BELT UP!

Fashionworld

On a recent trip to the Roman ruins of Pompeii,  I discovered that collars and belts were worn by slaves as a mark of ownership.  The quality of the slaves' clothing varied depending on the status and wealth of their owners.

Thankfully, belts are not used for the same purpose anymore but they are definitely a desirable and outfit enhancing accessory that most women should aim to have in their wardrobe. A simple belt can totally transform an outfit and if you pick one in a colour or print that's on trend, it can give you an instant update without having to buy a new outfit. Cinching a belt on a floaty dress or over a suit can create a sleek and flattering silhouette and wearing one over a slouchy tee makes it a little more dressy. Added to a bulky sweater it makes for a more streamline look.

New Look

Defining the waist is very much on trend for A/W 17 and that's good news for me because I 

love wearing belts and have a range of different styles and colours.   Many women, however,  lack confidence in wearing belts and I am often asked "should I wear a belt" or "what type of belt should I wear?" Firstly, I would advise that if you have a definite waist then yes you should wear belts. If you don't have a defined waist, then they are a few guidelines to remember:

Topshop

• Experiment with belt styles and placement and ask yourself (or a trusted friend) whether it adds or detracts to your silhouette or outfit.

• If you have a full bust, protruding tummy or wide hips then stick to narrow belts, fastened loosely. Choose belt colours that are the same colour as your outfit and avoid any shiny or bejewelled styles.

Jigsaw

• A narrow sash belt that sits on the waist, with the ends left loose to create a vertical line,  could flatter wide hips, a protruding tummy and short legs. 

• The OBI belt could  be flattering for short legs and long waists but not for rounder tums or wide shoulders. 

OBI by Hobbs

• If you have dominant shoulders, full bust or short waist, a narrow sash belt  that sits on the hips would be a good choice. 

• A wide waist belt will work for long waists  but not for short waists, full busted figures or those with a rounded tummy.

Debenhams

• Short waists will benefit from a contoured belt that drops away at the centre but will not be flattered by one that points upwards. If you are long waisted this works the opposite way around.  If you have a short waist, match the colour of the belt to your trousers or skirt. Again the opposite works if you are long waisted, select a belt in  contrast to your outfit.

New Look

• A note to petites (that's me included) don't let people tell you that you shouldn't wear belts or only wear  self fabric belts to create a continuous line. The positive addition of wearing a belt far outweighs any negative effect. Follow the tips above and find out what suits you best. 

• I dislike plastic belts even when they come attached to an outfit. 

Hail, the belt!

photos: www.prshots,com

GET YOUR SOCKS ON, GET YOUR SOCKS ON!

I personally love socks - there's something comforting about wrapping your tootsies in cashmere or silk and with clever fabric technology you can find socks to keep your feet warm or cool. They're practical and help to keep shoes fresh and prevent rubbing and chafing.  

The Greeks and the Romans wore socks and in the Middle Ages, they were probably a status symbol for the nobility of Europe.  What we have always considered to be the ultimate sartorial sin of wearing socks with sandals was something the Egyptians frequently  did.  

 

Down the centuries, men have always been able to express their style and individuality through their stockings and socks and as trousers and jeans have become shorter, men have had even more opportunity to punctuate their look by revealing a statement sock, however, it wasn't until  the time of Queen Elizabeth I that stockings became popular with women.

PRShots/New Look

Tights and stockings remain popular with women and  some outfits demand a 'dressed leg',  however, the humble ankle sock has really been confined to the gym or playground but fashion is a fickle mistress and it would appear we are about to have a sock moment. Copying the likes of Gucci, socks are an affordable and easy way to replicate the 'runway look'. 

PRShots/Primark

It's not for everyone but don't knock it till you've tried it!

CLEVER LITTLE LAYERS

One minute it's 22 degrees, the next it's 7! This time of year always plays havoc with our wardrobe choices and we are either too hot or too cold.   This year my camisoles and tanks have proved to be some of the hardest working items in my wardrobe. They've given me that extra layer of warmth under a shirt or sweater and when things have hotted up, I've simply removed one of the layers. I fondly remembering wearing a vest in my childhood and camisoles have become my grown up version of that underwear staple. 

It's not just about comfort, these versatile little layers can make a big style impact too, from amping up a dull trouser suit, lending simplicity to a more flamboyant outfit or by adding a feminine touch to boyfriend jeans.

So, humble cami I commend thee:

• It can be layered under a shirt, blouse, sweater or jacket
• If you're apple shape, pop one under a chiffon blouse to skim over your midriff
• Even the drabbest of suits can be transformed by a glittery or lacy cami

  

  Monsoon

• It offers modesty under lower necklines 
• It brings a touch of femininity and glamour when worn with more masculine items

Long Tall Sally 

• Just the ticket under a statement outfit

Dorothy Perkins

• Layer under a soft comfy cardigan or sweater for relaxing at home
• Pair with PJ's for extra warmth or in the warmer weather team with soft touch shorts

Boux Avenue

• 

  Boux Avenue

• Some, Anthropologie's tanks for instance, come with reversible necklines www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/reversible-seamless-tank
• Some have hidden support or control built in

Marisota

•  They come in many colours, fabrics and finishes

Very

Another clever layer for all you ladies who don't like to reveal your arms but feel you're missing out on sleeveless dresses and tops. Try sheer 'shadow sleeves' from Joseph Ribkoff or Gina Bacconi - they're brilliant for concealing arms and can also be used to extend the seasonal wearability of a sleeveless garment .

 Photos: Courtesy of www.prshots.com except bottom two which are my own

JEANIUS!

Betty Barclay

Cotton Traders

Whether they're for workwear, laid-back daytime casual or glammed up evening, blue denim jeans deserve a drum roll as one of the most versatile garments in history. Trends come and go but there is always a place for denim, be it a classic pair of Levi's or the latest high-street embroidered version. 

No matter how many fabulous clothes you have in your wardrobe, if you've got a great fitting pair of jeans, the chances are they're your favourite, go to item of clothing.  You probably wear them more than anything else and they represent the best value for money in your closet.  

Finding the right pair of jeans means a little bit of research. It's worth spending time and effort trying on different brands, styles and cuts to work out what suits you best. If you are going to be wearing them on a regular basis, invest in a pair (or pairs) that are going to give a you a good return for your money.

Here's my advice for jeans that flatter:

* Find the right style and cut to flatter your body.
* Find out which details and finishes are flattering for you (dark rinses are more slimming, vertical creases lengthen, turn-ups can shorten, pockets can add bulk, whiskering can widen, fading can highlight).
* Try styles in both smaller and bigger sizes to find the perfect fit.
* Take the shoes with you that you intend to wear with your jeans. Buy a couple of pairs of jeans in different lengths to cater for various heel heights/occasions.
*Use accessories and fashionable items to update your jeans. A fabulous, eye catching jacket can upscale the look of your jeans as can a glitzy top and high heels take them from casual to glamorous.

Matalan

Curvy?

Look for a bit of stretch with a bootcut, straight or flared leg. High waists will lengthen legs and flatten tummies.  Avoid loose, slouchy cuts. Dark washes are the most slimming.  Opt for clean lines and minimal detailing. Finding a pair that fit on the hips and bum sometimes means a gap on the waistline so find a tailor to nip it in for you. Take a look at Levis and Salsa ranges.

Petite?

Skinny jeans and ankle length styles will flatter petites. If you prefer a bootcut style then always wear with heels. Look out for vertical details (like a front crease) which will help to elongate the leg. A natural waistline is often the best. Check out petite ranges and brands that offer shorter leg lengths.

Tummy?

Opt for a higher waistband or one that sits slightly lower than your natural waistline. Avoid any waistband that sits at or digs in at your belly button. Bootcut styles will balance out proportions and a dark rinse will be most flattering. A skinny jean will emphasise a top heavy body.

Big Bottom?

A bootcut in a dark wash is best. Avoid small rear pockets and embellishments which will make the bottom look bigger and instead, choose larger, centred pockets.

Flat Bottom?

Look for details and embellishments on the rear pockets to give the illusion of more. Smaller, high pockets will also help make the bottom look bigger.  Avoid boyfriend styles and opt instead for a slim cut that hugs your backside.

Long Legs?

Long Tall Sally

If you've got long legs and a short body, a lower rise will balance out proportions. Avoid high waisted styles.  A top worn on the outside will also balance proportions. Look out for brands that cater for longer leg lengths. 
Try Long Tall Sally, M&S, J Brand.

So what's new for 2017?

• Vertical details such as creases & stripes                 
• Raw Hems                           
• Embroidery

Stripes from Topshop

Front Seam detail from Next

    Vertical details can elongate and slim the leg. Great for petites. 

Raw Hems from Very

  Raw edges and rips will interest those who like an edgier vibe to their denim

Dorothy Perkins

Embroidery will  appeal to those who want to add some femininity to their look. Embroidery can also be used to add bulk to those areas where you want to create a bit more oomph, details on rear pockets will boost a flat bottom.

All photos courtesy of www.prshots.com

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?

Many clients cite 'too much choice' or 'feel overwhelmed' as reasons for disliking or putting off shopping. You could, of course, hire me to help steer you through the minefield of options available but with a little bit of know how and research, you can determine your own needs before stepping out the door or hitting the search button!

Basic rule is to think about what works for you and for this you need to look  at your lifestyle and personal style. 

Lifestyle refers to where and how you live, work and play. The weather, your job, your social life, hobbies and budget determine many of your clothing needs and these can change throughout life.
For example, If you work as a full time landscape gardener, most of your wardrobe will comprise  practical clothes that are going to protect you from the environment. A much smaller proportion of your wardrobe will be given to dresses and high heels. 

Personal Style refers to your personality, body shape and proportions and your colouring. I've referred to dressing for your body shape and colour and the art of shopping in previous posts so you can check those out if you want to learn more but here I want to focus on your personality. 

What kind of dresser are you? Do you like to show off or to you prefer to be more subtle? Do you put comfort before fashion? Do you want to flaunt your femininity?

Your choice of pattern, colour, texture and style is down to your personality. Your preferences will determine the types of clothes you like to wear, feel most comfortable in and express your individuality. By understanding these preferences you can work out which brands of clothing will suit you best and which shops are going to cater for your style. By learning about other styles of dressers you can also ring the changes to your own style and give yourself a fresh look. Knowing the pros and cons of the different styles of dressing means you will get the best out of your own style, help you avoid getting stuck in a rut and enable you to look up-to-date and current. 

Look at the examples below and figure out which describes you best. If you are a 'Natural' dresser and you want to be more dramatic, look at the words used to describe that dresser and next time you shop try to incorporate something that would illustrate that type of dresser. 


DRAMATIC: The key word is attention. Dramatic dressers come in two main types; the high maintenance and follower of trends and fashion and the highly individualised approach to dressing. Dramatic dressers like to make a statement and like unusual, bolder or oversized jewellery and accessories. They like colour, colour combinations, large or abstract prints and textures. The silhouette may be overall or in part exaggerated. Hair and make up are definite. 

At best the dramatic dresser can have high impact and glamour that grabs attention. At worst can have a confused or chaotic look.

Bound to be noticed with on trend cut away shoulders & glamorous leather skirt.

CLASSIC: The key word is timeless. Classic dressers prefer to look smart and well groomed. Emphasis is often placed on quality and style rather than quantity and fashion. They go for structure, tailoring and co-ordination. Colour combinations, accessories, jewellery and make up are carefully selected but understated not overstated. 

At best the classic dresser can look sharp, smart, groomed and stylish.At worst can look outdated, boring or frumpy.

ROMANTIC: The key word is femininity.  Romantic dressers prefer more unstructured, softer lines and styles which give movement and fluidity. They like pretty blouses and skirts rather than plain shirts and trousers. Colour choice is usually pastel and prints, floral and small. They like ruffles, ribbons, bows, embroidery and embellishment. Jewellery is usually delicate, curvaceous and pretty and accessories usually have details. Make up is usually natural and pretty and hair may be longer.

At best the romantic dresser can look feminine and alluring.

At worst can look girly and frilly.

NATURAL: The key word is comfort. Natural dressers have a more relaxed approach which can be pared down to a minimalist look. Not usually prepared to sacrifice comfort for fashion or style. Tend to use neutral colours, plains not prints. They like unstructured styles and prefer looser fits to tighter fits. They like touchy feely textures and natural, soft fabrics. Make-up is usually natural and minimal and hair easy maintenance.

At best the natural dresser can look chic and elegant.
At worst can look scruffy and under groomed.

SPORTY: The key word is practical. Sporty dressers have a practical approach to dressing and put comfort and clothes they can move in before fashion and style. They like jeans and jean cut trousers, gilets, jumpers, practical style jackets, unisex styles and high tec fabrics. Some sporty dressers never wear skirts or dresses and won’t aspire to an overtly sexy or glamorous look even for evening or party wear. Make-up is usually little or none and hair is usually short and low maintenance.
At best the sporty dresser can look youthful, gamine and energetic.
At worst can be look too casual, boyish and unfeminine.




Photos courtesy of www.prshots.com

IT'S A COVER UP JOB!

It feels like it’s been a bumper summer for weddings and special occasion dressing.  Several friends, as well as clients, have asked my advice on outfits. The majority wanted to go with a dress but time and time again we found what might have been the perfect dress if only it had sleeves! Designers listen up!

It’s a common complaint, especially in the summertime and many women feel uncomfortable about showing their arms citing sagging skin, fat arms, thin arms, uneven texture and of course bingo wings. So, we have to be sleeve savvy and think of ways of wearing sleeveless but concealing those less than perfectly toned arms.

Lace Dress by Studio Eight

Try these options:

Sheer, lace or crocheted sleeves which give a hint of skin.

A shrug or cropped jacket.

Pashmina or shawl.

Cropped Jacket by Laura Ashley

Pashmina from Cashmere Rebel

And what about sleeves in general?
The length, style and shape of a sleeve impacts on your body shape and proportions. 

Where there’s a line the eye will rest so bear in mind that:

Short sleeves draw attention to the bust

3/4 sleeves draw attention to the waist 

7/8 and long sleeves draw attention to the hips (and away from the bust and waist)

3/4 sleeve dress from Studio Eight

Long sleeve T from the Pure Collection

Short sleeve T from the Pure Collection

If you’ve got thin arms:

Cover with longer sleeves.

Avoid clingy fabrics and full, bulky sleeves which just make thin arms look thinner.

Beware of armholes that are too big and hang too low.

Try a slight puff sleeve or sleeve details such as ties and bows which will add volume.

Get rid of big voluminous sleeves which look as if you can’t fill them.

Horizontal details will make the arm look fuller.

Horizontal stripes from La Redoute

Tie sleeves from La Redoute

Jewellery tip! Wear a fine bracelet, a chunky bracelet will make your arm look thinner.

If you’ve got heavy arms:

Bell sleeve dress from Very

Opt for a  sleeve that is relaxed rather than loose. Avoid tight and clingy.

Choose at least 3/4 length and avoid short sleeves especially those with cuffs.
Try a long bell sleeve (unless you have wide hips/large thighs).
Avoid bulky sleeves and texture.

Avoid horizontal stripes and instead look out for vertical stripes to give a slimmer look.

Jewellery tip! Go for a chunky, heavier bracelet which will make your arm appear slimmer.

Vertical stripes from La Redoute

A cap sleeve and horizontal stripes will draw attention away from wide hips and emphasise the shoulders and upper body. Avoid this style if you have dominant shoulders or big bust.
Top from La Redoute

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Pushing your sleeves up to 3/4 length can make your legs appear longer!

La Redoute

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com