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…
Basic Question – Do body shapes change as we grow older / fatter / slimmer? Post pregnancy, my hips are definitely wider than my chest, but it wasn’t always so…. To answer – YES they do. Body shapes: As noted an 8 shape when carrying extra weight may turn more H shape, or may just…
Accessories can be extremely powerful because they complete a look, often taking it from nice to fabulous. Eye-catching accessories can also make a strong style statement. When you are considering accessories for your outfit, you should consider the principles of co-ordination. There are 4 main principles of co-ordination – these are: Levels of Refinement Principle…
Hello–thank you for the wonderful website. It made me think while reading your advice on Column of Color–could you address the fashion rule of thirds for everyone–research does not reveal that much and I’d like it specifically geared toward what constitutes 1/3 and 2/3 with our outfits. Thanking you in advance! So what is the…
Yesterday I did a post on What Size Handbag to Choose – one of the commenter’s asked about handbag placement, should you wear it at your hips or under your arm, down the side of your body and what happens when you wear it across your body? The answer lies in knowing your body shape and…
One of the many benefits of my 7 Steps to Style program are the monthly Q&A sessions. We get together on Zoom and I answer member’s questions so they get the support and information they need to keep on improving and defining their own personal style. This was the question of a fabulous member,…
So Vogue UK magazine has published a piece about how cleavage and boobs are out of fashion. Sure they may have meant that fashions that make cleavage and boobs the focus, but I have an issue with a mass market magazine telling us that the way a body part appears can be in or out…
How do you create a stylish outfit? What are some criteria you can use to decide if your outfit is fabulous (or even just good enough for you)? How do you know? Here in this video Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss this reader question. What are your criteria for feeling great…
What I hate about finding pants to fit Camel Toe Crotch Pouch Wedgies Saggy Butt Drag lines It’s almost impossible for some women to find trousers that fit well. It’s most commonly an issue with woven fabrics, rather than knit as there is no stretch that can cheat the fit to be better than it…
Reader Question:Also, is there any rules with shoes and body types? Particurarly thinking about boots, as it’s getting colder here in Europe 😉 Thanks again, Maija When thinking about what are the best shapes of boots and heels for different body shapes, consider your shape and what will balance it. Stiletto heels with their long…
As many of you are aware, I’ve lost a significant amount of weight in the past 7 months. 15kg (33 pounds) to be exact, not including the just under 1kg loss of my recent breast reduction surgery. As someone who has not been easily slim since I discovered chocolate when I was 15, I’ve always…
The neckline of your top is important as it really can frame your face. When it’s in harmony the outfit will work so much more, than when it’s in discord with your features. So how to choose a neckline and which are the most flattering necklines for your body and face? Here is my guide…
Is it me or the clothes? Women, notoriously blame their bodies when it doesn’t flatter them or fit them, but in fact, if you look closely at the design of the garment, you will soon realise that it is not your body (which is perfect) that is wrong, instead, it’s a badly designed garment. How…
It’s summer in the Northern hemisphere and if it’s actually hot (sadly summer isn’t always so hot everywhere), but if you need a new swimsuit and want some tips to flatter your body shape, as they are the most unforgiving of garments, then read on. Swimwear to Flatter Your Body Shape I shape – horizontal…
Never Short on Style Wouldn’t You Love to Know How To Dress To Look Taller? Are you tired of being overlooked because of your small size? Do your clothes seem to wear you instead of you wearing them? If you’re sick of feeling overwhelmed by your clothes and you’re interested in learning how to dress…
And 8 Tips To Make Finding the Right Clothes a More Fulfilling and Easier Experience As women, we are often told by the media, TV and movies that we all love shopping. That we could shop for our country, our lives, and love every single minute of it. I know for a fact this is…
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…
No matter your size, shape or age, most women have issues sourcing clothes that they love, that suit their colouring and that fit and flatter. The further you are away from “manufacturing standards” the harder it becomes and then along with this, you may have heard that there are things you can’t wear, such as…
The O or apple shape is fairly common. To be an O shape your midsection needs to be wider than your hips and shoulders. It tends to appear in the post-menopausal woman, when estrogen is no longer produced in the same quantities, and many women thicken around their waists. An O is most likely to…
I was just reading an article on Mamamia by Anna Spargo-Ryan about whether or not having a breast reduction is superficial in the way that having breast enlargement is seen as superficial and it got me thinking about my own breasts and how I feel about them. I’ve got a rather large bust (34G) and am…
Following on from my video on how to measure your body proportions yesterday, I want to share with you more ways to flatter your proportions. Here are some posts I’ve written about some of the more common proportional issues. 8 Top Tips to Dressing a Short Waist Short Legs, Long Rise How to Define Your…
