House of Colour
How to put an outfit together You’ve probably read countless articles giving you a set of rules that mean you can magically achieve the perfect look, the capsule wardrobe, the ideal level of jewellery etc. I know some of you, as indeed have I held onto many of these ideals years later. Some of which might have been helpful, some less so. We can’t all live in a box and we don’t all suit the same items or looks (although much can be tweaked to suit). I wanted to put together a set of thoughts, some guidance to consider, to help you create some impact, keep contemporary, get the most out of your clothes, and bring together an outfit. Balance – Not all of us can work a high level of volume on the top and bottom half so choose one area that will have a more relaxed, or greater volume and keep the other area neater in line with your shape. Key to this and true for almost everyone is the need to come in at the waist. I know I may be triggering a shudder here but you need to show your shape to avoid looking oversized. So, if you know your best point (we all have an area that is our most flattering for belt/ waist emphasis, and a style consultation will tell you where that is) use it – tuck your shirt in, try the French tuck if that seems too much, which is tucked in at the front and out at the back. Put a belt on a dress to give you shape. Honestly, it does look better. Hi-low dressing – this rarely seems to date. It’s the concept of taking a casual piece and pairing it with something more formal. This could be a blazer with jeans, trainers with more formal trousers. Play around with what you have adding one casual element to a more formal look and vice versa. It’s a great way to get more wear out of our wardrobe. Colour – there are a lot of neutrals around at the moment plus colour too. If you don’t yet know what colours really flatter your skintone (there are lots too!) think about the occasion. A more professional environment means more neutral tones and currently camel, cream, brown, blue and darker greens are all good contemporary choices (black is not everyone’s friend, and there are lots of alternatives). Add one piece of colour to two neutrals to balance your look in a more formal environment. Make it a wow colour for the best impact! Accessories – are key. They can add the interest to basics, and give you a much more polished look, whether dressing casually or formally. Wear a necklace, earrings, watch/bracelet, and you instantly look more put together. Keep changing them too, go
To advertise in The Villager and Town Life please call 01767 261122
through your jewellery box and dig some out. Find a handbag that suits your look and practical needs, so you don’t have to rely on a supermarket shopper when needs must. Have you got a good umbrella, one with some colour, or style rather than a plain black one? The details can really add the impact. Shoes – in my experience they can really sabotage a look if they’re not right or look like they’ve seen better days. Highly practical options are probably the most tempting in our January weather, and there’s nothing essentially wrong with that but don’t be tempted to wear them everywhere because it’s easy and they’re near the door. Review your shoe wardrobe as you would your main wardrobe. If you need practicality, find ones that suit you too, that add something. There are lots of heavier styles around right now which are great for the weather and some clothing personalities (not all…). Do you feel good in it? If you don’t like what you’re wearing then let it go. You know how it affects your day… Article by Jennie Billings House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-astylist
37
