Frequently Asked Questions

Body Shape & Fit

Q What clothes flatter my body shape?
A Every body is unique.  One way to look at what clothes flatter your shape is to look at your body objectively in a mirror, with tight dark clothes on.  Look at how tall or short you are, where your body has balance or needs balance through different clothes.  Try not to fall into a trap of wearing larger clothes to cover areas of your body  you think are large.    If you want help book a discovery call with me.

Q How do I dress to look taller?
A Examples of how to look taller include wearing platforms or heels in your shoes; wearing the same colour on both your bottom and top half of your body.

Q How do I dress to look slimmer?

A Tips on how to look slimmer include wearing fitted clothing, rather than baggy.  Consider your body shape and proportions, would it be worth bringing some balance to certain parts of your body?   Don't fall into the trap of wearing black if this is a colour that doesn't suit you, this could actually make you look less well and bigger than you think.

Q What silhouettes work best for my proportions?
A Understanding what silhouettes work best for you is based on understanding your body shape.  Dressed in fitted/tight dark clothing, stand in front of a mirror and look at your proportions.  For example, a woman with a large bust can benefit from wearing a V neck shape top.  Men who have thin legs might benefit from straight or wide leg trousers.

Q How do I balance my shoulders, hips, or bust?
A  To balance one area of your body, consider the silhouette you want to create.  For women, are your hips narrower than your shoulders?  Consider what trousers or skirt bring some balance to your body.  Would wearing a belt help bring shape to your middle?  If you want help book a discovery call with me.

Q What should I avoid wearing for my body type?
A What to avoid really does depend on your body shape.  Understand your body shape by dressing in fitted/tight dark clothing, stand in front of a mirror and look at your proportions then consider how you want to feel.  Are you comfortable or not in the clothes you wear?  Do you want to look taller, slimmer, have a better defined waist.  Consider what clothes will help to balance areas of your body.

Q How do I find clothes that fit me properly?
A  First take measurements of your body, for women your bust, waist, hips, rise and inside leg measurement as well as your height.  For men chest, waist and inside leg are important.  The best way is to try clothes on, but if you want to buy online then having measurements is even more important.  Retailers make their clothes for efficiency and for a mass market, and as we are all different it could be that one part of the garment may not fit you.  But knowing a good tailor or seamstress in your local area can help you alter clothes to fit you.

Colour and Complexion

Q  What colours suit my skin tone?
A  The colours we choose to wear can make us glow, look healthy and bright eyed.  To understand what colours suit you, try putting up different items close to your face and see what impact this has on how you look. Avoid wearing make up when you do this.   A full colour profile session with a stylist like me can give you a detailed understanding of specific colours that not only make you look your healthiest and brightest but also reflect your style personality.  Book in a discovery call with me to understand what this involves.

Q How do I know if I’m warm or cool toned?
A You will know whether warm or cool toned colours work best for you when you try items on close to your face.  Avoid wearing make up when you do this.  Warmer colours, those with yellow undertones like orange, warm reds will look differently to those with a black undertone such as cool blue's and black of course.  There are so many shades of colours and clothing.

Q Which colours make me look tired or washed out?
A  The colours that do not match your warm or cool skin tone are those that are likely to reflect less well next to your face.  This is because you have colour undertones and when they are not matched to the clothes you are wearing the light reflects differently.

Q How do I build a flattering colour palette?

A  The best way to build a flattering colour palette is to start with your strongest colours.  Then consider what other colours work with them.  Include some neutrals. 

Q As I age can I still wear black and white?

A  If you have a cool undertone then you are likely to be able to wear black at any age, but as we do get older our hair colour might change, our skin tone might too and so this could mean black appears harsher.  There is alot more to choosing the best colours for you so the best way to understand if and  how you can wear black and white would be to have a colour profile session, this is available for both men and women.

What do I wear to a singles dating event?

A  First of all, dress as you.  It’s really important that you feel comfortable. That way you’ll relax and be open to conversations.  Then think about the type of event it is, is there a theme?  What type of venue is it?  You don’t want to feel over or under dressed.  Are there pics of what other people have worn to this event before on their channels you can use to guide you.  Colour is something you might review too.  What colours help you feel radiant and at your best?  Wear these close to your face.  Also some colours are better for engaging people in conversation, blue is good for this.  Red might be one to avoid, unless you are a very outgoing character.  Red increases the heart rate you see.  Before you leave, take a pic of yourself and your outfit in the mirror or ask a friend to do this.  Now look at that picture objectively. What does it say about you?