Knowing what to wear and how to wear it is an underrated skill.
If you possess this wondrous talent then you are admired, applauded and envied by the masses… especially at this time of year when there is way more pressure to ‘get dressed up’ at every occasion.
If however, you are like most regular folk, this season can be super overwhelming.
On top of all the organisation there is the added pressure on women to have impeccable style during the festive period. The message seems to be that you need a plethora of new outfits to keep your style on point and dress acceptably Christmassy. A new look for the work night out, a new one for Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day, then New Year’s Eve, then New Year’s Day, possibly drinks with the girls and then drinks with the family... the list goes on.
Personal styling is not an easy task at the best of times but when you don’t feel particularly confident and you have more social occasions that normal it can be even more overwhelming. Being unsure about what suits your shape or what colours to avoid or fabrics to choose are problems women all over the world face because we are all desperate to ‘get it right’. A lady I spoke with recently told me she was felt paralysed by the fear of shopping for a Christmas outfit and sadly this may be true for so many of us. Hands up if you tend to get stuck in the same old, tired, reliable outfit in an attempt to be invisible or just avoid going out all together. I have been known to be in the second camp, HOWEVER, I want to make it abundantly clear that my reason for not attending any social event has nothing to do with how I feel about the way I look. I’ve just fallen in love with my sofa these days.
In reality I absolutely love getting dressed up, so much so, that sometimes I go all out for a spin around Sainsbury’s. It only enjoyable for me because I have done the work; meaning I have spent time curating a wardrobe and a strong sense of style. Essentially I know how to style myself as I know the shapes that make me look great and I feel confident to experiment with colour and fabrics which eliminated the fear that I won’t look good.
“I feel like good styling is a kind of super power.”
Against the odds, I am still confident about my look, by this I mean I do not have the stats of the archetypal ‘hot girl’. I am a 39 year old, single mother, I am 5ft 9 ½, I am a size 18, I have a round tummy, I have big feet, I have a broad back and many wrinkles. These are all very normal characteristics but they can totally flaw our confidence. Although I believer that how I look is the least interesting thing about me; its just an added bonus I have a confident swagger to my style. Please let me reassure you that this feeling has not happened by chance and I have had to practice maintaining this healthy attitude so I want to share the following 5 small steps that I revisit if I begin to have a wobble.
1. Prepare in advance
It sounds silly but no one needs should be running around the shops a few hours before any event in the hope that something will pop out that is perfect for them. This will increase your anxiety about the whole affair and is not worth it.
If you worry about what you will look like before an event or occasion then plan what you will wear at least a week in advance and make sure you try it on and say nice things to yourself in the mirror! It works and no one has to know you do it.
2. Shop inside your wardrobe
Looking for new outfits is not always necessary, your wardrobe is full of things you have already bought and worn so at least you know they fit and you probably have pictures of yourself in them to help you remember what they looked like the first time!
Whoever said you need a new outfit for every occasion helped no one but the capitalist moguls… I promise wearing outfits more than once is a great plan and it helps the environment too.
3. Look at your body
I know this may sound like a really scary step but it is so important when it comes to improving self-styling. Taking some time to really look at your body means you can discover what shape you are. All body shapes are fabulous and different styles, cuts and shapes will work on different people.
If you avoid looking at your shape then you won’t know how to dress it and therefore you may try to wear things that you should be avoiding and avoid things you should be wearing. It just takes a little bit of courage.
4. Learn the basic rules for your shape
A personal stylist comes into their own here, we are the experts when it comes to knowing what shapes, cuts, finishes and brands to suit each shape, however, if you do not have one, or access to one, there is still plenty you can do by yourself… below is some very basic but accessible guidance for a few typical body shapes:
If you wear size 18 or above in both tops and trousers then you can create balance in your frame by adopting a tight loose aesthetic,
Wear a loose-fitting shirt or jacket open, with a slim fit camisole underneath, and pair it with high-waisted trousers.
Roll up your sleeves slightly to showcase your slim wrists, crop the trousers if your ankles warrant it and wear a shirt with an open neckline.
I also make sure to tell clients with this shape to go all out on your nails too.
If you have a curvy bottom half but less on top then to create balance on your frame you want to emphasize your waist and avoid an oversized fit on anything.
Strappy sandals and fully length flares will look great on you too!
If you have minimal curves then create a luxurious feminine look using fabrics.
Go mad on the high neck lines, full on bows and lace. Wear your tops tucked or out and team with short skirts and boots and trousers in any shape.
Do not be afraid of patterns and romantic textures like silk, satin and chiffon.
I encoruage you to spend time digging around on the internet for people who match your shape rather than consuming people’s feed who do not resemble your life style or shape. I always use Pinterest with new clients because it is a good place to start as we can share ideas and I can learn what the clients likes and dislikes.
Alternatively, you could always pop on for a complimentary style chat with me, I will be able to offer some more personalised advice and hopefully start you off on your styling journey. Click the link below to get access to my calendar and book yourself in.
5. Experiment with colour
For so many of my clients colour analysis has been a life changing service as finding your most flattering palette has so many benefits. Check out some client testimonials if you are interested.
However, I know you may not be ready to invest in this and you already know your preferences when it comes to colours so start there and experiment a little. If you love yellow then wear it… I bet you get some compliments. If you tend to stick to more neutral tones then accessorise, a red shoe, a blue bag an orange pair of earrings.
Little touches of colour is a simple and easy way to elevate an outfit.
I’m not in any way saying these tips are ground breaking and will fix all your styling problems but hopefully they can work as a little check list for you to consider before you prepare your look. Build your own sense of style will really improve your self confidence and my mission to work with as many women as I can. If you feel like you’d like some expert advice from me to step towards feeling as fabulous, just like you deserve to, then please get in touch:
stylemadeeasier@gmail.com
Finally, Happy festive period too you all… enjoy the time with your loved ones or the time by yourself.
Lots of love
Jess x
