short hair don't care

Whistles Toscana jacket, Zara cream top and Zara black cropped trousers

When I was about 15 I had an awful haircut (foolishly modelled on Chloe from the TV show Smallville) which was a horrendous, short layered disaster. To be honest, everything about my appearance at that stage of my life was a disaster, but that's what being a teenager is about, right? Learning what works and what doesn't work for you, and gradually refining your personal style as you get older. (At least that's what I tell myself when I look back on photos and cringe...) Anyway, it really put me off having short hair. From that moment on I religiously grew and grew my hair, allowing myself only minimal trims and the occasional flirtation with a fringe (another bad idea given my round face). It wasn't until last year, when my hair was finally pretty ridiculously long (check this out if you don't believe me), that I started to get bored of it and wonder if shorter hair might actually be a little more chic. Don't get me wrong: I adored my long hair for a while. At a certain point, though, it started to get straggly and I felt - to be honest - like I might be getting too old for it. While some older women can rock long hair, for me I've realised I feel more sophisticated with a shorter cut.

Whistles black suede heels, Zara cream fluted sleeve top and Saint Laurent tote bag

If any of you have been following my blog for a while you'll notice that I've done it gradually: my advice to anyone looking to do the same is definitely don't cut it all off at once, as you will have a freak-out. Chop a little bit off and see how you feel. I found myself loving it for a few weeks each time, then thinking, maybe just a bit more? A couple of weeks ago I finally went for my optimum length (collar-bone). I don't think I'll be going shorter anytime soon, but never say never. I like this cut as it's still long enough to tie back (no layers is key) but feels so fresh and fun and exciting. I'm definitely pleased I shook off my teenaged self's dreaded fear of short hair. I won't ever get over my bad experiences with blonde dye jobs though, so now I only go to Bleach London inside Topshop Oxford Circus for my balayage and would definitely recommend them.