...promising us that after what feels like a long winter, it’s nearly ready to help us enjoy the summer days we are all craving.
In the fashion world our spring deliveries are in full swing, with colour and pattern tempting us to pack away the woollies and get ready for a fun season ahead.
So with that in mind this month I thought I would share with you some of my foundational style tips and the power that comes along with them. As always with fashion, there is something for everyone but the number one styling tip (in my mind) is to always ensure there is “intention” behind your look or outfit.
Now when I say intention, what does that mean to you? Let’s think about some of the different style categories that we commonly see references to: casual, smart casual, relaxed, boho, corporate, feminine, minimalist, tonal, colour blocking, formal, the list really could go on. When reading that list, no doubt you started to visualise some concepts relating to each category.
The style interpretations are endless when we look at each of these categories, and this is where it can become overwhelming because even the simplest formula of “jeans with a tee and sneaker” can look very intentional or very UN-intentional depending the colours, style, shape and even size of each of these individual items when put together. Are you intentionally trying to create a look that says, “I don’t have a mirror at home” or was it simply that you didn’t consider a couple of key styling concepts before completing the look and walking out the door?
For most of us, it’s a matter of experimentation until we settle on a formula that we understand and feel comfortable in. But as with most things in life, there are some shortcuts available too. You can go down the Instagram or TikTok rabbit holes learning from stylists sharing their knowledge and literally showing you why one outfit can look one way when worn without intention, and conversely how different the same items can look when styled intentionally. But this can become overwhelming too, because often the “muse” isn’t your exact body shape, height, weight, proportions or even colouring. Some of us learn by watching, some of us learn by doing.
There’s a lot to be said for a twist, a tuck a fold or a cinch and it’s these little personalisations that can really elevate a look and turn what could look quite unintentional without them, into something quite intentional, even polished when executed well.
With over 13 years in the fashion industry, I’ve witnessed countless “ah-ha” moments when
women start to make an item or an outfit “theirs”. Consider this, just because something is a slightly too long or has a little extra fabric under the arms but is otherwise the perfect colour, shape and design for you shouldn’t have to mean it is a straight up “No”.
I get it, spending money on something that isn’t 100% perfect straight off the hanger can feel difficult at first, but I have seen time and time again the value of personalising a garment taking it from “good” to “great” with a relatively small investment which results in a garment that in the end looks made to measure. It’s a step that so many people won’t even consider, but in my mind tailoring is one of the most underrated styling hacks because it makes the garment fit YOU.
What’s better? An ill-fitting item you loved the look of on the hanger, however every time you put it on it’s just not quite right (but it was on sale so you bought it anyway) or your favourite, perfectly fitting garment that makes you light up and feel amazing each and every time you wear it? Oh, and the compliments, don’t forget the compliments that come when you’ve been intentional in personalising and styling your outfit…
So as we welcome the season ahead, let’s remember the power of being intentional and
considered when putting our outfits together, and if there’s something in your wardrobe that’s asking to be tailored so you wear it more often and love it even more, invest in yourself and the garment and get it done!
You’ll be happy you did, I promise you!
