Trying to be fashionable and look good can be an absolute nightmare. What to wear? What style of clothing suits your figure? What type of accessory works with your outfit? The list of questions are endless. To try and help answer your fashion queries, the chic and affordable online shop Avenue A, shares their top ten fashion tips that every lady should know…
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES
Taking good care of your wardrobe collection will keep things looking newer for longer and in turn keep you looking freshly turned out every time. Having a good dry cleaner for those dreaded “dry clean only” pieces, and the right washing detergent for everything else (no fabric conditioner on knitwear- also, fold knits to keep their shape don’t hang them), protective spray and cleaner for shoes, shoe boxes, dust bags, spaced rails rather than crammed in all contribute to keeping everything as good as new.
REMEMBER THE COMFORT FACTOR
This doesn’t mean free-reign to wear hoodies and sweats everywhere, it means that if you feel uncomfortable in what you have on then no doubt you will look uncomfortable too. This goes for clothes and shoes.
Heels- if you wear them make sure they fit – not too tight they hurt and not too big they clunk & fall off your heel, and that you can walk in them properly! Wearing clothes too tight can make you feel, not to mention look all kinds of wrong, and clothes too baggy will never flatter your figure- enhance your shape don’t hide it! Feeling comfortable in yourself and your clothes makes you and your outfit look even better!
Remember that plenty of everyday outfits can look even more stylish with just the right sneakers that contribute to a leisurely, but chic, appearance. For example, try searching for a seller such as this one found on FastSole.co.uk or other similar sites. Always check reviews before making a purchase and make sure to find a reputable retailer with a good return policy. That way, if the sneakers don’t fit quite right, you can easily send them back.
WEAR THE RIGHT UNDERWEAR
Wearing the right underwear makes a bigger difference than you may realise. My hard fast rules to cover all eventualities are: nude underwear with white clothes (always- no exceptions!), thongs to avoid VPLs, shapewear to give you a sleek silhouette, the correct bra- plunge, balconette, push-up to suit the neckline of your top or dress, and the right fabric for what you’re wearing- lace under tighter clothes may look a bit uneven whereas plain will keep it smooth. And, for an added confidence boost wearing a matching set puts a nice spring in your step!
SIZE MATTERS
This may sound like an obvious one but it’s amazing how many women don’t wear the right size clothes. The solution- don’t be so focused on the number in the size label, just try things on! Clothes sizes vary dependant on the retailer, brand, and even style and fabric so there’s no harm in picking different sizes and trying them on or asking a sales assistant for their advice on fit. Even online retailers offer a fit description, or advice service and if not most returns are so simple now that you can easily send back what isn’t right.
KNOW YOUR BODY
Nobody knows your body better than you do so trust yourself! Dressing for your body is so important and that includes your shape, size, height and skin tone. Necklines, waistbands, colours and leg lengths all come in to play here. Be aware of what accentuates your good points and disguises those insecurities that we all have. For example: a more scooped neckline will flatter a bigger chest better than a high neck; opting for a higher waistband will smooth out any lumps and bumps around your middle and avoid a “muffin top”.
Always buy jeans with rear pockets no matter what your size, no pockets = spread, pockets = shape. Cropped trousers, midi dresses and skirts all cut at the widest part of your lower leg making calves look bigger, shoes with ankle straps also emphasise larger legs and can make you look shorter. If you’re quite fair be wary of some colour shades that may make your skin look sallow. It’s best to experiment till you find what is right for you.
PROPORTIONS ARE KEY
Getting the right top to bottom proportion is key to having a well put together look. Fitted and fitted go well together but the same can’t be said for loose and baggy. If you have a loose fitting top team it with slimmer more fitted bottoms such as skinny jeans, jeggings, leggings or even shorts or a fitted mini skirt if these latter styles are right for your shape. And vice versa for the loose fitting bottoms- pair with a more form fitting top.
DON’T ALWAYS FOLLOW TRENDS
Don’t feel under pressure to follow and copy all of the latest fashion trends exactly. Trends are there to guide you in your style choices each season, but not all aspects of all the trends are suitable for everyone, and that’s OK! Be selective and pick what flatters you and complements your natural style. Trends come and go but you’ll always have your own personal style!
HAVE SOME STAPLE PEICES
Every woman’s wardrobe should have key staple pieces in it to build from. My choices would be: jeans, plain t-shirt, fine knit cardi (draped to make it more versatile to tie and wear), a blazer, LBD, plain dressed up top and smart trousers (not necessarily tailored) or skirt whichever is your preference. Shoes- ballet pumps, nude peep-toe heels and black boots. With these you can create virtually any look by mixing the pieces together and adding different accessories, which takes me to my next tip….
ALWAYS ACCESORISE
If you don’t normally like to take risks with fashion but like the idea of adding some colour or something different to your outfit then do it with carefully chosen accessories; a handbag, belt, statement necklace or fabulous shoes can all liven up any outfit on their own and complement it as the perfect finishing touch. This is also a great way of taking an outfit from day to night time; just switch up your accessories!
SMILE
“You’re never fully dressed without a smile” this is so true! Smiles are infectious, they give everyone a little boost. Looking and feeling happy will change your appearance and give you a glow that money can’t buy, so get smiling.