Personal style is more than just fabric draped over your body; it’s an outward expression of who you are and what you stand for. Every choice we make—from the clothes we buy to the way we style them—communicates something about our personal beliefs and values. Whether you’re conscious of it or not, your wardrobe can…
When choosing prints and patterns for your outfits – what’s the easiest way of knowing that a print is going to harmonise with you and your colouring? There are two elements of this – the colour contrast of the print and the value contrast of the print. If you’re new here on Inside Out Style…
Now it’s time for all you lovely redheads to find your best neutrals. Similarly to the blondes, brunettes and grey haired among us, redheads need to work with their natural warm colouring and look for lovely warm neutrals that bring out those shades in their hair. From camel and rust, to oxblood and aubergine. There are some…
Living life on the road with just two suitcases can be a thrilling adventure, but when it comes to maintaining a comfortable yet stylish wardrobe during season changes, the challenge is undeniable. Whether you’re a nomad at heart or simply navigating a limited wardrobe, the key lies in strategic choices and versatile pieces that stand…
Colour trends are constantly on the move, just as fashion trends are too. There are some colours that stay around for longer or are almost always available, such as a version of red, or grey and of course black and white, others come and go at a faster speed. Neutrals (along with red) do tend…
Looking for winter evening outfit ideas that feel stylish, elegant, and warm—without defaulting to black? For some it can be tricky to find winter outfits that feel as put-together as your summer wardrobe, but with a few key styling tips, you can create polished, comfortable looks that stand out in the colder months. If you…
I’ve been asked to show you some examples of using contrast – what is high medium and low contrast, so here are examples and the 7 essential elements you need to know about using contrast. You need to understand your personal contrast levels to then choose the clothing/garments and create outfits using a similar contrast…
Over on my 7 Steps VIP Facebook group, there is lots of talk about colour contrast (and value as well) and how to make sure you have enough colour contrast in an outfit, without ending up wearing lots of different coloured garments (which may not be appropriate in some workplaces or just don’t suit your…
When most women think about building a wardrobe, they default to categories: workwear, casual wear, weekend wear, and special occasion outfits. But this rigid compartmentalisation can create a closet full of clothes with very narrow uses and often, lots of unworn pieces. Instead, I like to ask: Are you celebrating versatility in your daily looks?…
Here are five (count them) new videos and over 60 minutes of colour and style tips and advice! I’d love to answer your questions – join me on my Inside Out Style Facebook page and let me know what you’d like to know! In This Video A shape can I wear tops and jackets that…
Wearing black and dark neutrals has been considered sophisticated and chic for some decades. It used to be that black was only worn by the grieving or for a classy night out in your little black dress (first created by Coco Chanel in the 1920s). These days black has become the safest (and honestly, boring)…
Relaxed Outerwear – Blanket Coats, Ponchos, Ruanas When it comes to layering up, ponchos and ruanas are an ideal choice. They are an alternative to jackets and coats. They’re lightweight enough to work as a cover-up and cozy enough for the cooler weather. So what is the difference between a poncho, blanket wrap, cape and…
Olive or military green seems to be big for the coming season. I’ve picked up both a casual jacket and a pair of cotton pants (NOT cargo style). How would you recommend wearing them, and with what colors, so as not to look too grunge? I’m over 50 with blonde hair and green eyes, and…
In this Video: How to deal with boredom in your outfits and wardrobe when you can’t shop? How to do an inner column of colour without getting bored (particularly in summer when it’s too hot to wear a third piece)? Discuss Matchy Matchy. Matching shoes and accessories. Does this make the eye dart around or…
There are some colours and neutrals we label as “universal”, in that they can be worn by all. That said, the version of each of these colours varies depending on the colour properties of the colour direction. For example, the colour may be brighter or more muted and smoky. It may be a lighter or…
Navy Blue is a colour that seems to get a lot of attention these days. It’s back in fashion (yay!) and makes a great neutral for so many people as it’s way easier to wear than black for the majority of the population. The name came originally from the Royal British Navy and…
Personal Colour Analysis has evolved dramatically since the early 1980s, when Carol Jackson’s Colour Me Beautiful introduced the four-season model to the world. While it was a groundbreaking start, many found that the limited four-season approach didn’t capture the full spectrum of our diverse complexions. In this system, the Summer season is characterised by cool,…
Reader Question: I struggle with the intimidation and non-approachable effect created by being tall, high contrast, and a fairly classic dramatic personality. I dress in medium to low contrast and more muted colours to be approachable and less intimidating but it feels less me. What do you suggest to dress to look more approachable? How…
What are analogous colors? Analogous colors are colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel and share a similar hue. They create a cohesive and harmonious color scheme when used together in design or art. On a colour wheel, these are the colours that are next to each other and they…
How to create a working wardrobe and get the right balance between basics and heroes? Whether those heroes are patterns or items in bold colours or textures that make their own statement it’s worth identifying the right balance or ratio for your wardrobe. This is the topic of discussion I had with Jill Chivers of…
I have a style challenge that I need help with. I am a Spring according to the color theory websites. I am the one season that does not look well in black, in fact, I have given away my black garments with the exception of a black dress that I only wear to funerals. My…
