Styling Tips 101
5 SECONDS TO FABULOUS
How to Balance your Outfits
Contouring your Silhouette
Contouring your Silhouette
Do you have those days when you stand in front of the mirror and can't figure out why your outfit won't work. It's probably because the balance of your outfit is a little off. Dressing for success can help you feel confident and ready to tackle the world. Whether you're dressing for work or assembling a daily wardrobe, dressing for the occasion is important. Always make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle free. Dressing for success don't mean you have to break the bank, so have patience and build your wardrobe gradually.
Dressing your Body Shape
Every women is beautiful no matter what her size and body shape. When we put on that outfit that is meant to fit our own unique figure we feel amazing. Our clothing can highlight our best features and conceal other parts.
Do you find when you go shopping you have those days when you love everything that you try on you love and other days you go home discouraged? I bet you were trying on similar styles and cuts on those days. I can tell you the reason behind those bad shopping days is the lack of awareness of your body shape. When you are fully acquainted with your own body structure, shopping will become much easier. So it's very important to know the different types and what they are.
Now let's figure out what your body type is? So grab a measuring tape. |
1. Bust: Measure the fullest part of your bust 2. Waist: Stand straight and measure the slimmest part of your waist 3. Hips: Here you need to measure the fullest part of your hips |
Lets figure out what your body type is now
1. Apple: This is when you have a heavier upper body in comparison to your lower body. People with this body type usually have bigger shoulders and a larger bust. An example is Catherine Zeta Jones
2. Hourglass: This body type is the most balanced, your measurements will be proportionate for the top and the bottom of your body. This is my body type as my measurements are 34-28-34
3. Pear: this is when your butt and thighs are visually larger than your upper body. An examples is Kim Kardashian
4. Rectangle: A rectangle body is well balanced from the shoulder to the hips, so there is not much definition in your silhouette.
5. Inverted Triangle Body: this is the most athletic looking body type. Your shoulders are much broader than your hips. An example is Angelina Jolie
So now that you know your body type, dressing will become much easier and you will pick out clothing that is made just for you
2. Hourglass: This body type is the most balanced, your measurements will be proportionate for the top and the bottom of your body. This is my body type as my measurements are 34-28-34
3. Pear: this is when your butt and thighs are visually larger than your upper body. An examples is Kim Kardashian
4. Rectangle: A rectangle body is well balanced from the shoulder to the hips, so there is not much definition in your silhouette.
5. Inverted Triangle Body: this is the most athletic looking body type. Your shoulders are much broader than your hips. An example is Angelina Jolie
So now that you know your body type, dressing will become much easier and you will pick out clothing that is made just for you
Apple Body ShapeSince most of the weight is above this hips, your mid area will appear heavier. So this idea here is to take attention away from your mid area and highlight your strengths, like your legs or bust. By wearing a top with a V neckline this will create an illusion of a longer torso.
Goal: To balance out your body and visually draw the eye to your best assets. Because an apple shape does mean that you don't have a very defined waistline, most women make the mistake of covering up and wearing loose clothing. Work with what you have, this is why clinched waistlines and large belts will become your friends The winter and fall season can be the easiest season to dress the Apple shape because you can play with layers to create long, lean lines and skim over your tummy. Most Apple Figures are
Pear Body ShapeThe pear shaped body is all in the lower part of your body. Your butt and thighs are visually bigger than your shoulders and you have a defined waist. So flaunt your figure as you have curves. The advantage of your body is you can easily create the illusion of an hourglass figure if styled correctly. So wear outfits that show off your lower body. So follow your Body's natural body shape.
A simple easy is to wear a boat neck and short sleeves. Balance your top with your bottom, wear tops that accentuate your shoulders . Shoulder pads are back ladies..... Tips for Pear Shaped body
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Hourglass Body Shape, The hourglass body shape is characterized by hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size with a narrower waist and is balanced naturally, your shape looks a bit like an hour glass. . The key to dressing is to follow its natural silhouette. You need to ensure you don't unbalance the body frame by making it either top or bottom heavy. So take advantage of what you have an hourglass shape is beautiful and curvy. :
Goal: Create a visual balance, so that you are able to see the natural line of your body. Your clothing is best to be fitted in the chest, hips and waist to achieve the most flattering and balanced outfits. You want to work with your shape, not against it. This means play into our body strengths and take into consideration our body's proportions when getting dressed. The biggest hurdle is not embracing your curves and trying to hide them under layers, untucked tops and boxy silhouettes. This will make you appear wider. Most Hourglass figures are:
Tips for an Hourglass Body
Rectangle Body Shape The rectangle- shaped body is usually well balanced silhouette. You have equal bust, waist , hip and shoulder measurements . This means your waist is fairly straight rather than curvaceous . Some women can have a little waist definition, but it's tally very slight .
So we need to break the rectangle up. Ladies your arms and legs are your assets so flaunt them. The focus should be defining the waist. This is an easy body type to dress and flatter. So be bold and brave with your choices and have some fun. The rectangle can pull off many styles, but the key is in the details. Don't be afraid to experiment with cuts, colours and prints. The easiest way to break up a rectangle is to wear a lower neckline. Scoop, V-neck and detailed collars help draw the eye away from the broad shoulders and accentuate waistline Tips for Rectangle Body Shape
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Inverted Triangle
The inverted triangle is the most athletic looking body type. Your shoulders are much broader than your hips, so your arms and shoulders need to be enhanced . So you have to remember to add definition to your hips and thus try to focus on creating balance as your hips are narrower than your shoulders. You have little to no waist definition and have great legs. More of a sporty and athletic physique. Our goal is to balance the broader shoulder with the narrower lower body.. We want to add clothing that will add curves to the hips and bottoms while creating a more defined waist.
What to Avoid:
Tips for an Inverted Triangle Body
What to Avoid:
- Skip embellished or strong shoulders. shoulder pads are a no-no as you don't need them.
- Horizontal stripes and thick chunky knitwear that will add bulk to the shoulders
- Double breasted Jackets, and tailored Jackets
- Cropped shirts that end at the waist
Tips for an Inverted Triangle Body
- Pencil Cut skirt is your friend
- Skinny jeans will look amazing
- Neckline should be slim and long , scoop , and V-necks are great
- Avoid wide and low necklines
- Shirts should emphasize the waist so wear simple lines, wrap style tops collar-less, a small collar or peplum will help you create a hip
- Wear skirts that are darling colours than your bottoms
- Wear straight cut and slim fitting sweaters
- For Jackets your best option is a straight cut or a style with waist definitions that flares out at the waist , a belted blazer, Cutaway Blazer, waterfall blazer or Wrap Cardigan in a darker colour.
- Jackets should extend beyond the hip line to balance out the shoulders.
- For a pant look at baggy pants, cuffed, combat, palazzo, flares, culottes, and wide legs pants
- If you want to wear a more slim fitted pant, look at a straight leg as this will balance out your silhouette better than a skinny
- Skirts that add volume to the hops like one with plates, or vertical lines are great
- For dresses you can pull off the strapless dress , shift dress, A-line, panelled waist , pleated , fit and flare
Creating Balance with
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How to wear the Slouchy Oversized LookThe slouchy oversized look is very popular as well as comfortable. But it can look sloppy if it isn't pared with the right bottom. This is where you add a form a form fitting skirt, pant, legging or jean. I call this the triangle effect. Which ever area you choose to do oversized balance with a form fitted piece. Think of this as contouring your silhouette .
How you dress speaks volume about your personality . |
Style tip 102
Use a tape measure for online
shopping.
Outfit Planning
Tip 103
Let's talk outfit planning. Think of outfit planning just like weekly meal planning. If you're trying to save time and stress in the mornings give outfit planning a shot. So set your alarm a little later as you won't have to spend time on what to wear. Think about your week and what you have planned.
Embrace your style comfort. Remember comfort breeds confidence. So when outfit planning wearing what you feel comfortable in will positively impact your ability to show your best self.
This is where having basics in your wardrobe will help you. With basics everything goes together. I find sticking to neutral colours is a good place to start. And everyone of us need a good pair of black dress pants and a great pair of fitted jeans. I always start with;
-2 skirts
-2 pants
-2 dresses
Now Add tops. I find simple cuts and basic colours and styles are best.
Next
-2 Blazers
-2 cardigans
-2 sweaters
I find it easier to hang my outfits all together including accessories. This way you won't be stressed as everything will be ready cleaned and pressed.
Here are some Basics we all need in our wardrobe:
Dressing for Success in the office
Tips 104
Although there is general guidelines for what to wear in an office setting, times have changed. Office attire has become a grey area.
Honing in on your job's dress code will not only help you appropriately dress for your office, but a powerful professional wardrobe can lead you down the path to success.
Studies have long demonstrated that people make a judgement based on their first impressions of you within the first seven seconds of interaction. What this means is that whether you're on a job interview, at a business meeting, or attending a networking event, you have just a few seconds to make a good first impression and establish yourself as the successful person you strive to be. COCO CHANEL once said "Dress shabbily and the remember the dress: dress impeccably and they remember the women". This means dressing impeccably each and every time you walk out the door.
Studies have shown that people who dress well have more confidence, feel more powerful and are more focused on details. You don't want to miss an opportunity because you don't look successful.
A tip that always is missed is your belt should match or coordinate with your shoes.
Keep it simple, accessories should be just a little extra, not too distracting or showy.
Keep it clean, make sure clothing is clean and pressed. Invest in a suit jacket that is tailored for your build.
Organize and Edit your Closet
Tip 105
Ladies if you can't see what you own, it makes it difficult to create a fabulous outfit.
First you need to declutter your clothing, shoes and accessories
You need a clear, clean space to re-organize your closet. So you need to Empty and Clean it out.
This is a good time to look at Closet storage solutions. Amazon has some great pieces. I rotate my closet season too season.
Keep: Hold on to pieces that you love and wear often
Tailor/Alter: Do you have those good quality pieces that don't fit so they stay in the back of your closet? All women need a great tailor. Get it altered to fit your body.
Consign: this is for those pieces that are in good condition and that are good quality that don't fit you or fit into your life.
Donate: These items should be in good shape and are gently used
Toss: Clothing to trash would include anything stained, ripped or out of style.
When your trying to decide whether or not to keep something, its helpful to ask yourself these questions
1. Do you love it?
2. Do you wear it?
3. Does it project the image you want to portray?
*if the answer is yes to all three of these, then place it in the "keep pile".
*if you're having a hard time then create a "maybe pile" and revisit it later. 'FYI: If you don't look at this item for six months then it should be donated.
The Little Black Dress
Style Tips 106
One is Never |
The little Black DressClassic, Simple and Elegant . This is one staple what every women needs in their wardrobe. The Little Black Dress was introduced by COCO CHANEL , But it was Audrey Hepburn who make this look famous in the film breakfast at Tiffany's . Before the 1920's wearing black was reserved only for when in mourning. All this changed when COCO CHANEL'S short simple black dresses on the cover of VOGUE MAGAZINE in October 1926. This dress was comprised of Jersey material. This is the dress that will get you out of trouble when you have nothing to wear to a last-minute event. A simple black dress is easily accessorized. The LBD has remained popular as its intended to be long lasting, affordable and widely accessible.
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Style tips # 107
Tuxedo Blazers
Most important, always focus on the fit. This is where a good tailor will come in handy. It should fit close to your body, hug your frame, skin and curves properly. This blazer should NOT FIT LIKE A MANS BLAZER. There is so much history when it comes to fashion. In 1929 Gladys Bentley was a trend setter wearing a white tuxedo. She was a bold women who didn't see the need to conform , she pushed the fashion boundaries on the stage. |
As far as wardrobe staples go, the tuxedo jacket will give you an elegant and timeless style. It's a sophisticated look and can be worn day or night. Whether you wear jeans, pencil skirt or suit pants, a tuxedo jacket will always fit for any occasion. This look won't date, its stayed relevant since the 1920's. |
Style Tip #108
It is important for us all to have a good seamstress.
When your clothes don't fit, it's hard to be comfortable. An experienced tailored are able to adjust clothing by a size up or down. You can keep the clothing that you have and they will be adjusted specially for your body..
For you Victoria Residents I will share my Seamstress with you.
Elsie Grimes
Ph: 250-658-0042
Style Tip #109
Concept of Thirds
How many times have you gotten dressed and you look in the mirror and know that something is off with your outfit. Well the answer to this is that it many be the proportions that are not working in favour of your body type.
This Concept is simple; When combining an outfit, the top should constitute 1/3 of the total length and 2/3 dedicated to the bottom half. The length of the body is calculated from shoulders to heels. When combining separate pieces do keep in mind the simple rule of thirds. This is an Aesthetically pleasing outfit rule: the Golden Ratio. The concept of thirds is a concept in Visual art and its a basic guideline for making images more appealing. It's breaking up the body into uneven proportions. Understanding the concept of thirds when it comes to dressing this will help you put together flattering outfits. The key is to pay attention to the outfit you're wearing and divide the outfit into thirds. |
Coco Chanel once said:
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Fashion is a visual medium. When trying to identify the most proportionally pleasing styles, consider the golden ratio- between one piece of clothing and another, or between one piece of clothing and your height.
If You look at this look you can see , just by shortening the top, this basic outfit looks immediately more balanced and portion on the body.
I think you will find that your favourite outfits fit into this ratio proportions. It's all about balance and it does take practise. Think of dressing as creating an optical illusion. An uneven proportion creates interest. The 1/3-2/3 can make you appear taller or shorter depending where you put the focus. If your Petite: Put the focus around your face by downplaying the rest of your look. This will draw the eye up. This can be done by using a necklace or scarf. High-Waisted Bottoms: The come back of the high-waisted style is one of the best trends in the petite fashion world. It effectively elevates your waistline thus elongates your bottom half and makes your legs look longer instantly. Get Your Sleeve Lengths right! Its all in the detail ladies |
If you're tall: Focus on the mid section in a way that chops you up. This will make you appear short
Some Easy tips to help;
Some Easy tips to help;
- A belt is an easy way to break up an outfit.
- . Tuck in your top
- Add a cropped Jacket
- Or add a longer cardigan
As the Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio its used in architecture and art. It's commonly found in nature, when used in design, it fosters organic and natural looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. An example is the Sunflower.
When applied to design, the Golden Ratio provides a sense of artistry.
It's of little surprise that the rule of thirds have been widely used for some of the most visually pleasing aesthetics in the world.
When applied to design, the Golden Ratio provides a sense of artistry.
It's of little surprise that the rule of thirds have been widely used for some of the most visually pleasing aesthetics in the world.
Use this concept to find the most flattering Hemline .
Simple Styling can change the look of a simple outfit.
You can see when I have the top untucked the ratio is 1/2-1/2. This look makes me look short. By simply tucking in the shirt, it changes the look and it becomes more flattering to my figure.