Choosing outfits to suit your personality, lifestyle and body shape can be a real hassle, but with these practical tips from Women24 expert Tracy Gold, you'll look good no matter the occasion. From trendy '80s rock to classic eveningwear, whether you're a pear shape or wish you had a few more curves, there's a look that will work for you!
10. Small changes can make a big difference
Drastic changes can leave you feeling a little overwhelmed and vulnerable if you are not ready for it. It's all about baby steps. You will be surprised what a big difference a few small changes can make towards transforming your look. A new hair cut, a daring pair of chandelier earrings or a sexy pair of heels you would have never had the guts to wear before, can prepare you for bigger changes when you are ready for them.
Read more tips to "Create a new you!"
9. Make your make-up work for you.
Make-up trends have changed a lot in the last few years. You need to re-assess your make-up routine and products at least every two years. At the moment, make-up trends are leaning toward a natural look. With the right products and a little know-how, applying your make-up can freshen up your look and give you a natural glow!
Check out the hottest beauty trends here!
8. Rock a maxi dress
These are everywhere at the moment and are available in various colours, prints and price brackets. Most styles will make women look pregnant if worn on their own. Here are a few rescue methods to make this look work for you.
Select a style with less volume. You can still create the maxi dress look with a long fitted dress. Remember that the more shape the dress has, the slimmer you look. If you are worried about revealing fleshy bits, select a dress in a print. A print fools the eye so you won't know what's fabric and what's flesh. Try it and you will see what I mean!
Read more of Tracy's suggestions to help you "Shape up your summer wardrobe!"
7. Glam up with a silky blouse.
For an evening function, select a blouse that will add a little glitz your existing wardrobe. You want something with a little detail, like beading, or a shimmer fabric such as satin or silk. This will dress up your existing trousers and skirts so that you will be ready for any occasion without the panic. Remember that if your trousers fit well, it will give you more flexibility when it comes to selecting your blouses.
Want to go glam? Here's a quick guide.
6. If you're shopping for a cocktail evening, think "versatility".
Select a few items that can be dressed up or down and won't date easily. i.e. a beautiful printed silk blouse can be worn with a satin skirt for a formal look or a pair of trousers or jeans for a less formal look. Or you could purchase a matching printed skirt and blouse and dress it up or down – wear together for a formal look or as separates for a dressed down look (e.g., wear the blouse with a pair of trousers /jeans or the skirt with a cami and flat shoes).
With all the end-of-year parties coming up, we're sure this guide will help you plan your wardrobe!
5. Hitting the beach?
Don't get nervous – get a cover-up. Whether you are happy to ‘bare it all’ or not, a cozzie cover-up is always useful if you want to pop in to the shops or a café on the way home. Look out for a fab cotton dress or sarong that will do the trick. Avoid baggy styles as they will just make you look shapeless. If the dress you love has no shape, simply add a belt to give it a waist.
Read more on how to be a chic beach baby this summer.
4. Don't overlook your feet.
Oh don't we just love a new pair of shoes! Well, they don't have to cost the earth. There are many varieties of heels and flats out there with beaded detail or in glamorous gold and silver that can glam up your party or beach outfit. Slap a little colour on to your toenails and show off those pretty feet.
Read more about dressing for all occasions.
3. Pants should be proportional.
Avoid wearing trousers that are too low cut and push the love handles up, and out over the waistband. Rather select trousers with a wide waistband that sits just below your belly button.
Keep the style plain without pockets, pleats and details and pair them with tops that just barely cover the widest part of your tummy. If you wear your tops too long, you will make your tummy look bigger. If you get the trousers right, you will find it easier to find tops that flatter your shape.
Are there parts of your body you'd like to draw attention away from? Tracy Gold's advice could help you here!
2. Dare to wear it!
If you tend to get stuck in a rut and wear the same styles all the time, it might be time to try something different this year. When you next go shopping, go to stores you've always passed by but not entered. Try on styles you never thought to wear. If it doesn't work for you, nothing is lost. I always remind my clients that you learn just as much from styles that don't work for you as you do from the styles that do. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Read more on how to update your look!
1. Add a splash of colour!
Colour is a wonderful way of creating the 'spring feeling'. The spring colour palette ranges from bright bold colours of purple, red, yellow, green and electric blue to soft pastel shades and nudes of all varieties. Select the colours that suit you best as there are enough to choose from. If you purchase a blouse or a top in your chosen spring colour, layer for warmth on the cold days or wear it on its own when the temperature starts to rise.
Have fun with your clothes! These spring-inspired must-haves are a great starting point!
Want more tips?
For those of you who want to look and feel fabulous this summer, but aren’t sure where to start…. a Personal Styling Session is ideal for you.
Personal Styling Session: 1h30min
Tracy Gold will assist you to create your own individual style according to your body-shape, colouring, personality, lifestyle, age and budget. Working with your existing wardrobe and The Tracy Gold Collection, she will assist you to determine what works for you, what doesn’t and why.
A Personal Styling Session will assist you to:
- Learn to lose 5kg just by getting dressed in the morning.
- Avoid having a wardrobe full of clothing, but nothing to wear.
- Fill your wardrobe with clothing that makes you feel fabulous.
For more details, click here! Or ask Tracy Gold for her advice NOW!