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…
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…
You will be aware that I wrote a blog post for Angie at You Look Fab on how to dress your full bust. I also want to share with you some other resources about for the more well endowed woman. Dbusted is a Melbourne based online webstore, Phillipa has a blog as well, they…
Not only do we have body shapes (which can also be called our Horizontal Body Shape) we also have to take into consideration our Body Proportions (or Vertical Body Shape). Proportions are important as they tell us where to end our clothes, such as hems on skirts, hems on tops and jackets. Should you end…
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…
One of the things I notice here with the comments I receive both here and on Facebook, is that sometimes we can get bogged down in the minutia of style guidelines (remember they are just guidelines, not rules). I think so many women have a perfectionist streak that we want to be ‘perfect’ at putting…
Deja Pseu of Une Femme d’un Certain Age asked for help. She is petite, and in her words: “I think the biggest issue is dressing my 5’1″ body, especially finding petite (short) styles that work for my shape and are flattering. I have broad shoulders, big bust (34DD) short-waisted. Currently size 10 US/14UK. I’ve settled…
Live a long way from stores? Shop online and have it delivered! Want to get something that isn’t available in your location? Find it online! Love to find unique and interesting pieces that nobody else is wearing? Online is the way to go. Here is my ultimate guide to online clothes shopping so that you…
Before you take that garment into the change room, understanding the illusion of line really helps you choose clothes that flatter your figure. Lines are used in clothing design in a number of ways: As part of the silhouette – that’s the outline of the garment In the construction – that’s all the seams that…
In this video 0.08 What is the best colour for a face mask? 2.10 How do I wear stone pants when I have an A shape body and the advice is to wear dark bottoms? 4.11 I’m and X shape but my waist is no longer as slim as it was – how do I…
Body Proportions There are body shapes (X, A, H, I, O, V, 8) which tell us where to add detail and where to use horizontals to balance or draw attention, and where to use verticals to elongate. Then there are body proportions, which tell us where to end hems of sleeves, tops, jackets, skirts and…
The length of your waist is one of your body proportion measurements (you can find out how to measure all your proportions here), and one of the ones many people want to know is if they have a short or long waist, or are one of the lucky balanced waisted ones! Why do we care…
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…
As I discussed here when I explained how lines work, body shape tells us: Where to put the verticals Where to put the horizontals to balance, broaden or highlight Where to place detail Where to keep boring/dull/plain/no detail That’s it! So let’s look at the H Shape (commonly called the rectangular or brick shape) Let’s…
Why are focal points in your outfits so important? They are the key to figure flattery. What Are Outfit Focal Points They create a place for the eye to stop and rest, drawing attention away from body parts you choose to camouflage, distracting, like the magician distracts you as they perform their illusions. Check out…
I was recently interviewed by Carol who is a member of my 7 Steps to Style program and runs a business providing jewellery supplies and has tips and tricks on her YouTube channel on making jewellery. We discuss in this video how to choose jewellery that suits you and I wanted to share the interview…
Do you ever find yourself grappling with the age-old dilemma of figuring out your body shape while trying on clothes? It’s a common struggle, and believe me, you’re not alone. In fact, even as a personal stylist and color consultant, I’ve had my own share of fashion conundrums. Let me take you on a journey…
1. Match without Being Matchy Think about how you put together your accessories. There is no need to buy a matching set (and it can look kind of contrived in this modern age), so think about matching: Shapes Colours Textures Sheen Sparkle Metal Read: Matching jewellery – sets without beings sets 2. Level of Refinement…
What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the I shape body (otherwise known as the rectangle. celery, banana)? The I shape has similar width hips and shoulders and doesn’t have a particularly defined waist. It’s a slim shape, with narrower shoulders and hips and the owners of them may often describe them as…
Pants are now optional, aren’t they? With lots of people working from home – even if you’re on a video conference – it only matters what you wear on top, doesn’t it? That would be great … but camera’s have been known to fall over and show more than you’d planned, people have been known…
I love patterns, but when looking for a specific colour inan item of clothing it is really hard to know when there isenough of the ‘right’ colour to balance out the ‘wrong’colour. Canyou point me in the right direction? – thank you! Jessie Choosing Prints and Patterns to Work with Your Colour Swatch Here in…
