In this podcast episode, Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss how solid garments can still be classed as heroes. Not all statement (hero) items are prints, so what other elements of garments can be heroes and how can you tell the difference between a hero print and an interest print. Which Kind of…
Now that you have your wardrobe basics sorted out (the first element of my outfit formula), it’s time to add in interest pieces. What’s an Interest Piece? An interest piece is a garment or accessory that has some interest or detail, such as: Colour Pattern Noticeable texture Sheen or shine elements Unusual or interesting construction…
A while back I created my outfit formula to help you think about the different elements you need in an outfit. There is no single formula that works for everyone (such as a dark , a light, colour and a print which I’ve seen claimed as the ultimate outfit formula that works for everyone) as…
You know that adding a hero garment (statement item) to your outfit always makes it more exciting. Hero garments are frequently patterns, but what if you don’t like prints – how do you add heroes in solid colours that still have that impace? Find out more on the accompanying blog post here: Can There Be…
After over 14 years of spending time in the wardrobes of women from all around the world, of different ages and occupations, the common theme I’ve discovered is that the very best wardrobes of the women who are most stylish are built over time. One shopping trip will not get you the wardrobe of your…
How can you help others hear your message and be taken seriously in the workplace when the traditional business colours (dark cool neutrals in a high contrast with a light top) don’t suit you, either because your overall ideal value is light and dark colours look heavy, or you are high colour contrast and you…
How to figure out your body type if you have a significant difference from the usual features. For example, I have very, very broad shoulders, a slight waist, medium hips from the front and a protruding bottom. If I do a body calculator, I come out as a pear or a ruler. I am neither.…
One of the questions that came up on my Inside Out Style Lounge Facebook group was how to add interest to your summer outfits when it’s too hot for layers. Many women find cooler weather dressing much easier than hot weather, as they can add layers easily for that “third piece” element. So what to wear…
Have you ever thought about whether you are a hunter or a gatherer when it comes to your shopping style? In this podcast episode (yes it was a very fuzzy video), Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss how the concept of hunting and gathering from ancient times is still an applicable idea for…
Prints: I find I usually default to solids because there seems to be an overwhelming amount of considerations with a print (color and value contrasts, size, modernity, age appropriateness, straight/curved lines, connected or individual pattern…). For example: sizewise -flower prints generally look like I’m lost in the garden, but would calico be twee? I find…
I hate shopping now. I used to be a “good enough” buyer and now I know what I want and can’t find it. I’m not sure if I’m being too picky or not allocating enough time or not going to the right stores, but I’m frustrated at having needs I can’t fulfil. For example, I…
Inside Out Style Reader Question Online shopping tips, please! How to get a good enough match with the colour in the palette from Imogen as each of the colours in the swatch has their own names; can I use it for online shopping? This is a tricky one – sadly there is not a fabulous…
Let me tell you why I don’t drink coffee or tea… Whenever I tell someone that I don’t drink coffee (or tea) the reaction I get most of the time is “Oh, you’re good!” as if it’s because I’m more virtuous than they are. It’s just that I’ve discovered that caffeine doesn’t agree with me…
What is your process for morphing your style rules change – such as body shape, colouring or lifestyle changes that happen to us all over time? Change happens to us all and how we deal with it is something can be tricky for many of us. In this video with Jill Chivers of 16 Style…
Answering readers questions about our process of thinking about what to wear each day, from the colours and how they impact, to our processes for choosing an outfit which we shared here and here, Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I have been asked to answer the question of how do you know when your…
Sponsored by Godfreys Welcome to my studio, come inside and I’ll show you around as I road test the Vorwerk Kobold VK200 Upright Vacuum Since you’re coming over, I thought I’d better just give the place a quick tidy up! Welcome to Inside Out Style Headquarters Today I thought I’d share with you a…
Where do you end your tops? Where they end because of how long they are when they come home from the store? Do you pull your tops down to hide your butt? Do you fiddle and adjust the length to find the perfect spot for you? The Horizontal Line Rule Because the hems of most…
Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discussed some of our mental processes in putting together outfits each day here. We talked generally about how we think about what to wear and then in a broad way how we made decisions. But I know you also want to know, what are the exact steps…
How do you put your outfits together each day? What’s your process for getting dressed? These are questions that Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I have been asked to discuss, our own processes (and we talked about choosing colours here), what we think about, what goes through our heads each day. A Systematised…
aka What You Wear Matters I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from people over the years things like: “Why does it matter what I wear? It’s what I create or produce at work that matters!” “Women shouldn’t need to have to dress a certain way to be considered accomplished and capable! I…
If you’ve read my recommendations on how to dress the hourglass shapes – the X Shape and A shape, that have the wider lower hip area, you may have noticed that the instructions are to keep the bottom of your body more boring, plain and free of detail. Details to Avoid Below the Waist for…
