all horiztonal stripes aren't flattering and you can't mix patterns

Breaking Fashion Rules: How to Step Outside the Lines

We’ve all heard them—those so-called “fashion rules” that claim to dictate what we should and shouldn’t wear. “Don’t mix black and navy.” “Only wear certain colours at certain ages.” “Avoid horizontal stripes if you’re not a size 8.” But as fashion continues to evolve, so too should our approach to these outdated style limitations. After…

silk is elegant and emininetly wearable for many occasions

Mastering Texture: How Fabric Choices Elevate Your Wardrobe

When we think about building a stylish wardrobe, most of us focus on colour, fit, and shape. But there’s another often-overlooked element that can truly transform an outfit—the importance of texture in fashion. The fabrics you choose are just as important as the colours or cuts, adding depth and interest to even the simplest of…

RIch warm colour palette works with this pattern even though there is some cool pink in it because there is predominantly more warm colours

Struggling with Mixed-Colour Patterns? Here’s How to Choose Right Ones for Your Colour Palette

Have you ever stood in front of your wardrobe, puzzled by a garment that combines both warm and cool colours? You’re not alone. This can be particularly challenging when the pattern includes colours like blue and orange or blue and yellow. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these tricky combinations and ensure that your…

Real life style tips for post-mastectomy dressing

Real Life Style Tips for Post Mastectomy Dressing

Post-mastectomy dressing can be tricky as women’s clothing is made to fit a curvier body shape.  One of my fabulous 7 Steps to Style readers, Kelly, who has had a double mastectomy offered to share her tips on what she’s found has helped her style and the garments she’s found most flattering when you have…

finding clothes that fit

Say Goodbye to Ill-Fitting Clothes: 6 Expert Tips for a Flattering Wardrobe

Finding the Perfect Fit: A Guide to Choosing Garments that Embrace Your Style If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me “I wish I could find clothes that fit me”, well I wouldn’t be a millionaire, but I’d have quite a few dollars! So why is it so hard to find…

Selecting the right value contrast in prints for you

From Overwhelmed to Outstanding: Navigating the Maze of Choosing Prints in Your Best Value Contrast

A Guide to Mastering Value Contrast Have you ever been drawn to a stunning pattern, only to find that it somehow overwhelms your look, rather than enhancing it? What I’ve learned over the past 20 years working with clients doing personal colour analysis and finding the best ways of putting each individual client’s colours together,…

What's the difference betweern ruching, gathering and draping

Understanding the Impact of Ruching and Gathering

Personal style isn’t just about picking the right clothes; it’s about understanding how certain design elements can enhance or conceal various parts of your body. As an expert in this field with 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed how strategic choices, particularly with regard to rushing and draping, can significantly impact your appearance.  I was…

Shift Happens: 15 Style Tips For Menopause and Perimenopausal Changes

Shift Happens: 15 Style Tips For Menopause and Perimenopausal Changes

Menopause which is the cessation of menstruation (and Perimenopause, which is the period before that often lasts for around 10 years) are something I knew very little about until I started going through them, and even then there were a bunch of strange symptoms that have happened to me over the past 15 years that…

15 Ways to Elevate Your Wardrobe and Your Style

15 Ways to Elevate Your Wardrobe and Your Style – Celebrating 15 Years of Inside Out Style

Today is Inside Out Style (and my as the author’s) 15th Blogiversary (not sure if that’s officially a word yet).  It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since I started and I thought to celebrate not only am I offering 15% off my online programs and masterclasses (find out more below). Here’s just some…

Unleash Your Style Potential: Dressing with Confidence in Your 50s and Beyond

Unleash Your Style Potential: Dressing with Confidence in Your 50s and Beyond

Age is Just a Number Let’s kick off by debunking the myth that age should dictate your fashion choices. Your style is a reflection of your personality, and it’s time to embrace your unique self. Instead of conforming to what used to be style rules and societal norms such as having to cut your hair…

When You're in a Style Rut Because of Body Shape and Size Changes

What to Do When You’re in a Style Rut Because of Body Shape and Size Changes

Reader Question: “I‘m turning 40 this year though I still feel 30 I have an 18 month old baby and I just feel like my style is a huge mum rut since dropping my breastfeeding down to once a day I noticed the weight start to creep in around my tummy and I’ve always been…