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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.

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By icadmin
June 19, 2020
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Your Comfy, Stylish Capsule Wardrobe For Stay At Home Living

A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that you can mix and match to effortlessly create many outfits.

Home isolation is our current reality and it’s easy to slip into wearing your gym gear, tracksuit or PJs on a regular basis.

Sure, it’s comfortable, but it doesn’t help your mindset around the fact that you’re stuck at home. Wearing those types of clothes day in, day out can make you feel a bit ‘blah’.

Keep your style game on I say! Not only will you look good, but you’ll feel much better too.

The key to creating your capsule wardrobe is to include clothes that have a common theme. The theme I use is colour.

Ten items of clothing plus two pairs of shoes, and matching accessories.

The 10 garments I’ve used in my example are all warm colours i.e. They have golden, yellow-based undertones.

Here are examples of a warm and cool set of colours:

 

A swatch of warm, yellow-based colours.

Warm colours

A swatch of cool, blue-based colours.

Cool colours

If you’re not sure whether warm or cool colours suit you, a Personal Colour Analysis is the way to find out. You can have yours done online – it’s so much fun, and you receive ‘goodies’ in the post which is like Christmas 🙂

How To Create Your Comfy, Stylish Capsule Wardrobe

To create your capsule wardrobe choose five tops, two bottoms and three jackets or cardies.

When you calculate all of the ways you can mix and match the garments i.e. 5 tops x 2 bottoms x 3 outer layers you end up with 30 outfits.

You can make your capsule wardrobe as extensive as you want. For example, if you wanted to add an extra bottom, you would be able to create 45 outfits i.e. 5 tops x 3 bottoms x 3 outer layers = 45 different combinations.

Also, you can have all skirts, all pants or a selection of both in your capsule depending on your preferences. You can easily make this wardrobe formula your own by introducing tops with different necklines, sleeve lengths, fabrics, and patterns.

Finally, include accessories like necklaces, earrings and scarves to complete your outfits and add your stamp of individuality.

It’s that easy!

 

If you have any questions about creating your capsule wardrobe write them in the comment box below – I’ll be happy to answer them.

 

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By icadmin
April 14, 2020
In HomePage-Blog, Wardrobe
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Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson: ‘Step Into Paradise’ exhibition

In 1973 Jenny Kee opened her Flamingo Park store in the Strand Arcade. ‘Step into Paradise’ was the sign that hung on the door. The shop was described as “romantic, exotic and kitsch” by Jenny – a riot of colour, texture, and pattern. It showcased vintage clothing finds from London, Linda Jackson’s unique creations, and Jenny’s famous knits.

The exhibition is showing at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney until 22 March 2020. It celebrates the creative partnership between these two inspiring Australian fashion designers as well as their individual achievements in the fashion world. Over 150 garments, textiles, photographs, and artworks are on display. These items give us an in-depth insight into their design style, sources of inspiration and creative evolution.

Flamingo Park was a ‘must-see’ destination in the 70s and 80s. Famous visitors included David Bowie, Christie Brinkley, Lauren Bacall, and Olivia Newton-John. They were a global sensation! Local and international celebrities wore their clothes. Remember the media frenzy when Princess Diana wore the Jenny Kee koala jumper to a polo match in 1982?

Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson’s creations were brightly coloured, heavily patterned or both. They were inspired by everything iconically Australian. Years spent exploring the bush, especially in and around the Blue Mountains, influenced their Australian flora and fauna themes. Other sources of inspiration were semi-precious stones like opals, Australian landmarks, and indigenous art.

Here’s a sneak peek into some of the fabulous outfits on display.

Step Into Paradise: the store

Mock up of Jenny Kee's Flamingo Park store in Sydney circa 1973

Mockup of Jenny Kee’s Flamingo Park store in Sydney, 1973

 

Bright pink, over-sized knitted top with Jenny Kee motif on the back.

Bright pink, over-sized knitted top with Jenny Kee motif on the back. Mannequins in 50’s style outfits on the right.

 

Glamorous evening gowns inside the mockup of Jenny Kee's store, Flamingo Park.

Glamorous evening gowns inside the mockup of Jenny Kee’s store, Flamingo Park.

 

Three dresses from the Flamingo Park store circa 1973

Three dresses from the Flamingo Park store circa 1973

 

Australian Themes

Hand knitted wattle dresses 1978

Hand knitted wattle dresses 1978

 

Jenny Kee Waratah dress

Waratah dress

 

Three garments featuring Australian wildflower motifs and boomerangs.

Australian wildflower themes with hearts and boomerangs

 

Three Jenny Kee hand knits in earthy colours.

Hand knitted pieces in earthy tones. Intarsia knits. The Australian bush inspired these scribbly bark and leaf patterns.

 

Two outfits that feature water themes, dolphins and fish.

Celebrating the ocean and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

 

Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson: Bold Colour and Pattern Statements

Jenny Kee mannequin wears her iconic red glasses and densely patterned scarf and jumper.

Jenny Kee mannequin wears her iconic red glasses and densely patterned scarf and jumper.

 

Mannequins wearing colourful dresses.

Beads, feathers, ruffles, and striking colours.

 

Mannequin wears an bright, bold outfit featuring large rounded shapes.

Bright, saturated colours and large shapes make this outfit anything but ‘beige’.

 

Asian inspired jacket with pointy, exaggerated shoulders and appliqué.

Asian inspired jacket with pointy, exaggerated shoulders and appliqué.

 

Ethnic Themes

An outfit from Linda Jackson’s ‘Indigo’ collection. Ethnic patterns.

An outfit from Linda Jackson’s ‘Indigo’ collection

 

Outfits feature beading and vivid colours

Beading, vivid colours, triangular and diamond shapes give these outfits an African feel. Colourful organic shapes reference Australian opals.

 

Jenny Kee 'Harvest Goddess' costume designed for the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000

Jenny Kee ‘Harvest Goddess’ costume designed for the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000

Portraits of Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson

Mixed media portraits (drawing and paper collage) of Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson were a fitting way to end the exhibition.

Portrait of Australian fashion designer, Jenny Kee.

Jenny Kee

Portrait of Australian fashion designer, Linda Jackson.

Linda Jackson

Would you like to see more photos of amazing outfits and jewellery from fashion designer and artist exhibitions? Here are links to Dior, Cartier, Guo Pei, Hermes, Frieda Kahlo Museum, Viktor & Rolf.

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By icadmin
March 02, 2020
In HomePage-Blog, Reviews
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12 Joys of Colour – Part 4

Collage depicting brown items eg coffee, a wooden door and floor, chocolate, brown hair, rocks.

12 Joys of Colour

This is the fourth and final instalment in the 12 joys of colour series.  In this blog I explore two elegant neutrals: brown and grey, and the universal hue: teal.

Day 10 – Brown

Brown is a natural, neutral colour. It’s one of my favourites. 

Have you been to Italy in winter? The Italians ‘do’ brown so well – dark chocolate married with rich caramel and hints of cinnamon. Italian men and women look very stylish walking the cobblestone streets of Rome, Florence, and Milan wearing these hues.

If you are light in colouring i.e. fair skin, fair hair, brown is a wonderful alternative to black – less harsh against your skin. And, with connotations of elegance, reliability, warmth and honesty, there’s a lot to love.

Previously, brown was viewed as old fashioned and ‘suburbia bland’, but not anymore. Now it is considered sophisticated and ‘euro chic’.

There are warm and cool browns. Choose the ones that harmonise with your complexion, hair and eyes. The personal colour analysis system I use helps take the confusion out of knowing which colours look great on you. It simplifies the overwhelm of colour choices and gives you the confidence to know you are choosing your best colours all of the time. In face to face interactions others see you before one word is spoken. Why not make that first impression count?

Collage featuring grey coloured items e.g pebbles, grey coat and blazers, cement building.

Day 11 – Grey

Grey is a sophisticated neutral and a stylish alternative to black.

In its purest form, grey sits on the cool end of the colour spectrum (black + white = grey). However, there are warm and cool versions depending on the colours it is mixed with. Add yellow to pure grey to create warm grey (It looks slightly green). Add blue to pure grey to make cool grey (It looks slightly purple).

Darker greys feel more formal and professional (business suits), whereas medium to light greys feel calm and harmonious (long line cardigans you wear in winter).

Grey is very versatile, so you can wear it with any colour. But if you’re wanting to inject an element of fun and interest into your outfit, combine grey with red, blue, green, yellow or pink.

A great tool you can have is your own personal colour swatch. It will take the guesswork and confusion out of what colours look good on you. If you have warm undertones the swatch will have examples of your best warm neutrals and colours. And, if you have cool undertones it will have examples of the best cool neutrals and colours to suit you.

Peacock, blue-green water, lady wears teal waterfall jacket.

12 Joys of Colour: Day 12 – Teal

Well here we are, at the end of the 12 Joys of Colour. I’ve chosen a hue that suits everyone – teal.

Mix calming blue with healing, optimistic green, and you create teal. Deep versions are understated and elegant. Light versions stimulate creativity and individuality.

Some of you will know that I used to work for Qantas, so anything aviation interests me. And, my mum was a ‘Kiwi’, so this little bit of trivia sparked my interest…

Air New Zealand’s aircraft livery and crew uniforms were teal until 2012. Air New Zealand’s forerunner airline was Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL). Is it a coincidence that the acronym and the airline’s signature colour were aligned? I wonder…

Teal is a very versatile colour. It looks fresh and summery with white, cream and coral, and is ‘lifted’ by gold and silver.

Have the 12 Joys of Colour sparked your interest in discovering your best colours? Feel confident and proud of your image by wearing colours that harmonise with you. (Plus, save time, energy, and your sanity when shopping for clothes). 

Join me in Leichhardt (Sydney) at one of my fun and empowering Personal Colour Analysis Workshops. You can buy your ticket on Eventbrite or by contacting me.

Thanks for coming on this journey with me. Wishing you colour confidence always!

 

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By icadmin
February 03, 2020
In Colour, HomePage-Blog
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12 Joys of Colour – Part 2

 

12 Joys of Colour:

My version of the 12 days of Christmas to share vibrancy and happiness in the lead up to the festive break.

Day 4 – Orange

Orange sits on the warm side of the colour wheel.

It’s a mixture of strong, passionate red with the sunny optimism of yellow.

Orange is one of my favourite colours. When I wear it and see it, I feel energised and happy!

People with warm or neutral skin undertones can wear this colour successfully. If you have a cool undertone orange will make you appear jaundice rather than healthy and radiant.

One of my recent clients, Bronwyn, came for a colour consultation. We discovered that her best colours were cool colours. Bronwyn said she’d been yearning to wear orange and was disappointed that it was not in her colour palette. (Sometimes we just need to wear a certain colour because of the way it makes us feel.)

I suggested 3 ways that she could wear orange and still look good:

  • Wear it below your waist
  • Use only very small amounts
  • Wear one of your optimal colours in-between it (the orange) and your face

 

Collage featuring gold earrings, bag, shoes and woman with gold coloured finger nails.

Day 5 – Gold

Sparkle and Glamour…

We associate the colour gold with quality, sophistication, luxury and success.

Wear gold if you have warm undertones. If you have cool undertones wear silver.

Like all precious metals, gold accessories will add interest to a plain outfit. It will be the focal point of the outfit so ensure you place it where you want people to look i.e. around your neck so they are drawn to your face, or around your waist if your waist is an asset.

If you find yellow gold too showy opt for the more subtle versions: brushed gold or rose gold.

Gold pairs beautifully with warm neutral tones like chocolate, olive green, khaki, rust, taupe and caramel.

How bold or how subtle should you go? You decide. Make a statement of ‘full blown glamour’ (think of the long evening dresses you see on the red carpet or Bollywood), you can wear it in the form of subtle sophistication (like simple gold and diamond studs worn with a black dress), or you can choose something in-between.

 

Collage with men and women wearing purple clothes. Also, purple colour swatches and flowers.

 

Day 6 – Purple

Purple is a combination of 2 primary colours: red and blue. When you look at a colour wheel or colour spectrum you will see that purple is called violet.

Centuries ago the ingredients to produce purple dye was so rare and expensive that only the very rich could afford it. Small mollusks, found exclusively in the Tyre region of the Mediterranean Sea (now modern-day Lebanon), were used to make the dye.

That is why we associate mid to deep purples with royalty, luxury and power. Lighter versions, like lavender and lilac, are seen as soothing, romantic and mysterious.

Recently I had a wardrobe audit with Ella and discovered a beautiful purple, navy and white striped skirt with the shop tags still attached. Ella said that even though she loved it, she had no idea of what to put with it. So, I searched through her tops and found a red blouse and a mint green tee – both looked fabulous with her skirt.

Other colours that team well with purple are orange, yellow and other purples.

 

Book in for your personal colour consultation and wardrobe audit to fall in love with your clothes again, create new outfits from the clothes you already own, and gain a boost of confidence.

 

Image Credits: Pinterest, Unsplash, Tommy Bahama, weddingbee.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By icadmin
December 16, 2019
In Colour, HomePage-Blog
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Your Perfect Fit: Top Tips For Buying a Jacket

These tips for buying a jacket can be invaluable when you go clothes shopping.  We’re all different shapes and sizes, so finding clothes that fit perfectly off the rack can be quite a challenge.

Why is getting the perfect fit so important? It’s kind of like a ‘three bears’ scenario. Too loose and the garment looks like it belongs to someone else. Too tight – people might assume you’ve put on weight or the garment has shrunk. But, when it’s ‘just right’ you look polished and stylish. People can see you’ve made an effort.

Jackets can be expensive items to buy, so you want to get it right. They are investment pieces that stay in your wardrobe for many years. So, it’s better to own one great fitting piece that costs a little more than owning three less expensive ill fitting ones. Whether it’s for work or play a jacket elevates your look creating positive first and lasting impressions.

Sometimes when you’re clothes shopping instinct tells you if an item is working or not, and sometimes it doesn’t! Use this checklist to be absolutely certain the jacket is a great fit for you.

Top Tips for Buying a Jacket

  1. Sleeves should finish just under your wrist bone, and no more than 1cm below it. You can roll or push up longer sleeves of casual jackets.
  2. Fold your arms across the front of your body. Does it feel too tight, too loose or just right?
  3. Vents (slits that open at the back of the jacket) should lie flat.
  4. Even if you think you are never going to wear the jacket buttoned up test to see that you can close them and that the buttons are not pulling.
  5. No pulling across the shoulders.
  6. The seam where the shoulder and arm meet should sit right on the edge of your shoulder bone. If you notice divots, wrinkles or pulling try another size or style. Alterations to the shoulders are costly and they can change the shape of the garment.
  7. Lapels should lie flat – not pucker or bulge. Lapels are the folded back pieces of fabric either side of the front opening.
Woman wears red jacket and carries black handbag
Man wears good fitting blue checked jacket.

So, you’ve followed my guidelines and your new jacket looks great, but the sleeves are too long or the waist area needs tapering. My advice is to find a trusted tailor who can make those minor adjustments for you. It’s worth every penny to achieve your perfect fit.

If shopping for your wardrobe seems like a daunting task contact me to have a conversation about helping you find clothes that suit your personality, lifestyle, colouring and proportions, and boost your confidence.

Image credits: Nordstrom for Women, Nordstrom for Men, Pagani, Pinterest, Just Jeans

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By icadmin
June 23, 2019
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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Palazzo Pants – How To Wear Them Well

Move over skinny pants, palazzo pants are back in!

Coco Chanel wore them in the 20s and Katherine Hepburn wore them in the 30s. But it wasn’t until the 60s and early 70s that palazzo pants were embraced and worn by the masses. One of the reasons they became popular is because some of the ritzy restaurants in Europe insisted on enforcing the rule that women had to wear skirts or dresses to their restaurants. The women wanted to wear pants, so they found a way around it by wearing long, loose, floaty pants that looked similar to the dresses and skirts.

If you’re keen to wear this latest fashion trend read on…

Palazzo pants can be tricky to wear for those of us who are ‘vertically challenged’ and for anyone who carries weight on their hips and thighs. The volume of fabric and the full, broad leg can make you look wider and shorter.

3 pairs of palazzo pants. The first pair features floaty fabric. The second pair of palazzo pants feature a hemline that covers the shoes. The third pair is too short. It makes the wearer look short and wide.

Soft, floaty fabrics and longer hemlines are best.

 

Here are my top 6 tips to wearing palazzo pants well:

  1. Wear heels to visually elongate your legs. Wedges are a comfortable option.
  2. Choose light floaty fabrics.
  3. Hem them as long as possible (but not too long that they’re a trip hazard ?).
  4. Wear lighter or colourful tops, and jewellery to draw attention up to your face.
  5. Choose solid colours or small dense patterns.
  6. And, as well as the suggestions in point 4, you could also wear the same colour or a similar colour to your pants to make you look longer and taller.
Striped palazzo pants with a bright top. the bright top brings attention to your face.

Stripes elongate and the bright top brings the eye up to the face

Black palazzo pants teamed with a black top and high heels makes the wearer look taller and slimmer

Look taller by wearing a top in the same colour and heels

There are plenty of colours and styles at online stores like The Iconic

If you want more info on how to create stylish outfits using loose, baggy clothing like palazzo pants, you can read my article on the Principle of Volume.

 

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By icadmin
November 16, 2018
In HomePage-Blog, Style
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This Capsule Wardrobe System Will Make Getting Dressed A Whole Lot Easier

What is a capsule wardrobe, and why would you use one?

Do you ever waste time in front of your wardrobe wondering what to wear? No matter how organised you are, the chances are you have. It’s stressful! As you stand in front of your clothes you can feel time ticking away. All you want to do is create an outfit that looks good and get out the door.

That’s where creating a capsule wardrobe can help. Susie Faux, owner of the London boutique ‘Wardrobe’, created the phrase in the 70s. The concept is to build your wardrobe around a few core pieces of clothing: pants, skirts and jackets that are classic and timeless. Then add seasonal tops and accessories to keep your wardrobe up to date. So that your clothes can mix and match, they need to relate to one another. If you can do this you’ll be able to create coordinated outfits in record time.

Capsule wardrobes gained popularity in 1985 when Donna Karan released her 7-piece workwear capsule collection. These days it’s used as a popular way to get great versatility and functionality from your clothes while reducing clutter, creating space and helping with our planet’s sustainability.

I’m showing you just one example of a capsule wardrobe, but there are many different variations. You decide how many items you need to make it work for you and your lifestyle.

How to create your capsule wardrobe

This combination of 10 garments will give you 26 outfits. Mix those 26 outfits with the sneakers, ballet flats and sandals (I’ve left the thongs out) and you have 78 outfits.

Start by choosing 2 or 3 neutral colours like navy, grey, black, white, brown, beige, tan or khaki. Buy your jackets, pants and skirts in these colours. They could be matching pieces or separates. I’ve chosen cream, khaki and denim/navy. (See diagram below) All of these garments coordinate well together. Then you add 4 tops and a dress and the capsule wardrobe is complete.

A Capsule Wardrobe of Casual Wear with Accessories. It includes 10 garments, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 belts and a handbag as well as jewellery.

A Capsule Wardrobe of Casual Wear with Accessories

You can expand or subtract from the template I’ve shown here, but this is a great start. And, you can increase the outfit combinations from 26 to 32 just by adding 1 more top.

Stock up on smaller items like jewellery and scarves that can inject elements of interest if you’re a person who needs more variety.

Use the capsule wardrobe system for your work wardrobe too (if you don’t wear a uniform). It’s also handy to use when packing for a trip (Less in the suitcase = less to lug around and more room for shopping!).

If you have any questions about creating your capsule wardrobe feel free to email me ann@imageconfidence.com.au or call 0408 108 804. And, if you know anyone who could benefit from this article feel free to share.

What are your tips for a compact, functional wardrobe?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By icadmin
October 28, 2018
In HomePage-Blog
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Improve Your Style using the ‘Principle of Volume’

There are many ways to improve your style, and one of them is by using the principle of volume. It is a simple technique that makes every outfit look good. You may be using it already without knowing it.

This article explains the principle of volume and how you can use it when combining your clothes.

Improve Your Style using the Principle of Volume

A garment is voluminous when it is oversized, bulky, full or wide, very gathered or flared, or there is a large quantity of fabric. Think: palazzo pants, culottes, loose billowy blouses, tops and skirts with ruffles, peasant tops and box pleat or full circle skirts. Here are some examples:

These garments are voluminous. They are bulky, gathered, pleated, full, wide or flared. Use one of these garments and team it with a slim or tapered garment to improve your style. Combining a loose garment with a slimmer fitting garment is called the principle of volume. When two voluminous items are worn together the look becomes boxy and shapeless. The fabric swamps you and makes you look larger. The picture on the left (below) shows examples of this.

Now look at the image on the right. I have replaced the full skirt and loose, baggy pants with a tapered pencil skirt and straight cut black jeans. The slim lines of these garments balance out the oversized top giving the wearer some shape which creates a more flattering and visually appealing look. Other fitted garments that will show your shape include slim leg jeans and capri pants, high waisted straight skirts and tube skirts.

Two outfits featuring voluminous garments. These looks do not improve your style.
Two outfits featuring voluminous tops and slim fitting pants and skirt. Wearing this type of clothing combination is a way to improve your style.

The last picture shows the combination in reverse. The original voluminous skirt and pants have been teamed with a red-orange slim fitting top. Tip: If you are petite wear heels to elongate your legs.

Improve your style by wearing a fitted top with a voluminous bottom. This is called the 'principle of volume'.

The principle of volume works with all body shapes and for outfits for all occasions i.e., casual, smart casual or dressy. Just by using the simple formula of mixing a slim fitting garment with a voluminous one you will create a stylish look. Add accessories to complete your outfit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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By icadmin
September 24, 2018
In HomePage-Blog
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5 key Corporate Styling Tips for Spring 2018

Corporate styling can be a groan. Thank heavens the ‘rules’ around what to wear at the office has relaxed over the years. As we move towards Spring the mood around dressing fills us with a sense of optimism with the promise of brighter colours and lighter fabrics. As soon as the first Spring buds show on the trees, we think of warmer weather and longer days ahead. Nature spoils us with colourful flowers and sunshine, and this year the fashion industry has wholeheartedly embraced colour, floral motifs and organic patterns.

You might have noticed these trends arriving in the shops already. Spring 2018 offers something for everyone. Here are the 5 key corporate trends to add to your classic wardrobe staples to take your workwear from ‘groan’ to fresh and up-to-date for the warmer months.

Corporate Styling with Colour

Accent colours to include in your Spring 2018 workwear wardrobe should include: Purple in all its variations especially lilac and lavender, medium pinks, red-orange, sky blue, and yellow.

Dominant neutrals will be white, ivory, chocolate, sand and khaki. Find out if warm (yellow-based) or cool (blue-based) colours suit your complexion so you look healthy, fresh and vibrant. If you’re unsure about your best colours invest in a personal colour consultation.

Alternatives to the earthy hues could be navy and dove grey which are more acceptable as corporate colours and less severe than black.

The sliver grey and lilac coloured garments shown in this image are on trend for corporate Spring/Summer styling.

Silver grey and lilac in Witchery

Examples of powder blue and red orange - on trend colours for Spring/Summer 2018

Examples of powder blue and red orange

Florals

After a long absence, florals re-appeared in the Spring of 2017 and now they are back in full swing. Brighten up your plain basics (i.e. jackets, skirts and trousers) with a floral blouse, scarf or handbag. As mentioned before, ensure the colours compliment you, and keep the scale of the pattern in harmony with your body size.

Trent Nathan floral blouse for Spring/Summer 2018

Trent Nathan floral blouse.

Soft pink and florals are on trend for corporate wear for Spring/Summer 2018

Soft pink and florals at Witchery

Dresses

Oh so easy to wear and a ‘no brainer’ when it comes to getting dressed in the morning, dresses are perfect for your Spring corporate wardrobe. Use one of your smart blazers to complete the look. This is corporate styling made easy!

Spring/Summer corporate dressing: Shell pink floral Perri Cutten dress

Shell pink floral Perri Cutten dress

This floral Country Road jumpsuit fits into the corporate styling theme for this Spring

This looks like a dress, but is actually a hibiscus print jumpsuit (Country Road)

Ruffles

For those of you whose style personality is feminine, hearing that there is a ‘ruffle revival’ will be music to your ears.
The corporate suit can often appear quite masculine with straight lines and stiff fabrics. Ruffles offer an element of softness in the form of curved lines and fluid fabrics.

Balance the ‘yin’ of the ruffles with the ‘yang’ of a structured blazer in a darker colour such as navy or charcoal to maintain the corporate look.

Corporate style trend for Spring/Summer 2018 is ruffles. Lilac coloured dressed features in this image.

Add a more structured, light weight navy or charcoal blazer to maintain the corporate look

Subtle ruffles combine with a floral pattern in this Trent Nathan top.

Subtle ruffles combine with a floral pattern in this Trent Nathan top.

Block Heel Shoes

Versatility, increased stability and foot health are some of the attributes of block heel shoes.  They are touted to be more comfortable and better for your posture that flats, and, not surprisingly, stilettos. Block heels team perfectly with skirts, dresses and trousers, and have a level of femininity that works perfectly with ruffles and floral prints.

Patent leather nude block heel, Leona Edmiston

Patent leather nude block heel, Leona Edmiston

These scalloped edge block heeled shoes are on trend for corporate attire this Spring/Summer

Scalloped edges are the focal point of these shoes.

Statement shoes in red- orange suede

Statement shoes in red- orange suede

Stylish and versatile neutral coloured slingback shoes perfect for corporate outfits

Stylish and versatile neutral coloured slingback shoes

These corporate styling tips are 5 ways you can add interest to your workwear wardrobe. Pick and choose the ones that suit your style personality. Have some fun with them! Buy one or two pieces to keep your corporate look modern and current.

If you have any comments or questions about this article or any of my offerings please feel free to contact me or message me using the comment box below.

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By icadmin
August 14, 2018
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