UK-based Samantha Riley (52) documents her outfits on her Instagram account, 40fashionandlifestyle. She is a Modern Classic dresser who isn’t afraid of vibrant colours, and likes to add on-trend and retro touches to her polished outfits. 

“My style has most definitely changed over the last few years, I would say that I now dress more for my body shape as opposed to the most current trends, and what may suit somebody else may not be flattering for me, or you, so it’s important to get to know what suits you and your body shape. I am still learning myself every day, and I think it’s important to create a capsule wardrobe with basic pieces that you can wear every day and style by adding accessories that will elevate the look more. I love to wear colour also, really makes me feel brighter and feel good, but again that depends on your skin tone. Certain colours suit certain people. I am a Spring, so black doesn’t look good against my face, but if I added a red scarf or red lipstick then it would work more. Its about playing and trying different colours against your face to get to see what will suit you.”

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Samantha is bringing a burst of happy colour to a rainy day with her bright orange, faux-fur-lined raincoat. She’s wearing it over mid-wash ankle-length jeans and Breton top with navy, mocha, and orange stripes. They are a perfect match for the cosy coat, thus pulling the look together. White high-top sneakers match the white in the tee, and add further lightness. A ribbed navy hat with playful pom-pom works well with the colour palette. Soft coppery lipstick is the polished finishing touch.

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Samantha’s elegant maxi dress looks like a work of art with its abstract print in gorgeous shades of pink, lavender, aqua, black, brown, and blue. The A-line silhouette with flowing skirt creates movement, while the blouson sleeves add subtle volume. A black belt with statement silver grommets accentuates our 5”4’ blogger’s waistline. On-trend, pointy-toe tan suede cowboy boots lengthen the leg line and add a touch of casual western integrity.

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Red, black, and white is a classic colour combo that never fails to pack a punch. Here, Samantha has tucked a dressy white lacy blouse with ruffle detail into casual black wide leg trousers, which lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. She dresses up these base layers with a vibrant tomato red blazer in a tailored fit. By adding white platform sneakers, our blogger creates a Sporty Luxe vibe. A compact black chain-strap crossbody and red lipstick are the glam and dressy finishing touches.

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With the sassy beret, faux-leather coat, and high-vamped shooties, Samantha’s outfit has a fun “female sleuth from the 1920’s” vibe. Our blogger is wearing a cream sweater over a bias-cut, asymmetrical satin slip skirt that is bang on-trend. The gold lamé adds glamorous shine. She tops it off with a tailored, below-the-knee burgundy croc-embossed coat that adds textural interest, and tempers the volume of the skirt. The navy beret looks fab with our blogger’s blonde hair and the rest of the colour palette. Ink pointy-toe shooties lengthen the leg line and repeat the croc-embossed pattern of the coat.

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of Samantha’s wonderful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to visit her Instagram account for more outfit inspiration.