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…
One of the biggest shifts that happens as you mature and really get to know yourself is moving from trying to follow fashion rules to learning how to read your own body. When you understand what works for your unique proportions, you stop second-guessing yourself and start dressing with quiet confidence. Kate recently asked me,…
Many of us spent recent months in isolation doing puzzles or baking bread. Being in isolation can be hard and self care during this uncertain time is so important. One of the things I enjoy doing that gets me out of my head is some sort of creative activity. I’ve done a few classes in…
X Marks The Sweet Spot for Hems of All Kinds We all have sweet spots on our bodies that hems end and flatter us. Hems for sleeves, for tops and jackets, for coats, skirts, dresses and pants. Finding your sweet spot can take a little determination and trying different things out, but once you’ve figured…
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 X Shape (commonly called the hourglass shape) So putting these…
Guest post by Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types Easton Pearson have created a lasting legacy with their one-off, ethical designs. The Museum of Brisbane is running an exhibition of over 3,000 curated items from their archives, showcasing this unique design team’s approach to fashion, including some behind the scenes insights into their creative processes.…
Handbags – I think they were my first fashion love (and gosh if I had any design skill, I’d love to be a handbag designer). Before shoes, for me, it was a handbag obsession which started in my university years. I have quite a collection of handbags and love to change up my bags with…
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…
The Most Googled Style Question That Isn’t Really About Style Have you ever typed into Google something on the following lines: How to wear [specific item] (e.g., barrel-leg jeans, sneakers, oversized blazer)… Every day, millions of searches are typed into Google that follow a familiar pattern. How to style a blazer. How to wear an…
How does magic work? We’re smart people, we should be able to see the tricks of a magician? Yet, how often have you seen a magic trick and been perplexed at it how fools your eye? The art of the magician is in illusion and distraction. The magician distracts you away from the trick, at…
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…
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…
Forget everything you were told about “power dressing.” The world is changing, and so is the way women express confidence. I grew up in the era (1980s) of the movie Working Girl, which, when Melanie Griffith’s character adopted a power suit, gave her the confidence to be seen as the boss. There are good reasons…
The question came from Penny, but it’s one I hear time and time again: “I struggle with intimidation and a nonapproachable effect. I’m tall, high contrast, and have a classic, dramatic look. Lately I’ve been dressing in muted tones and low contrast to seem more approachable – but it feels less like me.” First, let…
If you’re one of those women who would describe their shape as ‘boyish’ or ‘beanpole’ these tips are for you. I use the term I Shape for this body shape, it can also be called a slim rectangle, banana, celery, beanpole and all other assorted vegetables! But, if you would describe yourself as curvy and…
Jackets are one of the most useful and versatile garments you may have in your wardrobe. A more formal jacket will make any outfit more formal or professional by adding a collar. A casual jacket can dress down more formal attire. One of the easiest ways to make your jeans outfit more dressy is by…
I revisited the body shape guidelines to try and answer a dilemma I have around necklines. I’m 163 cms tall, broad-shouldered, DD-E cup. After my first baby weaned I developed pigmentation in a large band around my neck and décolletage. This skin gets red and blotchy when exposed to the sun, even with sunscreen and…
The Common Points to End Tops and Jackets High Hip – is where the top of the pelvis is – you have a hip bone that juts out at this point. It’s often areally good place to end tops, unlesss you are an 8 shape. Hip Break or Leg Break – is where the leg…
There are always new fashion trends appearing in store. So I’ve rounded up a variety here and will share with you what to consider if you’re looking at including this trend in your wardrobe and how to do it to best flatter you. I’ll start with some of the easier trends to wear and then…
Following on from my Colour Personality Quiz and the descriptions of how colour choices fit into the six personality dressing styles, I wanted to some frequent thoughts and comments that you may find helpful. Most Don’t Choose Just One Style or Set of Colours Going all the comments that all you lovely readers have written,…
Unleashing Your Inner Style Maven As women age, our relationship with style can evolve. While some embrace their newfound confidence and sartorial freedom, others may find themselves feeling lost or unsure of how to express themselves through their wardrobe. Do you feel that you’re stuck in a style rut and are not sure how to…
