As a stylist, I have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Although every client is unique with their own specific fashion goals and challenges, I have noticed some common themes.
Firstly, people tend to be afraid of wearing oversized clothing. I am referring to choosing straight-leg jeans instead of skinny jeans or even adding a bit of flare. You would be surprised at how looser trousers can make your legs appear longer and create a more balanced body shape, as long as the rise and size are appropriate. Many times, brands (especially more affordable ones) skimp on fabric, whether it’s the length, quality, or even the lining. For example, wearing a longer, roomier coat with beautiful folds and oversized shoulders can look more chic and expensive compared to a tight-fitting coat that ends above or right below your knees.
Life is a party – dress like it
Next, let’s talk about colours and prints. People often feel intimidated by them because they find it challenging to style them with their existing wardrobe. They worry that their new purchase will just sit in the closet. Instead of opting for slightly more statement pieces, they choose plain options.
While it’s important to have a solid foundation of basics in your wardrobe, if you don’t add some interesting and unique pieces, your personal style may end up looking flat and lacking character. It’s essential to stay updated on current trends but adapt them to suit your style and personality. For instance, if you like leopard print but are unsure if it will suit you, start by incorporating it into your accessories, such as a leopard belt or leopard shoes. Keep the rest of your outfit in neutral colours like black, grey, cream, brown, burgundy, or denim. This way, you can try out the trend in a safer and more subtle way.
When it comes to colours, I always encourage my clients to experiment. To make it easier, I recommend referring to the colour wheel. The best colour combinations are either shades placed opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green, or shades that are next to each other on the wheel, like green and blue.
Fashion is the art and you are the canvass
One mistake I often see is people being overly obsessed with colour theory. While it’s good to keep in mind what colours suit you best, the seasonal colour analysis is quite outdated and was created over 40 years ago. Our seasonal colour palette can change depending on factors such as changing hair colour or the makeup we wear. What I believe is truly important is identifying if you have high contrasting in your appearance. If you have darker, more defined brows, dark hair, and lighter skin tone (lighter against your hair colour), it suggests that you have higher contrast. This means that you can easily pull off bold prints or vibrant colours, even without wearing makeup. However, if your eyes, brows, skin shade, and hair are more muted, it indicates that you don’t have high contrast in your appearance. This doesn’t mean you are limited to wearing beige and creams for the rest of your life or avoiding black, bright colours, or any type of print. In this case, we artificially add contrast by applying a little bit of daytime makeup or opting for a slightly brighter blush or bold lipstick. To create a more neutral look, you can add a grey or beige scarf as a layer between your face and the statement top. This will act as a bridge between your natural colouring and your bold outfit.
