As worshipers at the altar of wearing black, we more than a little curious when we received the invite for the launch of ‘How Not To Wear Black’ by Anna Murphy. Fashion Director of The Times, Anna Murphy aims to guide women into finding their ‘clothing happy place’ by drawing on her years of experience in the industry.
During an intimate evening at chic London label The Fold’s minimalist Mayfair store, Anna gave us a few key tips on how to improve our everyday looks with ease. The first, taking heed from the book’s title, was to stop hiding behind black clothes to blend in. Whether at the office, at a party or on a date, by stepping away from the army of black you can help yourself stand out and make a good first impression.
The second is to not be afraid of wearing colour on colour. During the recent round of Fashion Weeks, Anna travelled between the big four, packing not a scrap of black in her suitcase. Taking a drop of her own medicine, she learned how to confidently pair colour on colour and clash patterns to create easy looks you can feel amazing in. One of the tips she gave us is that leopard print can work as a neutral, pairing easily with almost any other colour.
Another tip she spoke about has been spoken time and time again but is just as important as ever. Learning what your shape is and how to dress for it can take an outfit from average to amazing, regardless of what the runways and Instagram are currently telling you is ‘on trend’. While it’s totally fine to play around and experiment, investing in a few good-quality pieces that suit your shape will find you wearing them season after season, making the initial investment worth it. Anna shares with us that one of the best things she’s ever found is a good tailor, as slightly tweaking those new trousers or a dress can make a world of difference in the long run.
The Fold encompasses everything Anna spoke about in her Q&A, making it the perfect setting to hold the event. Selling a select range of well-made, thoughtfully designed clothes, each piece oozes quality and a contemporary feel, a wonderful investment piece for the modern woman. Though simple, most pieces feature a touch of folded detail, making them just as easy to style for work as it would to wear them on an evening out with friends.
As well as being full of useful tips, Anna’s book features more than just text. The pages are full of inspiring images, mood boards and quotes from sartorial friends, creating a fabulous new addition to your library or coffee table.