ARE YOU DIVIDED ON THIS ONE?

The fashion forward amongst us will have already been out and purchased their culottes! High street retailers are full of ‘divided skirts’ and are reporting strong sales.  They can be found in styles from casual to tailored, in an array of fabrics from denim to leather and in various colours and prints. For the younger fashion crowd, ASOS are doing matching bralets and culottes.

House of Fraser

It's a trend that dates back to mid nineteenth century when women needed a long split skirt so that they could ride horses astride rather than side saddle. They gained popularity because they also gave women freedom of movement to play tennis, ride a bike and work in the garden and yet still look as if they were wearing a skirt.

Can I wear them? Basically, a pair of culottes creates a similar shape to an A-line skirt so if you like that shape and it works for you, then go ahead!  They can create the illusion of a waist. 

If you are petite, keep the amount of material in proportion and avoid too much volume. If you are thinking of investing in a pair for the office, a tailored pair with a shirt tucked in would work well and if it’s an evening outfit you are planning, you can team them with a cropped top and stilettos. 

It's also worth remembering a few guidelines when it comes to choosing colour and pattern.

Vertical lines- the eye will follow an unbroken line up and down so creating the impression of length so great for petites.

Horizontal lines - cause the eye to stop and scan from side to side creating the impression of widening and shortening.

Very.co.uk

Wallis

If you have wider hips than shoulders, avoid heavily patterned culottes and instead work the colour or pattern on your top half.
Lighter colours reflect light and so make things look larger.
Shiny fabrics and finishes also reflect the light so make things look larger.
Darker colours absorb light and make things look smaller.
Matt fabrics and finishes also absorb light so things can appear smaller/slimmer.
Therefore, if you want to make parts of your body seem larger wear lighter coloured or shinier fabrics. If you want to make parts of your body seem smaller choose darker coloured, matt fabrics.

Phase Eight

THANKS BOYS, IT WOULD BE RUDE NOT TO!

There are some wardrobe staples for which we can thank our men folk. Whilst I am not suggesting going full on with the borrowed-from-the-boys look, there is no harm in being inspired by and taking a page from the menswear book!

The Motorcycle Jacket
You may choose the classic black biker jacket but you could also opt for a more feminine pastel like this one from Wallis. Wear over a dress or pleated skirt and if you want to give a tougher look, finish with a pair of ankle boots.

The  Classic Trench
Chic and stylish, the trench has been the outerwear choice for years. A perennial classic, it's versatile and practical and goes with jeans as well as cocktail dresses. We have come to associate the trench coat with beige but there are coloured trenches to choose from and there are different versions available to flatter all body shapes.

Trench from La Redoute

The Chunky Sweater
Who doesn't love to borrow their beau's cosy sweater? It pairs easily with denim for a laid back look but it can look dressed up when worn with a floaty skirt. Just be careful about the amount of texture to a sweater. If you are petite go for a lighter weight knit so that it doesn't swamp you and likewise if you are heavy on the top be careful to choose one that doesn't add extra pounds.

Sweater from Next

The Tuxedo
Launched by Yves Saint Laurent, the tuxedo suit is among one of the most useful things a woman can have in her wardrobe. Wear with a silky camisole or lacy bra for a smouldering look or if it's a retro look you're after, wear with a ruffle blouse. A great alternative to an evening dress! Keep accessories sleek and ladylike. 

Tuxedo by Curvissa

Trousers
It's not that long ago when trousers were frowned upon in the workplace but almost nearly every woman I know now has a few pairs of trousers in her wardrobe. Practical, comfortable and versatile, trousers are about refined ease.  A great fitting pair of trousers can be extremely flattering and elegant and a trouser suit can look very polished. Paired with the right top there is no reason to forgo femininity.

Trouser Suit by Long Tall Sally

The Brogue
A pair of brogues can give a cool vibe to an outfit and whilst they can look great with trousers or jeans, they can also lend a kicked back chic to a floaty dress or a pair of tailored shorts. Pastel colours are feminine and patent leather will look dressier than a matt leather.

Dune

Office

Linzi

The Trilby
For many wearing a hat is confined to attending a wedding but as well as rescuing a bad hair day, a hat can add a flourish to an outfit. The jaunty trilby can add an extra dimension to a floral dress and bring glamour to a fur gilet.

Trilby by Boticca

All photos courtesy of  www.prshots.com

Fabulous 50

In last month's post I commented on the report that claimed that women over the age of 50 felt let down by high street retailers. I gave my reasons as to why I think women in this age group struggle to find what they are looking for.  This month I want to share my tips for  for clever dressing and grooming regardless of age!

Body shaping slip by
Marks and Spencer

UNDERWEAR: What you wear underneath makes a big difference. Go for a bra fitting service and invest in some great underwear that will smooth out bulges and help your posture.

Body shaping camisole by Marisota

         COLOUR: Get some colour in your life. Image consultants can help you find the most flattering colours for your skin tone and hair colour. The right colours can bring out the colour of your eyes and make you appear slimmer, taller, fresher and younger.

Outfit from M&Co

Tunic layered under sweater both by Betty Barclay

LAYERING: Learn to layer. A great option for those women who suffer from changes in body temperature. Open collars and lower necklines will also help reduce heat. 

Marks and Spencer

ACCESSORISE: Pay attention to detail. Accessories can make a huge difference. They can upgrade and update an outfit instantly and they are useful for drawing attention to a best feature or deflecting it away from one that's not so good.

Confident curves range by Isme

CUT & FINISH: Choosing the correct size, cut, style, texture and pattern is essential. Complement the line of your body by using similar lines in your clothing. Curvier body lines benefit from a contour in the pattern or drape in the fabric.

Wallis

TRENDS: Buy into fashion if it suits you. If this fur waistcoat ticks all your style boxes then go ahead and buy it but don't buy it just because it's trendy. Buy modern classics that you can pepper with one trend.

Body illusion dress by Isme

         ILLUSION: Use attention diverting tactics to distract or attract the eye to the parts of your  body you least like or like the most. You can also create illusions with colours and lines as seen here in this dress. If you've got great legs go ahead and raise your hemline. Just because you've turned 50 doesn't mean you can't wear short skirts or low tops, just don't do them together. A shorter hemline with opaque tights and flat shoes can look modern and fun. If denim jeans suit you go ahead and style them with a classy tailored jacket. 

          See my blog of March 2014 "Count Your Blessings" 

       

        HAIR & MAKE-UP: Overhaul your make-up. If you are still wearing the same eyeshadow and lipstick from 30 years ago it's time to update the colours and how you apply it. Is your hairstyle working for you? Discuss your haircut and colour with your hairdresser and make sure you have the right style for your face shape, type of hair and lifestyle.

New Look

FURTHER ADVICE: Magazine articles, TV programmes and personal shoppers within retailers can help but to really find out what works for you, consider having a personal consultation with an image consultant.They will advise you on your body shape and proportions and explain which styles and colours work best for you. They can review and edit your existing wardrobe and help you to co-ordinate your outfits. They can also help you shop and will introduce you to labels and retailers to help you refute the idea that women over 50 don't have choice.

All photographs courtesy of www.prshots.com

Fashion Fails Women 50+

A recent research study into fashion for mature women found that women over the age of 50 reported feeling let down by retailers. 61% said they felt their age group was forgotten by the high street and 66% said they would like to see more choice for their age group.

I have clients ranging in age from 14 to 85  and they all want the same outcomes, irrespective of their age. They want to look stylish and smart and wear clothes that fit and flatter them. They want to feel confident and enjoy a range of outfits that are appropriate to their lifestyle. 

So is there a problem? I agree that this older age group is not so well represented in advertising and on the television and cinema. In fact, I have trawled through hundreds of images from retailers to find pictures for this post and I couldn't find any! Women over 50 are one of the powerful consumer groups, spending more than £2.5bn per season on fashion, so advertisers, listen up, you're missing a trick. We have come a long way in changing attitudes towards size and we need to do the same about age. There are lots of role models to choose from and we need to remind the world that great style is possible at any age.

I believe that there is plenty of choice on the high street but it is not being marketed to 50+ ladies, even those brands that know their target audience is probably in this age range. I also think that there are other reasons  why women reach this conclusion. I've discussed the subject with my colleagues and clients and together we came up with a number of influencing factors:

• We've been told for years that men become distinguished with age whereas women just age!
• Change in body shape following childbirth and menopause may mean rethinking what suits.
• Fear of dressing younger than their years or fear of appearing frumpy.
• Neglected their own needs because priority has been given to needs of others e.g. children, teenagers, elderly parents. 
• Family and friends can influence in a positive way but they can also be negative.
• Loss of confidence following ill health or loss of a loved one, the likelihood of which unfortunately increases with age. 
• Tendency to compare to younger people or younger selves.

Now it's time to give these factors a positive makeover!

• The idea that men become more attractive with age.  To concur with this statement does little to help our gender. Could this 'attractiveness'  be something to do with the fact that men generally become successful and powerful with age. Their achievements and experience are celebrated. Hello, successful business ladies out there and hello to all the great Mums out there who chose to have a different career.
• Your body may have changed in size, shape and appearance but weight management, fitness regimens and healthy eating all mean that we can take some control of the way our bodies function and clever dressing can change the way we look. No one is perfect so don't fret if you have a tummy or wobbly thighs. 
• We all age differently and whilst some women will feel comfortable in wearing a shorter skirt another won't. There is no reason why a woman shouldn't wear what she wants, it's how she wears it that is more important. Dubious choices are rah rah skirts, thigh high spiky boots and dungarees but basically if your figure can take it, it's your choice.
• Women of 50+ usually have more disposable income and can afford to spend on themselves. Constraints on time should be less and it's perfectly acceptable to spend some time looking after oneself.
• The only person you need permission from to feel good about yourself is YOU! Finding out what works for you is the one of the best gifts you can give yourself. If you're funky and dynamic you want to reflect that in your clothing. Prim suits and matching shoes & handbags are not going  to do it for you and will instantly suggest frumpy.
• Loss and trauma are inevitable as we age but we can give ourselves a better chance of recovery by looking after ourselves and doing things that give us a boost and raise our self esteem. Looking good and feeling good is part of rebuilding that self confidence and resilience.
• "Comparison is the thief of joy" I love this quote by Theodore Roosevelt and there are many more similar quotes, such as "look in the mirror.. that's your competition". By all means admire people and be inspired by others but  don't compare, ultimately be your beautiful, unique self.

IN MY NEXT POST I'LL BE LOOKING AT WAYS IN WHICH WOMEN OVER 50 CAN LOOK GREAT.

Meanwhile, have a great New Year and best wishes for 2015.

TREND: UTILITARIAN

KEY PIECE: PARKA

Dunnes Stores £65

The parka has become one of our favourite outerwear pieces and with good reason. It's practical, cosy and versatile. Outdoor and rugged one minute and dressy the next. 

Miss Selfridge £65

La Redoute £75

HOW TO WEAR IT

Think about throwing it over evening wear. Keep it in the same colour family so that it looks as if you've given it some thought rather than just grabbed the nearest coat from your cloakroom.

Miss Selfridge

If you prefer a more ladylike look, keep an eye open for dressier fabrics such as silk and satin. A cinched waist will also help to give it a more feminine shape and details such as leather sleeves or pockets will add interest.

Curvissa £85

You don't have to pop the hood. Be playful and add a coloured knit hat for a sporty look.

Lipsy £14

KEY PRINT: CAMOUFLAGE

Camouflage print remains as popular as ever because its neutral enough to be versatile. Camo doesn’t have to be masculine; you will find the print on heels, ladylike bags and dresses whilst luxury fabrics also give a more feminine edge.

Michael Kors at House of Fraser £260

Missguided £39.99

Gerry Weber £85

Elevate these jeans by pairing with a ladylike jacket or blazer. 













Camo isn't drab when you add a pop of colour!

Gerry Weber £95

Miss Selfridge £35

Teamed with a pencil skirt or tailored trousers this jacket could make you queen of the office jungle.

Gerry Weber £160

A word of caution. Be subtle - if you go overboard with the print you will look as if you are in the military!

THANKS TO WWW. PRSHOTS.COM FOR ALL PHOTOS

BACK TO SCHOOL

A phone call from a friend prompted me to write this post. She was upset after a tussle with her 11 year old daughter about having to wear school uniform. For many youngsters last week's return to school no doubt brought excitement and fear in equal measure, especially for those about to start 'big school'.  Social media was plastered with proud parents showing pictures of uniformed youngsters. However, the school uniform can be one of the most stressful aspects for parents and children alike.

Wearing a daily uniform often coincides with the age at which we often feel self conscious and worry about body image. Fear of social rejection and concern that our appearance is in question may lead to avoiding situations and missing out on fun activities and making new friends. A poor body image often results in low self-esteem and negative thoughts can lead to eating disorders. Bullies often use appearance as a means to direct their jibes and torment, making school life a misery for some pupils.

Add to this the external influences such as magazines, advertising, film, television and the fashion industry, it's no wonder that parents and children find it one of the most challenging aspects of school life.

prshots.com/marksandspencer

So what can we do to help the transition go a little more smoothly? 

It's important to explain to your child that wearing a uniform has many advantages:

• it removes the decision about what to wear saving time, effort, worry and energy
• it gives a sense of belonging to a team & community
• it's a means of identification 
• it's less expensive in the long run than having to buy a range of clothing
• it removes some of the peer pressure about following fashion & trends
• it's the same for everyone irrespective of individual budgets
• it's practical and usually easy care
• it gets children used to a dress code and standard of dress which they may encounter in future careers
• it allows children to get more excited about 'out of school' clothes which gives them the opportunity to express their individuality

Your school will be able to advise you about where and what to buy. High street stores and supermarkets have made school uniforms affordable for everyone and many schools and parent groups have pre loved items for sale. Involve your child in the process and make sure that all items are comfortable to wear. Get them excited about the idea of wearing a uniform, reiterating the advantages. Encourage them to take pride in their clothing and make sure they know the basics of good grooming.

If you have any concerns you should discuss them with your school who will have encountered most issues involving uniforms including bullying. 

If you would like further information about body image and self-esteem take a look at the Dove self-esteem project http://www.dove.co.uk/en/Our-Mission/Dove-Self-Esteem-Project-Get-Involved/default.aspx an excellent resource for schools and parents.

I also offer a workshop for young people that is designed to help them understand that we are all unique and come in different shapes and sizes. It looks at the way in which we are constantly being fed unrealistic and unhealthy images of ideal bodies and faces and it helps them to gain perspective when exposed to these factors. Contact details are at the top of the page.

LOOKING THE BUSINESS!

One of my clients this week was a young woman who had recently completed her studies, gained her professional qualifications and had secured her dream job. She admitted that, during her studies, clothing hadn’t been a priority and that a casual wardrobe had seen her through university and most of her social outings. She pointed out that for her job interviews she had purchased a reasonably priced dress but realised that full time employment in a professional environment meant that she needed to give consideration to her working wardrobe.

So what is a working wardrobe? It’s two things: 1. a wardrobe that fulfils the demands of your lifestyle and allows you to express your personality and 2. a wardrobe of clothes that are appropriate for your work and help you to showcase your skills, competence and value in the workplace.

Being well groomed, smart and comfortable gives you confidence and reflects reliability and trustworthiness, qualities that you would want to project to your boss, client or colleague. Giving the right impression and paying attention to detail can pay dividends. Scuffed or dirty shoes could infer that your work could be shoddy and your attitude unprofessional. The bottom line is that the way you look can affect your career. 

If you are new to the company find out what’s expected. Most employers have a minimum standard of personal presentation and you need to find out what that is - ask if they have a dress code.
If necessary, pay a visit and observe workers leaving the premises and check out what they are wearing. You may work in a creative environment where traditional business attire may  be inappropriate, therefore, you need to ask what’s acceptable.

It may be that you have a work uniform but you can still look at ways in which you can make it look individual. Neutral colours are great building blocks for any wardrobe but a splash of colour can inject glamour and personality. If you don’t know which colours suit you best, get your colours analysed and also find out how colour can impact on your audience.

Next

Back to my client! What did we buy for her? We started off with a trouser suit. It’s practical, hard working and versatile. She can wear it with different tops and for more options she can separate the trousers and jacket to mix and match with other pieces.

Topshop

A classic coat like the trench will help her deal with the British climate  and still look stylish. 

Jaeger

Wallis

Jaeger

Wallis

Accessorize


All photos courtesy of prshots.com

A tailored dress, a couple of pencil skirts, a white blouse and fabulous belt mean she can still look feminine. 

 A great pair of shoes and quality handbag can elevate an outfit; a simple structured bag can give the impression of being organised.



Job well done!