Woman Magazine’s Top 5 Summer Styles from Evans and Get 20% Off at Evans
We asked Woman Magazine’s fashion editor, Caroline Baxter, for her top 5 picks from Evans, perfect for your Summer wardrobe and we absolutely love her stylish choices. From candy stripe wedge sandals to chandelier earrings, there’s something for everyone and perfect for dressed up Summer events or trips to the beach.
Here’s why Caroline chose these key Summer pieces and great style ideas of how to wear each one. Click the links below for more information about any of the Summer items.
- Crystal Chandelier Earrings, £8.50 - Vintage looking faux diamonds are cool again, accessories with your Little Black dress for that Elizabeth Taylor vava voom.
- Evans Pink Flower Striped Espadrille Wedge Sandals, £20 - How much fun are these candy stripe wedges, I’d team them with white capri pants for maximum impact.
- Swan by Clements Ribeiro Printed ‘Joan’ Midi Dress, £75 - Every Wardrobe needs a Summer go-to dress and this one is gorgeous and will flatter all shapes.
- Evans pink pattern lurex scarf, £12.50 - A patterned scarf is perfect for that glam layered up look and great for a chilly evening.
- Evans Swirl Print Neck Trim Top, £37 - Channel the biggest trend of Summer with this tribal top, wear with black silky trousers for a day to evening look.
And don’t forget to pick up this week’s copy of Woman Magazine to get 20% off in-store at Evans and online at Evans.co.uk. There’s also a chance to win a £500 Evans gift card to spend in-store or online.
What to Wear: Day at the Races
A day at the races is a pretty big event in the summer calendar not least because working out your race day outfit is very exciting. There’s nothing quite like knowing you can adorn yourself in head-to-toe glamour without looking too overdressed. So, what options should you be considering for this momentous of fashion occasions?
Nothing speaks classic femininity quite like a dress. Floor-sweeping maxi dresses are a great start but make sure they come in a statement print to give them that wow factor. Bold florals work everytime!
A ‘50s-inspired prom dress is a flattering pick, like the two prom dresses modelled by our lovely Evans fit model, will really make the most of your curves. If you do go for one of the nipped-in waist styles then partner it with a bolero cardigan or jacket. They’re great for keeping warm and giving a stylish bit of coverage.
For ultra sophistication and style appeal, then a dress from our Clements Ribeiro Swan collection is a fabulous choice. Defined by quirky, conversational prints the dresses are designed exclusively for the fuller figured female. You’re bound to feel a million dollars wearing one of these luxurious pieces.
If you’re going to be out and about all day then getting your accessories right is a must. A bag that’s big enough for all your essentials but not too cumbersome when you’re walking through the crowds is important. And so is a pair of ladylike and comfortable shoes. Fortunately heels and flats work well on this most special of occasions.
Now you’ve picked your perfect outfit, let’s hope you can pick a winner!
Evans Store Style Spotlight: Evans Darlington
We know you love the great style and shape advisors we have in our stores, so we’ve decided to share their style and shape advice. The Evans store advisors are always on hand to offer style advice, free fitting services and shape advice, so to make sure all our customers benefit from their fantastic knowledge and advice we decided to start ‘Evans Store Style Spotlight’.
Focusing on a team member from an Evans store we’ll find out all about them, their style secrets and the Evans store they work in. For our next installment of ‘Evans Store Style Spotlight’ we’ve gone to the newly re-opened Evans Darlington store to chat to Angela Iceton.
Name: Angela Iceton
Age: 55
Dress size: 16
Evans Store Location: Darlington
Role: Sales Advisor
How would you describe your style?
I would say smart casual. I don’t follow any trend’s in particular. I dress to suit my body shape, and what I feel confident in.
Would you say you are a confident dresser?
Yes - I know what suit’s my shape and which fabric’s flatter.
What body shape are you and how do you dress for your shape?
I’m an Apple. I wear top’s with a v neck to draw the eye’s up. Flat fronted trousers are great so there are no pleat’s over the tummy area. As always, good fitting underwear.
Who are your style icons? Why?
Gok Wan as he uses body shape to achieve the best look. He show’s how wearing correctly fitted lingerie can make all the difference to an outfit, and how to be confident when choosing clothes.
Where do you find style inspiration?
Magazines & TV mainly. I read Grazia and I watch Gok Wan’s How to Look Good Naked.
Are you more of a trip to the high street or shop on line at home girl?
Definitely high street - Evans, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis. I prefer to try clothes on and feel the fabric.
Do you follow any magazines or blogs?
Grazia - It has fashion item’s in for the mature lady.
If you could give one piece of style advice to women, what would it be?
DRESS TO SUIT YOUR BODY SHAPE!
What is your favorite fashion piece?
Denim Jeggings are my favourite. Being an apple shape I’ve got slim legs, so the jeggings show this and are comfortable to wear.
Are there any beauty secrets you can share with us?
Drink plenty of water for a clear complexion
What is your must have item from Evans this season?
The Black Biker Jacket I’m wearing today. You can dress it up with smart trousers, blouse and heels, or for casual look t-shirt, jeans and pumps.
What is your role at Evans?
I’ve been with the company for 5 years as a Sales Advisor.
What do you like about working at Evans?
The friendly atmosphere, good team spirit and sense of achievement when helping one to one with customers.
The Darlington store was recently reopened by the Mayor, who is a regular customer at the store. So if you want to know more, you can go and see Angela at our lovely new Evans Darlington store, where she’ll be happy to advise you on all things shape and style - she’d love to meet you. Click here for more shape advice at Evans.co.uk.
Evans Spring Catalogue 2012: Now Available Online
Our new spring catalogue is now live on the site, and you can browse through our spring outfit guides, stylish fashion shoots, style tips for every age and shop by shape guides. The best thing about browsing our catalogue online is being able to shop as you read.
If you see any item in the catalogue that catches your eye, you can click directly on that product and be taken to that product on the site, allowing you to add it straight to your shopping bag. You can then head back to the catalogue and continue reading.
From great swimwear and holiday outfit ideas and lingerie pieces to suit every occasion, to a first look at the latest Collection designs and our glamourous occasion wear, there’s lots to see in our new spring catalogue.
Click here to view and shop the Evans Spring Catalogue on the site.
Click here to view and shop the Evans Spring Catalogue on facebook.
Top 5 Tops & Tunics at Evans
Tops are usually the most versatile items in our wardrobes can can be layered, dressed up or dressed down. At Evans we know that a top has to work for the school run, a shopping trip or even a night out, and our favourite plus size tops can really lift our confidence and leave us feeling fantastic.
Here are some of our favourite tops that go with just about everything. From spring-inspired colours and stylish prints to go-with-everything t-shirts and basics, a new top can transform your look and give your style an instant update.
The right shape top is also really important when shopping for a new top. Depending what body shape you are (don’t know what shape you are? Click here to find out) different styles and cuts may work better on you. Pear and apple shapes will love embellishment on the neckline or bust, as it draws the eye up to the neck and face. Busty and hourglass may prefer a top that is more fitted on the waist, perhaps with a tie back or a belt, to define and show the waist.
Evans Printed Embroidered top - £29.50
Evans Purple Cotton T Shirt - £6
Evans Aqua Tie Front Top - £29.50
Evans Grey Striped T shirt - £22
Evans print wrap 2 in 1 Top - £45
What’s your favourite style of top?
Evans Store Style Spotlight: Evans in Bhs Bristol
We know you love the great style and shape advisors we have in our stores, so we’ve decided to share their style and shape advice. The Evans store advisors are always on hand to offer style advice, free fitting services and shape advice, so to make sure all our customers benefit from their fantastic knowledge and advice we decided to start ‘Evans Store Style Spotlight’.
Focusing on a team member from an Evans store we’ll find out all about them, their style secrets and the Evans store they work in. For our first installment of ‘Evans Store Style Spotlight’ we went to Evans Bluewater and Evans Lakeside stores, and now we’ve gone to Evans in Bhs Bristol to chat to Kelly Wheeler.
Name: Kelly Wheeler
Age: 19
Dress size: 14/16
Evans Store Location: Bristol BHS
Role: Sales Adviser
How would you describe your style:
Simple and stylish, I really love our new formal City Heat collection, with the teals and browns!
Would you say you are a confident dresser?
Before working at Evans I always wore the same thing, anything black! I played it safe all of the time and was never aware of my body shape. Since working for the company my confidence has grown and grown; not only do I know how to dress to suit my body shape I now know exactly how to show off my curves. Evan’s has helped me to do this through my body shape training and now I can advise others on a daily basis too.
What body shape are you and how do you dress for your shape?
I am an hourglass, I have equally curvy bust and hips with a defined waist. Fitted tops with a scoop or V-neck are prefect for hourglasses and a belt that clinches you in at the waist is a must!
Do you follow any magazines or blogs?
I enjoy reading ‘Harpers Bazaar’ and ‘Wonderland’ two excellent fashion magazines.
If you could give one piece of style advice to women, what would it be?
My advice would be when your shopping always try on one piece of clothing that you would not normally pick out. You are more often than not pleasantly surprised and it means you have a wider choice of clothes/ style.
What’s your favorite fashion piece?
Maxi dresses, last year we did some amazing designs. They’re easy to wear with a cardigan and sandals. I cant wait for our summer stock.
Are there any beauty secrets you can share with us?
I was once told that to get shiny hair after conditioning you run cold water on your hair for about 30 seconds. I have done it ever since.
What is your must-have item from Evans this season?
Our camel colored straight leg jeans are a must. They are a little quirky, yet a simple style that can be worn with many of our casual tops this season.
What is your role at Evans?
I am a sales adviser in the branch in Bristol Bhs. My role is to advise our customers on body shapes and what to wear (or avoid). It’s important that we are honest towards our customers.
What do you like about working at Evans?
I love the atmosphere where I work and we all work hard as a team. Evan’s is also full of opportunities which has given me confidence about myself and my style. As every customer is different, no day is ever the same.
If you want to know more, you can go and see Kelly at Evans in Bhs Bristol, where she’ll be happy to advise you on all things shape and style - she’d love to meet you. Click here for more shape advice at Evans.co.uk.
Evans Outfit Inspiration: Something for the Weekend
Evans Grey Rib Collar Cardigan
Evans Mono Snake Print Blouse
Evans Teal Straight jeans
Evans Black Slouch Bag
Evans Silver Ring Tassle Necklace
Evans Black Bow Loafers
We all like to dress stylishly at the weekend, but we also like to enjoy our downtime and dress for comfort too. Whether you’ve got a shopping trip planned or lunch with friends and family, your weekend wardrobe needs to be flexible, fun and easy to wear.
Layering and accessories are key to a great weekend look, and help to dress up a weekend staple like jeans. These teal straight leg jeans add a splash of colour and mixed with grey tones and black accessories make it perfect for moving from cold winter months to spring. This outfit of snakeskin print blouse, draped grey cardigan and teal jeans is perfect for Apple and Busty shapes as the colour-pop jeans diverts attention from dominant areas and the open cardigan creates a vertical panel which will elongate and streamline your look.
How to Shop by Shape for Plus Size Winter Coats at Evans
Your winter coat is the most important part of your autumn/winter wardrobe. It’s the one item that you will wear the most and it’s the first thing people will see when you step out of the front door. This makes it even more important to not only get a coat that keeps you warm in the cold winter months, but a coat that looks great and flatters your shape.
Shopping for a plus size coat should start with your body shape and what features are going to make you look and feel fantastic. If you aren’t sure what body shape you are, pear, busty, hourglass or apple, then you can use the shape calculator on Evans.co.uk to find out. Once you know your shape, you can start shopping for styles, features and fabrics that will suit your shape.
Pear
Evans Red Duffle Coat - £55
This hooded red duffle coat is perfect for pear shapes, as the detail of the hood, toggles and the bright colour draws the eye up and helps to balance the silhouette. As pears are generally smaller around the shoulders and upper body, the detail on your coat should mainly be on the upper body to move focus from more dominant areas.
Busty
Evans Black Maxi Coat - £79.50
Busty shapes tend to have less prominent hips and bottoms, so a maxi coat is perfect to balance out a fuller, more dominant upper body, while showcasing a narrower waist. The single breasted style, v-neck and lapels will all flatter a busty or hourglass shape, and the volume on the maxi flare of the skirt will balance and streamline a busty shape.
Hourglass
Evans Camel Fit and Flare Long Coat - £75
With a defined waist and balanced hips and bust, hourglass shapes can wear most coat shapes, but fit and flare or belted shapes look especially flattering and streamline the figure. Focusing on the waist and creating a streamlined silhouette, key features to look for in a coat for an hourglass shape is a defined waist or belt, vertical lines created by darts or panelling (as seen above), single breasted design, lapels and a v-neck.
Apple
Evans Grey Textured Coat - £79.50
This coat is fantastic for apples, as the faux fur collar and wide turn-up cuffs will add balance to a softer tummy, and move the focus away from a dominant area. The main detailing or embellishment on clothing for apples should be above the bust or below the hips, so an A-line coat with minimal fastening details and lots of detail around the neck is ideal.
Get the Model Look: Style Tips from Serena Jacobs
Serena Jacobs is the gorgeous runner-up of the Evans-sponsored Plus Size Tall Model competition. For the Evans Winter 2011 Catalogue we grilled Serena on her best style tips, fashion advice and how to be comfortable and confident with your shape and everything you wear.
Would you say you are a confident dresser?
I’m getting more confident. I’ve always been taller and slightly bigger so I’ve not wanted to attract attention to myself, but as I’ve got older my confidence has matured. If I look in the mirror as I leave the house and I look good, then I’ve to believe that I do look good.
Who are your style icons? Why?
One of my best friends is a style icon for me as she just throws together outfits that I just wouldn’t even think of. When we go shopping she’ll pull things of the rack and tell me to try it on and I’ll look at it thinking, ‘I can’t wear that!’ but once I’ve got it on, I’m like, ‘Wow’. She has a very good eye for detail.
Where do you find style inspiration?
I like to look through magazines, you know, flick through at the doctors or dentist surgery. Obviously I know that not everything will suit me but I like to mix and match trends so I might pinch an idea for a top from somewhere then put it together with something myself. I also take inspiration from music videos too as they throw ideas out there that I would never think of.
Are you more of a trip to the high street or shop online at home girl?
I’m a shop online at home kinda girl! Otherwise I will go into a shop and get lots of different things that I’ve got to try on then take it home and may return and refund if necessary. At least if you’re at home you can try it on in the comfort of your own home. I can also mix it with my own clothes. If you’re on the high street and you try on a top that doesn’t go with the trousers you’re wearing then you have to decide, am I going to risk buying it? But if you’re at home you can you can try it on with a skirt, leggings, jeans, anything.
Do you follow any magazines or blogs?
A couple of my friends have just started writing fashion blogs which I’m keeping a close eye on because they are my friends but also because they are very up to date with fashion and what’s in style. Magazines, I don’t really buy. I do look through Vogue and Empire for the editorial spreads though.
If you could give one piece of style advice to women, what would it be?
Be comfortable. Don’t try and dress to impress someone else or because you saw an item on the TV or in a magazine. You need to look in the mirror before you leave the house and if you’re not comfortable then you’re not going to be confident which means you’ll be self-conscious so just be yourself.
What is your favourite fashion piece?
I have two. One is a white shirt dress. It’s quite casual with three quarter length sleeves that come down to full length and you can dress it up. I’ve worn it with pumps and leggings as a casual top but I’ve also put it with boots, tights and a belt and been able to wear it out of an evening. It’s a great piece to have the accessories in your bag and go from day to night with ease. The second piece is a pair of heels that I paid rather a lot for and I only wear on special occasions otherwise they sit in the box so I can admire how pretty they are.
Are there any beauty secrets you can share with us?
One rule that my mum told me, less is more! You should make a statement with either eye shadow, your lips or your complexion; not all at once as it can be too much.
What is your must-have item this winter?
I will definitely be buying an Evans duffle coat this year. I’ve wanted one for years but I’ve never found one that suited me. I either get it too short in the arms or it doesn’t fit on the body. I love the Evans camel duffle coat with the fur-trim hood.
What do you like about Evans?
I love Evans boots. Buying boots is so hard when you have any sort of calf muscle, so I love Evans’ wider fit. Whenever I need boots, Evans is always the place I go to first.
. . . . . . . .
You can view and shop the Winter catalogue on Evans.co.uk or view and shop the catalogue on Evans facebook page.
Guest Blog Post: How to Layer by Kellie B
At Evans we love getting style tips and fashion advice from some of our favourite fashion bloggers. This week we’ve got some fabulous outfit ideas and a guide to Autumn/Winter layering from Kellie B from Fashion Insider.
Hello! It’s Kellie B from Fatshion Insider. Autumn is fast approaching and although the weather is changing, you don’t have to pack away all of your favourite summer pieces just yet. As far as I’m concerned, the best thing about autumn is being able to layer fabulous pieces in order to create a really cool pulled together look. I love mixing and matching both textures and patterns so below are a few easy ways to take summer pieces into autumn.
Floral Summer Dress + A Little Leather = Perfect Autumn Outfit!
I chose these looks because I love mixing sweet feminine florals with leather and edgy shoes! Tie up boots were huge last autumn and are still a great way to add a little tough girl chic to an otherwise frilly outfit. And if you only buy one item for autumn, make it a leather jacket. An autumn wardrobe must!
Top Row (L-R) Jacket, Dress, Sandals
Bottom Row (L-R) Biker Jacket, Dress, Boots
Checks and stripes = Great for the weekend!
So here’s where things can get really fun. I’m obsessed with stripes and a great stripe tee-shirt can be worn a hundred different ways. The first look is a great weekend outfit layering the checked button down over the stripe tee and motor cycle jacket has a very easy LA look, I love it. The bandage skirt keeps looks great and the brown boots – just plain cool.
Top to Bottom: Biker Jacket, Stripe T-shirt, Check Shirt, Brown Boots, Black Skirt
When it comes to jewellery - just pile it on!
This one’s pretty easy - layer necklaces like these plastic link pieces in complementary colours then add one piece that’s different but adds interest like gold chains with a knot. When layering necklaces just remember they should all be different lengths so they sit nicely on top of each other. I do this all of the time and people will say ‘Oh I love your necklace’ and I usually respond ‘Thanks, I’m wearing 5!’.
Left to Right: Green Necklace, Gold Necklace, Red Necklace
Thanks for the great post, Kellie!
What do you think of Kellie’s post? Would you like to guest blog for Evans? Let us know.
