The exhibition: Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto is currently on display at the National Gallery of Victoria and, as I was making my way around the exhibits of over 100 of her gorgeous outfits what struck me, was just what you could learn about wearing black from Chanel. Chanel was the instigator of black as a…
What you wear under your clothing is as important as what wonderful outfit you put together. Your undergarments – bras and briefs are your foundations, and clothing will only look great if the foundations work for you (you don’t build a house on dodgy foundations, don’t wear clothes over dodgy undergarments). If you notice that…
One of the big life changes many women go through is having kids. And adjusting to life with young children is difficult. Even more so if you have come from a professional workplace and you have a preference for the Classic personality dressing style, one that loves a crisp button-up shirt and a smart blazer…
How Do I Improve My Wardrobe When Nothing Goes with Anything? Reader question – I’ve got lots of one-off pieces in my wardrobe. I see a beautiful top; pair of shoes or a skirt but nothing goes with anything. How do I think about my wardrobe so it’s not like several jigsaws that will never…
What’s a Personal Brand Anyway? According to Amazon Founder, Jeff Bezos, “A personal brand is what others say about you when you’re not in the room”. It’s the impression others have of you, your personality, your competency, your credibility. Your personal brand is unique to you and is a combination of your skills and experience…
I was asked by one of my 7 Steps to Style members to talk about florals as she was concerned that florals come in so many different forms – in some ways – they are the most varied sort of pattern of all patterns, but they can be seen as old-fashioned or ageing which as…
“My biggest challenge at the moment when it comes to my style is finding clothing and colors that I’m comfortable in and my lack of confidence in trying new styles.” This was some feedback I received from a reader when asked about her style struggles, and I know that she is not alone! What’s Your…
I love your statement necklaces. I’d love to know the different places where you find most of them. Do you have a low end starting price in order to find the quality you want? Handmade Markets, Amazon, Ebay, Boutiques I find them from everywhere. I look far and wide. I find them at clothing stores,…
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…
Betty White would have turned 100 this week and I was really sad to read of her passing a few weeks ago. You may not think of Betty White as a style icon, but to me she is and here is why… Betty White was always smiling and never took herself too seriously. And…
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…
Did you catch Part 1 of the Best of Inside Out Style in 2021? If you missed it, you can read it here Now onto some more great colour and style posts that were published this past year! What does monochromatic really mean? It’s so often a term thrown about in the fashion media and…
In winter, many people rely on blacks and neutrals as wardrobe basics so the idea of wearing head-to-toe colour can be a little daunting. I share some ideas in the video on layering in winter using more than one colour. How to Layer Using More Than One Colour Go Monochromatic An easy way add colour…
In This Video 0.11 I struggle with prints in general – what to choose. I’m a bit scared that they won’t work so I tend to avoid them. Any tips? 6.22 How do I dress practically and attractively, being comfortable but still in an interesting but not crazy way, so vibrant but not aggressive? 9.44…
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.…
In This Video 0.08 I want to learn better how to express who I am without being obsessed with my appearance and not to be invisible unless I choose to be. As an older women, it is easy to be overlooked, but I’m not interested in being dramatic as a means of countering that bias.…
Do you lament that you have a wardrobe full of clothes yet feel like you’ve got nothing to wear? If you do, you are not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues women tell me they have. So what to do about this conundrum? Firstly, you need to diagnose the root cause…
Do you tend to wear jeans and trousers in winter because you don’t want to feel cold but then get really bored with your winter style? I know that I can feel this way. Yet as someone who feels the cold, how do you wear skirts and dresses in winter without feeling cold all the…
In This Video 0.10 I feel like my style is on constant repeat I find it hard to locate any variety anywhere not in my wardrobe or the shops How can I find something different? 5.58 How do I Look smart without being too formal? 10.43 I’ve been hiding in a very basic “uniform” for…
I have recently acquired some lovely short sleeve kind of shrugs or boleros and cropped jackets. They are on the dressier side. One is silk with a slight sheen and the other is a low pile faux fur in a classic leopard print. I know how to wear them with a little dark dress but…
