Tips how to look taller and thinner

 

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MEN: To Look Taller and Thinner

• Wear clothes that fit well (too tight or too loose clothes add pounds).
• Wear solid colors, preferably in the same color range, from head to toe.
• Avoid stiff fabrics and nubby textures.
• Wear darker tones in smooth fabrics with flat finishes.
• Limit stripes to very fine, subdued, and close-together versions.
• Wear two-button jackets with natural shoulders.
• Wear trousers with vertical pockets, which are more slenderizing than slanted pockets.
• Wear trousers at the natural waist (never below)
• Wear hemmed, not cuffed, trousers.
• Wear classic-length jackets, preferably without vests.
• Avoid too many accessories.
• Be sure your tie touches the waistband and that it is medium in width.
• Avoid busy patterns.

How to wear CAPES!!

The cape was common in medieval Europe, often worn with a hood, and by the 19th century it returned as a fashion item. Capes also have their roots in religion - a type of cape called a ferraiolo is worn by Roman Catholic clergy. Style-wise, the cape generally comes in a shorter jacket version, unlike the longer cape.

Why you need it now
There's something a bit exotic about a cape, which is always a hot ticket in winter, especially because New Zealand weather rarely calls for a long or total cover-up. A short, chic cape is a great choice for your coat of the season.

In wintry wool or a cosy knit, capes are making their way to our stores as full circles cinched with wide belts or body-skimming straight styles. Short mantle coats with wide lapels and bell sleeves are also finding fresh interpretation and cape jackets featuring both arm sleeves and slits at the side.

When it comes to shape and shade, short is best, as are dramatic shades like black, grey and rich red, while plaid or checks add character.
Or if you prefer a more low-key, lightweight look, neutrals are very chic. All are most flattering at thigh length, providing warmth through the body and allowing a slimmer silhouette to stretch out underneath.

Style to suit you
Petite shapes are smart in a cape paired with opaque tights under a short skirt. With pretty patent flats or fierce boots, this is always a good look.
Athletic shapes can handle the cape with flair. Team with skinny jeans or a print dress or do the well-bred rural riding hood with a long skirt and flat boots.
Pear shapes seek a cape with some structure built in, such as a belt. Keep it short and wear it with slimline pants for a polished look.
Busty shapes look to the ultra-modern approach of the fitted cape jacket. Flowing capes can cause the fabric to fall straight from your chest, making you look way bulkier than you may be. Keep it slick with pencil skirts or slim trousers.
Larger frames can shrug on a mantle-style cape that swooshes through grey days. Take it to the thigh and wear it with wide-leg trousers for a super-chic look.

Where to shop
Dotti, Sussan, Countryroad, Topshop

Five more ways to wear
Weekender = CC with a soft T-shirt, comfy jeans and sneakers (classic and hard to beat).

Urban flair = CC with leather skirt, ribbed tights and hiking boots.

Ladylike = CC with wool trousers, turtleneck knit and loafers.

Workwear = CC with crisp shirt, straight skirt, short boots and chunky scarf.
Evening glam = CC with skinny pants, lace top and long boots.

10 Essentials to build your Wardrobe

discover your style

So now that you’ve identified your own style personality, it’s time to start building a wardrobe foundation. These ten items are the pieces you will go to time and again, (and again), so you should invest a bit more money in them. The more you spend on a single item, the longer it should last you. You will end up with a wardrobe of fewer pieces, but they will be better pieces. So what if you have to wear the same pants twice in a week; the French do it all the time, and we all know what fabulous dressers they are.

The Everyday BAG 

Choose a  neutral color that will go with a majority of your wardrobe and remember it has to suit your Style Personality! 

2. Fitted Jacket

what to wear

The number one reason to buy a fitted jacket: it camouflages everything! The key is to have the seaming fit to the smallest part of your waist. You’ll want to wear this item quite a bit, so go for a classic style. If you want to play around with pattern or texture, make sure the color palette is somewhat neutral so you don’t limit yourself to just a few outfits.

3. Cocktail Dress

style workshops

Every woman should have one go-to evening dress. I like to call it the cocktail dress. Opt for a shorter dress that matches your style personality. When it comes to color choice, the bolder the color, the more likely people will remember it at the next party. To get the most use out of your dress, try soft colors or neutrals in light fabrics.

4. Wide Legged Trousers

Regardless of your career, every woman should have a pair of great fitting, wide-legged trousers. These should go with your everyday bag and fitted jacket, so, once again, think neutrals.  Regardless of the width of the leg, a great pair of trousers will go a long, long way. Shopping hint: Unless you are super tall, most of these will be too long and will need to be hemmed. 

5. Everyday Shoe

I have purchased my share of cheap, stylish shoes for everyday wear before. Given that my job involves a ton of standing and walking, my feet were in pain. Splurging on shoes will actually make you feel better, and I’m not talking about your soul. Your everyday shoe is completely personal. I work with someone who swears that five inch heels are totally comfortable. Personally, I need ballet flats. A few things to remember, get a colored shoe if you know it will work with most of your wardrobe. The same goes for embellishments. I have owned the same pair of designer ballet flats for three years, and though they are a little worn, with a regular polish, they are going to last me a great deal longer.

A Black Dress

Since we’re building a wardrobe, start with a dress that will work for multiple events. Dress it up for an evening out, dress it down for a day at work. Until you build up your wardrobe a bit, everything should be versatile.

7. Knee Boots

Go for neutral leather or suede, but have fun with the style. This is another chance to think about your style personality. Classic girls may want a simple riding boot in chocolate brown or black, while romantics might go for a pearly gray pair with a bit of a slouchy look. Have fun, make them special, and the extra money will be well worth it.

8. The Coat

neutral neutral, neutral, but we’re building your wardrobe base, so these pieces should be interchangeable. Don’t worry, we’ll get into color later, but for now, neutrals are key!

9. Dark Denim Trouser

Go for darker jeans these will take you everywhere. Once again, I’ll make allowances for personal style, and say a skinny fit will also work, if that’s what works for you. Just make sure the wash is dark!

10. Your Signature Piece

 This is all you and your own personality. Everyone should have their own signature item, an item that reminds people of you. Ankle boots, purses for every outfit, feminine tops, embellished tunics, printed dresses, detailed cardigans, a piece of jewelry you always wear, the list goes on. Maybe it’s a color; it’s completely up to you. 

 

Discover your Style Personality

Building your perfect wardrobe can be a challenging task, especially with the overload of styles, trends and shops. Determining your “Style Personality” should get you started in the right direction. Your fashion should say something about you: are you rocker-chic, old-fashioned and romantic, on-the-go and casual, sophisticated and classic, an earth-loving bohemian, or do you set the trends? Not sure? Take our fab quiz using the link below. True, you can mix styles (I know I do), but knowing your main inspirations gives you a starting point and will help you focus in on what your wardrobe staples will be. Soon you’ll be on your way to wardrobe bliss!

Once you have determined your style personality, use these tips to help you get started with evaluating what you already have and shop for what you need.

Take the quiz! What is your Style Personality!

CASUAL

 

You love simple, comfortable clothes that require little work. You’re always on the go and need an easy wardrobe full of pieces that you can mix and match. Try adding interesting accessories to keep your look fresh. The Witchery is perfect for stocking up on casual staples.

TRENDSETTER 

 You aren’t afraid to try new things and be a risk taker. You love looking through the current fashion magazines and have the most current trends in your closet. The key is to not have trend overload. Pair trendy pieces with classics for a put together, modern look.

ROMANTIC

You love elegant and romantic tops and dresses with subtle hints of femininity, like lace, ruffles and flowers. Opt for soft, graceful fabrics in muted colors. To keep things interesting, and to avoid Victorian overload, try mixing in some menswear pieces, such as wide-legged trousers and vests.

CLASSIC/ELEGANT

You love smart, timeless pieces in sophisticated, elegant lines. You will normally wear classic colors (white, black, navy) and chic silhouettes (shift dresses, trench coat, fitted blouses, pencil skirts).To keep the look up-to-date, add in a splash of color or some interesting embellishments. 

BOHEMIAN/CREATIVE

You love loose, free-flowing tops and skirts. For you, natural fibers are a must, especially those with earthy tones and organic patterns. Look for mix and match pieces and vintage finds for an eclectic look; just make sure those vintage finds are in top notch condition.


Need help with your Style? Book a Style Personality. Click hear for details

Too many clothes and nothing to wear? Wardrobe Planning is the answer!