What is her secret? How does she manage it?... Well, whilst there are no hard and fast rules to dressing with style, following these 10 style commandment will certainly ensure that you get the basics right...
1.Thou shalt look not go un-groomed
This is the most basic of all the rules! If your perfect outfit it stained, missing a button or your shoes are scuffed, your whole look is ruined. Make sure you look after your clothes, if it says 'dry clean only', then dry clean it! If the care label says wash at 30*, don't risk washing it at 40*, you'll only end up with stretched,shrunk or faded items. Make sure you polish your shoes, and de-bobble your knitwear, and when pressing clothes, check for missing buttons and marks or stains. Equally important is your hair and make up. There is no point to going to the effort of checking the state of your clothes if you look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards. Brush and style your hair, update and apply your make up properly and make sure you don't leave make up marks on your clothes when getting dressed, it'll undo all you hard work.
2.Thou shalt not wear clothes that don't fit
Size is purely a subjective number, many retailers and designers size specifications vary dramatically. Do not try and squeeze yourself into an item that's your usual size if it means that the clothes become a second skin, instead of skim your body. If the size in your clothes worry you that much, go up a size and cut the label out!
The reverse is equally important, don't swamp your body in baggy or shapeless garments, it will only add pounds. If it doesn't the fit isn't flattering, don't buy it!
3.Thou shalt not shop aimlessly
We as women (and some men) love to shop. At sometime or another you will always find yourself being drawn to items that are exciting and unusual, but unless it works with your shape, your style and current wardrobe don't buy it. It will only end up at the back of your wardrobe with the tags still on for years to come.
4.Thou shalt splurge on items that look fabulous on you
If it looks great and make you feel great, and you'll think that you'll get a lot of mileage out of it, buy it! It should become a key piece to your wardrobe and you should spend time looking for coordinating items to build different looks and outfits. The more chances you get to look fabulous, the more you'll start to feel fabulous!
5. Thou shalt invest more in the part of your wardrobe that you spend the most time in
If you spend 5 out of 7 days in a formal workwear, your wardrobe should reflect this. Everyday you should feel great in what you wear. There is no point in having a weekend wardrobe that you look fabulous in, if your work wardrobe is ill fitting and unflattering. You'll feel drab and dowdy 70% of the time.
6.Thou shalt not jump on every trend
Just because something is on trend, doesn't mean that you have to buy into it. With so many different trends on the catwalk every season, it's better to pick and choose the trends that work for you. Consider your personal style and body shape. Harem pants are not a good look for you if you tend to dress quite conservatively and your a pear shape. You will look and feel uncomfortable. Also, don't wear one trend head to toe, you'll look ridiculous! Accessories are a great way of experimenting with a trend in bite sized chunks.
7. Thou shalt not be blinded by sale bargains
Just because an item has 50% off does not mean that it is a sign from God that you should by it! Think logically about it, would you have bought it at full price? Is it the right size, a flattering colour or cut, will it work with the rest of your wardrobe, does it flatter your figure? If you can't answer yes to any of these questions then don't buy it! And please, please don't buy sale items that you think will fit you once lost those last few stubborn pounds!
8. Thou shall wear the right underwear
Obvious straps, VPL's and poorly fitting underwear will ruin an otherwise polished look. Make sure you wear the right size, get measured if needs be. Invest in a multiway bra that can be worn with a variety of necklines, and chose knickers that are seam free. Shapewear is a vital foundation to many a slinky outfit, it may not be so attractive to look at, but the results certainly are. Remember underwear should improve not distract from what you wear.
9. Thou shalt choose the right accessories
Make sure your accessories work with your overall look. They should either match in colour or texture to your outfit; or alternatively be in a contrasting yet complimentary colour, if this is the case, make sure all you accessories are the same colour to really make a strong statement. Accessories should also fit the occasion, don't take your black handbag with you to a wedding where you are dressed in a pretty summer dress! Another factor to consider is size of accessories. If you're petite, an oversized bag will make you look even smaller. Balance is the key.
10. Thou shalt seek professional advice
Invest in yourself and your wardrobe. If you are unsure about what colours and styles suit you book and appointment with one of our image consultants. It is an investment that will pay off, you won't waste money on clothes that you'll never wear and you'll learn what works for you and what doesn't. We can even go shopping with you and reorganise your wardrobe, to make looking stylish effortless.
Find a good tailor, having clothing altered to fit your body shape perfectly means that you'll get more mileage out of your clothes.
Update your make up, visit a cosmetic professional. They can give you free advice on skin care and make up, to really make the most of yourself.
And finally, spend a little time on you!!
