Many years ago I gave a talk to a group of wonderful women who were of more advanced age. I asked them how they wanted to look and feel in their clothing. And then I asked them to put up their hand if they wanted to look and feel frumpy. Not one hand was raised,…
I discovered the fabulous style of Mrs Maya Plays on Instagram a few years back and have been following her ever since, enjoying her unique take on style and so was delighted when she agreed to share her Stylish Thoughts with Inside Out Style readers. Maya lives in Perth, Western Australia. And for those of…
The combination of wearing a dress over trousers is an unconventional style that goes in and out of fashion, it was in fashion in the noughties and is now trending again on the runway since fall 2022 and now spring/summer 2023 and has been seen on the runways of Chloe, Givenchy and Proenza Schouler to…
Let’s talk colour and personal colour analysis Personal Colour Analysis (PCA) has been around for a long time now, yet it’s developed a long way from it’s original roots. Back in the early 1980s Colour Me Beautiful by Carol Jackson took the world by storm and brought the concept of colour analysis to the masses.…
Reader Question: “I‘m turning 40 this year though I still feel 30 I have an 18 month old baby and I just feel like my style is a huge mum rut since dropping my breastfeeding down to once a day I noticed the weight start to creep in around my tummy and I’ve always been…
If you’re wondering how to wear classic style without looking frumpy, you’re not alone. Many women love the clean, timeless appeal of classic pieces like trench coats, blazers, and pencil skirts—but they can sometimes feel dull or outdated if not styled intentionally. And if you’re petite or fall in between standard sizing, you know how…
Have you ever faced the dilemma of wanting to look smart and put-together without crossing the line into overly formal territory? It’s a common concern, and striking the right balance can make all the difference in how you present yourself. So, how do you master the art of looking polished and stylish without feeling like…
Reader Question: Often we find blogs about elegance state that we should never wear fabrics that crush. I wear a lot of linen which crushes terribly. Could you suggest fabrics that look pressed when wearing? Linen is one of the best fabrics to wear during the summer. It’s light, it’s breathable, and that helps to…
Bold prints have a magical way of transforming an outfit, injecting energy, personality, and a touch of drama into your wardrobe. If you’ve ever shied away from vibrant patterns, thinking they’re too loud or hard to pull off, now is the time to reconsider with my bold prints style tips. Bold prints can be playful,…
Do you love the laid-back vibe of relaxed clothing but want to elevate your style? You’re not alone! Many of us appreciate the comfort and ease of casual attire, but we also want to feel confident and stylish. In this post, we’ll explore tips on how to achieve a relaxed yet refined look. Here’s the…
Here is the issue: I am over 62 and the era where style and fashion were important, to me, was during the years I held a professional job from 1972 through the 1990s. During that era, dressing was simple then because of very few choices and narrow opportunities for your own self expression. Those were…
Accessories are the magic wands of your wardrobe. If you’ve ever wondered how to use accessories along with fabric choices to change the tone of your outfit, you’re in the right place. The right styling swaps can take an outfit from casual to elegant, edgy to polished, or playful to professional—without buying an entirely new…
Hi Imogen Thank you so much for the free e-book and BTW, I love your blog! I have spent every evening trawling through for your inspiring pearls of wisdom as the washing piles up and floors remain unmoppped! As a mum of three little girls, it’s very important to me to look good and be…
Have you ever felt that your naturally relaxed, casual style lacks the polished edge of a more “put-together” look? I know exactly how it feels to want to elevate your casual style. One of my readers wrote to me and let me know that despite loving a natural, laid-back wardrobe, she sometimes struggles with the…
Your Colour Palette and Your Style Have you had a personal colour analysis and you’re not sure about the colours – or they are so different from what you expected? Maybe the colours are not as bright as the ones you’ve been wearing? Maybe they are lighter or they are the opposite undertone. Or there…
Hey, Imogen, I’ve got a reader question for your data banks, perhaps you’ll have a slow month over the holiday season or something. 🙂 …I’ve searched your blog and found very little joy for the long-torsos amongst us. (though the blog’s fantastic, and I’ve really learned a ton!). Here’s the sitch: I’ve got a very…
Creating contrast with texture and sheen can make an otherwise simple outfit have a bit more depth and look more elegant. Think about the dichotomy between soft and hard, polished and dull, flowing and structured. If everything is the same, what makes an outfit interesting? Texture Texture is just one element of the style puzzle…
Can you do a post for professional yet comfortable clothes for those who work in education? You asked – here is my answer – as I know that it’s more than just the education sector that has this same issue. For those who work in a more relaxed business environment such as the education sector,…
Fashion is often associated with bold statements, eye-catching trends, and outfits designed to turn heads. Personal style can be a way to express confidence by being authentic with that style. If you’re an introvert you may struggle, wondering if you should hide away in black (the answer is no) or wear clothing that stands out. …
Do You Prefer Your Garments to Skim Rather Than Cling? There is a sweet spot where a garment is fitted without being clinging. Garments that cling show every lump and bump and ruin your outfit (and your confidence). Clothing that is too big and baggy will make you lose your shape and your outfits can…
I’m delighted to introduce Kay Harms who writes the Kay Harms based in the USA to share her Stylish Thoughts with you. How would you describe your personal style? I love classics like chic blazers, solid-colored cashmere sweaters, trim-fitting black slacks, a crisp white shirt, and simple tees. But, because I want to have an…
