How would you like to have a wardrobe of clothes that you not only feel comfortable in, but good too? This guide will take you through selecting fashion styles and colours that are flattering and celebrate your unique essence. It’s about owning a wardrobe that serves all your needs.
Understand your body shape
Knowing your body shape and embracing it, is paramount to building a wardrobe that ensures you’ll always feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Clothes that fit you well will flatter your natural curves. Whether you’re a pear, apple, hourglass, inverted triangle or rectangle, there are styles that can accentuate your best features.
The key is to explore the possibilities, even styles you wouldn’t normally try on or go for. Some pieces look much better when you try them on, than they do on the hanger so you may be pleasantly surprised. Here is a handy guide to work out your body shape.
Knowing your body shape is paramount in choosing clothing that enhances your natural beauty.
Know your true size
Your size can change as you age so be prepared to try on different sizes of the same garment to get the best fit. Remember the size is only a number. If you’re looking at tops and bottoms be aware the size you need for the top may be different to the size you need for the lower part of your body. For example you may have fuller breasts so need a size 12 or 14 or Medium on the top and a smaller size in pants or skirts.
Flattering silhouettes
Look for silhouettes that gracefully skim your curves, providing a flattering fit that helps you feel confident. Experiment with different styles – from tailored jackets to flowing dresses until you find what resonates with your personality and lifestyle. You’ll know when it feels right. If you’re carrying extra kilos don’t try to squeeze into a small size or try to hide in a larger one. The most flattering size is your size.
If you’re carrying extra kilos don’t try to squeeze into a small size or try to hide in a larger one.
Colours that complement your skin tone
Consider your skin tone when selecting colours for your wardrobe, in particular what you wear close to your face. Colours and shades can either enhance your complexion or tend to wash it. For example a common mistake is to admire a coloured garment on someone else and buy the same, only to find it doesn’t suit your colouring.
Most women have either a warm (yellow) or a cool (pink) undertone to their skin, although some can wear both.
Finding your colours
If you don’t know what colours or shades suit you best, here’s a simple way to find out. This is great to do with a friend as a second pair of eyes can see things you don’t.
What you’ll need
Two swatches of fabric, or scarves, or items of clothing about as wide as your shoulders – one orange and one pink (not peach).
What you need to do
In a room with good light and without any makeup on, sit in front of a mirror.
Hold either the orange or pink swatch up under your chin and FOCUS on how your complexion looks, not the swatch. Does your skin appear more even or less? Do circles under your eyes appear more or less pronounced? Does your skin look clear or patchy?
Hold the remaining swatch up under your skin and repeat.
Note: It’s a good idea to go backwards and forwards fairly quickly initially, as it will help you pick up on the subtle differences. One will tend to be more flattering than the other.
If the pink wins it suggests you have a cool undertone which means blues, greens, blue purples and blue-reds, white, black and other shades with a cool hue are worth exploring.
If the orange wins it suggests you have a warm undertone which means oranges, yellows, lavender, olive, peach, orange-reds, warm greys, beige, cream, charcoal and shades with a warm hue are worth exploring.
Note: Light or dark, soft or bright there’s lots of wiggle room with colours so keep playing. Finding what suits your personality and what you feel great wearing is the goal. Also be aware colours such as turquoise and true reds are universally flattering.
Elevate your style with timeless and elegant neutrals
The power of neutrals
Neutrals are timeless and versatile, they can effortlessly elevate any outfit whilst allowing you to mix and match with ease. Invest in quality pieces in black and white or cream and charcoal, and shades such as navy and beige – they can serve as the foundation of a chic and sophisticated wardrobe.
Injecting pops of colour
While neutrals are essential, don’t shy away from injecting pops of colour into your outfits. Whether it’s through accessories or statement pieces, adding vibrant hues can uplift your mood and add personality to your overall look.
Include colourful accessories in your wardrobe.
Dressing for comfort and lifestyle
Consider the occasion and your lifestyle when selecting outfits. Choose clothing that not only looks good, but also feels good and practical. Having a wardrobe that helps you feel fabulous ensures you’ll always leave home feeling your best. Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out or a special event, by prioritising garments that align with your lifestyle and make you feel at ease, you’ll never leave home with regrets about what you’re wearing.
Expressing your unique style
Fashion is a form of self-expression, allowing you to showcase your individuality and creativity. Embrace pieces that speak to your personality and make you feel confident and your kind of beautiful. Your wardrobe should reflect your unique style and the incredible woman you are.
Investing in quality pieces
Quality over quantity is key when building a wardrobe that stands the test of time. Invest in well-made garments that prioritise both style and fit, even if you need to save to make the purchases possible. By choosing timeless pieces that you can mix and match, you’ll create a curated collection that exudes elegance and personality.
Invest in well-made garments that prioritise both style and comfort.
Celebrating your ageless beauty
Keep in mind the styles and looks you wore in the past may not feel right for you now so don’t limit yourself. Explore different options, try them on and play. There are no rules, you get to celebrate your ageless beauty through your style choices. Remember, style knows no age, and every stage of life is an opportunity to shine brightly and show up as the woman you are now.
The joy of self-expression
Welcome the joy that comes from expressing yourself through fashion. Aim to feel right at home with what you’re wearing. Whether you’re experimenting with new trends or sticking to timeless classics, dressing well can uplift your mood and enhance your overall well being. A wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous, one that suits your shape, your skin tone and your personality is gold. And remember it’s you who needs to love what you’re wearing, no one else.
Having a wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous, one that suits your shape, your skin tone and your personality is gold.
Live with more confidence and courage
Once you’ve discovered your unique style and built a flattering wardrobe, you can start each day feeling more confident and empowered. By choosing fashion styles and colours that suit you, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to radiate your own unique charm and individuality every day.
Love You. Love Life.
