Have you ever considered Yin and Yang (or Receding and Advancing) in relation to your clothes? I first read about this concept in Judith Rasband’s Wardrobe Strategies for Women, and realised that it relates to all personality style and why each style communicates in the way it does. Understanding Ying and Yang of Clothing…
Perhaps you could write another post about what to wear when you have a yin personality and would like to wear yin, but yang looks better on you and vice versa? I like the examples you give in interpreting yin and yang in a garment. There are so many ways you can make…
The other day I posted about the concept of Yin and Yang (advancing and receding elements) in clothing design. You may have started to think about the clothes you choose and what they are communicating, but have you thought about your own physical appearance and what it may naturally communicate and how you can use…
Following on from Ways to Balance Your Yin and Yang, here you can see how the lower the contrast and smaller the print, the less advancing, or softer it looks, so thus is more yin in appearance. The higher the contrast, the bolder or larger the pattern, the more advancing it appears, thus is more…
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…
Over the years I’ve been working as an image consultant I’ve realised that style is a journey, not a destination. When I started image consulting I worked through a process to discover my style personality, but since then it has kept evolving. I’ve learned style is not static – it’s not a “set and forget”…
Yin and Yang can be used to create harmony with who you are. Personality is such a huge factor in the clothes we choose, what we like and dislike. It’s important to work with your natural personality to appear authentic. For instance, here is Madonna in a Yin and and Yang outfit: Which is appears…
The other night I lost it while I was cooking dinner. My version of losing it isn’t particularly scary, I just banged some pots and pans around in the kitchen and did some noisy washing up, but lost it for me, and I couldn’t at the time really figure out why. I knew I was…
Reader Question: I struggle with the intimidation and non-approachable effect created by being tall, high contrast, and a fairly classic dramatic personality. I dress in medium to low contrast and more muted colours to be approachable and less intimidating but it feels less me. What do you suggest to dress to look more approachable? How…
In my online forums and programs, participants can ask each other for style advice and feedback. It can be tricky when what one person thinks of as a compliment or an offhand comment, can be felt by the recipient to be cruel and hurtful especially when the women span a variety of interests, backgrounds, cultures…
This week in the style video bundle you get more than 65 minutes of colour and style tips based on the questions I get asked by you, my readers! Totally bingeworthy! If you want to watch the videos live – head over to my Facebook page and join me there to get notified when I’m…
Recently a reader asked me if “Is it perceived as more friendly and open to blend in with others and be more toned down or to go ahead and be more unique and not from here?” This is an interesting question as there is no one right answer and really does come down to you…
If you have a relaxed dressing style how do you still be yourself if you work in a corporate business environment? This is the topic of Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and my podcast episode. Why are you expected to dress more formally anyway? Rather than consider corporate dress codes as an imposed restriction…
Hi Imogen, It seems that different personalities especially regards to accessories, associated with a certain refinement level. For example elegant chic & classic seems accessories that associated with mainly level 1 or maybe 2. Relaxed person associated with refinement level 3, or maybe 2. However everybody has life situation that involve various refinement levels. Many…
Finding your authentic style can be tricky – so much mass media and social media telling you what the latest fashion is and what to wear. What you must buy this season – but is it you? Is it authentic to your style DNA? Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss in this…
I’ve been following the discussion in the 7 Steps to Style group about different types of feminine dressing. I identify with the ethereal dressing with its long lines floaty gossamer-like fabrics. How would you suggest adapting your style to a business casual work setting? The definition of Ethereal is to be extremely delicate and light…
Today I am answering a question about how to incorporate feminine elements to a classy outfit. When we think about classic style, we’re talking about conservative and traditional items of clothing. Classic style comes from traditional men’s businesswear. It’s all about the Yang – smooth, crisp, straight and structured elements. A straight vertical line, opaque fabrics…
How should we handle conflict between personality/ career role and body shape recommendation? As my body is very curvy , the body shape recommendation is all kinds of feminine stuff: skirt over pants, and not just skirt , but A -line flared skirt over straight ones, wrap and fit and flare dresses , waist shaping,…
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you’ll know that I really believe with a passion that colour can change your life and it’s a super important part of your clothing and style decisions. It’s not only because I can see in my own life and experiences of the colours changing other’s reactions…
Resolving conflicts. I want to be perceived as approachable. I’m tall and I love the look of heels, but I don’t wear them often and I think part of the issue is because when I do, I feel intimidating, thus, no longer approachable. I’m wearing some stacked heel boots today – not even that tall…
Reader question – I like comfortable clothes so tend to put on jeans or jeggings and a plain V-neck sweater but really I want to feel more feminine. Sometimes you just want to be warm and comfortable so you throw on jeans and a sweater. After a while, this can make you feel bland and…
