Start Here…

If you are new to the Notes From a Stylist blog or are just snooping around more than you usually would, this is the perfect place to start getting to grips with sorting out your fashion foibles.

 

If like me, you’ve struggled with crazy over-spending each season on buying things you think are on-trend and suit you, but then when you get them into your closet, they never see the light of day again. Then right here is where I’m going to give you the tools to put an end to that and actually streamline your shopping habits so that the stuff you buy both suits your style and flatters you.

 

First up – which Style Tribe are you?

style tribe

 

You know those days when you head into a shop with a buddy, and she’s all over-excited by absolutely everything, and you’re just getting that ‘meh’ feeling with nothing taking your fancy? Well, that’s because much like the different personalities we are blessed with – we also have different style traits.

 

There’s no right or wrong to your style tribe. You can be totally all-consuming one type or a mish-mash of a few depending on which side of the bed you got out of on a particular morning.

 

The key is to identify which traits you may have and then you can discover which stores are perfect for you.

 

Download and take this free style tribes quiz to get started….

 

Bodyshape Boutique

body shapes illustration by Zarina Liew for the Notes From a Stylist Blog

Next up, let’s talk body shapes. Take a look at the body shapes below along with a few key problem areas which most people worry about, to help figure out where your bod fits on the spectrum

 

Bodyshape                                                                                        

pear bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

How to tell…

You wear larger sizes on the bottom than the top

You have a clearly defined waist

You have narrowers shoulders than hips

You tend to carry weight on your hips and thighs

How to flatter it…

 Bring all the attention to the top half

Jackets and tops need to finish above the widest part of your hips/butt

Layer your top half

Get jackets and tops to fit at shoulders rather than hips

hourglass bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

 

How to tell…

You wear the same size top & bottom

You have a clearly defined waistline

You have a clearly defined bust

You have a curved bottom

How to flatter it…

Give your waist definition

Enhance the bust

Show off the hips & butt

flute bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

How to tell…

You wear the same size top & bottom

You have a minimal bust

There is little or no waist definition

You have flat hips and bottom

 

How to flatter it…

Highlight the hips and butt

Enhance the butt line with details

Use texture and layering to add curves

inverted triangle bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

How to tell…

You wear a larger size on your top than bottom

You have wider shoulders than hips

You have little or no waist definition

How to flatter it…

Highlight the hips and butt

Show minimal detail on the shoulder line

Keep your clothing line straight and the silhouette uncluttered

 

apple body shape illustration by Zarina Liew for the Notes From a Stylist blog

How to tell…

Your waistline is similar or slightly wider than your hips

You have little or no waist definition

The clothes you used to be comfortable in are now weirdly unflattering

How to flatter it…

It’s time to refocus attention from your middle to your legs and face

Try creating one long vertical with your outfits

Look for fabrics which drape rather than cling

A little subtle tailoring works a treat but steer clear of anything belted or double breasted

 

 

 

Body Issues      

 

broad shoulders bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

 Opt for raglan sleeves

Try dark tops to diminish your upper body width

A deep v-neck top counteracts a broad shoulder

If you’ve also got slim hips (see inverted triangle shape above) choose skirts or pants with a horizontal pattern

Avoid epaulets, boat necks, shoulder pads and puff sleeve tops

 

 

 

narrow shoulders bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

Look for tops with shoulder pads or shoulder details\

Boatneck and wide v-neck tops work a treat

Try collared shirts to boost the volume proportions up top

Tops with breast pockets and lapels are a winner

Opt for structured tailoring to draw more emphasis to the upper body

Don’t go anywhere near a raglan sleeve top

 

 

 

large bust bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

 Try simple tops with minimal fussy detailing

Stick with the classic darker tone tops and lighter tone bottoms

Open neck tops will be your NBF

Similarly, long and narrow collars are fab

Look for pieces which add a vertical line above the waist

Avoid anything double breasted

Steer clear of large patterns, bulky knits, and baggy styles

 

 

small bust bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

Fitted tops and jackets will work for you

A push-up bra is always a winner

Seek out tops with breast pockets, wide lapels, and collars

Road test halter neck tops and empire waists to enhance the upper body

Don’t buy tops in stiff fabrics or tops that are loose fitting as they will swamp you

 

 

 

 

high waisted bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

Try to create a lower waistline

Opt for low-rise trousers

Wear longer line shirts and jackets

Look for tops featuring vertical details

Wear narrow belts which match your top

Monochrome looks are a winner

Avoid clothes which create a line along your waist

High-waisted items are a no-no

 

 

long waisted bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

High-waisted pieces are fab for you

Try tonal heels and tights to elongate the legs

Opt for belts which match your pants/skirts

Avoid trousers with turn ups

Look for longer hemline styles in trousers

Don’t buy low-rise or low-waisted items

 

 

 

heavy arms bodyshape illustration by zarina liew

Golden rules…

Your mission is to slim and elongate your arms and torso

3/4 and raglan sleeves are a winner for you

Delicate vertical details on your tops will work – think pinstripes

Tight fitting tops and sleeves are a no-no

Sleeveless tops should be ditched

Look for fluid fabrics – nothing stiff

 

What next…?

So, did you figure out your Style Tribe and body shape? Now it’s time to hop on over to the blog and look out for our series of style advice posts on how to rock each season’s trends to suit your style personality and body shape.

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