PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WHAT NECKLINES WORK FOR LARGER BUSTS?

Depending on your needs, body shape, and personal style, finding the perfect neckline to complement you can be tricky. For example, if you need to remain more conservative at work, but want to lower the neckline for out of hours, or have a larger bust, the necklines in your wardrobe can vary drastically.

The right neckline can enhance your silhouette, boost confidence, and make you feel your best every day.

In my Colour&Style Clinics in London, Kent, and online, I've had the pleasure of assisting numerous clients in discovering the most flattering necklines for their body shapes (as well as the colours, styles, and patterns!) and I’m pleased to share here some universal tips that always work well:

Make sure your underwear is the right fit first

One of the most important elements for the comfort and confidence you can feel when wearing any garment, but in particular those that have lower necklines, is the right bra. Whether you prefer a softer, non-wired bra, a balconette, or a push up bra, you will want to find the one that fits you well, and is appropriate for the neckline.

For example, a v-neck is best with bras that go lower down so you aren’t showing the lingerie, whereas a scoop neck may be best with a t-shirt style bra that is full coverage so there aren’t obvious lines underneath the material.

When you have found the right selection of bras, you can then play with some of the different necklines with more confidence.

Here are some of my top tips for the best necklines for those with larger busts:

V-Neckline: A classic V-neckline is a go-to option for those with larger busts. It creates a vertical line that elongates the torso, drawing the eye upwards and away from the bust area. Opt for a moderate V-neck that doesn't plunge too low to maintain a balanced look.

Scoop Neckline: Scoop necklines are another fantastic choice for larger busts. They offer coverage and support while still showcasing the décolletage in a flattering way. Look for scoop necklines that aren't too high or too low to achieve the perfect balance. For this, understanding your ideal cleavage point - that comes with the face shape analysis – could be a game changer!

Square Neckline: Square necklines can work wonders for those with larger busts by providing structure and support. They create a visually appealing frame for the bust area without adding unnecessary bulk. Experiment with different variations of square necklines to find what suits you best.

Photo via: @jazy_g

If you prefer a softer line, try the sweetheart neckline which is similar but less angular.

photo credit: TheMomEdit

Wrap Neckline: Wrap necklines are incredibly versatile and flattering for all body types, including larger busts. They offer adjustable coverage and can be cinched at the waist to enhance the silhouette. With a larger bust, finding a wrap neckline with sturdy closures will ensure proper support.

photo credit: Curves Next Door

When shopping for tops and dresses, pay attention to the fabric and fit in addition to the neckline. Fabrics with a bit of stretch give added comfort and invest in pieces that are tailored to fit your body shape perfectly, while more flowy fabrics will complement your curves and result in a very flattering look. Remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear, so wear whatever neckline makes you feel fabulous!

Finding the right neckline for larger busts is all about balance, support, and flattering proportions. By experimenting with different styles and paying attention to fit and fabric, you can elevate your wardrobe and feel your best every day.

If you're unsure where to start, don't hesitate to reach out to a personal stylist like myself for expert guidance tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

There’s a fantastic promo running until the end of May, where you can have an Online Colour&Style Clinic at HALF PRICE! We’ll help you take your style to the next level, from the comfort of your home, and at an unbeatable price.

PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON?

With February fast-approaching, this means Fashion Week is coming to London from the 17th – 21st February to showcase the Spring/Summer trends to look forward to.

With the catwalks filled with warm-weather looks, you may be wondering what new items may work in your current wardrobe that you may want to invest in.

While I work around the ethos of a sustainable and capsule-like wardrobe, there are sometimes seasonal pieces that certainly feel right to add to my wardrobe. As long as they work alongside at least 3 of my current outfits, and make me feel great (and will last!) then they are worth purchasing.

Being a considered shopper makes each season more exciting as you take a moment to consider if the pieces you quickly react to will have a long-term effect. This is one thing to bring into your mindset each time you go shopping – give yourself the time to question if you have pieces that work with that garment, or if you love it enough to make some!

With this in your mind, let’s share a few of the new season favourites I have found.

Baggy jeans

I shared a guide to the top jeans to suit your body shape (which you can download here) last year, and baggy jeans are one of the most approachable pieces. They are often comfortable, and work beautifully on a range of body types.

If you are an hourglass or a triangle you will want to make sure you have a waist height that comes in at your natural waist. Tuck in your shirt, blouse or light jumper, and then add a belt to really level up your shape!

For an inverted triangle shape, a pair of wide-legged jeans that fall more on the flared side are a great option for you. Pop on a pair of heels to lengthen your legs and a form-fitting top to finish off the look.

Or try a pair that have a little bit of volume or pockets to the front will make a definition to your hips. And a square neck top, a crossover body bag and a pair of platform sneakers to make this cool-girl look complete.

Oversized Blazers

My favourite piece to have in any woman’s wardrobe – the blazer! This season it is coming in an oversized form, which can be comforting yet sometimes tricky to wear depending on your personal style and body shape.

Blazers can upgrade any look, and add that extra layer of warmth that can be so needed in the spring in London. With an oversized blazer you have more freedom for the layers underneath, and you can also play with the shapes and fits of the clothes you choose.

For example an oversized blazer that is just shorter than your skirt, with tights, boots and a comfy jumper is a great brunch or date night look. While the same blazer can be worn with a detailed blouse, your favourite wide-legged trousers and your heels for a day of meetings.

For a few ways to play with blazers and how to style them, click here.

Going Sheer

Now, bear with me here, but the sheer trend that has been shown across countless catwalks can be a great additional layer to add warmth, intrigue, or style to your outfit. While the catwalk stylings feel less approachable (but if you love it, go for it!) adding a covered layer beneath the sheer garment is a great way to make this trend-setting garment more likely to work in your wardrobe.

If you want to add colour to a look, for example, but you want to keep your neutral tones across your look, then adding a sheer long sleeved top over your vest will perk up the look in a flash.

For the sheer skirts, you can add these over another skirt of a similar length, or add definition to your waist by adding the skirt over a full length dress.

Sheer pieces are also great for adding texture, definition, and flair to your outfit. If you are cautious of going fully sheer, you can find several fashion houses that have added a sheer element to a piece such as the bottom of a midi skirt or in panels to just show a little skin.

So, what do you think of these three spring/summer seasonal trends? Will you be trying a few of them in your wardrobe? If you feel a little overwhelmed by all the changing trends, and don’t know where to invest and where to walk away, I offer a Personal Shopping experience, so you and I can go together to view and select the best items to match your style, needs, and body shape.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

When it comes to showing off our personality one of the best and quickest ways we can do this is through our style. But what do we do if we are in a style rut?

For many of us, our style may change throughout the years but our core style personalities will tend to stay the same. This is because it reflects who we are as people! So, how can you discover your style personality and what can you do with fashion once you know yours?

First, we need to know the different style personalities we have!

As a personal stylist, I want to make it as easy for my clients to quickly navigate the different fashion stylings out there. With this in mind, there are generally 5 main style personality types that we tend to tap into.

Natural Style Personality

What is a Natural Style Personality?

Natural style personalities tend to want to feel comfortable in their clothes. This is the most important factor to choosing what to wear. Casual styles are their go-to option, think simplicity, comfort, and minimal patterns. Just like with a natural make-up look, natural style personalities like to keep it simple!

If you feel like comfortable, monochromatic looks are the perfect way to describe your happy place when it comes to fashion then you may fall into this style.

How to style your natural style personality

If you are a natural style personality, then you will want to look for simple lines within your outfits. Find fabrics that are easy to care for that don’t need special treatment such as dry cleaning or even ironing if possible! You want to make your outfits feel as comfortable as possible. A neutral, simple, easy to put on midi dress for the summer is a great option. Pair with simple sandals and a backpack and you’re ready to go out.

For a more casual look, you could find your favourite pair of straight leg jeans in a denim-lycra mix for a more comfortable fit, and pair with a simple white tee or camisole. Add a pair of boots, and a leather cross over bag in a neutral brown or beige for your essentials!

If you want to feel ready for the office, find a pair of neutral beige or white trousers that are lightly cropped, add a leather belt, and a pair of slip on brogues or trainers. For the top half, either a classic striped tee (which is the best pattern for you to dip your toe into) or loose blouse tucked in, with an oversized neutral blazer or denim jacket to finish the look.

Classic Style Personality

What is a Classic Style Personality?

Classic Style Personalities tend to feel their best in a more formal outfit. They like to appear well turned out, with elegance as a key factor for their outfit choices. Classic hairstyles that rarely change throughout their lives, and the same goes for their outfits. Once they have found a comfortable, classic, go-to look, they will feel a little intimidated to perhaps veer away from this.

This isn’t to say they will keep away from colours. Tones like peaches, pinks, navys and deep browns are perfect! 

How to style your classic style personality

If you feel you’re a classic style personality, then looking for fabrics like silks, linens, and wools will be a good start. You will want to make sure your outfits have a feel of elegance and perhaps professionalism with each look. While stilettos can be a go-to shoe for you, if you prefer less of a heel, court shoes or even high quality platform trainers could be an option.

Some outfit inspiration could be a pussy-bow blouse in white or cream, tucked into a pair of tailored trousers in a peach or salmon colour. Put on a pair of nude pumps or elevate the look with a pair of nude stilettos.

For a more relaxed event, keep your tailored trousers and swap out the blouse for a cashmere polo neck, or high quality silk camisole. If you prefer a skirt, swap the trousers for a midi skirt in silk or with pleats. A clutch or handbag in a neutral tone, paired with your slip on sandals can help finish the look.

Romantic Style Personality

What is a Romantic Style Personality?

A Romantic Style Personality loves dressing up. Think little details like bows, ruffles, flounces, appliques and fringes. Prints and colours are also a go-to for them. They bring this feeling of dressing up to their makeup and skin care, and will even have a favourite fragrance. They tend to spend time on their look, and will never leave the house without their make-up done!

How to style your romantic style personality

If you think you are a romantic style personality, you’ll want to find looks that help you show off your passion for dressing up! A maxi dress with colourful florals, a ruffled neckline or pleated skirt will be a great look for you. Add a bold shoe, and a handbag to finish the look which has a similar tone to your shoes to make the look feel complete.

If you prefer two pieces, look for a colourful, patterned midi-skirt in perhaps an animal print or a floral pattern. A graphic tee, with a fringed crossover body bag will make the look feel just perfect for you. A red lip that works with your colour tone, also wouldn’t go amiss.

Dramatic Style Personality

What is a Dramatic Style Personality?

Dramatic Style Personalities often buy their items on impulse. This is because they are attracted to the garment, it stands out, or makes a statement. Bright, bold colours, and graphic prints that are on trend are their go-to. A wardrobe is filled with current pieces that have volume, personality, and boldness at their core. 

How to style your dramatic style personality

With a dramatic style personality, you can go all out with your boldness. Scour the fashion catwalks for inspiration, and depending on your budget, you can invest in pieces that will make a statement.

While your outfits may change with the trends, current options that may feel great for you, would be a voluminous sheer maxi dress with ruffles at the bottom and statement shoulder pads. Underneath, add a body suit in a neutral or black, and make your look a bold monochromatic look by matching your bag, shoes, and accessories with the bold colours you select. Think orange, yellow, or lime green – all of which are very much in fashion right now.

For a two piece outfit, invest in a patterned pair of flared jeans, colourful heeled boots, quirky graphic tee, and if you need it, a blazer with statement shoulders for added drama.

As the name goes – it’s all about the drama for you – so enjoy those quirky finds and colourful, unique patterns & pieces.

Creative Style Personality

What is a Creative Style Personality?

The last personality that most people fall into, is the Creative Style personality. Creatives have wardrobes full of items from different sources, including vintage mixed with high street, online, and high end purchases. They love to collect and curate their wardrobes, and love to shop. They feel that shopping is an art form, and often are found studying fashion magazines or Instagram for inspiration.

How to style your creative style personality

If you feel like you may be a creative, you’ll want to hit different sources for your wardrobe. As I mentioned, you love combining vintage, high street, high end, and online fashion, so embrace that joy and create looks you love from across these outlets. Mixing fabrics can also be a great way to get your creative fix, such as velvet, satin, silk, wool, and denim.

For some outfit inspiration, why not try a pair of 70’s flares with a modern oversized blazer, atop a graphic tee, with a high end designer bag. You could also pair a vintage band tee with a silk midi-skirt, leather biker jacket, and biker boots. Add colour and creativity with quirky sunglasses, beads, and earrings for the finishing touch.

So, which personality do you feel you fit into? Have these outfit ideas inspired you to play with your wardrobe and style more?

If you want to discover your personal style, as well as the ways to create outfits that feel truly you, please get in touch.

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: AUTUMN OUTFIT INSPIRATION FOR 2022

Autumn is here and what comes with it new outfit options! My clients can find this time of year difficult to dress for as it’s not cold enough for a full winter outfit, whereas the summer clothes feel too light. Whether it’s layering or picking the right shoes for the weather and how to style them, I share my top tips for autumn outfits just for you.

Top colours for Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 has a great selection of colours to choose from, but which ones work best for you? As you may know, I help people discover their best colours by using the seasonal colour analysis. You can find out more about how to know yours, here. These are my picks for each of the seasons:

Spring: Zesty lime - a bright and fun colour to add to your wardrobe.

Summer: Lilac is a strong contender for my favourite colour for Autumn 2022.

Autumn: Burnt orange is a truly Autumnal colour and can be a rich addition to your wardrobe.

Winter: Pink & cobalt blue for a cooler tone that works on your skin, while remaining bright and colourful for the seasons to change.

How to wear your Autumn trending colours

There are plenty of different ways to add colour to your outfit, from a little touch to an all out full monochrome look.

A perfect start can be a woolly hat, a leather jacket, or a pair of shoes.

The next step can be a pair of leather wide-leg trousers (very on-trend right now, and works great for most body shapes), or even a blazer.

For an all-out commitment to your colour selection, or perfect for abstract personality types, is to wear a full outfit in your colours. Whether it's a suit, or even a maxi dress, with a mesh top underneath to keep yourself warm in the cooler weather, with a handbag and jacket.

If colours feel a little daunting to add to your outfits, I'd love to help.      

Top trends for Autumn

Outfits for this time of year include great layering and light, yet warm options.

Some of the top trends coming into the season include "punk prep" - think leather, pleated midi skirts, and tailored blazers. Maxi dresses and full-length hem lines are also back in fashion, and great with a pair of over heeled boots.

One great trend coming into fashion for the season are tailored waistcoats. These are great for the androgenous look for the office, or with a pair of wide-leg jeans over a more casual long-sleeved top for a more casual look.

Statement leather is also a strong option for the 2022 season, and you can't go wrong with a leather jacket at any time of year. You could also try any of the leather trousers coming onto the shelves, or for a more approachable statement leather piece, think of a leather bag in the colour of your season.

Top 3 Shoes & Outfit Inspiration for Autumn

Now we’ve talked all about the colours and outfits on offer for Autumn 2022, we can jump to the shoes! Shoes can oftentimes be the most difficult part of the outfit to pair together. There are some unique and fun ways to play with the shoes and your outfit for this time of year.

Combat Boots: Best with cropped loose-fitted jeans, and shorter skirts

Combat boots continue to stay on trend, year on year, and they're a great piece to bring into your Autumnal wardrobe. As they come up to your ankle bone, they do need a little consideration when being styled.

One casual option can be matching them with looser-fitted jeans that are cropped or rolled up to show off up to about an inch above the top of the boot. Check out my blog for 7 ways to style your cropped jeans, here.

You can also wear them with a midi or mini skirt with tights, and as the days get cooler, even with a pair of thick socks peeking out of the top of the boot too.

Knee-high boots: Match with dresses, skinny jeans, and maxi skirts

There's something so elegant about a pair of knee-high leather or suede boots with a small platform heel!

While you can go quite nineties with the styles on offer, it's best to pick leather or suede if you prefer a more professional look.

Matching your boots with a maxi skirt will keep you warm without having to fight with tights while wearing a dress with a slit can mean you can show off your boots without getting too cold.

Another way to wear and show off your boots is by wearing them over your skinny jeans, or with a mini skirt, depending on the event.

There are some great options available for those of us with larger calves, and do opt for a boot with a zip so you can more easily put your boots on.            

Trainers: Casual chic looks with flares and wide-legged trousers

Workwear no longer has to include stilettos (as I shared in this blog) and this means you actually can wear trainers to work! There are some great options nowadays for us to pick up a pair of comfy yet professional trainers that work for all occasions.

Match your trainers with a pair of trending flares, or if you want to mix and match professional with sport-luxe, why not try with your trouser suit?  I would recommend looking for a pair of high quality trainers in a neutral tone, or go quirky with one of the colourful suede options now available to add a touch of personality at your feet.

Seasons change, and maximising your outfits and wardrobe items you already have is so important. If you’re finding it difficult to discover the seasonal outfits that work for you and bring you confidence, I can help with my Style Masterclass, or Personal Shopping experiences.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: VALENTINE'S DAY OUTFIT IDEAS 2022

For many of my clients, styling their outfits for date nights, events with close friends, or just to feel a little more sexy, can be tricky to create. Valentine’s day can be a great time of the year to be with a partner and feel “yourself” or to get dressed up and spend time with your closest friends for a special night out.

So, if you are feeling unsure on what to wear to help yourself feel a little more sexy with confidence, here are some outfit ideas!

Inspire your colour palette

The month of love is often inspired by a certain colour palette, and that is reds, pinks, and blacks! These can be great colours to help inspire your look for a special event. 

When you know the colours that make you feel your best, you can then include them into your outfits, and if reds, blacks, or pinks are within the colour wheel for you, then this is a great time to go all out.

You could have a full look inspired by the colours, for example a beautiful red dress, shoes, and lip. If you feel an all-red look is a little difficult to commit to, you can add flourishes of the colour to your look through the accessories. 

If you want to add pink rather than red, but still feel strong and powerful, you can look into investing in a deep pink suit, or tailored jumpsuit as the tailoring helps to create a stronger look.

However, if you love feeling more “cute” than strong, then baby pinks, softer pinks and sorbet pink are more approachable for this styling.

Black and red work really well together, so if you choose a Little Black Dress that you love and add the touch of sexy red for your date night, you will be sure to be feeling ready to take on the date! 

Feel romantic

Romantic looks are great for a night out with a loved one, and for boosting your energy. Romantic styles are floaty dresses and skirts, all the way to frills, floral patterns, and vintage-style collars. They’re perfect if you’re like me and prefer to feel feminine on a date night.

A maxi or midi length can be an easy to wear style that adds a touch of elegance to your look without feeling restricted on your evening out (which translates to enjoying your dinner without restriction!).

If you prefer to wear something a little less formal, or are going to a brunch date instead of an evening, this look can work beautifully with jeans and a blouse with puff sleeves or added texture. You could also make this feel sexy while romantic with a monochromatic formal look that has the silhouette of a romantic-style of puff sleeves and skirt together. 

You don't have to take this look all the way if you are more of an abstract style-lover, either, as you can dip your toe into the floaty silhouette, but add a touch of your style with block colours or patterns. You can also bring stronger elements to the look through your accessories with stilettos, strong jewellery pieces, and even your outer wear – think a leather jacket to bring a touch of toughness. 

Show off your favourite features

The best and easiest way to boost your feeling sexy is to feature your favourite asset – whether it’s your shoulders with an off the shoulder dress, your legs with a short skirt or Little Black Dress, or your booty with a pair of trousers that showcase your asset in the best way.

When we put on garments that help us feel our best, that’s often when we feel our sexiest. We can then put together the rest of the outfit to match how we are feeling. So, I highly recommend discovering a few key pieces in your wardrobe that you feel your best in and save them for those days when you need added confidence. When you know the garments you feel your best in, you can then know where to invest in new items to create outfits you’ll love to wear (so they don’t have to be saved for special occasions!).

You can also encourage even more confidence with a few added extras:

• Heels can transform your confidence – even if it’s only an inch or two, you will notice the change of how you walk, move, and that added height can boost confidence.

• Add a touch of lipstick – that final swish of colour to your lips can work their magic to bringing a boost of confidence that sometimes is needed to feel your best!

• Bring textures into your outfit that make you feel sexy. Whether you love soft comforting textures, or strong tailored looks, add these textures to your outfit so you can feel confident in a flash.

I believe we should all feel our best whether we are going for a date, out to an event, or spending the day at home, and fashion should help us feel this way when we get it right.

If you are feeling more stressed by your outfit choices, and would love to change that – please get in touch to discover how I can help.

PERSONAL STYLING TIPS – THE KEY SHOES TO HAVE IN YOUR CUPBOARD

Shoes can be a fantastic finishing piece to an outfit, and I love seeing how many options we have on the market now. Whether you are looking to have an elegant trainer, a killer heel, a statement boot, or a simple dolly shoe, you can make your statement with your feet in this day and age!

The great thing about shoes is that they can last a lifetime with the right care, so I do recommend investing in a few key styles that can work with several outfits.

A pair of boots for Autumn/Winter outfits

I recommend investing in a pair of brown and a pair of black boots – these are excellent for Autumn to Winter. Now we are in Spring, you will find several stores are offering a great discount on their boots in store.

If you want a little touch of personality, you could break from the traditional black and brown, and invest in some colourful boots that work with your personal colour preferences. I love these white booties from Aldo, as they can be a great statement, but you could try maroon, purple, green, or even blue!

Comfortable Flats for every day

Alongside the boots, I recommend a pair of comfortable “every day” flats, these can be plain or with a touch of personality, but they are excellent for running between meetings if you prefer to be comfortable. There are a huge range of options available, but for a more smart look, I highly recommend the classic brogue or dolly shoe, as these can work well with any outfit, and you can potentially head to meetings in them without the need to swap your shoes around. If you need a little height, but don’t want the discomfort of your heels, a platform is an excellent solution.

And don’t forget about the trainers, one of the greatest (and most comfortable) trend in shoes at the moment! The can transform your outfit from formal to smart casual in an instant, making you look fashionable and stylish, while preventing sore feet!

The perfect pair of heels for any outfit

If you are a heels girl like me, then a pair of strappy heels can be great for the summer. If you want to show off a little flair when wearing your black monochrome outfit, then a pair of fabulous statement stilettos can be an fun piece in your shoe cupboard – there are these leopard print stilettos by Moda In Pelle, which are amazing, or for a little less statement, why not try these green stilettos by Hobbs of London. I also think a pair of nude heels can work wonders with a dress, jeans, trousers, or a skirt, so if you fancy treating yourself, I love the look of these nude shoes, as they are just the right heel for newbies and experienced heel wearers, and they basically go with everything!

Whatever your preference, you can truly show off your personality and style with your shoes, even if your business or job title require you to potentially stay a little more muted in your outfit choices. I hope these have given you some fun ideas for the essentials for your shoe cupboard, and I’d love to hear from you which shoes you love most to add a little spark to your outfit!