Reader Question: I struggle with the intimidation and non-approachable effect created by being tall, high contrast, and a fairly classic dramatic personality. I dress in medium to low contrast and more muted colours to be approachable and less intimidating but it feels less me. What do you suggest to dress to look more approachable? How…
One of the many benefits of my 7 Steps to Style program are the monthly Q&A sessions. We get together on Zoom and I answer member’s questions so they get the support and information they need to keep on improving and defining their own personal style. This was the question of a fabulous member,…
Reader Question – I often choose great outfits which don’t look good on me. How can I make better decisions? We can love an outfit on the mannequin. We can love it on the salesperson. We can love it on one of our friends. You are not the mannequin. You are not the salesperson. You…
The choice of scarf comes down to personal preference. A scarf might conceal or draw attention away from body parts that you don’t particularly like. If you have a pear shape and want to add more balance to your ensemble, for instance, you can wear a vibrant scarf to attract attention up to your face…
My biggest problem is not being able to find the right clothes for me in the shops. I’ve spent hours online recently, trying to find some new knitwear and tops in particular. Finding knitwear for x-shapes to define the waist is very hard at the moment. To make the search more difficult, I prefer wearing…
A collection of lovely handbags is a wonderful idea if you enjoy variety and dress for different occasions (from everyday casual, and business attire to evenings out). However, having a collection can mean spending a lot of money (though these days there are many places you can purchase quality handbags at affordable prices, from thrift…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the I shape body (otherwise known as the rectangle. celery, banana)? The I shape has similar width hips and shoulders and doesn’t have a particularly defined waist. It’s a slim shape, with narrower shoulders and hips and the owners of them may often describe them as…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the V shape body (otherwise known as the inverted triangle or cone shape)? The V shape has broader shoulders than the waist or hips. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. You most likely have an undefined waist (your rib…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the O body shape (often described as the Apple shape or Oval Shape)? The O shape can have similar width shoulders and hips or their shoulders may be narrower than their hips, but they have a rounded waistline curving outwards both at the front and sides. …
Reader Question: How do I create my own figure flattery guidelines when I have to take into consideration my body shape, my body proportions and my body variations? This is what I call the body equation and here are tips on how you can put together your own set of personalised guidelines, as you are…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the 8 body shape (it’s one of the two hourglass body shapes)? The 8 shape can have similar width shoulders and hips or their shoulders may be narrower than their hips, but they have a defined waist. If you want all the details grab your Body…
Reader Question – I’m an o-shape and I find that jeans just never stay up or if I belt them really tight, they hurt. I find it impossible – any tips? All of us have different shapes, sizes and styles so finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a massive task with an overwhelming number…
Do you have a hunch at the top of your back? It’s known also as a dowager’s hump, hunchback and the medical term is kyphosis. It can come from poor posture over time (staring too much at your phone and slumped at your desk) and also as a spinal condition such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis. …
Relaxed Outerwear – Blanket Coats, Ponchos, Ruanas When it comes to layering up, ponchos and ruanas are an ideal choice. They are an alternative to jackets and coats. They’re lightweight enough to work as a cover-up and cozy enough for the cooler weather. So what is the difference between a poncho, blanket wrap, cape and…
Reader Question – I have a 44 double D bust and I’m about 172 centimeters tall. I’ve tended to hide my bust in loose flowing clothes and I recently tried a figure flattering dress. I was amazed as I did look busty but in proportion. Why is this this? balanced body proportions Oversized Clothes Don’t Make…
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium. When we talk about dressing for your body shape and body proportions, what we are trying to do create visual balance. There are 4 main principles of co-ordination that influences how you achieve balance with your outfits. These are: Levels of Refinement Principle of Volume Related Shapes Related Lines When…
It’s funny how questions come in waves. I received two similar questions in my lucky dip of your colour and style questions. My biggest battle issue is how to dress a large stomach and a bigger bust without looking sloppy. The rest of my body is fine but I’m five foot one so short, petite…
Do You Prefer Your Garments to Skim Rather Than Cling? There is a sweet spot where a garment is fitted without being clinging. Garments that cling show every lump and bump and ruin your outfit (and your confidence). Clothing that is too big and baggy will make you lose your shape and your outfits can…
Which are the best shaped shorts for your body shape and proportions (cos they both matter)? Body shape gives you the best shape or silhouette. Body proportions tells you how long the shorts should be to flatter your gams. The guidelines for flattering shorts shapes is really the same as for flattering skirt shapes.…
What kind of handbag to choose for your body- is there a relationship between body shape and suitable handbag shapes besides size? How To Choose a Handbag to Flatter Your Body and Style Purpose and Practicality of the Handbag Is it an everyday handbag that you’re after? How much stuff do you need to carry…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the A body shape? The A shape has narrower shoulders than hips with a defined waist and is often described as a pear shape body. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here. The widest part of the hip is at the…
