Top Tips On How To Be Your Own Stylist – by Jules Standish

Thu, Nov 26, 2009

This is the first instalment of Jules’s Top Tips, so read on to discover all you need to know about your body and what shapes to wear to make the most of your figure.

Jules Standish Styling Tips

How to Find your own Body Shape and style:-

1. Are your shoulders and hips equal in measurement? If not which is widest
2. Are you curvaceous or boyish/angular/straight?
3. Do you have a full or small bust?
4. Are you short waisted with long legs or long waisted with short legs?
5. Are your arms heavy?
6. Do you have a tummy?
7. What is your lifestyle ie student, secretary, mother, part-timer, career?
8. What style of fashion do you like, i.e. romantic, classic, dramatic, casual?

Body Shape and Tips

Narrow shoulders – larger hips: aim is to square shoulders and create balance.

- shoulder pads are going to become your very best friends
- tops with horizontal stripes will widen this area
- cap sleeves, puffed sleeves, boat neck tops, collared shirts are best
- wear structured, tailored styles – lighter shades on top half

Broad shoulders – smaller hips; aim is to soften the shoulders and create balance.

- best styles are raglan sleeves – dark, deep v-necks, cuffed long sleeve tops
- buy jackets with less structure and more drape

Curvy – pear – hourglass: aim is to show waist, elongate figure and show off curves.

- you need jackets with top button under bust that are single breasted
- buy classic, flat fronted trousers that sit on natural waist
- boot cut jeans with stretch best and dropped waist style skirts if big in middle
- choose soft/fluid fabrics that float over curves – wrap styles, belted styles
- semi fitted jackets that hit at point where hips start to curve are most flattering

Boyish – angular – straight: aim is to create illusion of curves.

- skinny jeans and straight legged trousers – well cut “boyfriend” styles
- big belts are your best accessory, wear on hips and waisted with jackets
- breast pockets on fitted tops create volume and shape
- polo necks and layered tops are fashionable and look great on your shape

Full busted: aim to show off curves without over emphasising bust.

- wear open necked tops that are fitted or semi fitted
- v-necks will elongate neck area – emphasise shoulders with thin straps
- put dark colours on top and wear skirts with flair to balance bust
- ensure closure below bust line and empire shapes are great

Small busted: aim to create illusion of curves.

- push up padded bras invaluable – horizontal lines over bust create width
- best tops have breast pockets, halter tops are good and wide lapels/collars
- double breasted jackets look good and wear brighter colours on top

Short waisted/long legs: aim is to create illusion of lower waistline.

- monochromatic outfits work well and always wear low waisted bottoms
- vertical lines on top lengthen area and wear narrow hip belts (that match tops)
- v-necks will elongate neck line with long shirts and jackets

Long waisted/short legs: aim is to create illusion of higher waistline and long legs.

- choose high waisted clothes – coat dresses with belt worn high , a-line shapes
- heeled shoes/boots and tights should be toned to match bottoms
- wear trousers slightly long with skirt lengths between mid thigh and knee

Heavy arms: aim is to slim them down.

- choose tops with sleeves that taper to wrist
- long sleeve tops or ones that end just below the elbow or flare below the elbow to balance arms

Tummy: aim is to re-focus attention from middle to legs and/or face.

- wear long tops that don’t tuck in – fabrics that drape but don’t cling
- flat fronted trousers/skirts – jackets nipped in at waist – empire dresses
- no waistbands – sheath dresses – vertical detailing
- avoid belts, bias cuts and front pockets and buy tummy hugging underwear

What Style suits you and your lifestyle?

Romantics like soft, flowing, fluid shapes that have curved lines – a feminine look, needs to be mixed with more classic items for the workplace. Suits the gonadal body shape, which is naturally curvaceous and can be pear shaped.

Classic are styles that need no improvement where all exaggeration has been removed great if you like the more formal look which make great investments. Particularly suit the Adrenal type whose body is hourglass, fair sized bust with a strong, muscular look and also the Pituitary body type which is less curvaceous.

Casual styles are rarely appropriate for interviews or most jobs but great for part-time workers, students and mothers. These can range from jeans and t-shirts to blouses and blazers. Casual can be fitted into any wardrobe dependant on lifestyle.

Dramatic styling is currently very fashionable with exaggerated looks ie structured jackets with high contrasting shapes and colours. This is a great look if you want to stand out from the crowd and suits the more angular boyish Thyroid type.

Now you have a good idea what your body shape and style is, next week Jules will be showing you how to take all this information and create a new look wardrobe!

For more information go to www.colourconsultancy.co.uk