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…
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…
Reading through some keywords on my site statistics I discovered that this topic is popular as a search term that brings people to my blog, so I thought, to make future visitors happy when they get here, I’ll write a post on it so there are some answers! Ankle length pants are hard…
How to wear leggings seems to be a highly googled question, and what sorts of shoes work with leggings is a hot topic, so here is my 2c on the subject. Here are some ideas: 1.Ankle length (left) – work best with high vamp shoes and sandals, either in a colour that…
I’ve been Googled about this for a long time but never got any answers. This is a thing that is always misleading when it come to formality. I understand the concept of fabrics and that some prints/colors are less formal/professional than others, but the trickiest part is when it comes to garments that has more…
1. We all need a hero Every outfit needs a hero. Whether it’s an accessory or a garment that has a pattern or detail that makes it the feature of what you’re wearing. It creates a focal point for the eye to linger on. 2. Your shoes matter They finish your outfit and need to…
We all have favourite garments in our wardrobe, and the problem with favourites is that often we hold onto them for too long. We love them, we don’t want to see them leave our lives, and so we ignore obvious signs that they have done their duty, served their purpose and we have gotten the…
Reader Question: I have light colouring so light colours work best. So what should you do when you’re overweight and feel that light colours make you look larger. Black is the most slimming colour, isn’t it? Retailers sell lots of black because it’s easy as they’ll tell you “black goes with everything” (it doesn’t, it’s…
I was recently asked by one of my 7 Steps to Style program members to give some tips on how to style a chambray shirt in a more feminine, elegant way. Chambray shirts have long been a wardrobe staple—soft, breathable, and that perfect shade of relaxed blue. But let’s be honest: while they’re incredibly versatile,…
Yesterday I was having a conversation with a woman who mentioned that she finds, due to a medical issue that distorts her body shape, it incredibly difficult to find a pair of trousers that fits when she’s out shopping. What she didn’t realise, is that I think 80% of women or possibly more find if…
There are lots of great colour schemes you can put together in your outfits to create interest and excitement in your outfit. So many people tell me they don’t know how to mix colours, and really it’s not hard. There are a few key tips to consider. Mix colours of similar intensity Mix colours of…
There comes a moment when the reflection looking back at you feels unfamiliar. The colours, the shapes, even the expression – they all belong to a version of you that doesn’t quite fit anymore. That’s style amnesia. It creeps in quietly during life’s big shifts, such as a career change, menopause, having kids or an…
I’m often asked by up and coming image consultants and personal stylists how I’ve managed to achieve all that I have done, This blog with its thousands of posts, image training programs, books, videos, 16 Style Types …. what are the secrets to my success? And my answer always is – baby steps. I just…
Evening wear can be a little tricky to choose. Will I be under-dressed? Over-dressed? Too formal? Too casual? Look tarty? Look too young or too old? So what should you wear? Well of course it depends on the dress code and occasion, if you’ve been invited out and are not sure the host is always…
To be a V shape, your shoulders need to be wider than your hips, by a good couple of inches. You may or may not have a waist, many V shapes have a shorter waist, if so, then use the tips from the H shape through your waist area – that is – no tucking,…
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…
Busting the Black Myth In fashion magazine after fashion magazine you will read that essential in every woman’s wardrobe is a pair of black trousers and a Little Black Dress because both these garments are the most flattering and slimming you can find. They are of course aren’t they? I’m here to bust the…
Today is exactly 14 years since I wrote on my very first blog post here on Inside Out Style, and to celebrate this huge milestone (it’s 98 years in internet years, which are kind of like dog years 🐶) Not only am I giving you the presents – with a 14 % discount on all…
UNO Family Card Game This fun family card game is perfect for adults, teens and kids 7 years old and up. UNO Tin comes with 112 cards and instructions in a sturdy tin that’s great for storage and travel. Get it now! Blume Doll Just add water and like magic, a new friend will Blume…
Reader’s question: “How to get the best fabric mixes when shopping for durability and comfort” There are a number of elements to fabric – texture, drape, sheen, pattern, dimension – and all need to be taken into consideration when being chosen for a garment. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – it’s…
Your body changes – that’s life. But your confidence doesn’t have to. If your tummy has softened with time and you’re finding your old styling tricks less flattering, it’s simply time to update what works. Learning to create flattering outfits for a tummy involves experimenting with fit, fabric, and proportion so you can dress with…
