PERSONAL STYLING TIP: CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING OUTFITS FOR THE WORKPLACE

Dressing for success isn’t just about wearing the right clothes—it’s about wearing clothes that make you feel empowered, ready to tackle any challenge, and represent your personal style. Whether you’re in a high-level meeting or managing a team, the right outfit can have a huge impact on how you’re perceived and, more importantly, how you feel. Here’s how to power dress with confidence, all while staying true to your individuality.

Start with Tailored Basics

Tailored pieces are the foundation of power dressing. A well-fitted blazer, for example, can instantly make you look put-together and authoritative. Look for blazers that cinch at the waist and pair them with trousers or skirts that follow your natural shape. When shopping for blouses or shirts, opt for structured fabrics—like cotton or silk—that can hold their shape and lend a polished look. Stick to classic colours such as black, navy, white, or gray for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.

Play with Bold Colours and Patterns

While classic colours are great for a professional wardrobe, don’t shy away from incorporating bold colours and patterns into your look. A deep red dress, a navy pencil skirt with a geometric print, or a statement blouse with a fun design can add an element of personality to your outfits. Remember, power dressing isn’t about blending in—it’s about standing out in a way that feels authentic to you. Use colour and pattern to make a statement about your confidence and individuality.

Accessorise to Elevate Your Look

Accessories can elevate your professional look and add the finishing touch to your outfit. A pair of classic pearl earrings, a bold necklace, or a sophisticated watch can instantly transform a simple outfit into something striking. However, it’s important not to over-accessorise—choose one or two key pieces to make a statement without overwhelming your look. A sleek handbag that matches your outfit can also be a powerful addition, allowing you to carry everything you need while staying polished.

Shoes That Speak Volumes

Shoes are often the first thing people notice, so make sure they reflect your sense of style and professionalism. A pair of pointed-toe heels can exude confidence, while loafers or flats with a structured design offer both comfort and authority. Opt for shoes that are comfortable enough for you to walk in with ease but also stylish enough to command respect. Remember, power dressing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort for style—choose footwear that makes you feel confident while allowing you to focus on the tasks at hand.

Fit and Comfort Are Key

No matter how stylish an outfit is, it won’t give you the confidence you need if it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t fit right. When power dressing, always prioritise fit and comfort. Tailoring your clothes to your exact measurements will help you look and feel your best. Invest in key pieces that are made from high-quality materials, such as wool or silk, which not only look better but also feel more comfortable throughout the day.

How Personal Styling Can Enhance Your Confidence

Power dressing is a skill, and it’s one that can be learned. If you’re struggling to find the right balance between professionalism and personal style, my personal styling services can help you create a wardrobe that exudes confidence and sophistication. Together, we’ll curate outfits that make you feel empowered and ready to take on any challenge—whether that’s leading a meeting, networking at an event, or simply owning your space in the workplace.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: SUMMER HOLIDAY LOOKS

The sun is out, and whether you're embracing the heat and revelling in it, or feeling overwhelmed by the absence of your autumn/winter jumpers, knowing what to wear during the warmer months can be daunting. If you're seeking some summer outfit inspiration, you're in the right place! In this blog, I'll share five of my favourite summer outfit ideas for you to experiment with during the sunnier season.

Midi Skirt and a Tee

If you know me, you'll know I adore the combination of a graphic tee and a midi skirt! Not only is it perfect for feeling summery and free, but it also suits a variety of occasions. Whether I'm heading to work meetings or having brunch with friends, I feel my outfit is always appropriate with just a change of accessories.

As the weather heats up, you'll want to feel cool and comfortable. The beauty of this outfit is its simplicity and ease, perfect for those rushed mornings when you need something stylish that suits your personal taste.

You can express your style through the graphic tee you choose – whether it’s a glittery quote, a classic rock tee, or a v-neck white tee – it works across different personality types. The same goes for the midi skirt. From pleated, colourful skirts to leather-look midis that bring out your inner rock chick, there are plenty of options to make this outfit your own!

Floaty Dresses

Floaty dresses are a staple for summer. They’re breezy, comfortable, and effortlessly chic. You can choose a floral print for a classic summer look or go for bold, solid colours to make a statement. Pair with sandals for a casual day out or dress it up with wedges for an evening gathering.

Denim Shorts and a Blouse

Denim shorts paired with a lightweight blouse create a stylish yet comfortable look. Opt for high-waisted shorts for a flattering fit and choose a blouse with a fun pattern or unique details. This outfit is versatile enough for running errands or enjoying a day at the beach.

Source: an Indigo Day

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are a fantastic all-in-one option that can be dressed up or down. Choose a lightweight fabric for maximum comfort in the heat. A sleeveless jumpsuit with a cinched waist can be incredibly flattering and easy to accessorise with statement jewellery or a cute hat.

Linen Trousers and a Tank Top

For a more polished summer look, linen trousers paired with a tank top are a great choice. Linen is breathable and perfect for hot weather. Choose a neutral colour for versatility, and complete the outfit with a pair of espadrilles or slip-on loafers.

With these outfit ideas, you'll be ready to take on the summer months with style and confidence. Enjoy the sun and have fun experimenting with your summer wardrobe!

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: DRESSING FOR THE OFFICE - TOP SUMMER DRESSES FOR WORK

When the weather is getting warmer, you may be looking for outfits that work for the office that aren’t as heavy. One of the best solutions is with a dress – it not only means you can feel cooler, but most of the time it’s a quick and effective way to create an outfit. Pop on a few accessories and you are ready to head to the office with minimal stress and outfit planning. However, what are the best summer dresses to wear for work?

In this blog, I’ll share some of my top picks of summer dresses to try at the office, so you can feel comfortable, professional and stylish this summer.

Picking the right patterns and fabrics

The most important part of selecting a dress (or any piece) for work is the colours, patterns and fabrics you choose, in particular when the summer comes around. Linens are a great option, while they may require a good steaming before you put them on, as long as they are not see-through. A white linen dress can be excellent for the summer, but make sure to put a slip on underneath for additional coverage!

Light cotton or silk are also great fabrics for the summer days as they are soft, and delicate fabrics which can keep you cooler in the warmer months. While cotton can be a more relaxed fabric, you can pair it with the more professional fabrics such as a blazer to pop on when you are in the cooler office.

Colours are another way to ensure the dresses you wear are appropriate for the office, deeper colours in your season, as well as neutrals, are easy go-tos. However, I always love to recommend a pop of colour if your office is a bit more relaxed, so deep oranges, forest greens, and brighter blues can be excellent options, too.

Finally, patterns can matter! While pinstripe and graphic prints are often great options for the office, particularly more creative spaces, bold florals (ditsy florals aren’t quite right), houndstooth, and even polka dots can also be added to your professional wardrobe.

Dress styles for the office

A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are a floaty style of dress that work perfectly for a professional outfit, without feeling too restricted. The great thing about this shape is it is effective for many body shapes as well. Working beautifully in particular for upside down triangle shapes, hourglass (make sure to get a belt at the waist!), and oval shapes (when a looser style at the waist is selected). A gentle A-line style can be accentuated with a belt, such as this navy option from Hobbs, while this wrap dress in a bold blue polka dot can be great for the more creative office. If your office is more formal, such as a law practice, this deep navy v-neck by Libby London, with loose sleeves in a mid-length would be a perfect summer option to replace the pencil dress!

Shirtdresses

One of the new trends coming to office wear, that in fact is inspired by the classic ‘60’s styling, is the Shirtdress. Often with a collared neck and a pleated skirt, the style is more loose fitting, meaning you will probably feel more comfortable in warmer weather. The style is best for those with a smaller bust as they are buttoned all the way to the top and can work well for those with a rectangular shape or inverted triangle shapes. A neutral toned option, like this Proenza Schouler shirtdress is an elegant option, while this blue pinstripe jersey midi shirt dress by Boden is a simple solution, with the belt adding a defined waist.

If you are a triangle shape, opt for a shirtdress with accentuated shoulders, as this will help to create a balanced shape. 

Sheath style dresses

A sheath style dress has a more traditional “office” silhouette and are very well suited for those in a more corporate or formal dress code. You can add a touch of your personality with pieces that have a colour or pattern, while minimal touches like necklines and pleating are also great ways to change up the style. For example, an ivory sheath dress with zip detail by Victoria Beckham is an elegant and summer-ready style, while this Armani navy dress with zip neckline and waist detail is a beautiful option too. If you are able to show your arms in your office, then this navy sleeveless Karen Millen sheath dress is a beautiful option, with a high neckline, front split and elegant waist details, it’s an exceptional style.

(as a personal styling note, you can see in the Karen Millen styling that the model is wearing gold strappy heels – while they are not appropriate in most office looks, it shows the versatility of the garment. You can pop on these heels and go for drinks after work, while keeping your more professional shoes on during the working hours!).

Standout Pattern Dresses

Finally, a patterned dress can feel daunting for the workplace, but it is a beautiful way to add a touch of personality to your office looks. As I mentioned above, a pattern that is more abstract is an excellent way to keep colour and pattern in your looks, particularly if your personal style is dramatic or creative.

If you have a love of abstract prints, this BITE abstract black and white maxi dress with long sleeves is a beautiful option (and can be elegantly worn in day or night). While the keyhole neckline may be best covered in the office for a more modest look, it may work depending on your profession.

Another option for your abstract pattern workwear is this Jigsaw fluted sleeve dress with camisole lining has a hand-painted motif in blues, yellows and whites. The styling is quite romantic with frills and ruching, so can work well for a relaxed office look on a warm summer’s day.

Finally, another standout patterned dress is this dogtooth midi dress from Reiss. While it is a high neck and long sleeved dress, thanks to the fabric it will remain airy and light in the warmer months, and will work beautifully for those in a more modest attire who still want to show off their personality.

No matter your needs this summer, these dresses will help you feel great while heading into the office. Make sure to stick to the guidelines on fabrics where possible, or when trying on the dress feel if it is more floaty and skims you to ensure you don’t feel to restricted.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: FASHION TRENDS FOR SPRING 2024 AND DRESSING FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

Understanding our body shape is not just about embracing who we are; it's also about empowering ourselves through fashion choices that highlight our best features. As we step into Spring 2024, it's the perfect time to refresh our wardrobes with the latest trends while staying true to our unique silhouettes. Let's explore the fusion of fashion and body positivity to create looks that exude confidence.

But before diving into the spring trends, let's revisit the fundamentals of body shapes. From Triangle and Inverted Triangle to the Neat and Full Hourglass, each silhouette tells a unique story.

Rectangles boast balanced shoulders and hips with a straight waist, while Ovals embrace curves around the middle. Meanwhile, Triangles and Inverted Triangles play with the interplay of wider hips or shoulders, defining their distinctive contours.

Let’s explore the upcoming trends and how these can complement the different body shapes.

Spring 2024 Fashion Trends

Let's unveil the top trends dominating the Spring 2024 runways and explore how to tailor them to your body shape:

1. Crisp Lines and Geometric Patterns:

• Angular Body Types (such as Inverted Triangles, angular Rectangles and Neat Hourglass) can embrace structured shapes and geometric patterns to complement their features.

• Top Tip: Opt for crisp fabrics and constructed silhouettes to add enhance your look. Embrace stripes, checks, and angular designs for a modern edge.

Source: Cosmopolitan

2. Soft Fabrics and Romantic Patterns:

• Curvilinear Body Types (Like Full Hourglass, Triangle, and Oval) thrive in soft, fluid fabrics and romantic patterns that enhance their natural curves.

• Top Tip: Choose fabrics that drape gracefully over your figure, such as silk and jersey, viscose or soft knitwear, and embrace floral motifs, paisleys, and polka dots to complement your body features.

Source: Vogue

3. Deconstructed Shapes and Fluid Layers:

• Oval and Curvilinear Rectangle Body Types can explore deconstructed shapes and fluid layers at the top, to create the illusion of longer torso, and create interesting looks without adding too much unnecessary volume.

• Top Tip: Opt for cardigans, waterfall jackets, and wrap tops in soft, flowing fabrics. Keep the lines straight and simple to flatter your silhouette.

Source: Harpers Bazaar

4. Short Shorts:

• Inverted triangles can add volume to their lower half with shorts that have larger pockets or are a paper-bag style; while hourglass shapes can taper in at the waist with a belt.

• Top Tip: Pop on a pair of tights in the same colour as your shoes to elongate your legs, or pop on a pair of nude shoes for the same effect.

Source: Vogue

5. High Rise Trousers:

• Super flattering for many body types, this high rise trouser trend can be worn at work or for play. For triangles, opt for a wide-leg that glides down past your hips; while for rectangles and inverted triangles you can opt for a cargo-style pant to add some definition to your hips.

• Top Tip: if you are wearing a wide leg or baggier style, look for a tighter top to bring you in at the waist.

Image source: Vogue

6. Metallics

• Depending on your skintone, you can play with rose gold, silver, gold, or bronze. As a general rule of thumb, gold tones are best for warm-toned skin, while silvers complement cooler tones.

• Top Tip: You can go all out with the trend and dress up in a metallic gown (perfect for a special night out), while touches of the trend can be added to your look through accessories such as hair bands, your purse, shoes, or layering.

Image from: Net-a-porter.com

Dressing for Your Body Shape

Now that we've decoded the trends, let's discuss how to dress for your specific body shape:

• Neat Hourglass: Emphasise your defined waist with clothes that highlight your mid-section and natural overall proportions. Opt for waist-defining pieces and avoid shapeless garments.

• Full Hourglass: Follow your body's natural curves with soft, flowing fabrics and gentle silhouettes, while enhancing your waistline. Avoid heavy or stiff materials that may constrict your figure or oversized and boxy shapes that would add unnecessary volume, hiding your natural body balance.

• Oval: Create the illusion of verticality with long coats and jackets, and create vertical lines with your clothes. Choose straight clothing lines and soft fabrics to minimize bulkiness around the middle. Focus the attention to your face and top bust, and to your legs and feet through the use of colours, accessories, and jewellery.

• Rectangle: Add subtle details to create the appearance of curves, and go for shapes that create the illusion of a longer bust. Minimise the details and volumes at the central torso, while focusing on hip and bottom with colours and details.

• Inverted Triangle: Highlight your hips and bottom to balance your silhouette, playing with fabrics, volumes and details, while keeping your shoulder details minimal and opt for clean, sharp lines in your clothing.

• Triangle: Draw attention to your upper body with voluminous shapes and bold patterns and colours, as well as accessories and jewellery, and balance your figure with structured tops and more streamlined bottoms, to complement your curves. Waist is usually very defined in triangles, so highlight it as much as possible, as your point of strength.

As we embrace the fashion trends of Spring 2024, let's celebrate our individuality by dressing for our unique body shapes. Whether you're a Triangle, Oval, or anything in between, confidence is the ultimate accessory.

Remember, fashion is not about fitting in; it's about standing out and owning your style with pride.

So, let's step into the new season with a renewed sense of self-assurance and flair!

 Stefania Bartolomei
Personal Stylist London

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: PARTY OUTFIT IDEAS

It’s party season, and many of you may be wondering what to wear for the Christmas party and any other events coming up for the festive season. While the colder months means you need to be conscious of warmth, you still want to feel dressed up – but what are some on-trend party outfit ideas that you can wear?

In this article, I share some of my favourite party outfit ideas for you to try (that can also be worn throughout the year).

What to consider before you get your party outfit

Before we dive into the options, you’ll want to consider a few key points:

• Where is the event going to be held?

• What is the dress code?

• Will there be dancing/walking (this will help you decide on comfort levels and shoes)

• Do you already have the outfit in your wardrobe?

When you know these points, this will help inform you on the best styling to accommodate your needs.

Now let’s dive into my top picks for the party season!

Play with suiting

A suit is always a solid choice for an event. You can dress it up or down alongside the dress code with the accessories and pieces you add to it.

Here are a few ways to style your suit:

1. Play with sparkles – Adding a sequinned skirt, sparkly shoes, or a glittery cami can take your suit from office to party in a flash.

2. Add this season’s top trend metallic leather – I shared my top trends for autumn in my newsletter which you can find here. One of these being metallic leather. Whether you invest in a pair of gold leather trousers, or even a metallic pink skirt, you can really shine with this on-trend addition to your suit.

3. Add party heels – one of the easiest change ups for your suit is the switch to party heels. This is the perfect solution if you’re heading to your party after work in the office. Whether you opt for vibrant stilettos or a pair of metallic block heeled boots, these can be the perfect solution for a festive party look that works with your suit.

River Island Silver Glitter Skirt

Work your Little Black Dress

A classic every person needs in their wardrobe is the Little Black Dress. With so many options to suit all styles, dress codes and body shapes, I highly recommend having one or two in your wardrobe that you can gravitate to when you need to dress up in a flash.

The dress can be styled up or down depending on your outer wear and accessories, such as with a bejewelled blazer, unique tights, or a fun festive handbag.

Depending on the dress code, your LBD can be anything from a velvet mini dress, to a full length gown, with the right accessories you will be ready to party with the knowledge that this wardrobe essential can be worn over and over again, too.

Goggles De La Vali Agua Crepon Maxi Dress

 Festive Co-ords

If you’re looking for a simple and effective outfit, but prefer two pieces, why not try a co-ord? They are much like a suit but can be a little more informal. You can swap out the top or the bottoms to create other outfits too, so they are much more economical and sustainable within your wardrobe.

Some can be on the more casual side too, so as with your LBD, you’ll want to work with your accessories to make them suit the dress code, or look for more luxe fabrics such as silks and velvets. For example, you can try out a silk sequinned gold co-ord that is almost suit-like, or this elegant trouser and top set available in green, black or even rose.

Phase Eight Florentine Co-Ord

An Elegant Festive Jumper

For a more casual event, you can go more tongue-in-cheek with a fun and unique festive jumper. Lots of designer and high street stores have their own creations, but these can be a one-use affair. I prefer to recommend jumpers that feel festive but aren’t the classic “in your face” Christmas style.

A few festive options can include:

• A pearl embellished jumper – almost bringing the snow to your outfit, pearls are an elegant yet somehow festive look. This jumper by GUESS does all the statement work for you. Pair with a midi skirt or wide leg trousers and you’re ready to go.

• Crystal notes – another embellishment that I love is crystals. Depending on your personal style, you may want to look for a lightly embellished look, whereas you can go all out with the beautifully designed Karen Millen top that looks almost like armour!

• Softly sequinned – if sequins are a bit too much for you, you can look for pieces that still have the metallic effect, without using the smaller sized sequins. This cardigan by Ted Baker London is elegant yet still has the festive-feeling thanks to the gold large sequins.

GUESS Pearl Embellished Top

Sequinned dresses

For an elegant, fun and glittery feminine look, you can try out a sequinned dress. Sequins are always on-trend at this time of year, so you will find plenty of options out there to suit your personal style.

Anything from an almost 70’s vibe floral sequinned dress, to a full length 20’s inspired black gown adorned in silver sequins can be found on the high street right now. Depending on the occasion, you may want to consider this longer hemline, but if the event calls for a party look, you could go all out with a mini dress with ostrich feathers and sequins!

Styling a sequin dress can feel a little daunting as the sequins do all the work! Let the dress do all the talking and let your accessories complement it. For example, dark tights and a black pair of heels if you are wearing a shorter dress (and to keep your legs warm) or a pair of simple strappy heels – and you are ready to rock the dance floor!

River Island Dress

Try a Jumpsuit

For those of us who fell in love with the range of jumpsuits Gillian Anderson wore in Sex Education, this time of year couldn’t be better to try out the on-trend look. Jumpsuits, just like dresses, can be the full outfit, so you don’t have to worry about what to wear. Pair with heels, boots, or even platform sneakers, and you can head to the party in a flash.

Play with the metallic trend and try out a bronze jumpsuit with statement shoulders, or a black sequinned style can be a fun and comfortable look. For a statement, this one shoulder, belted jumpsuit is affordable and fun, and available in both black and orange, while this gold boned jumpsuit will definitely turn heads at any event.

As with all looks, the styling can make a jumpsuit look more or less formal. Consider make-up, hair style and jewellery to finish the look.

NADINE MERABI - Lucinda Gold Jumpsuit

With the party season coming soon, I hope these ideas will inspire you to play with something fun for the festive events in your calendar.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: REDEFINING YOUR STYLE DURING MENOPAUSE

 Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life and it’s not just about physical changes. It can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and self-expression – something I am all for at any stage of life!

As hormonal shifts occur, our bodies can change too, making our personal style potentially shift too.

If you are welcoming menopause and unsure what this means for your personal style, or if you’re feeling unsure how to make your wardrobe work for you, here are some tips.

Embrace comfort

Now is the perfect time in your life to embrace comfortable clothing. Menopause can bring hot flashes, and with this we don’t want to be wearing fabrics that stick and make us feel uncomfortable. I recommend looking for breathable and loose-fitting clothing excellent choices. There are even brands like Become Clothing and Fifty One Apparel who have created comfortable, professional and activewear clothing that is specifically designed to tackle these symptoms.

If you are someone that steers clear of loose fitting clothes or the clothes that tend to be more on the relaxed side, look for fabrics that complement the change in temperature but still feel right for your personal style. For example, for some a pair of jogging bottoms and a tee are their idea of heaven, however, you can still feel comfortable in a linen dress, wide legged trousers and a cotton blouse.

Don’t be afraid to play bold

At this stage in your life, I want to challenge you to really embrace bold, confidence-boosting styles! If you haven’t done this before, now is the time. Oftentimes, once the ups and downs of the perimenopause hormonal changes have left, you may find yourself with a new sense of self-assuredness and confidence. This is the perfect time to experiment with bolder make up choices, accessories and hair styles!

Play with those colours and bolder ideas to really show off your new confidence and next stage in your life.

Time for a wardrobe revamp?

This is the perfect time to declutter and revamp your wardrobe. As your body evolves, certain pieces in your wardrobe may no longer serve you and your needs. Get rid of them now, and let your wardrobe breathe. You may want to look at different styles and shapes for your body to boost your confidence even further. Adding pops of colour to add even more joy to your outfits to step out in.

Embrace the change

While menopause is a big change in our lives, it is time to embrace the change and let your style evolve along with it.

Now is a great time to try out new styles and see what the next stage in your life can look like. Look for inspiration from other women who are at this stage in their lives, and see which styles they wear. The likes of Goldie Hawn, Helena Bonham Carter, Diane Keaton and Cate Blanchett all fall within the age range of menopause for women, and have a varied sense of style.

If you are heading into this part of your life, and you’re unsure what this means for your style, I’d love to help.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: THE IMPORTANCE OF STYLE IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

We’ve heard the saying that people have just 7 seconds to make a great first impression, but does this mean that our style is the only thing people are taking in?

Whether you are meeting with a client at a coffee shop, heading into the office, or hosting an online webinar, your professional style is one that is quickly taken in. As a professional, you want to feel and look a certain way (without giving up your own personal style), so you can make that first impression count in all the right ways.

As a personal stylist, I know the importance of style when it comes to confidence, but is it also an important part of our professional lives? Can style hinder or accelerate our professional careers? In some ways, I think style can be an additional way to showcase our personalities and the professionalism we hold.

How can confidence impact your career?

One of the most satisfying parts of my business is seeing how confident my clients feel after having a personal styling session with me. They finally understand the ways to dress themselves that complement their personality, their body, and their skintone. It takes away the stress of dressing each morning, unsure what goes with what, and why certain outfits feel fantastic, while others not quite so.

Adding onto this, creating an effective plan that works for your morning routine can drastically reduce the stress of morning “what to wear”-itis. Here are some essentials that I recommend to help you plan for style success when going to the office.

Having a professional style that works for you will boost your confidence each day, helping you hold your head higher in the office. Whether you love a colourful suit, play with the casual/professional stylings from a blazer, or gravitate towards dresses, when you know your style you can confidently dress each day without the additional worries we put on ourselves to “look a certain way”. With this confidence you may feel more comfortable sharing your ideas in the office, showing up for additional tasks, or even feeling that boost to ask for the promotion that has become available!

It’s amazing what confidence can do for you across professional and personal worlds, and with the right wardrobe this can be one way to do that.

How can the right styling help you get recognition in your role?

Have you ever been to an office and thought “these people are all so well dressed”? Perhaps you’ve been to another country where everyone seems to just have an elevated sense of style? When you have the styling right in the office, you will be noticed in all the right ways. Not only is your calm confidence brought to the forefront, you are also able to shine in all the right ways – taking the right attention onto your role.

While style can’t make you better at your job, it can make you more recognised by the powers that be. Turning up feeling more confident, comfortable, and ready to take on anything the day gives you can be gifted to you just from changing that morning routine from stressful to confident.

I work with many professionals who are unsure how to dress uniquely for the office. They don’t want to lose their personal style, but they don’t want to be unprofessional. There are ways to tap into our personalities to stay unique, while remaining professional and appropriate for their professional lifestyles. The right styling in this way can help you feel more comfortable with the recognitions you deserve.

How to find your own professional style

When I work with my clients in a Colour and Style Clinic, one of the most important elements is understanding their personal style and then finding out all about the ways in which they need to dress. For example, if you work in law office, your professional style will be more tailored and corporate versus those who work in a tech start up who may have more freedom of expression. This isn’t to say you can’t express yourself!

If you want more professional style inspiration, and how to create your own professional style, click here to download my FREE Guide to Professional Styling.

When we know what the requirements of our professional lives are, we can then play with the ways in which to create our professional style. Elements from our personal style can be brought in such as colour, statement pieces, accessories, without pushing the envelope too far.

It’s important to feel confident, comfortable, and appropriately professional – and if you are unsure on how to create a professional wardrobe that delivers this, you’re not alone.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: RETURNING TO THE OFFICE - TOP TIPS FOR STYLING SUCCESS

This week I was getting ready for heading back to my London studio, as my son is going back to school, and I realised the stress that dressing for work can bring.

Getting back into the swing of heading to the office, going to meetings (whether online or in person) can be a difficult start to the day. Even if you’re not going to the office every day, you may be heading to more meetings or attending more online meetings, meaning your dresscode may be changing back to more professional looks.

This can mean being unsure what to wear! With the changing of the season adding an added concern for outfit styling, I have compiled this guide to help you have confidence when dressing for work.

Check the weather forecast

The seasons always change in London, no matter the time of year! I have seen many professionals get caught out by wearing summer dresses and being welcomed by a downpour, while others have brought layers for a cool Autumn day and hit by 30 degree weather (as we had at the beginning of September).

One way to make sure your outfit will complement the expected weather conditions is by checking your weather app. With the knowledge of rain to come, or a heatwave, I can plan my outfit to accommodate. This saves so much stress in the morning (and during the day if a downpour comes, but I have made sure to pack my umbrella and coat).

You can then utilise the fabrics and layers to reflect the expectations of the day. For example, adding a leather jacket if it’s going to be cooler, or adding sandals instead of boots for a warmer day. For some inspiration for summer outfits, check out my blog, while the weather is still hot outside, these may help you plan some beautiful looks for going back to work. 

Plan your outfits in advance

Avoid the morning let downs of not knowing what to wear, misfitting pieces or outfit problems by planning your outfits the night before (or if you’re super organised, why not try a few days or the for the full week?).

Getting your outfits together can look like simply laying them out on the bed and knowing what to put together, or why not make it a pick up and go by adding everything together on a hanger? You can put accessories, layers and the full outfit all in one spot so you can get up in the morning, reach for the outfit, and know it works beautifully together.

If the thought of planning outfits causes you more concern than joy, I can help you by creating an easy to use personal style board, which is part of our Colour and Style Clinic. Click here to find out more.

Invest in key pieces for the new season

Every season requires a few essentials. Making sure you have them at the ready as you welcome a new change in the season will help you to prepare and plan for your outfits without any stress. Autumn usually welcomes cooler climates, so layers, jackets, and tights will now be needed (on most days!), so make sure all of last year’s pieces all still fit, work for your style needs and if they need washing, tailoring or to be donated.

Making sure you have pieces that you love to wear, and feel great in, are so important for day to day, and in particular when you are going to meetings and heading to work. Understanding the styles, outfits, and looks that you feel best in will help make you walk taller and feel more confident every day, making dressing for work a little easier.

To find a few of my autumn essentials, I have shared my top five in this blog.

If you are going back to work after the summer holidays, I hope these tips help you feel more confident. However, if you are unsure where to start with styling, colours, and what to wear for your professional life, I’d love to help.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: SUMMER OUTFIT INSPIRATION 2023

The sun is out and whether you’re embracing the heat and wanting to relish in it, or you’re feeling overwhelmed by what to wear without your jumpers of the Autumn/Winter, it can be daunting to know what to wear during warmer months. If you’re looking for some summer outfit inspiration you are in the right place! In this blog, I am going to share 5 of my favourite summer outfit ideas for you to play with during the warmer months.

Midi skirt and a tee

If you know me, you will know that I love a graphic tee and a midi skirt combination! Not only is it great for feeling summery and free, but it also works across all different occasions. Whether I am heading out to work meetings, or having brunch with friends, I feel like my outfit is appropriate, just with a change up of accessories.

When you get into the warmer months, you want to feel cool and comfortable. The great thing about this outfit is that you can quickly and easily put it together when you are in a rush, if it suits your personal style.

You can reflect your style in the graphic tee you choose – whether it’s a glittery quote, a classic rock tee, or a v-neck classic white tee – it works across the different personality types. You can then also do the same with the colours or styles of your midi skirt. Whether it’s a pleated midi length colourful skirt, or a leather look midi skirt that brings out the rock chick in you, there are plenty of options for this outfit!

If you are heading out and there may be a chance of cooler weather, you can pop on a blazer or a leather jacket for that added warmth.

I personally love to elevate this look for meetings with heeled sandals, or for more casual events I wear platform trainers or slide on sandals, depending on the weather forecast!

Linen two-piece set

For a beautifully chic yet cool look, linen is the perfect way to go. This works well for people who are more of a Classic or a Creative personality type. If you are a Classic, you can make a clean, crisp yet comfortable look with a white or neutrally toned two-piece set. Whereas, if you are a creative, you can discover sets with patterns or colours that reflect your personality.

With linen looks they can sometimes feel a little more casual, so you’ll want to embrace the flowy nature of the fabric. However, fashion designers have worked to take away the usually flowy nature with more figure hugging options, to help bring you in at the waist. You also don’t have to reside with wide-legged trousers and an oversized blouse, consider finding a skirt and cropped top option for a unique look.

Cropped jeans and a blouse

Cropped jeans are a must try style as they work beautifully for both petite and standard height people with a range of body types (depending on the cut). When you pair them casually with a blouse the look is very chic and laid back. If you want to go for Classic styling, wear a fully monochromatic look of white cropped jeans, a white blouse, white heeled sandals and a crossover body bag in white with hints of gold to elevate the look. Whereas, for a romantic look, bring some of your favourite ruffles or bows with your blouse – also a great option if you are more pear shaped to balance out your shoulders!

For more inspiration on how to style up your cropped jeans, visit this blog!

Midi dress with sandals

If you love to dress up and dress down a look in a flash, without having to worry about what works with what, a midi dress is a great option to add to your wardrobe. Thanks to the length, it is suitable for both professional and relaxed events. Paired with sandals you can style up or down the look with just the change of heel! Flat sandals, with a sun hat and your midi dress are a great option for late afternoon drinks, whereas heeled sandals with a laptop bag and perhaps even a blazer works well for meetings during the day.

Midi dresses come in all shapes, styles and patterns so you’ll want to check out which style of dress may work best for your body shape. For pear shapes, a dress that comes in at the waist, with structured or detailed shoulders are a good option for you. For ovals, you will want to have a more flowy option around the waist and have perhaps a v-neck or wrap dress style. If you are a rectangle, you’ll want to find a shift dress shape. For inverted triangles look for a midi dress, that has minimal details at the top while adding volume at the bottom to create balance.  

Wear the shorts!

Finally, my summer go-to for us is to wear the shorts. Many clients I work with feel overwhelming fear of wearing shorts (myself included!) but this is because we hadn’t found our perfect style or length.

If you have thighs that touch – which is many people by the way – then you’ll want to invest in shorts that come down long enough to prevent any discomfort. There are plenty of excellent styles of shorts that you can try out in a variety of fabrics that work for the summer weather helping you feel cool and comfortable, as well as confident.

A few of my favourite types of shorts, depending on your body shape, are:

Rectangular: Straight cut or Mom shorts. Finding a pair of mid to short shorts work perfectly for you, in a straight cut. This is because they ensure your shorts aren’t too tight, but continue to show off your leaner legs. Whereas a Mom cut will add definition to your hips where you may want to add a little volume to create an hourglass effect. If you have slightly shorter legs, this will also help to elongate them. Match with a pair of heels or platforms to lengthen, or just go all-out summertime and pair with your favourite sandals and a loose tee.

Hourglass: High rise shorts. Because you go in at the waist, you want to show this off. Look for high or mid rise shorts that cover your thighs about half way between your pelvis and your knee for an elegant option. Look for trouser-style fabric shorts, to keep the look feeling professional, and match with a blouse in a monochrome style for a chic option.

Apple shapes: Short shorts to show off those legs! When you are an apple shape, you tend to have longer and leaner legs. This means you can go for those shorter options to help show off the length of your legs. Look for a pair with an elasticated waistband too, to make you feel more comfortable. Match with a flowy top tucked in loosely for a casual option.

Pear shapes: High waisted looser shorts with minimal detailing. You may want to look for shorts without pockets, and definitely without pleats. Feel confident and comfortable with shorts that are tailored to feel slightly “wider”. Paperbag style shorts are great for pear shapes, as they bring your eyes up to your small waist. Look for a pair that come with or allow for a belt to add that extra oomph to your waist and make sure the fabric is soft, rather than stiff. Elongate your legs with a pair of neutral stilettos, and add definition to your shoulders with a blouse that has volume at the top.

Summer shouldn’t be a time of year where you are feeling daunted by the prospect of what to wear. Your clothes should be an extension of your personality and help you feel your best no matter what the occasion! If you are feeling conscious that your wardrobe isn’t reflecting your personality, or you want support from someone who can help you discover outfits that help you shine with confidence I’d love to help.

HOW TO LOOK PROFESSIONAL IN 5 MINUTES - DRESSING FOR THE SCHOOL RUN AS A WORKING MUM

When you’re juggling work, parenthood, school runs, and meetings, you want to be able to quickly and confidently create outfits that work for all of the hats you wear.

For many of us, the way we dress for work may have changed since the pandemic, but this doesn’t mean we are going to work in the comfy yoga pants we wish we could do the school run in (unless we are perhaps working from home!).

For my clients who are parents, like myself, the additional requirement to quickly and effectively get dressed before all of the additional morning tasks like breakfast, packing bags, and helping our children get out the door, is just another reason we want to get dressed in a flash.

If you feel the same, then I hope this article will help you with some advice on how to get dressed quickly for your morning, while remaining professional and ready for work.

Preparation is key!

Preparation really is the key to success when it comes to making your morning routines more enjoyable, and the same goes for when you are dressing. If you can prepare your outfit for the next day the night before, then this will drastically reduce your thinking time in the morning.

When the kids have gone to bed, and just before you tuck yourself in, take 10 minutes to create your outfit for the next day. You could go as far as putting your full outfit on the back of the bathroom door, or on a hanger together in your wardrobe. Putting it on the bathroom door can actually help by taking away any wrinkles by the steam of the morning showers!

I often create the full outfit on a hanger together with the accessories I want to wear such as a belt, head scarf, and jewellery, so I can quickly grab and go. By doing this it drastically reduces my morning stresses of trying to make an outfit that works for my day ahead, while also juggling all of the other morning requirements.

Utilise apps to save you time

When you know what you like, it can save you time buying new items and creating outfits. The beauty of tools like Pinterest and Moonsift is that they can quickly be accessed and remind you of the looks you liked and felt suited your style. On days when you are in a rush and can’t decide what to wear, you can head to the previously saved outfits & looks to inspire you in a flash.

There are also apps that you can spend a little time on at the beginning, but that will save you time that you can upload your wardrobe items to, and create outfits from them. Just like the iconic wardrobe scene in “Clueless” technology has now let us have our very own Cher moment and swipe through our items in our wardrobe to mix and match without getting sweaty.

Consider a capsule wardrobe

The most important thing, I find, when wanting to feel my best but save myself time is knowing that the items in my wardrobe can be pulled together and work together with minimal thinking. I know, as a personal stylist, I have the added benefit of training in this area, but there are some top tips to help you get there, alongside meeting with a professional who can help you do this.

A capsule wardrobe is something that can truly transform your dressing experience. A capsule wardrobe is unique for everyone, it neds to reflect your needs, your personal style, and your seasonal colours, but ultimately it will be a space that has outfits and pieces that work succinctly together. If your morning is spent worrying how you can create an outfit that works for you from everything in your wardrobe, that is an additional stress that you don’t need. I created a blog on how to create a capsule wardrobe, that explains what it is, and how to create your own. It could be a really great option for you to save you time as a working parent, to make your morning routine a little more enjoyable.

Comfort vs Workwear

While we want to remain as professional as we need to be when going to the office or meetings, we also need to be able to do the running around in comfort. This is where the requirements of comfort vs workwear can become a little tricky.

Depending on where you work you may have some wiggle room in terms of the attire you need to wear to be appropriate. For example, you could wear platforms, high quality sneakers, or flats to work, if these are appropriate. These will make a huge difference to your comfort levels when you are walking or driving the kids to school.

If the shoes need to be heeled, you could take a bag with you with those change of shoes in, and wear ballet flats or sneakers while doing the school run.

Another thing to consider is the comfort level of the bottoms. A pencil skirt or dress can be quite restrictive, while wide legged trousers or a silk midi skirt enable more room to walk and move, while still remaining professional. Paired with an elegant blouse, shirt, blazer, or high quality jumper will mean you feel comfortable while also looking professional.

Fabric choices

As we head into the warmer weather, fabric choices are essential to keeping yourself cool while doing the school run. You won’t want to wear restrictive fabrics that prevent you from being able to carry your children if they need to be, or strapping your children in safely into their booster seats. Linens, silks, and cottons are great for the warmer weather and suited to the office.

You will also want to look for darker hues in case of the (inevitable) spill of juice or cereal as you head out of the door!

If you want to change how you feel about your professional and personal styling, and make each morning more joyous and time-saving, my services might be the perfect solution for you! Explore how I can help you HERE or get in touch with me to learn more.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DRESS STYLE

It’s spring here in the northern hemisphere, and with that, comes spring wear. For many, that can mean bringing dresses out from their wardrobes and putting away their thick jumpers.

If you want to bring more dresses to your wardrobe, but are unsure which styles will be best for your body shape, personal style, and requirements, then now is a great time to play with the options available. I have shared a guide below to help you choose your dress style, with some top tips to elevate your look & confidence.

What patterns & colours to choose for your dress:

Patterns and colours are a great place to start when selecting any garment, but in particular a dress. As a dress can usually be most of the outfit (unless you are covering it with something like a jumper or a t-shirt) the pattern tends to be all over. This means it can be a little overwhelming for those who are in the more natural or classical style personality – you can read more about the different personalities and find out which one you are in my blog, here.

If you do fall into the more pattern-averse personality, then I recommend a neutral colour to start with, and a simple pattern such as florals, small polka dots, or one with a minimal pattern repeat. Another option is look for a dress that has more than one pattern on it to break up the look, if you wish. If patterns are too much for you, then select a colour that is within your colour palette, and you can pair with neutrals from your season with your accessories.

If you are more dramatic or creative personal style, then you can look for more abstract or outstanding patterns that work within your colours. There are some fantastic patterns to look for with dresses on the high street, and let your creativity run wild! A patterned dress can also work well with a pattern clashing jacket or shoes, which will continue to showcase your style preferences. You could even pattern and colour clash with your accessories like your bag and shoes.

What dress shapes to look for

The shape of a dress can accentuate certain parts of your body, so depending on where you love to accentuate, you can look for a particular style. Often, I recommend styles based on body shape, as these can be the best options to highlight your shape, and these are general guides, but when you find a dress shape you feel your most confident in, I recommend trying out different lengths and colours to build your dress wardrobe!

With that in mind, here are some of the styles and body shapes they can look best on, to help you get started.

Pear shape (or Triangle) – Separates and Wrap dresses

Pear shapes are those with smaller shoulders compared to your hips. You go in at the waist but have wider thighs. This is why dresses that showcase your waist and glide over your hips can make you feel more confident.

Separates dresses come with a waist cut that will help highlight the waist (which is usually defined in this body type). I’d recommend looking for one that has a gentle flare that starts at the waist. I’d also recommend either looking for an all over print, or one that has no print on the bottom. A square neckline or sweetheart neckline can also bring the eyes upwards and showcase your waist and chest (if you wish). On the contrary, details on the top (such as frills, flounces, off shoulders) will help you accentuate the shoulders.

Wrap dresses work in a similar way, but focus even more on accentuating your waist. Look for a wrap dress that is patterned all over or in one colour, and with the additional v-neck shape, they are a great option for those who want to showcase their chest.

Hourglass - bodycon and belted dresses

An hourglass shape are those who go in at the waist and have similar shoulder and hip ratios. Most dresses that go in at the waist are best for this body type, in particular bodycon and belted. You want to highlight your smaller waist in any way, and using a belt can do this too.

With a bodycon dress, you will be highlighting your whole body, its curves and balanced proportions.

With a belted dress, depending on the length of your torso, you’ll want to look for a specific size of belt. Some of us have longer and some have shorter waists. But in general a slimmer belt can be a great option just to bring you in at your smallest point. Another option is to find a dress with a belt in the same fabric as the dress, so it highlights your waist but doesn’t detract from the style.

Apple or Oval - Empire & tunic

Apple shapes have broader shoulders than their hips, with a larger bust and waist compared to their, generally, slimmer legs. This means you’ll want to highlight your legs, and potentially have a dress shape where the waist is higher up, or glides over your waist.

Empire style dresses have a high up waistline, usually just under the bust. This is great for your shape as it will highlight your bust line, and then go out below the empire line. If you want to feel a little sexy in this style of dress, look for an empire dress that has a shorter hemline, or truly showcase your bust with a square necked style.

Tunic style dresses are great for the summer months and for a more relaxed style. They are currently very popular, and were also very popular in the 60’s – think Twiggy!

Rectangle – straight lines & shift

Rectangle shapes tend to have a minimally defined waistline, and are more athletic in their shape. This means the best looks can either work to create the illusion of a more defined waist or look for a dress that falls straight from the shoulders down.

Straight dresses are great for rectangle body types as they keep the details minimal at the waist, and they're also very versatile, so depending on the hem length, you can wear them for anything from work to dates.

Shift dresses can be a more comfortable style for you to wear, with it having less of a shape it can be a good option for running around, comfort, and feeling confident!

Inverted triangle shape – shift or a-line

Inverted triangle shapes are those who have broader shoulders than their hips. This means the best shapes are those that add volume to the lower half to balance out lines of the body.

A shift dress is a great option if you are an inverted triangle shape and want a comfortable, easy to wear dress. If you can find one with a defined or ruffled hem line, this is also a great solution!

Alternatively, an a-line dress with volume at the bottom will be a lovely dress for this time of year, and if you prefer a longer hemline this will be a great solution if you look for a midi or maxi dress. Patterns on the lower part of the dress, as well as ruffles can be another way to add definition to your lower body.

There are a lot of options out there, as you can see, when it comes to dresses. I hope this guide has helped inspire you to add a few new styles to your wardrobe to enjoy during the warmer months! If you are unsure which styles and colours work for you, and you want to boost your confidence every day with tools and insights that work for you and your personality, I’d love to help. I can support you with a Colour and Style Clinic where we’ll help you understand what shapes, colours and cuts work best for you, and share advice and inspiration on how to shop and dress with confidence.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO DRESS FOR WORK IN 2023

I have had a lot of conversations with female clients who work in the city, that the way they are dressing for work has drastically changed since the pandemic. Most people now work on a hybrid format, with a mix of working from home and coming into the office.

They struggle to understand what to wear now, due to the dress code seemingly changing to a more relaxed version of what they were used to. The office wear of 2023 and beyond, seems to be incorporating more comfortable attire, and they feel that they no longer know what is suitable for the office.

As a personal stylist, I work with my clients to help them learn the ways to dress that they feel confident in, while remaining suitable for their environments. So, if you are feeling that your work wardrobe is no longer serving you, and you’re looking for ways to dress for this new hybrid way of working, then here are my top three tips for what to wear at work.

 

Tip Number 1 – Working from Home

Working from home looks tend to go more on the comfort and relaxed side, particularly on the bottom half of your outfit. You will tend to be able to walk around with less of an “office look”, but still need to look professional while jumping on and off of meetings. Your top half does still need to be more tidy and professional.

My top tips for working from home outfits:

• Add a cosy yet good quality jumper, so you can remain warm but happily jump on a virtual meeting without having to change.

• Wearing a colour from your colour palette will make a big difference, particularly when on camera, too.  Make sure it doesn’t blend into the background, so you don’t disappear!

• Add accessories such as earrings or headbands to add a little detail to your look, and finish off the professional style.

• For your bottoms, you may want to wear something a little more comfortable, such as leggings or relaxed trousers.

Tip Number 2 – Working from a Corporate Office

If you need to have a more corporate look, or have a strict dress code because you are a lawyer or you are meeting clients, a suit with a little personality is an easy go-to for this.

Top Tips for adding personality to a suit:

• While suits are excellent for corporate styling, they can feel a little restrictive. Depending on your position and company, you can add a dash of personality in a few ways:

• Wear a colourful heel or bag to your look to make your suit pop.

• Pop on a brooch to your lapel to liven up your suit jacket.

• Look for a different colour for your suit. Navy or black are no loner the only options! A deep grey, lilac, brighter blue, or even look for yellows, pinks, or greens, depending on your colours, to really jazz up your suit options.

• Change up the suit by wearing a different jacket with your black or navy bottoms, and vice versa.

Tip Number 3 – Working in the New Office

The case seems to be that most offices have now relaxed their dress codes with the changing times. This means you can have smart-casual looks, which may feel a little difficult for those who have always worn a suit to work, and now have more options!

A few ways to make a smart-casual office look:

• Wear your suit jacket with a pair of smart jeans. A deep wash is often best for this as it remains professional, but brings that touch of a more relaxed look to the outfit.

• Wear a suit with a smart t-shirt, in place of a blouse or shirt. There are lots of options for smart, high quality cotton t-shirts, that have a bit of personality, without having a slogan that may feel too casual!

• Pop on your favourite trousers or chinos, and add a comfortable high quality jumper or long sleeved cotton tee. The smarter bottom half of your look will elevate the comfort of your top half.

• Try out an alternative shoe, such as a brogue or a platform. Heels are no longer a requirement for the office, so play with more relaxed styles. For more ideas on shoes that work for the office that aren’t heels, I have shared a few of my favourites in this article.

• Play with colours that bring a touch of personality to your outfit, allowing you step out of the traditional black or navy palette.

• When it comes to working in a new way, it can feel difficult to plan your looks when you go to the office and when you stay at home. I hope some of these ideas have helped you plan your outfits for this new way to dress.

If you are a professional and you’re feeling unsure on how to dress for your new working style, I can help you make it a pleasure to dress for your work life.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: DRESSING IN A RECESSION – THE THREE MOST VERSATILE PIECES TO HAVE IN YOUR WARDROBE AND HOW TO STYLE THEM

When it comes to dressing for an occasion or a season, you may feel like you have to have a full wardrobe to accommodate. In the times we are in right now, going out and buying lots of pieces just isn’t effective for the environment, our wallets, or our sanity!

As a personal stylist, many people come to me with “I have nothing to wear”-itis. However, when I see their wardrobes, they are overfilled and a concoction of fast fashion items that don’t serve their needs.

So, what if I told you the secret to curing the daily struggle of what to wear, that not only helps you save money in the long run, but will create a more confident day to day is, in fact, less is truly more?

The importance of investing in good quality, versatile pieces that work across seasons and events, will save you time & money.

What are my three most important pieces to have in your wardrobe?

·        A great pair of jeans that suit your body shape

·        Two to three blazers

·        Three to four dresses

Seems pretty simple, right? The thing is, many of us are buying with the trends and filling up our wardrobes with items that we don’t know how to use outside of the “norm”. So, while you may have these items already in your wardrobe, you may not be maximising the ways to use them.

I wanted to help you with this problem, so you can find the perfect pieces in your wardrobe and know how to reuse them without feeling like you’re re-wearing the same outfit over and over again.

Three different ways to style your jeans

Let’s start with a girls’ best friend (when she finds the perfect pair) – jeans! Now, you may be recoiling at the thought of jeans, but I promise you, when you know the shape for your body type, you will want to wear them day in and day out.

Here’s a whistlestop tour of the shapes I recommend, before we dive into the different ways to style them:

·        Flares – for pear shapes and petites

·        Mom jeans – for hourglass, rectangle, and pear shapes

·        Boyfriend jeans – for inverted triangle, oval, and rectangle shapes

·        Skinny jeans – don’t be surprised by this, but most body types can wear this style, you just need to be conscious of how skinny you go with them!

·        Cropped jeans – for petites

Now you’re inspired to try out the right style for your body type, and I recommend trying out a variety of designers & high street stores to find the perfect fit for your unique body, let’s play with how to style them.

3 Casual outfit ideas for styling your jeans

Starting with the easiest option, casual outfit ideas. These are outfits you’d wear running out of the house but still wanting to feel confident and put together. They may also work for meeting up with friends during the day, or heading to the play park with your family.

1. Pair your jeans with a cotton tee, square toed shoes, a long line cardigan, and your favourite everyday earrings for a “I just threw this together” look. Add a touch of colour with your crossover body bag – as this can bring some definition to your look if your cardigan is a little oversized.

2. Another option, if you are more of an edgy style is popping on a leather jacket and combat boots or DMs with a slogan cotton tee or band t-shirt.

3. If you just don’t feel “right” in a cotton t-shirt, then you can invest in a silk blouse with a relaxed cut and add a pair of platform sneakers to still feel casual, yet chic.

If you are an hourglass shape or a pear shape, you’ll want to define your waist, so adding a belt will ensure you showcase your waist, while also averting the gap that can sometimes happen at the back.

For warmer months, a short sleeved body suit, a square-necked cotton or a linen vest can be an easy option too.

3 Work-appropriate outfit ideas for your jeans

Depending on the profession or space in which you work, jeans can be an appropriate option for you, it just depends on the pieces you pair them with!

1. Pairing a high quality, dark washed pair of jeans with a blazer and a blouse, with a pair of heels can be a powerful, professional look.

2. You can also pair your deep blue denim jeans with a silk shirt, a pair of dolly shoes, and an elegant blazer & handbag for an on-the-go professional look.

3. There’s also the option to make your personality shine by wearing your jeans with a pair of metallic sneakers (such as the iconic Vivienne Westwood shoes or similar inspired shoes available on the high street), a tunic top and a funky bag, should this work for your profession.

3 date-night looks for your jeans

Now we’re going from day, to night, and using those jeans in a different way yet again! If you’re heading out for a date, this gives us a few more options in terms of jewellery and fabrics.

1. Add a sparkly bag or sequinned top to your outfit to bring out a little more glam. Perhaps drape a blazer over your shoulders, pick up a shoulder bag, and pop on  pair of stilettos to finish the look. I’d also recommend either wearing a necklace or earrings to really finish it off.

2. For an edgier date-night look, a mesh long-sleeved top over a beautiful piece of lingerie (or a vest), with a red lip, leather jacket, and block heels will help you feel ready to take on the night!

3. For a sexy option, the option to wear a “underwear as outerwear” look is a great way to boost your confidence and feel sexy. When you wear this option with a pair of jeans, it can feel a little more approachable as they add a more comfortable option on your bottom half. Pair with an oversized blazer or leather jacket to keep yourself warm and covered, should you wish to. I’d recommend a few key jewellery items to top off the look, an over shoulder bag, and a pair of your favourite heeled boots or shoes!

Now you’re ready with the jeans that work for all occasions, let’s move onto dresses!

How to style your dresses for the seasons

Dresses don’t have to just be for those who fall into the “romantic” personal style. Dresses come in many different patterns, colours, shapes, and cuts, so they can work across many different style personalities, when they are styled correctly.

The thing is, I often hear that the dresses we love for the warmer months, don’t get used during Autumn and Winter. There are lots of ways we can work with them to make them stay an integral part of our wardrobe, no matter the season.

How to style your dresses for Spring

This is often when most people get their dresses out from hibernation. They are fresh and inviting for a warmer season.

As Spring, particularly in London, can fluctuate in weather, I recommend popping a jacket, blazer, or light cardigan over the top, to keep you warm. You could also pair these with a pair of light dernier tights, and a pair of combat boots or sneakers.

How to style your dresses for Summer

Now the warmer month is welcomed, you can take off those tights and wear a pair of biker shorts to protect your thighs. Pop on a pair of strappy heels for a brunch with friends. Add a crossbody bag, or a shoulder bag for your essentials, and let your dress do all the talking.

If you want to define your waist further, adding a belt can help draw the eye to your waist.

A pair of sneakers, or platform wedges are a great casual, yet fun option for your shoes when you are welcoming the summer. Sandals can be a more casual option, too.

How to style your dresses for Autumn

Autumn can be the time when many put their dresses away, and head for the long-sleeved options, that are chunkier and warmer. While these can be great, I want to stay away from you feeling you can’t maximise the garments already in your wardrobe, just by rethinking how you see your dresses.

You can add a warm jumper over your dress, and roll up the jumper into your bra or with a hair tie for a comfortable option.

A long-line cardigan can also be an additional layer that works over most dresses – I’d recommend making it just a little longer than your hemline, unless the dress is a maxi dress, in which case flip that and have a cardigan that hits at your waist line.

For v-neck or strappy dresses, another option is to add a tee underneath for an added layer. This can feel a little more casual, so I find it’s more appropriate for daytime get togethers, or outside of the office. You can style this look up with the shoes, jewellery, and bag that you select, which go a long way to transforming a look!

Tights and boots also go a long way to keeping you warmer, while you wear your dress. Hosiery has come a long way from the 50 dernier classic black tights. You can find warm, yet patterned or high quality hosiery that won’t break as soon as you try to pull them on!

How to style your dresses for Winter

Swapping out the cardigan for a Winter jacket is one quick way to keep wearing your dresses into the Winter season.

You can also continue to wear your thicker jumpers over the dress, with a belt to keep them tucked in and defining your waist. If your dress is a v-neck, you could add a polo neck top or jumper (if the dress has a strappy sleeve) underneath for an additional layer, and add a necklace to draw the eye down.

Invest in a pair of great quality suede or leather knee high boots at this time of year, as they will work with your skirts, dresses, and even your skinny jeans. I’d recommend a pair with a block heel so you can stay comfortable, warm, and elegant.

Accessories such as a warm woollen hat, a scarf, and gloves also don’t go amiss at this time of year.

How to style your blazers for different occasions

Finally, one of my favourite essentials for any wardrobe, is the blazer. It’s a quick way to style up a look, add a pop of colour or pattern, and a great layer for the cooler months.

There are lots of different ways to style a blazer, but here I wanted to share just 3 to inspire you. The great thing is, if you haven’t got a blazer in your wardrobe yet, there are lots of charity shops that have a variety of options for you to try (you can even find some gorgeous men’s blazers, that you can get tailored to your shape for a unique option with a sustainable edge).

You will have seen above that I have mentioned the blazer in the jeans and dress styling options above, so already I have shared two ways to style your blazer, which I hope will inspire you.

Three ways to style your blazer

1. With a midi skirt.

When you style your skirt with a blazer, it’s a way to add definition at the waist and shoulders so can work really well for many body shapes. If you have a tee with your skirt, the blazer can transform the look to be more professional.

While if you have a patterned or colourful blazer, this can be the way to add your colours to a more monochromatic look that is underneath. I’d recommend a midi skirt as it can work across different occasions, but if you love showing a bit of leg, got all out and pop on a mini skirt, knowing your blazer brings a professional edge to the look.

2. With wide-legged trousers.

Wide-legged trousers are a beautiful, elegant option for any occasion, particularly suited for pear shapes or hourglass shapes, as they skim the legs and accentuate the hips. Pop on a belt under your blazer, a blouse, and a pair of block heels for a professional look. You can dress the look down by simply changing the blouse for a camisole or slogan tee.

Add a pair of platform sneakers to make the look even more comfortable, and pop on a bag for your essentials, and you’re ready to go.

3. With your knitwear.

Finally, adding your knitwear under your blazer, adds an additional warm layer, while also jazzing up your look.

A cashmere sweater, with your favourite jeans, and a pair of heeled brogues has an elegant yet cool outfit for Autumn. Whereas your chunky high neck knitted jumper, with a pair of tailored trousers and heels flips the script on professional dressing while remaining warm!

I hope this guide to dressing in a recession inspires you to continue to use your investment pieces in more ways. While we may be in a space to want to treat ourselves to more and more items for our wardrobe, I suggest you take a step back, consider what you already have, and perhaps invest in versatile pieces that you’ll wear over and over again.

If you’re unsure on where to start, or have a wardrobe that is spilling over, yet causing you more stress than pleasure, please get in touch. I can support you with a wardrobe edit, a style masterclass, or a personal shopping experience so you have someone there, by your side, to help you invest wisely for your future outfits.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: PARTYWEAR OUTFIT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

The party season is upon us, and I am sure many of us are aching to get together this Christmas. Whether it’s a corporate party or a celebration with friends, we want to feel festive and appropriately dressed.

With this article I will be sharing a few of my favourite party outfit ideas for you this season, based on the party you are heading to!

Colour Trends to inspire you for your winter party

Looking at some of the colours from the Autumn/Winter 2022 catwalks, there are some beautiful colours to inspire us for our party outfits.

The bright colour trends of Autumn included zesty lime, lilac, burnt orange and cobalt blue, which are wonderfully bright and enticing colours for this season.

A few deeper colours could be chosen for the evening which include burgundy, emerald, or brown which can feel more approachable versus the brighter colours, if the event is more professional.

Outfit ideas for the work party

When it comes to the office work party, you want to remain professional, yet bring in the festive feeling. Depending on the venue, you can dress up a little more formally, should the dress code require it. The first tip for dressing for any event, in particular work events, is checking out the venue and if there is a dress code.

You can’t go wrong with a dress at these parties. I do tend to recommend a longer hemline, from midi to maxi length can be the best option. However, if you do work in a younger more laid-back profession, you could opt for a shorter hemline, keeping yourself warmer with a bolero, or blazer.

A velvet wrap dress can be a good choice, this fabric is much warmer than others, and can feel quite luxurious too. With the wrap shape, this can work well on most body shapes as it pulls you in at the waist. Pop on a layered necklace for that little bit of sparkle, and a pair of heels for the finishing touch.

Another option, if you prefer to cover your legs, is a velvet jumpsuit, with a defined waist. Jumpsuits can be a little more tricky to wear as our heights are so different, so make sure to find one that feels comfortable and stops in the right areas for the best waist definition. A pair of strappy heels, long earrings and a clutch will finish the outfit with a little sparkle for your party.

If you prefer a two piece, then a satin midi skirt paired with a roll neck or a mesh top with a fun sleeve can be an approachable 2 piece look. However, you could go all out and swap the skirt for a pair of sequinned trousers, or even a sequinned suit with your roll neck underneath!

The great thing about sequins is that they can sparkle in the party lights, and when in a more professional shape such as wide leg trousers, they can be a little less garish.

Festive looks for your party with friends

A party with friends means that you could be a little more risqué with your look. A shorter hemline, more sparkles, and a little more personality can shine through.

One option that is a great start to a fun, festive night with your friends is a sequinned dress that has all of the party in the back! With a longer hemline you can play with the backless option, adding a bit of sexiness to the look. Thanks to the high neckline I wouldn’t recommend a necklace, instead, put your hair up and wear a pair of hoops or longer earrings. Pair with some comfortable block heels if you’re going partying into the night, and you’re all set.

For some fun, edgy inspiration, why not try a sequin covered top with an almost fringe-like quality? Pair with your favourite leather trousers, or even a pair of gold foil trousers to keep that sparkle throughout the entire outfit! Pop on a pair of heeled square toed boots which are all the rage right now, and party the night away. If you choose an all-black look, you could add a pop of colour with the shoes, such as a pair of pink heels, or even pink heeled boots!

So, will you be heading to a party this Christmas? I hope some of these ideas have inspired you to get an outfit together that you’ll love to party in, no matter the occasion.

If your wardrobe feels uninspired, and you’d love to find out how to create looks no matter the occasion, please get in touch. From helping you discover the styles that reflect your personality in the best way through a style masterclass, to helping you with a one-off personal shopping experience, I help people like you feel confident with their wardrobes.

Ready for a sparkling Christmas?

I put together a very special Christmas and Black Friday offer: the first 5 people who will book a Style Masterclass will get a 50% discount on a service of their choice, between:

Personal Shopping
Curated Online Shopping
Wardrobe Edit
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What a great way to end the year, and start 2023 with a wardrobe that serves you, and boosts your confidence. ⁠
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Limited space and time offer. Please get in touch for bookings.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

When it comes to showing off our personality one of the best and quickest ways we can do this is through our style. But what do we do if we are in a style rut?

For many of us, our style may change throughout the years but our core style personalities will tend to stay the same. This is because it reflects who we are as people! So, how can you discover your style personality and what can you do with fashion once you know yours?

First, we need to know the different style personalities we have!

As a personal stylist, I want to make it as easy for my clients to quickly navigate the different fashion stylings out there. With this in mind, there are generally 5 main style personality types that we tend to tap into.

Natural Style Personality

What is a Natural Style Personality?

Natural style personalities tend to want to feel comfortable in their clothes. This is the most important factor to choosing what to wear. Casual styles are their go-to option, think simplicity, comfort, and minimal patterns. Just like with a natural make-up look, natural style personalities like to keep it simple!

If you feel like comfortable, monochromatic looks are the perfect way to describe your happy place when it comes to fashion then you may fall into this style.

How to style your natural style personality

If you are a natural style personality, then you will want to look for simple lines within your outfits. Find fabrics that are easy to care for that don’t need special treatment such as dry cleaning or even ironing if possible! You want to make your outfits feel as comfortable as possible. A neutral, simple, easy to put on midi dress for the summer is a great option. Pair with simple sandals and a backpack and you’re ready to go out.

For a more casual look, you could find your favourite pair of straight leg jeans in a denim-lycra mix for a more comfortable fit, and pair with a simple white tee or camisole. Add a pair of boots, and a leather cross over bag in a neutral brown or beige for your essentials!

If you want to feel ready for the office, find a pair of neutral beige or white trousers that are lightly cropped, add a leather belt, and a pair of slip on brogues or trainers. For the top half, either a classic striped tee (which is the best pattern for you to dip your toe into) or loose blouse tucked in, with an oversized neutral blazer or denim jacket to finish the look.

Classic Style Personality

What is a Classic Style Personality?

Classic Style Personalities tend to feel their best in a more formal outfit. They like to appear well turned out, with elegance as a key factor for their outfit choices. Classic hairstyles that rarely change throughout their lives, and the same goes for their outfits. Once they have found a comfortable, classic, go-to look, they will feel a little intimidated to perhaps veer away from this.

This isn’t to say they will keep away from colours. Tones like peaches, pinks, navys and deep browns are perfect! 

How to style your classic style personality

If you feel you’re a classic style personality, then looking for fabrics like silks, linens, and wools will be a good start. You will want to make sure your outfits have a feel of elegance and perhaps professionalism with each look. While stilettos can be a go-to shoe for you, if you prefer less of a heel, court shoes or even high quality platform trainers could be an option.

Some outfit inspiration could be a pussy-bow blouse in white or cream, tucked into a pair of tailored trousers in a peach or salmon colour. Put on a pair of nude pumps or elevate the look with a pair of nude stilettos.

For a more relaxed event, keep your tailored trousers and swap out the blouse for a cashmere polo neck, or high quality silk camisole. If you prefer a skirt, swap the trousers for a midi skirt in silk or with pleats. A clutch or handbag in a neutral tone, paired with your slip on sandals can help finish the look.

Romantic Style Personality

What is a Romantic Style Personality?

A Romantic Style Personality loves dressing up. Think little details like bows, ruffles, flounces, appliques and fringes. Prints and colours are also a go-to for them. They bring this feeling of dressing up to their makeup and skin care, and will even have a favourite fragrance. They tend to spend time on their look, and will never leave the house without their make-up done!

How to style your romantic style personality

If you think you are a romantic style personality, you’ll want to find looks that help you show off your passion for dressing up! A maxi dress with colourful florals, a ruffled neckline or pleated skirt will be a great look for you. Add a bold shoe, and a handbag to finish the look which has a similar tone to your shoes to make the look feel complete.

If you prefer two pieces, look for a colourful, patterned midi-skirt in perhaps an animal print or a floral pattern. A graphic tee, with a fringed crossover body bag will make the look feel just perfect for you. A red lip that works with your colour tone, also wouldn’t go amiss.

Dramatic Style Personality

What is a Dramatic Style Personality?

Dramatic Style Personalities often buy their items on impulse. This is because they are attracted to the garment, it stands out, or makes a statement. Bright, bold colours, and graphic prints that are on trend are their go-to. A wardrobe is filled with current pieces that have volume, personality, and boldness at their core. 

How to style your dramatic style personality

With a dramatic style personality, you can go all out with your boldness. Scour the fashion catwalks for inspiration, and depending on your budget, you can invest in pieces that will make a statement.

While your outfits may change with the trends, current options that may feel great for you, would be a voluminous sheer maxi dress with ruffles at the bottom and statement shoulder pads. Underneath, add a body suit in a neutral or black, and make your look a bold monochromatic look by matching your bag, shoes, and accessories with the bold colours you select. Think orange, yellow, or lime green – all of which are very much in fashion right now.

For a two piece outfit, invest in a patterned pair of flared jeans, colourful heeled boots, quirky graphic tee, and if you need it, a blazer with statement shoulders for added drama.

As the name goes – it’s all about the drama for you – so enjoy those quirky finds and colourful, unique patterns & pieces.

Creative Style Personality

What is a Creative Style Personality?

The last personality that most people fall into, is the Creative Style personality. Creatives have wardrobes full of items from different sources, including vintage mixed with high street, online, and high end purchases. They love to collect and curate their wardrobes, and love to shop. They feel that shopping is an art form, and often are found studying fashion magazines or Instagram for inspiration.

How to style your creative style personality

If you feel like you may be a creative, you’ll want to hit different sources for your wardrobe. As I mentioned, you love combining vintage, high street, high end, and online fashion, so embrace that joy and create looks you love from across these outlets. Mixing fabrics can also be a great way to get your creative fix, such as velvet, satin, silk, wool, and denim.

For some outfit inspiration, why not try a pair of 70’s flares with a modern oversized blazer, atop a graphic tee, with a high end designer bag. You could also pair a vintage band tee with a silk midi-skirt, leather biker jacket, and biker boots. Add colour and creativity with quirky sunglasses, beads, and earrings for the finishing touch.

So, which personality do you feel you fit into? Have these outfit ideas inspired you to play with your wardrobe and style more?

If you want to discover your personal style, as well as the ways to create outfits that feel truly you, please get in touch.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: THREE COMMON STYLING MISTAKES (and how to avoid them)

When you want to feel your best in the clothes and outfits you put together, there are some fashion faux pas that I recommend steering clear of! So, what are the three biggest styling mistakes that we should keep out of our outfits?

Wearing mainly black – particularly if you think it makes you look slimmer

We have been told in the past, that black is “slimming”. Well, what if I told you this was actually a common styling mistake? Now, there's nothing wrong with wearing black per se, the problem is doing it with the wrong purpose: hiding and looking slimmer, as opposed to enhancing your look. Moreover, black is a very harsh colour that suits very few people, so while we CAN wear it, it is also important to understand HOW to.

If you love wearing black, or it is a colour that works with your skintone, here are some top tips to making it feel more fashion-forward.

• Add pops of colour with your accessories – such as jewellery, shoes, hair accessories, or even your layering.

• Wear Black in a print, mixed with your best colours.

• Keep black on your bottom half, and wear one of your colours on the top half.

Hiding under baggy clothes

Wearing clothes that hide the figure actually don’t help to enhance your shape – they can do the opposite! While baggy clothes can be “in fashion” it only tends to work on certain shapes, and this has to be done with intent. However, many of my clients feel they want to wear baggier clothes to hide their features, rather than accentuate their shape in the best way.

Baggy clothes can also work against you and make you “invisible”. As a personal stylist, I want to help people feel like they can shine in a room, and show off their personality in the best way. A few options to help you overcome this baggy look and show off your best features are can be:

• Understanding your body shape. When you know your body shape, you can invest in pieces and create outfits that build your confidence.

• Know where to go baggy, and where to add definition. While for some, a baggier bottom half can be a great option – perhaps with wide legged trousers, or with flares for pear shapes – this can be the completely wrong option for others. For example, apple shapes, having a fitted bottom half while having a baggier blouse or top is much better for them.

• Loose fitting layers are better than baggy clothing. Now, this is a mind-shift! Loose fitting overshirts, or perhaps looser fabrics can be a first dip into changing how you see your baggy clothing. Don’t hide under them, rather have them as your additional layer over the top of flattering fitted items.

Imitating other people’s style

Well, this is maybe the biggest mistake of all. First, everyone is different, both physically and personally; and your style should be a reflection and an extension of who you are, not an imitation of someone else. Besides, what suits someone else won't necessarily suit you.

While I ask my clients to share their style influencers in our personal styling session, we only take inspiration from them, rather than replicating their styles. You will want to show off your own personality through your fashion, and with this, you can curate your very own style. It's so important to feel yourself when it comes to walking out of the door in the outfits you create, so embrace your true personality!

What can you do to start discovering your personal style?

• Find the colours and shapes you love, and add them to your wardrobe. If you have a “uniform” you can add your personal touches with your accessories.

• Play with fashion, don’t let it stop you. Fashion should be something that works with you, not against you. Take time to discover the stores, styles, and outfits that you love to wear.

• Trends come and go, but your personal style will remain. So rather than going for the latest fashion trends in the stores, consider which styles you love to wear, and keep with them!

If any of these three styling mistakes feel like they resonate with you, I’d love to help you change how you feel about fashion. I can help you discover your best colours (and how to "fix" black, should you want to keep on wearing it!), the most suitable clothing lines for your body shape, scale and proportions. As well as recommended hairstyles and accessories for your face shape, and how to develop your unique personal style. This is all part of my Style Masterclass, available in London, Kent or online, to suit you!

I'm looking forward to helping you shine through your style...Because you are one of a kind ✨

UNDERSTAND BODY SHAPES AND HOW TO DRESS FOR CONFIDENCE - PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS

Understanding our body shape is crucial if we want to feel more confident with what we wear. Apart from the shape and the proportions of our body though, it is absolutely important to consider how to dress all the individual parts of your body, rather than the entire body all at once. One of the first thing I do with clients is to determine their features, so if they are angular or curvy, and some people might have a mix and so be interjacent.

This helps to point in the right direction for choosing the best clothes, and fabrics to complement and suit our body to the best. Crispy fabrics and structured shapes, but also geometric (popelin shirts, cottons, structured blazers and jackets, geometric patterns, etc..) will suit best angular body features, while deconstructed shapes, soft fabrics and patterns (jerseys, viscose and silk, blouses, and “romantic” patterns like paisley, dots and flowers) will complement best curvilinear body features.

In order to determine if our features are angular, curvilinear or interjacent, a little exercise to do is to stand in front of a mirror in clothes that show your shape off. Look at your shoulders, are they straight across or do they slope down? Then, stand sideways, still looking into the mirror: do you have a straight back and flat bottom; or do you have a curved back and curvy bottom? Once you have determined which bits of you are straighter or curvier, you need to consider the actual construction of your clothes. Angular bodies, or sections, need straighter constructions; curvier bodies need softer and more shaped constructions. Interjacent people, will have to choose different clothing lines and structures depending on the different sections of their body.

Now, let’s dig into the body shapes: there are 6 different kinds of body shapes:

TRIANGLE (or so-called pear), INVERTED TRIANGLE, RECTANGLE, OVAL (or so-called apple), NEAT HOURGLASS and FULL HOURGLASS.

The difference stands mainly in the proportions between shoulder, hips and waist: when shoulder and hips are balanced (same width) they can either have a defined waist or a non-defined waist. In the first case, most luckily we deal with an hourglass (that can be neat or full..will explain more later on) while a non-define waist means we have either an oval or a rectangle body shape.

When the shoulders are wider than the hips, we are in front of an inverted triangle, as opposed to the triangle, where the hips are wider than the shoulders.

Now, let’s see, shape by shape, what this means:

1. Neat Hourglass

Is characterized by a defined bust a defined waist, a neat bottom, and neat hips and have a naturally balanced body and also a defined waist, and while they have a wide range of choice, in terms of clothing styles, they should always try to keep this balance and also, and show off their body by wearing clothes that define the waist, enhance the bust and highlight hips and bottom.

They should avoid wearing clothes that hide their body line. So anything with waist definition is a “go-to”, while buggy, boxy and shapeless clothes are not recommended. Neat Hourglasses can wear most fabrics and patterns, as long as they complement their features (angular, curvilinear, interjacent).

2. Full Hourglass

You don’t hear about this body type often, many just talk about the “hourglass” generically, but some women, still having balanced shoulders, hips and a defined waist, have a full bust, a rounded bottom, and rounded hips and for them, rules differ a bit from neat hourglasses, and it’s important to wear clothes that follow their body line and curves, instead of those that are straight and constricting. In this case, I recommend choosing fabrics carefully and avoiding heavy or stiff fabrics, but rather opt for fluid, soft fabrics and more deconstructed shapes, like waterfall jackets, cardigans (and knitwear in general), crossovers or wraps tops and dresses, in soft fabrics, and as for patterns it’s preferable to avoid geometric patterns, and instead opt for more fluid shapes (spots, florals, paisleys).

3. Oval

Usually has a rounded or sloping shoulder line, curved back, flattish bottom, fullness around the middle and indeed the critical area is the central torso. My best recommendations for oval body shapes are:

• Draw the eye's attention to the area above your bust and below your hips. In order to do that play with accessorise (scarves, necklaces, earrings, hats) so keep any detail above the bust line and below the hip line.

• Create the impression of a slimmer body, so create optical verticality through the use of shapes and clothing lines. Wearing coats/jackets or cardigans which are longer than the hip line is a great way to do this.

• Clothing lines need to be straight, and fabrics soft to avoid any unnecessary volume or bulkiness.

• Opt for deconstructed shapes, simple lines and plain colours on the bust.

• Choose soft, fluid fabrics that hang well and don’t cling or hug the figure, and go for muted and subtle patterns.

4. Rectangle

Once again, hips and shoulders are balanced, but the waist is straight and undefined. Rectangle body types usually have flat hips and a flat bottom; however, some Rectangles can have a fuller bust, which gives a softer edge to their shape. Their main aim is to soften those edges even more and create the appearance of curves. This body type is characterised by a straight shoulder line, straight hips and bottom, very little waist definition, and a straight ribcage. I recommend using details on hips and bottom to create shape while avoiding details at the waist (such as noticeable waistbands or belts) and keeping the clothing line straight and structured. Most Rectangles can wear crisp fabrics, but those with a full bust need to opt for softer fabrics, and generally, geometric patterns work best for them.

5. Inverted Triangle

In this case, shoulders are wider than hips, and the waist is not defined. The body type is characterised by a straight and squared shoulder line, with flattish hips and bottom. I recommend highlighting the hips and bottom, focusing all attention below the waist. Shoulders are generally straight and squared, while hips and bottom are quite flat. Inverted triangles need to minimise details on their shoulders and keep this area as simple as possible while focusing the attention on their legs through shapes, colours and details. Clothing line needs to be straight, clean and sharp. Halter neck is their neckline! Jackets should be constructed and shaped with angular lines (like revered collars) and with no belts, while skirts should be straight and trousers used to add details to the legs and bottom (classic jeans are a perfect style!). I also recommend crisp, constructed fabrics and geometric patterns (like stripes and checks)

6. Triangle

As the name suggests, the bottom part is wider than the top, so the shoulders (and the top half in general) appear smaller than the hips and the bottom part of the body, and usually the waist is well defined while the shoulders may be sloped. As opposed to Inverted Triangles, Triangles need to focus the attention on the top part of their body, through shapes, volumes, details, patterns and colours, and create the optical illusion of wider shoulders, while enhancing their waist with belts and waist-cuts, and minimising details and volume at the bottom. Soft, fluid fabrics work best for the bottom half, while it is recommended to opt for more volume and structure on the top part to create a balance.

These are general guidelines, but everyone has their own, unique body and features, and there might be differences between two or more people fitting into the same body shape category. So while these tips can help to understand the different body types, it is always preferable to ask for the help of an expert who can give personalised and customised advice.

This is an extract from the article published on Pick Me Up! Magazine, 3 March issue

Stefania Bartolomei,
Personal Stylist London

Publication: Pick Me Up! Magazine (c: 55,608) - Your Style - Dressing for you. Date: 3 March 2022.

If you would love to help in discovering the best outfits for your body shape, I’d love to help. Get in touch to find out more about my personal style masterclass and personal styling services.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR SUCCESS WITH CONFIDENCE

When we go into the world of work, parenting, career moves, or want to feel more professional and confident, it can be a bit challenging.

I don't know about you, but when I feel my clothing shows my professionalism and personality, my confidence prepares me for a more successful day.

So, if you want to dress for a meeting, a new job, or simply to feel a little more powerful & confident, here are my tips!

Invest in key pieces

Gone are the days when we are falling into the world of fast fashion, and only designer-priced pieces are sustainable and long-lasting. You don't need to wear something different every day! Have some key pieces that are high quality and easy to wear across different outfits.

With the likes of London-based, sustainable creators, you truly can find beautiful & high-quality pieces at a more appropriate budget. This isn't to say they are on the same level as Primark in terms of cost, but they can be more suited to our everyday wear investments.

When your wardrobe has key pieces that are of a mid-to-high quality, they will look more professional and feel better too. When they fit within your colour palette and style, you'll also want to wear them outside of the professional world, too!

Step into your shoes

I was once told that the first place people tend to look is at our shoes. I don't know why this is, but I have noticed that when someone is wearing a pair of beautiful shoes, they could be wearing a plain, monochrome outfit & still stand out! 

The shoes we wear not only add a touch of personality to our outfit in a way we feel we may not be able to with the clothes, but they also can bring in that confidence by how we walk. 

Whether it's a pair of stilettos in your colours matched with a navy or black suit, or a pair of chunky boots with a pair of jeans, they can elevate a look in a flash. 

If your go-to look for work is more neutral, try adding a touch of colour and height with your shoes the next time you pull together your look. 

Layers & accessories

Finally, the finishing touches are where we truly transform our looks from "day to day" to "professional".

I have said it before - accessories & layers make a difference! Think of the looks that you are drawn to - do they have layering and accessories, or do they stay without?

Most of the time, I see the looks my clients want to replicate and it has that stylish finish. Necklaces, earrings, rings, as well as blazers & jackets are these final parts to a professional look that will make it feel more polished.

If you are unsure on where to start with your accessories - start with the metal that works on your skin tone and invest in a layered necklace and a few rings that you can easily add to any outfit. Then you can build the collection up - belts, earrings & so on.

I hope these tips have helped you discover some new ways to dress for success with confidence. If you are looking for someone who can help you feel more confident with your fashion & style, I’d love to help.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: NEW YEAR, NEW WARDROBE?

As we head into a new year, often we may feel refreshed and invigorated to stick to goals we have set ourselves! If one of your resolutions is to feel more stylish, confident, or even work on making new connections, get a new job, or build your business – one way to start can be understanding your wardrobe and style in a better way.

Where to start with a new personal style

The first step to discovering your new style, is to understand what you want to portray through your fashion. A few questions I always ask my styling clients are:

• What are the first few words you’d like people to think of when they see you?

• Who are your style icons or inspirations?

• Do you feel a certain way in particular colours?

When you know these, it can help you start developing a sort of style mood board, which is what I create with my personal styling clients on Pinterest, to help you see a selection of options in one space that will help you with future purchases.

Remove items for your wardrobe that don’t fit within your style

When you know the type of style you want to portray through your clothes, that you feel confident in and showcases the personality you’d like to convey, you can then start to edit your current wardrobe.

Having a wardrobe detox helps with several things when it comes to developing your personal style:

• It will save you time each day – no more wondering what will go with what!

• Your wardrobe will work smoothly together as full outfits that you can mix and match easily.

• You’ll no longer have any clothes that you don’t feel comfortable in – removing items that don’t fit you is one of the most important parts of this process, as well as the ones you don’t love or feel confident in when you put them on.

Once you have a wardrobe of items you already own, that work within your style you can move onto the next step – finding new items that work with your current ones!

How to find clothes that work with your personal style

Now you have a wardrobe that you can maximise outfits from, that makes you feel your best, and you have a curated mood board for your style inspiration, you can begin your shopping journey!

As a personal shopper myself, I am sure you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that I think making a shopping experience fun, enjoyable and functional is the most important part of your shopping experiences! You’ll want to make sure you do a few things before heading to the shops (whether online or in person).

• Note which items you want to purchase to create outfits from your current pieces in your wardrobe.

• What new items do you want to get to create new outfits?

• What is your budget for this particular shop, or perhaps your quarterly shop? Knowing your finances that you are happy to spend each season for particular items will make sure you know what you can invest in and what you need to save for.

• What colours do you want to add to your wardrobe, if any?

• Which accessories would be a great addition to your collection to help develop fuller more diverse outfits? Whether it’s a belt, a bag, shoes, jewellery, or hair pieces, accessories can transform a look and finish an outfit!

When you have a plan, and an understanding of the style and messages you want to convey through your styling choices, your shopping experiences should be more economical and more useful for you. When we reactively buy because of new year’s sales, a sudden need for something quickly, and without thought, it can cause us to buy items that we ultimately don’t wear. Fast fashion, trends, and garments that don’t last cause us to spend our valuable money on pieces that don’t suit our style for the long term. Taking time to consider what you want your style to showcase, why you want to create that style for yourself – perhaps for your work wardrobe, your confidence, journeying into a new age bracket, or merely to feel great – can truly make a huge difference to how you feel.

Clothes and fashion should work for you – not against you. I hope you will walk into the new year with more confidence and joy each day, and if you’d love help to do this using fashion as one of the tools to manage this, please get in touch.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS: 7 PERFECT PARTY OUTFIT IDEAS

Parties – let’s face it, dressing up can be a big headache if you are unsure on what to wear. Whether you already have a fabulous wardrobe or not, the dressing up side of parties, particularly during the festive season, can become tricky.

In this article, I wanted to share 7 of my favourite party outfit ideas that are headache-free and some that may already be in your wardrobe!

Try out a suit

Something I think will always be “on trend” is wearing a suit! If you have a colourful, well proportioned suit, you can transform it for each and every occasion as you see fit.

When it comes to dressing for a party with your suit, over and above the office-look, here are a few ways to play with it:

1.       Add some sparkle – whether it’s with a sequined cami top under your blazer, or with a sparkly pair of earrings, add a little sparkle to make your suit more festive.

2.       Add colour – if your suit is in a more formal, classic colour such as black, brown, or navy, adding some colour will make it more party-appropriate. If you can, I’d recommend finding a colourful blazer to go with your suit trousers, but you can also find colourful luxurious trousers in a velvet or satin, which can be a great switch-up.

3.       Add party heels! Finally, the quickest way to change up your suit for a party is adding a pair of beautiful heels. Think stilettos that peek out from your trousers for a perfect look, or for more comfortable option a pair of sequined block heeled boots.

If you want to try out a blazer that is particularly fun, festive, and party ready, as well as feeling totally personality filled, then now is a great time to get one. Perhaps invest in a colourful suit, or one in a fabric like velvet – go all out, it is the season for fun!

A classic Little Black Dress

A go-to on anyone’s essentials list for easy to throw on looks is the Little Black Dress. I shared some insights into how to style a little black dress for any body shape here, and if you want to have something simplistic and easy to put on that you’ll feel great in, then the LBD is a great option.

However, if you want to add a little fun and festivity to the look, you may want to play with your outer wear and your accessories.

Transforming your little black dress can be as simple as adding the right jewellery for your festive party look, to adding fabulously quirky disco boots, or even a cape! If you want to turn up feeling warm as well as festive and have that moment when you slide off your coat to show off your outfit, then a warm fluffy coat can be a good option.

Co-ord sets for Christmas

Co-ords, much like the suit, are very on-trend and will be a really easy way to make your outfit work for you in a flash. Think a skirt and top combination in the same colours or patterns, but that can be worn separately, too. The reason I love co-ord outfits is that they are so easy to put together in a rush. However, they can sometimes feel a little more “trendy” depending on where you get them, so perhaps less appropriate for a sustainable wardrobe. My top tip for finding a co-ord that would work for your Christmas parties but also for future wears, is to make sure it is in a colour that is within your palette and fits your personal style.

They can also feel a little casual, so make sure you look closely at the fabric options, if you want your look to work for a more formal occasion. For example, this recycled polyester deep purple crop top and midi skirt co-ord can be a good option for parties and separately for future events.

Festive Jumper – but styled up!

For a less formal event, or one with a little fun, you can go for a fun festive jumper that’s elevated and can be reused for future. The one thing that can happen when you are getting fun Christmas jumpers is you only wear them once – which isn’t incredibly sustainable. However, if you find a festive yet sophisticated jumper or cardigan, then you can still have that fun, without wasting money or harming the environment.

A few festive tops that I found are:

• Pearl embellished jumper – a great option for fun, quirky, yet sophisticated looks.

• Sequinned blouse – now, this is very sequined and glittery, but it can work really well for a festive event, as well as a party throughout the year as it isn’t “Christmas” themed.

• Black and silver v-neck jumper – this is more casual in terms of the look, but paired under your favourite blazer and with a satin skirt, you can dress this up very easily.

• Short sleeved navy glitter polo neck – and if you’re indoors so don’t need too many layers, this short sleeved glitter polo neck in a lovely warm fabric, can work well.

Cocktail dress

This style of dress is an elevated version of the Little Black Dress. Think different colours, fun elements such as ruffles, and will fall above the knee. When you go looking for a cocktail look, you can be a little more formal and consider that this outfit may only be worn for parties or dates, due to the length it may not be suited to black tie or formal events.

The great thing about cocktail dresses is they can come in a huge variety of colours, fabrics, and designs so finding one that suits your personal style is the most important part of this process. You may already have a cocktail dress in your wardrobe, so throwing it on with some jewellery, a clutch bag, and your heels will be one of the simplest but most effective looks.

For an elegant and easy look that is just below the knee and in a demure style, try this lilac cocktail dress with faux wrap top and pleated skirt – it has a gentle shimmer so can be easier to approach than a more festive option.

If sparkle isn’t something you gravitate towards, then this black almost grunge styled dress with ribbon detail and autumnal flower design is right up your “rock chick” cocktail look.

Sequined Dresses

For a sparkly, festive, glitter-fest of an outfit then you really can’t go wrong with a sequined dress. Becoming even more popular this year, I have seen plenty of beautiful sequined dresses that will work for any occasion. The great thing about sequins is they will sparkle and light up your day – however, they can sometimes look a little cheap, so if you are going full sequin and need to buy a new dress to treat yourself to this fun style then invest in a good quality dress.

Whether it’s a silver sequined mini dress with voluminous sleeves & a pencil skirt,  a colourful rainbow-like sequined dress with a higher neck, or an almost 20’s inspired sequin fringe midi dress, you will find a great selection of options.

Styling a sequin dress can be a little more tricky, so let the dress do all the talking and let your accessories complement it. For example, dark tights and a black pair of heels if you are wearing a shorter dress (and to keep your legs warm) or a pair of simple strappy heels – and you are ready to rock the dance floor!

Try out a jumpsuit

If a dress just isn’t your style, or you want to be able to throw on a full outfit that is ready to party all night in then you can’t go wrong with a jumpsuit! We are lucky enough to have a whole host of options for jumpsuits at our fingertips, so if you are opposed to the classic dress style, this is your year to try out the jumpsuit!

A few jumpsuits I have found online that would be great for any party, are:

·       For the smart/casual party – Try out this fun wide-legged gold-polka-dot jumpsuit. It’s fun, sparkly, and comfortable too! 

• For the unique black-tie event – this incredible white (also available in yellow and black) cross-halter jumpsuit is beautiful. No need to add a necklace, as the neckline is doing all of the work. Add some bangles and rings and you’re ready to drink cocktails and eat canapes.

• For the festive party – if you want to feel festive, but don’t want to wear a Christmas jumper, then I have found this velvet deep burgundy jumpsuit!

• For the girl’s night out –for a fun, flirty option for any type of party with the girls or over brunch, this elegant one-shoulder cape-detailed jumpsuit in salmon is beautiful.

• For the theatrical event – I can’t say how incredible this art-deco inspired bronze jumpsuit is (it is a big investment, however) and you will definitely make all the eyes in the room turn. It has long pleated sleeves that go all the way to the floor, so perfect for a theatrical event, particularly if your company is hosting a themed Christmas do this year – or just to feel fabulous.

I hope this 6 Christmas party outfit ideas have inspired you to get all dressed up! If you are looking for the perfect gift for under the tree for that loved one or friend that deserves confidence in all that they wear, I’d love to help – I am offering Christmas vouchers this year that can cover a particular service, or go towards a service so they can treat themselves to wardrobe happiness in 2022.