Wardrobe Essentials Styling Workshop
Simone
BENNETT-SMITH
Image styled by Simone Bennett-Smith
Style your wardrobe exclusively for your shape... Defining your body shape is a science in itself these days and with so many varying definitions, explanations, quiz’s and calculators it is no wonder we all get confused. The truth of the matter is we are all unique and most often than not a fabulous amalgamation of more than one particular body shape. I truly believe the key to dressing for your body type is all about having a general understanding of what works for your personal proportions (shape) and skin colouring (tone). We are all visual creatures and thankfully the untrained eye can be deceived quite easily, all you need is a little knowledge up your fashionable sleeve when you’re next out shopping to ensure a successful spend. Remember, fashion is not just about looking good but feeling good about yourself. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to looking fantastic and up to date. A classic piece of clothing should be as relevant today as it will be in five years time. I’ve created this booklet based on all of the ‘tips and tricks’ I’ve learn’t over the years as a model and actress in the fashion and entertainment industry explaining the basic and very achievable steps to pulling your wardrobe together and shopping for yourself successfully. To keep things simple I’ve whittled body shape examples down to five of the most common silhouettes and included their individual challenges and assets to give you an informed understanding of what to look out for or stay clear of on your next shopping sojourn. You will also find a fun list of my favourite ‘must have’ accessories and wardrobe staples that will ensure you are never left feeling like you have nothing to wear ever again. Take this guide with you until you feel confident to choose what suits your shape no matter what the sales lady tells you! Oh, and before I forget, make sure you find a great seamstress in your area so that you can have garments professionally altered to fit you perfectly. It is a well known fact that both high street and designer garments are ‘tweaked’ before an actress or model even steps foot on the red carpet! Live beautifully,
Top 5 Body Shapes
Apple
Pear
Slim Athletic
Hour Glass
Petite
What Body Shape Are You? Petite Body Shape Be sure to avoid chunky clothes that will swallow you whole and ‘wear you’ instead of the other way around. Strong or ‘loud’ prints will also eat you alive and detract from your delicate frame. Instead, shop for fitted shapes, gentle prints and soft fabrics and opt for slim belts over heavier styles. The aim here ladies is to dress as a ‘whole’ and not cut your silhouette in half with heavy colours or textures: your overall objective is to create the illusion of length and height. Always avoid wide leg pants like flares or culottes, including mid calf length skirts and dresses as this length can look too big or oversized (i.e. borrowed from mums wardrobe, eek!), instead go for super long maxi lengths (with an emphasised waist) or hem lines that finish a good hand width above your knee. Simone’s quick styling tips for the petite woman: • • • • •
Best Asset: can wear almost anything and there are so many ‘petite’ ranges on the market these days Challenge: being overpowered or swamped by ill fitting cuts and garment shapes Styling Trick: avoid any unnecessary bulk (ie fabric), keep waist slightly nipped and visit that seamstress for clever alterations Best Neckline: a boatneck, halter neck or V neck dresses that create the illusion of length and height Best Jacket Cut: a simple cut with slight waist detail or tailoring that sits just above or on hip
And remember: Stick to one or two (maximum) block colours when dressing. Petite women rock most dress styles, just avoid powerful prints (no prints larger than your fist) with skirt/dress hems finishing a good hand width above knee. Avoid wide leg pants and mid calf length skirts / dresses.
Apple Body Shape If you have a wide torso, broad shoulders and full bust with the tendency to put weight on in the stomach region, then you are no doubt an apple shaped lady. I bet you have fabulous legs, slim arms and a great bust / décolletage that friends envy. These are your best assets my apple shaped angels! The aim here is to balance your assets evenly so you create overall proportion. When dressing, choose fashions that draw the eye away from the top half of the body. Pants or skirts that have strong prints and interesting textures paired with a simple and well cut shirt or v neck top of a darker solid colour are the way to go. The main goal for the apple body is to create the illusion of shape so make friends with your local seamstress and be sure to ‘nip’ shirts and dresses in at the waist! Simone’s quick styling tips for the apple shaped woman: •
Best Asset: legs, arms, décolletage
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Challenge: lack of waistline
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Styling Trick: draw attention to your bust (I know!), with plunging necklines and A line dresses
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Best Neckline: v neck and shirts with collar up to draw the eye up and down
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Best Jacket Cut: long jackets that draw the eye down and finish past the hips (never on the hips), no shoulder pads or puffy shoulders
And remember: Be professionally fitted for a bra and invest in this important undergarment that makes your torso neat creating separation between bust and stomach: a minimiser bra is a fabulous invention! Keep in mind that your outfit should skim not cling to your body darker block colours or one subtle colour i.e. soft white on top, ‘busy’ on the bottom half if you crave crazy prints or pops of colour
Slim Athletic (Rectangular) Body Shape If your chest, hips, waist and bottom are almost the same width then you are the ‘Sporty Spice’ of body shapes. Our goal here is to create shape and lots of it particularly on the bottom half (hip area) to detract from your gorgeous but broad shoulders. Get that purse out and invest in a great push up bra that maximises your womanly attributes. As opposed to your pear shaped sister horizontal stripes or patterns are great for your lower half, once again creating the illusion of width and shape. Simone’s quick styling tips for the athletic shape woman: •
Best Asset: naturally slim yet broad shoulders carry almost all styles and cuts as long as you accentuate those hips
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Challenge: your lack of curves
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Styling Trick: with that waist accentuated emphasise the bottom OR top half i.e. slim pencil skirt or tight jeans with voluminous shirt tucked in or chunky knit / fitted top or tight T-shirt with a voluminous skirt or baggy pants cinched at waist
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Best Neckline: turtleneck and low V or U necks
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Best Jacket Cut: cape / poncho style jacket and the classic belted trench that emphasises the waist but avoid shoulder pads
And remember: Add volume to hips with tiers, ruffles even pleats and cinch that waist in wide hems and flares are the perfect style for your athletic shape.
Pear Body Shape The complete opposite of an apple shaped lady the perfect pear is all about balancing your hourglass figure, accentuating your shoulders and slimming your lower half. Vertical stripes and similar horizontal patterns are your best friend when looking for the perfect shirt or casual top: have a play with subtle shoulder pads to create the illusion of broad shoulders. Once again the V neck shirt works wonders on an apple shape and remember you are one of the lucky few body shapes that can wear frills, quirky cuts or embellished necklines on your torso. Choose darker denims and colours for your bottom half and look for boot leg cut trousers and jeans avoiding skinny cut (leg hugging) pants or leggings. Long skirts with slits up the side are very flattering (get your seamstress to add these slits if you find a skirt you love) and an A-line skirt just below knee will balance your overall shape. Simone’s quick styling tips for the pear shape woman: • • • • •
Best Asset: sexy curves and defined waistline Challenge: tendency to look heavy Styling Trick: avoid heavy fabrics, choose lighter textiles that can follow the curve of your body at all times and add that long necklace Best Neckline: look for wide necklines like boat neck or scoop neckline Best Jacket Cut: tailored or fitted A line jackets (follow those curves!)
And remember: Avoid ‘busy’ ruffles or embellishments that can make you look bigger on the top particularly if you have a large bust Elongate your legs with high waisted or mid waist (low rise can make legs look short) stretch jeans and trousers.
Hourglass Body Shape With a naturally defined waist and wonderfully proportioned silhouette dressing for the hourglass body is all about embracing your womanly shape. Hollywood was built on your frame Ms Hourglass so showcase that enviable waist and aim to dress the top and lower half of your body evenly to accentuate your killer curves. Avoid boxy style tops and jackets with straight lines that will make you appear heavier than you actually are instead, explore wrap style blouses and dresses that hug that waist. Simone’s quick styling tips for the hourglass shape woman: • •
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Best Asset: Your well defined waist and killer curves! Challenge: If your bust is on the full side it can overpower your waist so invest in a quality bra that minimises (if needed) whilst lifting breasts up and forward as opposed to flat and out to sides.. Styling Trick: Small fitted crop jackets and shirts that don’t have buttons all the way to collar look amazing on you and of course anything that accentuates that screen siren waist is perfect. Best Neckline: A sweetheart neck line and modest V necks accentuate your small waist and shapely bust. Avoid off the shoulder tops and wide necklines that can create the illusion of slightly rounded shoulders. Best Jacket Cut: A classic blazer that defines the waist is a strong fashion investment and a definite wardrobe must have for the hourglass lady.
And remember: Accentuate your waist with a belt and / or clever tailoring choosing garments that ‘hug’ rather than cling to your curves. Steer clear of heavy knits and textured fabrics that don’t follow the shape of your figure and as a result end up creating the illusion of a heavy upper body.
Image styled by Simone Bennett-Smith
Simone’s Wardrobe Chic List This list of fashion staples are the foundation pieces that will create a balanced wardrobe and ensure you have the essential items that provide not only versatility but timelessness and quality. This refined yet chic selection of garments are my ‘go to’ items when reinventing a clients closet. Shop with your body shape in mind and when combined with a fabulous array of accessories at your fingertips (see Punctuation Perfection), you will always be able to achieve an elegant ensemble no matter the occasion. • • • • • • • • • •
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Ballet Flats: A simple pair of ballet style flats in black, beige or go for a pop of colour Black Blazer: Invest in a fabulous black blazer that will serve you elegantly for years Jeans: Find the perfect denim or white jeans that can be dressed up or dressed down White Shirt: A perennial fashion staple and a great wardrobe investment White and Black T shirt: Another wardrobe staple (don’t forget to have the waist slightly taken in if needed) Nude Heels: Go for a classic sling back, court shoe or strappy style for summer Black Strappy Heels: Never lower than a mid heel yet the sky is your limit! Nautical Inspired Striped Top or T shirt: Dressed up or down this chic look never dates Little Black Dress: Short and flippy or long and fitted just be sure this baby suits your body shape! Leather jacket and / or classic trench: Worn over the shoulders or belted in at waist these classic items will last the fashion distance whilst keeping you stylishly warm Denim Shirt: An absolute ‘go to’ in any womans wardrobe that looks equally fabulous with leather pants or white shorts, hero necklace or quirky scarf
Image styled by Simone Bennett-Smith
Accessories: ‘Punctuation Perfection’ Accessories are an important part of any womans wardrobe and allow you to create several different looks when you interchange them with your wardrobe staples. Accessories are also a great way to experiment or embrace the current designer trends without going over the top or spending exorbitant amounts on clothes that will no doubt be out of fashion before the season is over. With the vast array of ‘on trend’ and classic accessory ranges available from high street accessory boutiques these days, finding the perfect piece to complete your ensemble is now realistic and affordably attainable. With my simple guide below your wardrobe will be ‘punctuated perfectly’ with an accessory selection for all occasions. Cuff Bracelet: Sometimes all it takes is a bold cuff to complete your outfit. A classic piece that can be stacked together or worn alone this sturdy fashion fellow is the perfect accessory to wear with bold prints, oversized jumpers or a flowing kaftan. Teamed with a classic white shirt your favourite denim jeans and diamond studs the cuff bracelet is the consummate arm candy in any womans wardrobe. Diamond Studs: The perennial diamond stud earring is the one accessory that will take you effortlessly from boardroom to ballroom no questions asked. This classic adornment looks just as fabulous with a low cut gown as it does with an old white tee and ripped jeans. Be clever here ladies, if you can’t afford (yet!) a pair of actual diamonds don’t dismiss an equally impressive pair of cubic zirconia’s. Now before you cringe keep this in mind: the affordable cubic zirconia is actually a man made glass (crystal) that reflects light thus its sparkle can be much greater than its expensive cousin (and the untrained eye rarely spots the difference). You feeling me? Sunglasses: Accessible and affordable with endless styles to choose from sunglasses are a must have item in every womans wardrobe. Get crazy here ladies, don’t stop at just one pair, have a play and create a shady selection of sunglasses that range from a classic black ‘Audrey Hepburn’ frame to the fashionistas favourite aviator style in gold or silver metal. As a guide to choosing the right style for your face shape, keep in mind the stylish round ‘Jackie O’ frame will suit most faces (as will the classic Wayfarer), whilst round and oval shaped faces wear square frames to perfection.
Gold or Silver Watch: Status symbol or timeless necessity the ubiquitous wrist watch has had a serious renaissance of late claiming once again its rightful place as a ‘must have’ accessory in every woman’s wardrobe . With an endless selection of styles and sizes that include feminine designs anchored by delicate leather straps to bold metal timepieces worthy of Wall Street yet equally suited to the school run. Worn with a stack of bracelets or as a solitary piece there is no wrong or right when choosing the perfect wrist watch for you. Haven’t given this simple yet classic wrist adornment much thought of late? Then perhaps it is well and truly time to do so! Statement Necklace: If you’re not a bold earring type of woman then experiment with a statement necklace to punctuate your outfit. From bejewelled collars to chunky strands of ethnic beads the choices are endless. Be sure to wear small studs when going for a hero neck adornment to avoid bawdy and ensure elegant balance. Slim belt A slim belt is one of the simplest ways to complete your outfit. From plaited creations to faux animal print a fine belt is the perfect way to define your waist, add texture or incorporate colour to your ensemble. Be sure to include in your accessory line up a selection of slim belts with classic buckles in black, tan with a couple of fun additions that scream colour or rock attitude with studs. Cocktail Ring: Fashion should be fun and the cocktail ring is the ultimate statement accessory that takes your outfit to the next level with an effortless flutter of your fingers. From bold baubles of colourful gems to a simple stone cradled in a heavy setting the bigger the better when choosing this fun fellow for your wardrobe. Still not convinced? Remember the eye can be easily tricked and what better way to draw attention away from an area you are endeavouring to conceal than to capture you audience with a sparkling cocktail ring.
Choosing the right metal for your skin tone Gold or Silver? Mixing your metals used to be an absolute fashion faux pas but these days it is thoroughly acceptable to go for gold whilst styling with silver. Remember, gold is considered warm and silver is considered cool whilst pewter is the neutral cousin. Some women are able to carry gold and silver against their skin but sometimes it simply comes down to your skin tone. There are no hard or fast rules here and you will usually get a good sense of what compliments your complexion when you hold a substantial amount (ie larger than a small stud earring!), of one type of metal against your face. This exercise is all about highlighting your natural assets ladies so if you feel a particular metal is drawing your eye to dark circles, yellowing teeth, a ruddy complexion or it makes you look tired and pale then this metal is your fashion kryptonite! You are a Golden Goddess if you hold a piece of gold jewellery up to your face and your your skin glows and there is a radiance of health and vitality. You are a Silver Seductress if you hold a piece of silver jewellery up to your face and your skin gleams with a fresh brilliance. What if both of these metals look equally wonderful? Then you my lucky friend are an exquisite Neutral.
For your own privtae styling session or workshop style event please email simone@bennettsmith.com.au.
Simone
BENNETT-SMITH
simone@bennettsmith.com.au @SimoneBennettSmith simonebennettsmith.com.au