglass figure as it draws attention to the waist area.

• Monochrome means that I could either wear it with or without black tights depending on the weather!

£10

• For some reason I like the murky brown colour.

• Looking like a bug = good.

£15

• Scarf print is big at the moment and I'm not too keen on a lot of it. That's until I saw this! The red, yellow and white mix of colours is very nice and not too in-your-face.

• Again, nice rouching at the waist, to prevent looking like a sack of potatoes.

• Could either be dressed up or down with either leggings, a bodycon skirt or shorts.

£20

• I'm in love with polka dots.

• The blue and white is an ultra cute combination. Not the usual 'me' look, but I really fell in love with the overall dress.

• Love the wrap detailing - I think that's really flattering for figures like mine (hourglass). This dress would probably be particularly flattering for pear shapes due to its puffed sleeves. However, I'm in love with puffed sleeves anyway, even if they do make my shoulders look wider than they already are!

£25

• Those who know me are probably thinking 'Aah! Classic Jasmin!' YEP! That's right, another cute 50's style dress... What's not to love?

• Monochrome: tick! Draws attention to the waist: tick! Cute: tick!

£8

• When I first saw this, I have to say I was a little confused - as you probably are now! However, I think this dress could be either a hit or miss situation...

• I envisage wearing it with a thin black waist belt, fat gold studs and my hair up in a bun or ponytail. We shall see, we shall see!

£25

• Eek! How cute are these? I'm so in love! Here's why...

• Personally, I'm all about the accessories. The colour of red is so gorgeous, and the velvet texture makes a nice change - all in all definitely making the shoes a statement piece. 

• I'm a fan of the chunky shoe look, personally I think I would look odd dilly-dallying around in slender kitten heels - so these are perfect! Plus they're platforms, which means for shorties like me, they're our best friend :)

Which item is your favourite?