Fashion trends winter 2012: Lynda Bellingham's top tips

What are the 4 key items every woman should have in her wardrobe?
I believe that every woman should have the following key items as their permanent wardrobe staples - a classic mac, a pair of wide-legged trousers, a glamorous top with some sparkle or embellishment, and a shift dress. These pieces mixed and matched for different occasions are all you need to see you through the season.

Which new season trends are you investing in for winter?
Well I have to say that I really like the prints this season, plus the wonderful colours that are coming through now such as purple, berry and cobalt blue. You should not shy away from colour, be confident and daring.

What about accessories?
While I always think that less is more when it comes to accessories, I believe that statement necklaces and earrings are key for this season.

With so much pressure on women to look a certain way and be a certain size, how can women best embrace their own personal style?
You must always feel comfortable in what you are wearing. There’s nothing worse than constantly worrying about adjusting your clothes, thinking ‘my shoes are hurting’. We’ve reached the stage in our lives where we are confident women, who just want to enjoy the moment.

What’s your fail-safe fashion fall-back, the fashion buy you return to again and again?
The two must-have items that I cannot live without are Isme’s Savoir printed maxi dress (pictured, £32, 0844 811 8112, www.isme.com) and the Confident Curves block colour shift dress – these are flattering dresses that fit perfectly. I think everybody will be interested to hear about isme’s Confident Curves range; each piece has hidden slimming panels that hold you in and give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. This really is confidence-boosting fashion – it makes you feel great.

Has your style changed as you’ve aged?
Yes, it has to. When you do hit that certain age your body changes and it is so important to find pieces that fit really well, otherwise you can end up looking older rather than the fabulous age you really are. I always look for shape enhancing details like cap sleeves, stretch in the right places, different trouser cuts, and built-in panels to make you look and feel great. The exclusive Savoir collection at Isme.com ensures that all of our little insecurities are taken care of.

Lynda’s top 3 fashion tips

1. Make sure that you are in control of your wardrobe
Don’t let it control you! Select pieces that you can mix and match in classic colours such as red, navy and cream. Key pieces such as the classic trench, straight leg trousers, sharp tailored blazer, pencil skirt, crisp white shirt and nude flat shoes make up a timeless collection of wardrobe staples.

2. Be confident and daring with colour
Wear colours that complement your skin tone and hair colour. Make a statement and experiment.

3. Shift dresses are so easy to wear
Use contrast colour panels to give the illusion of the perfect hourglass figure.

Lynda Bellingham is style ambassador for www.isme.com – visit the website to see the latest ranges.

You might also like...
Fashion over 50: more top tips from Lynda Bellingham
Style advice from Trinny and Susannah
How to age-proof your wardrobe
More top style tips