This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
As regular A&G readers will know, Annabel and I are big fans of happy, bright colours. And our favourite brand for casual clothes in bright hues is Kettlewell Colours – a company we have been talking about for several years now, not least because they have an incredible 300+ colours to choose from.
Kettlewell kindly lent me some clothes from their new autumn collection so that I could demonstrate how they actually look on a ‘real’ woman – ie me! Real in terms of being a sixty something size 14-16, rather than a flawless size 10 model.
My first choice of outfit was based around this perfect autumnal semi fitted coatigan. Made of natural lambswool it protects you from the chill in a very stylish, unstructured way. Also comes with a matching belt. Available in six stunning colours and four sizes, it is £139. I’m also wearing a Hetta Pima Long Tee in Amber (13 other colours available) £29 and a Print Infinity Scarf in Painted Sage (one of 14 colours available) £35.
If you are just starting to experiment with brighter colours, this is a surefire way to begin. Safe navy with a pop of vibrancy! This relaxed fit Long Cascade cardigan is made in a soft, flowing viscose knit and has a graduated hemline and an open front with back shaping seams. I’m wearing Sultry Navy in this photograph. Also available, if you prefer, in two shorter lengths. If you only invest in one item from Kettlewell, Annabel and I think it should be one of these. My hit of colour comes from this stunning Sia 100% silk scarf (£45) and a majorly comfortable, loose fitting Imogen long sleeve top in Tree Top (21 other colours available) which features a curved hem and flattering longer length back. £39.
I’m a huge fan of white trousers and, although they are really for Summer, I keep wearing them well into Autumn. Mostly because, teamed with a crisp white tee shirt, they are a fabulously clean backdrop to almost any other colour. I’ve gone for a Merino Crossover in Oak Leaf (£89) which has a flattering faux wrap front. The Leather Tassel Bag crossover strap breaks enhances the jumper colour and is especially flattering as it ‘breaks up” a large bust. £109. Also available in suede £99.
Another thing I really like about Kettlewell is that you can ring the changes by wearing two items in exactly the same colour and fabric (in this particular case, stretch Ponte). The Lottie Dress is semi fitted with an A line skirt. Love the fact that it is a shift dress – a style that suits most of us. Notable features include a boat neckline and tulip cuffs on the three quarter length sleeves. £75. Matched with Deep Teal Luxe Leggings £49.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL THESE WONDERFUL CLOTHES, GO TO THE KETTLEWELL WEBSITE NOW
Which colours will suit you best? Why not try Kettlewell’s fun quiz and find out! It only takes 3 minutes to give you an indication of the seasonal palette that makes you look and feel your best.
How to (successfully) wear bright colours – READ NOW