Shan Williams award winning personal stylist harks back to the 1970s with the revival of casual dungarees and stylish jumpsuits

THIS is the time of year I particularly love about my job, when I take lots of my clients on personal shopping trips.

Their ages range from their 20s to two lovely ladies I took this week, who were in their 70s. It is so rewarding and enjoyable, though hard work and, like most shopping trips, very hard on the feet.

But when they say things like “I would have walked straight past that” or when they are in the changing room trying on garments I have picked, their smiles say it all.

One particular client of mine, who is in her 40s, shops twice a year with me and is a walking advert for my services, telling everyone who asks why she looks so great! So this week it was time to get her spring/summer wardrobe.

Lucy is a tallish size 12 with long legs and a fabulous silver bob, so she looks great in blues, pinks and purples. Denim is a great option for her this season. Her brief this year was simple: we were to look for casual weekend items, as she has enough clothes for work.

Having seen dungarees in the shops I had them in mind for Lucy and yes, I was right, they looked amazing!

This ‘throw-and-go’ wonder buy can be worn over a tee or denim shirt, or come evening can be layered over a bandeau top with added heels.

Dungarees bought, it was then time for the next item on the list — something a bit more dressy for trips to the pub or out for dinner. What about another of fashion’s recurring 1970s items, the jumpsuit?

I am sure many of us remember it first time round. I had a denim one and thought I looked the bees knees in mine. But back then I was only a size 8 and 16 years old. Now, with the ‘one dress size every 10 years’ theory coming into practice and me being a definite size 14 with short legs, the jump suit is not for me.

But it is for Lucy. There are all sorts in the shops and I chose a navy, white and pink floral one for her to try on. It showed off all her assets and, after a bit of convincing, she bought that too. I’m sure she’s going to get loads of compliments when she wears it and, above all, she will be comfortable and stylish.

However, my one piece of advice to Lucy is this — this is a garment where you shouldn’t consider the practicalities. Why worry about what happens when you experience a call of nature? Just make sure your straps don’t drop in toilet water, that you choose warm loos so your upper body doesn’t get frozen and you always have someone around to help with buttoning at the back. Enjoy wearing them Lucy – I will be just a little envious!