A lovely reader wrote to me with this fashion issue: “My height and build, which is petite, is my main challenge when it comes to shopping for clothes. Most especially trousers. I’ve bought crop trousers, however, the fit isn’t that good. Tops with V-necks or cro crossover dresses are a problem as the V comes too low.…
There’s a quiet assumption that trips a lot of women up – that feminine style and low-maintenance style sit at opposite ends of the spectrum. That if you love softness, detail, or a more romantic feel, you’re signing yourself up for effort, upkeep, and complexity. But that’s not actually what’s going on. What’s really happening…
How do I dress for my body shape? is one of the most Googled questions around personal style for women. In fact, I’ve got many of the answers here on Inside Out Style if you want to find out – take my free body shape calculator quiz and download your body shape bible for the…
A reader wrote to me and said, “My question is, how do I build a wardrobe of outfits instead of just basics?” And I love this question because it gets to the heart of why so many intelligent, capable women open their wardrobes and think, I have plenty of clothes, so why do I feel like…
Forget everything you were told about “power dressing.” The world is changing, and so is the way women express confidence. I grew up in the era (1980s) of the movie Working Girl, which, when Melanie Griffith’s character adopted a power suit, gave her the confidence to be seen as the boss. There are good reasons…
Your body changes – that’s life. But your confidence doesn’t have to. If your tummy has softened with time and you’re finding your old styling tricks less flattering, it’s simply time to update what works. Learning to create flattering outfits for a tummy involves experimenting with fit, fabric, and proportion so you can dress with…
One of the biggest shifts that happens as you mature and really get to know yourself is moving from trying to follow fashion rules to learning how to read your own body. When you understand what works for your unique proportions, you stop second-guessing yourself and start dressing with quiet confidence. Kate recently asked me,…
How to Find Clothes That Fit Your Body (Without the Frustration) If you’ve ever stood in a change room surrounded by rejected piles of clothes, you are not alone. Most women over 40 tell me they feel frustrated trying to find garments that fit well and flatter their shape. The good news? It’s not your…
If you’ve ever bought something that looked amazing in the store… only to find it sitting in your wardrobe unworn, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows most of us only wear about 10-20% of our clothes 80% of the time. The rest? Guilt, clutter, and wasted money. But it doesn’t have to be that…
Petite and Stylish: Why the Problem Isn’t You—It’s the Pants You’ve done your part. You’ve browsed every petite section, tried every cut of trousers, and experimented with tops that are supposed to “flatter.” Still, nothing fits quite right. And if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “Is it just my body?” this is…
“I’ve Gained Weight—Can I Still Be Stylish?” A lovely reader wrote to me recently with something so many women whisper quietly to themselves: “I struggle because of my weight. I’m 30 kilos overweight, and even with doctors, nutritionists and gyms, nothing changes. Clothes just don’t look good.” If you’ve ever stood in front of a…
Ever look in the mirror and wonder, “Why is it so hard to find clothes that actually fit my body?” Let me tell you a secret: You’re not alone—and there’s nothing wrong with your body. I recently got a question from Donna, one of the many women who reached out for style advice. She shared:…
How many times have you stood in front of your mirror, staring, adjusting, second-guessing? Dressing shouldn’t feel like a complicated math equation. That’s where the 3-second mirror trick comes in. This simple, science-backed technique helps you instantly assess whether an outfit works — without overthinking or spiraling into style anxiety. What Is the 3-Second Mirror…
Dressing to create an illusion around the shape of your body, is something we tend to think as a modern invention, yet even the Victorians were partial to using clothing to create illusions about their body shape to create the ideal shape of the day (an hourglass with a small waist). I found this Instagram…
In This Video Do you have a non-model body that means finding clothes to fit and flatter is hard? You’re not alone. 0:10 I am basically underweight by 10 pounds so I have extremely skinny legs and a type 2 diabetic belly that’s always bloated, I struggle figuring out what to wear 2:13 My…
In This Video 0:08 when I wear casual clothes I look like I’m not trying – I want to look more put together 3:28 I need to revamp my style post double mastectomy. So my body has completely changed shape. I’m also 63 and moving into a new season of my life and need to…
Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe trying to figure out what to wear, and you hear it whispering to you, “you’re fat… you’re frumpy… you’re so unstylish”? We need to talk about wardrobe manipulation. Yes, that sneaky way your closet quietly undermines your confidence and decision-making. The kind where you’re five minutes from…
In this Video 0:08 I’d love some help with getting my wardrobe more organised and stop buying clothes that don’t suit me – I tend to admire certain styles on others but they don’t feel like me – what’s the solution? 4:04 How can I get ready in under 15 minutes per day and…
If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror wondering how to make a caramel-toned (or camel) jacket work with your body, lifestyle (and your flats because comfort is key to feeling stylish), you’re not alone. In fact, this was one of the questions I got in my recent 7 Steps to Style members Q&A…
I was recently asked by one of my 7 Steps to Style program members to give some tips on how to style a chambray shirt in a more feminine, elegant way. Chambray shirts have long been a wardrobe staple—soft, breathable, and that perfect shade of relaxed blue. But let’s be honest: while they’re incredibly versatile,…
Life is full of changes, and our bodies are no exception. Whether it’s due to menopause, weight fluctuations, medication, or other life events, you may find that what once made you feel fabulous no longer works. If you’re struggling with how to rediscover your style after a body change and regain your style confidence, don’t…
