Hi, I'd love to give you fresh style tips!

Blog

Funky Flat Sandals for Easy Spring and Summer Style

Flat sandals are so handy to have in your wardrobe for spring and summer.

They allow your feet to breathe, and you can wiggle your toes (LOL)! They’re such an easy ‘grab and go’ option for the warmer months.

Nude coloured flats that are close to your skin tone are the most versatile. Then, neutrals like tan, navy, white, grey, brown, and black are handy because they mix and match with every colour. And finally, fun, interesting colours such as green, red, orange, purple etc., are the least adaptable but will add an element of interest to any outfit.

If you have skin with warm undertones, choose yellow-based colours. And, if your skin is ‘cool’, then select blue-based colours. I’ve included a range of both warm and cool coloured flat sandals, as you can see in the shoppable boards below.

 

 

 

Watch this video to see why I chose these flat sandals:

If you’ve had your colours done, you’ll know if you should be focusing on the warm or the cool range of colours. If you’re at a loss as to whether you suit yellow or blue-based colours, a personal colour analysis consultation will take all of the guesswork away.

What To Wear with Flat Sandals

  1. A maxi dress
  2. Jeans
  3. Casual skirt
  4. Knee or above the knee length dress
  5. Culottes
  6. Shorts
  7. A jumpsuit
  8. Cargo pants
  9. Casual pants made from light-weight fabric like linen

Let’s just look at #1 and #4. Flat sandals and casual dresses are a match made in heaven. These are two wardrobe items that require minimum thought and time, with maximum impact. No worrying about which top and bottom coordinate together – just slip on your dress, slide into your sandals, grab your handbag, and you’re out the door!

Here are some long and short dresses that would look great with your flat sandals.

Sticky
September 10, 2021

Must-Have Handbags for Your Wardrobe

Handbag lovers unite!

Selecting a handbag is a very personal choice. There is plenty to consider as you explore all the options.

Where do you start?

Firstly, aesthetic appeal: Do you like its colour, shape, form?

And secondly, is it fit for purpose.

 

Choosing a handbag, you love

There will be particular reasons why you are attracted to the look of one handbag and not to another.

Does it appeal to your style personality and preferences? Do you prefer classic, relaxed, dramatic, feminine, elegant chic, or creative styles?

Is it the size you like to wear? Some people like the oversized look. Others prefer to wear items that complement their body proportions i.e., a petite person wears smaller bags.

Will you choose a neutral shade (e.g., tan, black, navy, grey, khaki) or an interest colour (e.g., red, orange, purple, cornflower blue, green)? Selecting a colour from your personal colour palette, whether it’s neutral or an interest colour, will mean it will match well with the rest of your wardrobe, and will be an easy choice, so you use it often.

 

Choosing a Handbag from a Practical Perspective

Here are some aspects to ponder:

What goodies will I be carrying in my handbag? Some people need the bare essentials: keys, wallet, phone. Others (like me) pack much, much more.
How many totes do you need for grocery shopping? And, if you shop at markets, there’s a bag for that too!

Is the handle or strap going to be comfortable to use.

Does it have internal or external pockets? Is this important to you?

If you were using your handbag for overseas travel you might like to ensure it has a good quality zip at the top so the bag can be securely closed.

Is it within budget? What is its cost per wear? E.g., If you purchase a handbag for $365 and use it every day for 1 year, the bag is only costing you $1 a day 🙂
Tip: If you purchasing an every-day bag ensure it is made from quality leather for longevity and durability.

Can I use it for many occasions i.e., is it multi-purpose?

Finding the right balance of form and function is key to owning a handbag you love, and that will be used for years to come.

Watch the video to see my pick of selected totes, cross body bags and timeless handbags. Some are super stylish, some are fun, and all of them are versatile.

Sticky
August 27, 2021

10 Easy, Chic Ways To Style Your Winter Knits

These 10 easy, chic ways to style your winter knits will have you looking up-to-date for every occasion. Jumpers (‘sweaters’ in America, ‘pullovers’ in Europe) and short and long-line cardigans keep you warm and cosy on chilly days. They are versatile investment pieces for your winter wardrobe – perfect for layering when the temperature plummets. Mostly, I choose knits made from natural fibres like merino, alpaca, and cotton – not just to keep the cold out but because they are soft, comfortable, and breathable.

You can find my favourites in the shoppable boards and video below. Some of these styles come in other colours. My picks are based on cool and warm colours. If you have already had a colour analysis with me, you will know your best colour palette (whether you are warm or cool). You can wear all of these knits to create stylish outfits like the suggestions listed below.

 

Watch the video to see why I have selected these cosy winter knits.

10 Easy, Chic Ways To Style Your Winter Knits

  1. Jeans, ankle boots, jacket or long-long cardigan. Swap the ankle boots for sneakers.
  2. Team your knit with a skirt. Half tuck or belt your knit to show your shape.
  3. Add a textured vest over the top for extra warmth—for example, faux fur or quilted styles.
  4. Ankle boots, slim-fit jeans, and a long jumper with a long necklace.
  5. Wear a collared shirt underneath your knit. Allow the collar and hem of the shirt to peek out at either end.

 

  1. Skinny jeans or Ponte pants with long boots and a long scarf.
  2. A straight skirt, tights, ankle boots and an oversized winter knit.
  3. If your winter jumper is oversized and long enough, wear it like a dress with tights and long boots.
  4. Wear your oversize V-neck or boatneck knits off the shoulder with jeans, pants or a skirt and long boots.
  5. For a chic evening look, pair your light to medium weight jumpers with your darkest denim jeans or culottes and high heeled boots or pumps.

Have fun creating some of these easy ways to style your winter knits.

Sticky
July 24, 2021

7 Fashion Mistakes Sabotaging Your Style

Interested in knowing 7 fashion mistakes that could be sabotaging your style?

Let’s start with ‘style rules’.

Do you like them to stick to them when you create your outfits, or do you favour flexibility as I do?

I think it’s beneficial to know the theory and fundamentals of colour and style, but things get more exciting when you bend the rules, play outside the box and express your individuality. After all, fashion is meant to be fun!

There are, however, some general guidelines that can save your outfit from falling into the “What was she thinking?!” category. Knowing these fashion faux pas will help you dress with style and feel more confident about your outfit choices.

Fashion Mistakes Stealing Your Style

1.  Insisting you are only ever one size in clothing. “I’m always a size 12. I couldn’t possibly go up to the 14.”

Not all sizes are created equal! Make allowances for the huge sizing variations from one brand to another.

Last week I was on a personal shopping trip with Katie, who usually wears a size 14/L. She purchased an oversized top in size 12 and a skirt that skimmed her curves in size 16. Both garments fit her to perfection.

2.  Buying one item in every colour, especially anything that is worn near your face. I have seen this sooo many times during wardrobe audits!

The chances are that only one or, at a stretch, two colours will suit your ideal personal colour palette. The other colours will be unflattering for your skin tone. You may innately recognise this when you look in the mirror. Consequently, you only wear one colour ‘to death’ while the others will be a waste of money and take up valuable space in your wardrobe.

Model wears 4 tops that are all the same style but in different colours.

These 4 tops are all the same style but in different colours. The soft pink and pure white tops are great options if you are light with cool undertones. Black will suit those with deep colouring. The marine blue top will look fabulous on you if you have warm undertones.

 

Fashion faux pas to avoid

3.  Wearing wide horizontal or vertical stripes across areas you want to hide, e.g. your tummy, hips, bottom, bust or shoulders. Stripes, especially large ones, are focal points that add extra volume and width.

4.  Wanting to look taller and slimmer, but wearing very dark pants with a very light top (or vice versa).

This combination is called ‘high-value contrast’. It visually cuts you in half. If you are tall, that might not be such a big deal. But, if you are average height or less, it will make you appear shorter and wider. Notice that the line at the model’s waist area is less obvious in the image on the right-hand side.

2 images: in one picture the model wears a white top and black pants. In the second picture, the model wears a caramel coloured knit and black pants.

5.  Fashion mistake no. 5 is wearing white, bright, tight, coloured, dark or patterned underwear beneath your white clothes. No one needs to see that! ? Nude, flesh colours are the way to go.

Tip: White pants are especially unforgiving, so when you wear them, make sure your underwear fits perfectly.

These Fashion Blunders could be your Style Undoing.

6.  Buying into extreme fashion trends. They lack staying power and date quickly. Examples include micro bags, padded shoes, and mega-ripped jeans. These high turnover pieces deplete your bank balance and contribute to unnecessary waste and pollution. Plus, if you wear them for too long, others will perceive you as outdated or stuck in the past.

 

3 images: extremely ripped jeans, micro handbags and padded shoes. All of these fashion faux pas should be avoided.

7.  The last of the fashion mistakes warranting a mention is ill-fitting clothes. Wearing garments that are either too tight or too large draws attention for the wrong reasons. I think the former is the worst offender – think muffin tops and breasts spilling out of a super tight top. This scenario reminds me of something I read ages ago, “Just ‘cause it zips doesn’t mean it fits.”

Woman wears jeans that are too tight exposing rolls of fat that hang over the top of the jeans.

The other side of the coin is trying to hide your perceived problem areas (like a tummy) with large over-sized clothes. Excess fabric only draws our attention to that area.

Clothes that skim your body shape are most flattering.

 

 

Image credits: Mollini, Portmans

Sticky
March 17, 2021

Closet Organisation Tips For A Wardrobe You’ll Love

Do you have a wardrobe of clothes you love? Or, is it a place that stresses you out and saps your energy? These closet organisation tips will really make a big difference to your life if you are time poor (isn’t that most of us?) if you want a closet that easily works for you and your lifestyle or both.

The good news is that each suggestion will work whether you have a tiny wardrobe or a large walk-in robe.

Before you start, invest in non-bulky, flocked hangers for uniformity and space savings. Dispose of wire coat hangers, bulky wooden hangers (except when hanging heavy items like winter coats and suits) and plastic dry-cleaning bags. Have clip hangers ready for your pants and skirts.

Tip: You can buy flocked hangers at Target and other general merchandise retailers.

How to Start Organising Your Closet

First, let’s weed out what you are not wearing to make it easier to find clothes you DO wear. Pull all your tops out of the wardrobe. Now, cull according to these criteria:

  1.  flattering colours on you
  2. authentic representations of you and your signature style e.g., classic, relaxed, creative, dramatic, feminine, elegant
  3. fits you now
  4. in a style that suits your body shape and proportions
  5. is current (rather than c1990)
  6. cull any more than 5 items of the same thing e.g.,10 white shirts – cull half
  7. supports your lifestyle

Place the tops that ’pass the test’ back into your closet using colour blocking – like in the feature image. If you decide to wear a top in a particular colour e.g red, all of your red tops will be in one location saving you time and simplifying the selection process.

Now, sort through the other items – pants, skirts, dresses, shoes, handbags, jewellery etc.

Depending on how extensive your collection is, how thorough you want to be and how much time you have, this step may need to be spread over a few days. (You may not be overjoyed with the process right now, but you’ll thank me later ?)

Quick Tips

• Do you have more shelf space than hanging space? Consider folding bulky items like jeans.

• What do you wear most? Ideally, those items should be at eye height and positioned close to the centre of the rack or shelf so you can see and access them quickly.

• Invest in a full-length mirror.

Recently I was at a client’s home (Cathy) helping her refresh her wardrobe and was surprised to find she didn’t have a full-length mirror. After the initial cull, I created new outfits with the clothes she decided to keep.

Cathy was unable to view her outfits in their entirety. At one stage she was wearing a fabulous outfit and I was explaining and demonstrating how changing the length of her skirt would dramatically improve the overall look of her outfit.  Unfortunately, she was unable to see it!

Having a full-length mirror takes some of the guesswork out of creating stylish outfits. Being able to see yourself head to toe gives you the opportunity to tweak something if it doesn’t look quite right.

There are many affordable options available (try Ikea) and they take up no additional space if you hang one on the back of your wardrobe or bedroom door.

Organising shoes in your wardrobe

Closet organisation tip: Store shoes in hanging shoe pockets in your wardrobe. Image of many colourful pairs of shoes housed in shoe pockets.

Hanging shoe pockets are an efficient use of space especially when you have a sizeable collection (like mine ?)

If you have plenty of hanging space, shoe pockets, available from Kmart and Target, are an excellent storage solution for your shoes. One usually holds 10 pairs of shoes. Another idea is to keep your shoe boxes, cut out the end of the box so you can view its contents and stack them one on top of the other.

Tip: If you want your shoes to retain their shape and last for years avoid stacking them.

I recommend organising your closet twice a year – Autumn/Winter and Summer/Spring. It offers you the opportunity to reassess what’s working for you and what’s not. Most of the heavy lifting will be done the first time around, so future closet organising will take a lot less time and effort.

I hope you find these closet organisation tips useful. The aim is to have a wardrobe that brings you joy! – One that compliments your personality, lifestyle and budget. And, one that is easy to navigate, and gives you time to do the things that matter most.

Organising your wardrobe can be emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. It’s difficult to make choices about what stays and what goes. It’s also challenging to see alternatives ways to style items you have worn the same way over and over again. If you feel you could use some professional to help cull items, organise your closet in record time and get a new lease of life from clothes you already own, gift yourself a fun and rewarding wardrobe audit.

Sticky
January 14, 2021

5 Easy Festive Season Styling Tips

‘Party Season’ is here again!

December is always busy. You have your usual commitments that compete for your time, plus, you’re invited to get-togethers with family, friends and work colleagues. Chances are you hardly have a moment or the inclination to create whole new outfits for going out. And, if you do, there’s only have a couple of precious minutes to do it.

Is it possible to be ‘party-ready’ fast?

Yes it is!

Use some or all 5 of these quick and easy festive season styling tips to be dressed and out the door in minutes. Party, picnic, or Zoom call, you’ll look great in record time so you can focus on having fun.

5 Easy Festive Season Styling Tips

1. Add A Bit Of Bling

Nothing says fun and ‘party’ more than shine, shimmer, and sparkles. Statement jewellery, shoes, handbag, a top or dress – your choices are endless!

Woman wearing green sparkly earrings.

2. Change Your Outfit By Changing Your Shoes

Swap your plain sandals or flip flops (thongs in Australia ?) for beautiful bejewelled sandals, wedges, stacked heels, or stilettos. These shoe styles elevate the simplest of outfits. If you think you are going to be standing most of the time wear your comfortable heels.

Woman wears floral patterned dress and gold sandals.

Hat and flat sandals = picnic

Coral coloured clutch and green strappy sandals.

Swap the hat for a clutch and the flats with strappy heels = chic party wear

3. Switch Up Your Belt

Do you wear belts? If you do, wearing one with interesting detail is a very simple way to elevate your look. Swap your casual, woven belt for one that is metallic or leather.

A selection of belts.

 

4. Throw On A Third Piece.

Add a jacket to your outfit, especially at night. Its structure will take your outfit to the next level. Tip: make sure it’s lightweight enough that you don’t feel too hot.Woman wears white jacket and tee with light blue jeans.

 

5. Add A ‘Pop’ Or A Lot Of Colour To Your Outfit

Colour implies fun and good times – that’s what party season is all about!

Wearing colour will brighten your mood and bring joy to those around you.

And, if you’re at a party where you don’t know many people, your colours will attract others. It’s an easy way to start a conversation.

It’s interesting to note that studies have shown that mid to light value colours, rather than dark colours, make the wearer seem more approachable.

What about a soft blue, mint or peach top with white pants, red sandals and a red clutch – dynamic, fresh and so much fun!Festive outfit featuring white pants, mint coloured lace top, and various red shoe, handbag and earring selections.

You can be ready for party season festivities and get-togethers by making small tweaks to your outfits. Those dreaded thoughts of: “I don’t have anything to wear.” or “What am I going to wear?” will be the last thing on your mind. Get dressed quickly and easily and get on with what matters most – enjoying good company, good food and having fun!

Would you like to know the colours and neutrals that look great on you? A Personal Colour Analysis reveals your unique colour palette – the colours that make you look radiant, healthy and energised.

It is a fantastic Christmas gift (It’s the gift that keeps on giving ?)! Put it on your Christmas wish list or book yourself a session as a ‘gift to self’, OR, come along to my fun Personal Colour Analysis Workshop. The first one for next year is Saturday, 16 January.

Start 2021 feeling empowered and confident and looking fab!

 

 

Images: Shein, FarFetch, Styletread, Unsplash, Revolve Clothing, Pinterest, Habbot

Sticky
December 15, 2020

Eyewear Colours: What Colours are Best for You?

Choosing eyewear colours can be tricky – there are so many shades to choose from!

An easy way to narrow down the options is to choose glasses that complement your hair, skin and eye colours.

There are 2 important factors to consider before you start choosing the colour of your frames:

  1. Do I suit warm or cool colours?

Your answer influences the undertone of the colours you choose. How do you know which colours suit you? Coral suits people with warm, yellow-based undertones. Fuchsia suits cool, blue-based undertones. Or, you can use your comprehensive colour swatch to guide you.

  1. Do I want my glasses to work with my natural colour palette or do I want them to make a bold statement?

Below you will find ideas about how to choose frame colours that work in harmony with you. If you have a style personality that enjoys creative, more dramatic, or fun looks – go ahead – break ‘the rules’!

Eyewear Colours – Take Inspiration from Your Locks

Look at the different variations of highlights and deeper colours in your hair. Any of these shades will look fabulous as a frame colour.

Tip: Do you have a wide range of light and medium or dark tones in your hair? Tortoiseshell frames could be a great choice.

Black and dark brown hair – deep, dark colours, including black, will look striking on you. Avoid pale, ashy colours.

Light brown hair – If your hair is warm brown choose russet tones, camel, deep taupe. Cool brown hair? Select rose brown, blue-greys.

Red hair – rich tans and umber, reddish and chocolate browns – colours inspired by nature (think Autumn leaves). Brighter orange hair will tolerate more vibrant hues.

Blonde hair – Warm blondes suit honey, caramel, cinnamon, peach, and gold coloured frames. Whereas, cool blondes shine in rose beige, deep taupe, soft pink and silver.

Tip: black can look harsh if your overall colouring is light.

Woman with blond hair wears light coloured eyewear. Woman with black hair wears complementary black framed glasses. Girl wears rose beige coloured glasses to match her hair colour.

Grey hair – Is the undertone of your grey warm or cool? Warm (yellow-based) grey will look terrific in brushed gold glasses (a lacklustre version of yellow gold). Cool greys suit silver frames. Avoid yellow and brown frames.

Best Glasses Frames To Enhance Your Eyes

Have a close look at your eyes. What colours do you see? Choosing frames that are like the colours in your eyes will make them ‘pop’. These are called eye enhancers.

Image of an amber coloured eye and two pairs of glasses that will enhance that eye colour.Picture of a teal blue eye and two pairs of teal blue glasses which will enhance the colour of the eye.

Eyeglass Frames That Complement Your Skin Tone

Does your skin have a pinkish hue or does it appear more yellow? Wearing glasses in your optimal shades of red, pink, burgundy or purple will make your skin glow.

Tip: If you have a warm, yellow-based undertone you will also suit orange.

Woman in red floral dress and two examples of eyewear that will suit her warm skin tone.Woman wearing maroon top with two pairs of glasses that suit her cool colouring.

By choosing frames that complement the colours of your hair, skin and eyes you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect look for you.

Eyewear images were sourced from Specsavers.  This brand also operates in the UK, Ireland, other countries in Australasia and Nordic countries.

 

Sticky
October 25, 2020

3 Top Tips For Wearing Green

These 3 top tips for wearing green will help you to identify your best greens, explain what different shades of greens mean, and suggest winning colour combinations to wear with it.

Many people avoid wearing green because they think it’s difficult to mix and match with other colours. Read on, and I’ll share some ideas.

Which Greens Should You Wear?

Firstly, you need to know that there are warm and cool versions of green. Look at the 2 images below. Notice how the warm greens sit next to yellow on the colour wheel. And, the cool greens sit next to blue on the wheel. One group will suit your complexion more than the other.

A photo of a colour wheel.

A selection of warm green and cool green dresses.

Words like khaki, olive, fern, Kelly green, chartreuse and moss are often used to describe warm greens. Whereas cool greens have names like forest, mallard, emerald, mint, teal, and bottle green.

“Which ones suit me?” I hear you ask. Try this fun exercise to find out:

Compare one of the warm colours with one of the cool colours by placing them, (one at a time), underneath your chin. Which one makes you look pale and tired? Which one makes you look healthy and vibrant? Healthy and vibrant wins!

What Green Means

“Green strongly influences the heart and helps alleviate tension. Positive qualities associated with green are generosity, humility, and cooperation…” Tae Yun Kim

Colour psychology is the study of the many ways colours affect how we feel and how others perceive us. Here are words to describe 4 shades of green and their symbolism.

  • Deep greens, like seaweed and bottle green = reliable, strong, tenacious
  • Lighter, brighter greens, like lime and mint = cheerful, playful, fun
  • Grey greens, like khaki and sage = wisdom, trust, nurture
  • Emerald and jade greens = lively, sophisticated, regal

It’s interesting to know what messages your choice of green clothes and accessories are communicating to others. And, depending on how you feel on a particular day you can choose a green to match.

Want to know more about other colours and their meanings? Click here.

Woman wearing forest green jacket

Tip #3 For Wearing Green – Colour Combinations

How to wear green when it’s a colour you’ve shied away from in the past? Here are some suggestions:

You’ve seen that yellow and blue sit either side of the green on the colour wheel. Both colours look superb with green. For a fresh weekend look, team blue jeans with a fun lime or cool mint green top.

Other interesting combinations are green and violet, and green and orange. Both the violet and orange can act as accent colours in your outfit, such as a scarf, necklace, or earrings.

An easy way to wear green is in patterns such as florals, stripes, and geometrics. The other colours around it will make the green less noticeable.

Green, white and cream create an energising look for summer.

Tan or charcoal team beautifully with green during the cooler months.

Have a play with these suggestions. Do they make you feel uncomfortable or invigorated, alive, and energised?

Mauve and violet coloured hydrangeas with green leaves.

Nature can be a source of inspiration for your outfit colour combinations.

 

Are you bamboozled by the overwhelming colour choices in fashion shops and online? Are you unsure about which colours suit you? A personal colour analysis will help you identify your best versions of green and all other colours in the colour spectrum. Make empowered decisions when shopping for your wardrobe. Save yourself time and money, and know you’ll look healthy and vibrant every day. Personal colour analysis changes your life: it’s enlightening and it’s fun!

Display of different shades of green from 5 colour swatches

You will receive a swatch of your best colours at your Personal Colour Analysis Consultation

 

 

Image Credits: Avel Chuklanov – Unsplash

Masaaki Komori – Unsplash

Sticky
August 12, 2020

Quick Styling Tips to Hide a Tummy

As a personal stylist, I’m often asked for quick styling tips to hide a tummy.

Successful dressing really is the art of illusion. By making clever colour and style choices you can highlight your assets, as well as play down areas you’re not so keen on. What I love about clever styling is that the magic happens without succumbing to radical surgery, crazy dieting, or hours sweating at the gym. Hallelujah to that!

In this blog, I share 12 ways you can minimise your tummy area by being selective about the clothes you wear.

 

How to Hide a Tummy with Clever Styling

  • Wear tops, dresses and skirts that skim rather than cling to your tummy. Fabric that drapes softly will cleverly conceal what’s underneath. Tip: Clothes that are too large and voluminous will totally hide your shape. They will visually add extra kilos making you look bigger – so take care of the fit.

 

  • Tops should hang below the area you are wanting to hide. Your ideal top length will depend on your body proportions. Tops that end on the roundest part of your body will attract the most attention. So too will tops that sit above the waistband of your skirt or pants.

 

  • Rounded and diagonal hemlines are flattering for a rounded stomach. And, they give the illusion of longer legs.

 

  • Choose soft drape, stretch or flowing fabrics. This is definitely something to be mindful of. Crisp or stiff fabrics add unwanted bulk.

 

  • Matte fabrics are your friend. Shiny fabrics are attention-grabbing and can reveal lumps and bumps making you look larger.
Shiny fabric draws attention to your tummy

Shiny fabric draws attention to your tummy

Matte fabric is better for disguising a tummy

Matte fabric is better for disguising a tummy Images: Nordstrom

  • Another way to disguise a fuller tummy is to keep the focal point above or below that area. So avoid belts, large pockets on blazers, border patterns on tops, wide stripes, double-breasted jackets, and long necklaces that sit on your belly.
Woman wears long, golden yellow top with a necklace that sits below her bust and on her belly.

The necklace should sit above the bust.

No gathering or pleating at the waist

  • Play down your tummy area by wearing pants, skirts, and dresses with minimal or no gathering or pleating at the waist. Folds of pleats will open over the rounded area, rather than lying flat. And, gathers will add extra fabric, creating visual ‘bulk’. Flat fronts are ideal.

 

  • High rise jeans and pants are trending now, and if you have a long rise they are great for hiding a belly – no muffin tops in sight! For most women with a tummy, mid-rise pants will work best. Make sure that the waist of the pant sits near or on your belly button. Slimline pants are ideal if you wear loose tops.

 

  • Longline cardigans and vests create the illusion of length and flow over the sides of your tummy area.

 

Dresses that a great for concealing a tummy

 

  • Empire dresses that sit under the bust with no gathering are very flattering styles. Tip: Avoid baby doll dresses because they have lots of gathering under the bust.

 

  • Dresses with ruching help minimise a tummy.

 

  • Trapeze, A-line and shift dresses work well too.

 

These are some of the simple styling tips which will ensure you feel comfortable, look great, and hide your tummy all at the same time. The ‘aim of the game’ is to help you feel confident inside and out.

Would you like to know everything there is about what to wear for your personality, body shape, proportions and lifestyle? A one on one Style Session will answer all of your questions and make getting dressed easy!

Do you have any other tips about this topic? Please feel free to share.

Sticky
June 19, 2020

16 Tips for Looking Good On Video Calls

Video calls have become a common way of connecting with each other. Online platforms like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime are very convenient. Now we can schedule business meetings, webinars and personal catch-ups with people across the globe. You can look your best on virtual meetings and virtual get-togethers by following these quick and easy tips.

Looking good on video calls: Colour

1. Wear mid-tone colours. Very light or very dark colours have a tendency to make you look washed out.

 

An assortment of warm and cool medium value colours that are perfect for looking great on video calls.

An assortment of warm and cool medium value colours that are perfect for looking great on video calls.

 

2. Choose clothes that are different in colour to your background.  On a recent video call, someone I was talking with was wearing black, and the curtain behind her was black, leaving ‘just a face’ on the screen.  That might be a great look for theatre, but video meetings shouldn’t be that dramatic!

Bonus tip: Have a look at what’s behind you. Keep your background uncluttered, and clean and tidy as possible. You want everyone to be focused on the conversation.

3. Solid colours are easier on the eye. And, it’s best to avoid stripes as they tend to look fuzzy on the screen. Also, loud, multicoloured patterns can be distracting. Patterns that are dense and small to medium in size work best.

 

Woman wears striped blouse.

Stripes can appear fuzzy on screen.

 

4. Wear colours that work in harmony with your hair, skin and eyes. These colours will ensure you create maximum visual impact. Before you have a chance to speak, people will subconsciously judge your appearance and your non-verbal cues (posture, facial expression, body language) – make yours a positive first impression.

Style suggestions for looking your best during online calls

5. Your main focus should be dressing your portrait area. From the top of your head to about your mid-section is generally all we’ll see. But I recommend considering what you wear below that area as well. If you have to get up in a hurry and don’t have time to turn off the camera you want to dress so that you won’t embarrass yourself and it won’t be a shocking sight for everyone else on the call.

6. Dress authentically so you feel confident and comfortable is very important. So too, is dressing appropriately. For example, if you are on a business call, wear an outfit that you would normally wear to work. That way your mindset is in work mode, you look the part and your work colleagues and/or clients know it too. (A blazer and a solid coloured top always look professional.)

Remember, your clothes send subliminal messages. Think about how you want to be perceived when you’re dressing for video calls. Even if the call is for social reasons it’s a great idea to look ‘put together’. You’ll feel more confident and everyone else will appreciate the respect you’re showing them by making an effort.

7. If you wear jewellery to keep it fairly simple: The focus needs to be on your message, not on your adornments.

8. Still on the topic of jewellery: avoid wearing stacks of bangles which can be noisy when you move your arms. If you’re using headsets, dangling earrings could hit the earpiece and cause noise distraction.

Grooming

9. Hair should be neat and clean. If you’re really pushed for time just make sure that the front view of your hair is the way you want it. No one will see the back of you. If you’re prone to playing with your hair, pull it back in a simple ponytail or low bun to stop yourself from playing with it.

10. Not everybody likes to wear makeup, but a mid-tone lipstick or lip gloss and a bit of blush will help define your features. It also helps to keep the focus on your primary communication zone.

 

Three lipsticks in assorted colours

Wearing a mid-tone lipstick draws attention to your face – your principle communication zone.

 

11. Be wary of your neckline. If it’s too low, you might feel self-conscious and find it difficult to concentrate.

Look your best for online calls; Lighting and camera position

12. Make sure there’s optimal light. Natural light is best, but daylights, softbox lighting or a ring light can produce similar results. The light source should be in front of you. Avoid sitting directly under a light source as it will cause deep shadows (especially under your eyes).

13. Position the camera at eye level or slightly above. This gives others the feeling that you are sitting opposite the person you are talking to – just like a face-to-face conversation. An easy way to achieve this is to position your device on a stack of books or a small box. If the camera is below you it will create an unflattering, distorted view. This angle can create double chins that you didn’t know you had!

14. Even lighting is key. Use a portable ring light if you are unable to move your seating position and one side of you is in shadow. These are inexpensive and widely available. Just like the way you elevate your computer or phone, you can set the legs of the light on a stack of books or a box to achieve optimal height.

15. Clean the camera lens before the video calls start so that the image others see is clear.

16. Finally, check yourself on the screen before turning the video function on. This gives you time to make any adjustments or tweaks to your appearance before you are in front of others.

 

 

Image Credits: Andriyko Podilnyk, Honest Company, Visuals – Unsplash

 

Sticky
May 12, 2020
css.php