Five of the North East’s Most Fashionable IG-ers Reveal Their 2021 Wishlists (and Hitlists)
By Bekki Ramsay
We asked five of the North East’s most fashionable Instagram users what’s on their 2021 hot-list and not-list, as well as asking them if their personal style has changed due to different working conditions throughout the pandemic.
From an Executive Assistant in a construction firm to a personal stylist, and from a social worker to a full-time influencer – this is what they had to stay about their personal style predictions for this year…
[Spoiler alert: New loungewear purchases are off the cards for 80% of the following ladies.]
@style_by_blake / Racheal Connor
What do you do, and how does this impact your personal style?
“I’m based in Durham and am an Executive Assistant to the owner of a construction company. Whilst there’s no uniform, I like to dress well, whether it be in jeans and some funky shoes, or a dress paired with some masculine boots. But it really does depend on my mood in the morning!”
How would you describe your style?
“My style is quite quirky. I tend to buy what I like rather than what’s in fashion as I think you should dress to make yourself feel good. For example, I love leopard print, which has been a big trend this year, but unfortunately, it doesn’t love me back as I don’t suit it! I’d definitely say that I dress more smart than super casual as I’m not a huge fan of loungewear.”
What do you plan on buying in 2021?
“My 2021 purchase is going to be a new bag for sure! I purchased a really lovely Staud bag for my birthday and am thinking of investing in another. Probably black as the last buy was tan, so it’d make another great staple in my wardrobe.
Generally, I plan on buying better and less, as this has taught me that my happiness can’t be bought in buying endless items. Instead, I get real joy from buying something beautiful [and better quality].”
What do you plan on NOT buying in 2021?
“Definitely loungewear as that’s not my thing, personally!”
@jl_josta / Josta Woo
What do you do, and how does this impact your personal style?
“I work at John Lewis & Partners in Newcastle, Eldon Square. I’ve worked there for 18 years and originally started off in the lingerie department specialising as a bra fitting specialist.
However, after receiving training from the London College of Style in body shapes and colour analysis, I am now a personal stylist and image consultant for John Lewis. I love it and get very excited when helping both men and women figure out their personal style. I not only meet new faces every day, but my job gives me a purpose and a new challenge. I love listening to people’s stories whilst changing the way they look, shop and most importantly, feel.”
How would you describe your style?
“My style definitely depends on my mood or the weather [we do live in the North East after all!]. But at work, I do like to dress glam as I want to inspire the customer when they come in for a free consultation (with no obligation to spend!). And who doesn’t want to have a job where you get up dressed up? That’s why it’s my dream job. But like most people, on an off day, you’ll definitely find me in my gym gear!”
What do you plan on buying in 2021?
“In 2021, I definitely want to make a change and get long braids so I can experiment with headscarves. In terms of colour, I want to purchase more items in sorbet pastel tones as they’re going to be a huge trend in Spring/Summer 2021. In terms of actual items, I plan on purchasing a staple boyfriend jacket (inspired by Trinny), knee-high boots and some fringe bags.”
What do you NOT plan on buying in 2021?
“Ohhhh, this is a hard question as I love all of my clothes! Personally, the weirder it gets – the better for me. I guess many people will want to ditch the loungewear in 2021 but they are in my comfort side of my wardrobe and I don’t think they’re a necessarily bad item at all. You just have to style them well with accessories.”
@eslamghazala_ / Eslam Ghazala
What do you do, and how does this impact your personal style?
“I’m a social media manager and content creator, based in Newcastle. Thankfully, my job allows me to dress up and style my outfits the way in which I want to – giving me complete freedom. However, after spending the year working from home, I’ve definitely started wearing more loungewear, but I combine it with a red lip to make me feel good.”
How would you describe your style?
“I would describe my style as simple yet bold. However, I definitely have those days where I wake up and want to look and feel a little bit extra! Personally, fashion has been my therapy for years and is a way of projecting how I feel. This is why I couldn’t pick an outfit the day beforehand, as I can’t predict what style or mood I want to embody the following day.”
What do you plan on buying in 2021?
“I definitely plan on buying more broaches as they can help elevate any outfit, without much effort (or money) required! I also want to purchase more dresses and skirts as I feel like wearing joggers all year around has led me to wanting to dress more feminine in the upcoming year.”
What do you plan on NOT buying in 2021?
“I don’t plan on purchasing any supersized bags or embellished clothes – both of which are predicted to be big trends in 2021. I’m just personally not a fan.”
@LoveStyle40 / Joanna
What do you do, and how does this impact your personal style?
“I’m a full-time mum of two children and am based in Northumberland with my husband. I also regularly produce content for brand son Instagram.”
How would you describe your style?
“I would definitely describe my style as casual glamour. No matter how casual I am dressed, there will also be a touch of glamour involved.”
What do you plan on buying in 2021?
“I always like to invest in a good wardrobe staple that I’ll wear over and over again. I make sure to stick to classic styles that won’t date, so I’ve currently got my eye on an oversized wool-blend coat from Zara (£119.00), some knee-high croc leather boots from &Other Stories (£209.00), and a playful lightning print sweater from Sugarhill Brighton (£55.00) which is a smaller brand.”
What do you NOT plan on buying in 2021?
“For me, it’s joggers! Even though they’ve been really popular this year, they don’t suit my personal style and I believe that you should always stay true to your style – not just because it’s in fashion.”
@GemmasLittleWorld / Gemma Jamieson
What do you do, and how does this impact your personal style?
“I work in social work and am based in Gateshead. Whilst I love fashion, I don’t get “dressed” up for work as I have to be approachable to people and going into a person’s home can be unpredictable so I wouldn’t want to ruin anything nice. But that being said, this definitely makes me excited to dress up when not at work, and make the most of my nicest pieces.”
How would you describe your style?
“I think if you were to ask anyone to describe my style, they’d say that I dress rather feminine. Basically, I love dresses and anything floaty. Plus, I’m partial to a bit of colour – so I guess my style reflects my personality.”
What do you plan on buying in 2021?
“I guess you could say I plan on dressing a little bit extra as this gorgeous (but unfortunately sold out) fabric flower-covered dress from H&M is at the top of my wish-list!”
What do you NOT plan on buying in 2021?
“I’ll not be buying anything tie-dye or with butterflies on it. Oh, and anything neon! Please don’t let me see this trend stick around for another year!”
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