The Style Guide

(my top half at least) for the occasional Zoom meeting, but my daily go-to was something stretchy and cosy because…who cared? And then I realised: I cared. I wanted a new look, something more chic, feminine and attractive. So, I packed away my sweats and pulled out my nice summer things. And, after a minor cull of stuff that was tired or dated and with the addition of a couple of new pieces, I started to dress like me again. And I cut my hair into a pixie. It felt amazing. Like rebirth.
Moving into spring, I’d like to encourage you to think about how you want to show up in the world. How can you revamp your style or your hair and makeup to create a look that represents the person you want to be? I know many of you run your own business, so my question to you is: How closely do you represent your brand values and what changes could you make to your look to align yourself more closely with those values? And for everyone, what changes would help you feel more confident and spark joy when you get ready each morning?
Let’s start with the basics. As women we all feel we have something to hide: tummy, hips, thighs, upper arms…whatever. But we often forget our assets: lovely hair, great bone structure, pretty eyes, good shoulders, neat waist, slim legs, and so on. Dressing for your shape is all about focusing on those assets & drawing the eye away from what makes us self-conscious. But this doesn’t mean wearing shapeless disguises in very dark colours. It means choosing pieces that fit and flatter by focusing attention where we want it.
The fundamentals are very simple:
1. Wearing something close-fitting, check yourself in the mirror. We are all a combination of lines and curves – Are your shoulders straight or sloping? Do you have a defined waist or are you more straight up and down? Are your hips and bust curvy? Are your thighs curvy or straighter? Make a note of what you see.
2. More curvy shapes need medium-weight fabrics which stretch and drape over the curves, whilst straighter shapes need sharper tailoring and defined lines.
3. If you are very rounded, above all avoid clothes that are baggy disguises and wearing solid black. You’ll simply look shapeless and bigger, so wear things that give you some shape with draping and gathers (nothing too bulky), and avoid high necklines, dropped shoulders and batwing sleeves.
4. Petites can look taller wearing one colour head to toe. Whilst rounder shapes can look more defined wearing a jacket or ¾ coat which cuts you into 3 neat vertical slices.
5. Pear shapes are a game of two halves: focus attention on your neat upper body with well-fitted tops, peplum styles and pattern, whilst keeping your lower half elongated with parallel trousers or A line skirts that balance your shape.
6. Heart-shapes (bust larger than hips) need lower (not plunging) necklines: wide V, sweetheart or scooped; fitted shirts with a curved hem, and medium weight fabrics that drape and stretch.
7. Choose colours near the face that flatter your skin tone: check in good daylight. And try to stick to the same colour palette so that your clothing coordinates elegantly.
8. Experiment with your wardrobe, trying various combinations to create outfits, using Instagram as your inspiration. Be bold!
9. Check for gaps in your wardrobe, take notes and make those items your shopping priorities.
Finally, check that your hair and make-up styles are not outdated. Make a few changes to modernise your look (nothing too extreme), and always ensure you follow a good skincare routine to give you a radiant glow.