Hi Imogen, I’m 26 and live in Portland, Oregon (land of the hipster). Most of my stylish compatriots are wearing oversized sweaters trapeze-style tee shirts with leggings or skinny jeans. That works great on I shapes, but not so much for me, an 8 shape. The problem is, most of the styles that work for…
Hi Imogen. I have always heard that tops for skirts should be a bit shorter than tops for pants. My question is, how do you make this work when trying to put a capsule wardrobe together since tops should be able to work with both pants and skirts. I know you can tuck them in,…
Ever wandered how to look taller and make your legs look longer? Don’t want to (or can’t) wear a heel? How to look taller and make our legs look longer Well then you need to consider your shoe vamp. Shoe Vamp – what is is and why does it matter? I’m always going on about low…
The Third piece is your hero, it’s the accessory or piece of clothing that can add the excitement and personality to your outfit when everything else you’re wearing are basics or supporting acts. Quite often it can be some sort of jacket, other times it will be a great piece of jewellery. The 3rd piece…
Could you write some things about the maxi skirt? (which body types can wear them, how to wear them, what kind of maxi skirt) Best regards, Helma Maxi skirts are a fashion trend that has been around for a couple of years (or so) now. It’s possible to wear them with every body shape, in…
Reader Kanerou asks: Do you have any plans to do an entry on dressing for plus-sized Xs? I have a couple pairs of black cargo pants which I dearly like, but I’m not sure how to dress up top, now that my waist isn’t so slim and my bust is even more of a bother…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the H body shape or Rectangle shape? The other rectangle shape with an undefined waist is the I shape – if you are very slim with what you may think of as a more boyish figure – this is your shape. The H shape has similar…
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…
How do you make decisions about whether or not you should jump on board a fashion trend or not? For many of us it depends on how you feel about your body, what flatters it and whether or not you are happy to ‘give up’ some elements of figure flattery for the sake of fashion…
Rosina wrote me this question: My style question is one of confidence.. I think I alluded to it once before. I really think I have a style: Jeans, boots, long tops, my own jewellery designs, huge purses, arm warmers or opera gloves, and lots of texture. However, I never, ever, EVER feel confident. If someone…
Who are you? How do you express your personality through your clothing? I completely believe that authentic style comes from inside out (that’s why this blog is called Inside Out Style). Your style expression is based on your personality traits and who you are. If you try and dress like someone else it won’t feel…
I just found your website – it’s heaven sent. I am 7 months postpartum and still need to lose about 20lbs. Having said that, my issue is that nothing fits me. I am such a weird shape right now. My arms are fat, I have a pooch under my belly button thanks to my 3…
One of the big trends I’ve noticed both in fashion shows and online is the belted blazer. When I was at a Melbourne Fashion Week show, many of the ‘hot young things’ were wearing belted blazers, most commonly in a check pattern tweed fabric. So, should you invest in a belted blazer? Is The Belted…
Whether you were genetically blessed in the gams department or not, most of us wouldn’t mind creating the illusion of even longer legs. You can still have legs for days with a few simple wardrobe tricks. It’s all about creating a visual illusion with your outfits…. 1. Keep your skirts shorter, to just on or above…
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: I’m an older woman with an apple shape who lives in a hot climate with a relaxed clothing dressing style. and I’m not sure where to shop or what to buy It’s not impossible to buy plus-size clothes all over the world. Thanks to the internet, you are longer limited to stores in…
Hi I have recently discovered your website and finally subscribed to the email. I wonder if you can help with a stripes related question please? I read conflicting information about petites and stripes. I haven’t found an answer on your website but if I have missed it please point me in the right direction. I…
Phew, back from the 2 day (each way) road trip to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with the kids for the winter school holiday break. I was asked what I packed, and I can tell you space is tight with 5 kids in the car, there is no boot space, so we all have to…
A lovely reader asks: Please can you do something for dressing a short-waisted H too? I’m like super short – there’s about an inch between by ribcage and my hip, so I tend to stick with dresses, but that’s not always practical for chasing two young kids. To start with, think about dressing using a…
In This Video 0.08 What is your view on wearing blouses or tops that are longer than the sweater or jacket over the top? Doesn’t it draw attention to the hips? 2.05 – With a high value contrast with dark hair, how can I wear a light coloured turtleneck top and create the right ideal…
Yesterday I asked where confidence in appearance comes from – and many commented that lack of confidence can stem from negative comments made during childhood. These comments seem to burn right into us and are often very hard to shake off as we grow up – we take them as gospel truth, rather than just…
