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.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS: HOW TO WEAR A WHITE SHIRT

Sometimes, the basics are the hardest to style. One of the wardrobe basics for many of us is a white shirt. It can be dressed up or down, and for many, can be a staple in their dressing. 

However, when it comes to styling a white shirt, it may be a bit of a hit and miss. Depending on the shaping, styling, and accessories, you too can try out this wardrobe essential! 

Make sure you’re selecting the right shape for your body type

First and foremost, the best way to make a white shirt work for you is to understand your body shape and the styles that will work for you. 

Here’s a simple guide to inspire you: 

• Hourglass: v-necks or sweethearts, as well as crew necks are great for balancing your top and bottom. You will also want to look at a fitted blouse to enhance your waist. Structure fabrics are recommended if your features are more angular (neat hourglass); softer fabrics are better if your features are more curvilinear (full hourglass);

• Rectangle: look for simple styles, and structure fabrics (like pipeline cotton) that will accentuate your waist without adding unnecessary colume and opt for patterns like vertical stripes that will optically elongate the bust; consider a peplum style to create the illusion of a defined waist;

• Triangle: open necklines, macro prints, and details such as ruffles, frills and pockets are great for you, as well as puffed sleeves are also a great option to make your shoulders look larger and focus the attention on your top; make sure your blouse doesn’t stop on your hips, instead tuck it into high waisted wide-legged trousers or skirts, to highlight your waist and elongate the legs; 

• Oval: Hip length tops with an open neckline, as well as vertical or slanted stripes to optically elongate the bust. Opt for fluid fabrics, such as silk and viscose, to complement your natural curves. Go for simple lines and avoid details that add unnecessary volume at the torso, but also horizontal stripes or bold patterns;

• Inverted Triangle: simple lines and shirts that have minimal volume at the shoulders. Opt for crispy, structured fabrics to complement your angular features. Closed collars, peplum styles and wrapped shirts are great styles to explore for you. 

Now you know the style and shape that could complement your figure in the best way, here are some ideas to inspire you to style your white shirt. 

What to pair with your white shirt 

Styling a baggy tee and jeans is a classic “cool girl” outfit seen regularly on streetwear to high fashion runways. 

Source: The Zoe Report

If jeans and a tee aren’t in alignment with your personal style, you could try out wearing a white shirt under your casual spring midi dress for a layered look that covers your shoulders from the sun. Change up your dress by popping your shirt over it too, and crop the shirt with a belt or tying with a hair tie. 

Source: Mujerde10

Try out the dungaree trend with a classic white shirt underneath, with a pair of combat boots or DM’s to punk up the look. 

Source: Who What Wear

If you have midi-skirts in your wardrobe they go perfectly with a boxy white shirt, as well as a more romantic vibe of a peplum shirt. Wear your favourite sandals to embrace the summer heat and why not try out a straw hat to really embrace the summer vibes! 

Source: Who What Wear

For summery cool looks, pair your shirt with the go-to trouser of the season – a wide legged option. Whether it’s jeans or more formal black trousers, you can elongate your legs with a pair of heels or platform trainers in the same colour as your trousers. You can bring in your waist with a belt, and layer up the look with a cardigan over the top and a crossover body bag for the finishing touch. 

Source: Style Bee

How to style your white blouse

If a white tee is not up your alley, never fear – a white blouse can be an excellent solution. Still an essential in any wardrobe, this can be paired in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas: 

Pair your white shirt with a pair of kick flare, dark wash jeans with heeled boots for a 90’s-gone-2024 vibe. Flares are an excellent option for triangle-shapes, and go a long way to elongate your legs. 

Source: Buzzfeed

For a cute nighttime look, you can pair your looser fitting blouse with a mini skirt and heels (or boots if you want to protect those ankles). Try out a trend-setting metallic mini skirt to really elevate the look and stand out. 

Source BeSugarandSpice

Just like with a white tee, you can style a dress over the top of your white blouse for added layers and reusing your wardrobe items throughout the year. For example a summertime mini dress can be used throughout the year with a long sleeved blouse and tights for warming up during the spring/winter months. 

Source: Sarah Christine

Finally, if you’ve been craving trying out the denim maxi skirt look, there’s nothing quite like elevating the casual style of the skirt with a tucked in crisp white blouse. Depending on your body shape, make the look feel more sexy with a deep v-neck or unbuttoning the top buttons of the blouse and adding a long necklace – perfect for inverted triangles or hourglass shapes. 

Source: The Middle Page

So, will you be trying out a white shirt? 

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS - HOW TO DRESS FOR WORK IN 2023

I have had a lot of conversations with female clients who work in the city, that the way they are dressing for work has drastically changed since the pandemic. Most people now work on a hybrid format, with a mix of working from home and coming into the office.

They struggle to understand what to wear now, due to the dress code seemingly changing to a more relaxed version of what they were used to. The office wear of 2023 and beyond, seems to be incorporating more comfortable attire, and they feel that they no longer know what is suitable for the office.

As a personal stylist, I work with my clients to help them learn the ways to dress that they feel confident in, while remaining suitable for their environments. So, if you are feeling that your work wardrobe is no longer serving you, and you’re looking for ways to dress for this new hybrid way of working, then here are my top three tips for what to wear at work.

 

Tip Number 1 – Working from Home

Working from home looks tend to go more on the comfort and relaxed side, particularly on the bottom half of your outfit. You will tend to be able to walk around with less of an “office look”, but still need to look professional while jumping on and off of meetings. Your top half does still need to be more tidy and professional.

My top tips for working from home outfits:

• Add a cosy yet good quality jumper, so you can remain warm but happily jump on a virtual meeting without having to change.

• Wearing a colour from your colour palette will make a big difference, particularly when on camera, too.  Make sure it doesn’t blend into the background, so you don’t disappear!

• Add accessories such as earrings or headbands to add a little detail to your look, and finish off the professional style.

• For your bottoms, you may want to wear something a little more comfortable, such as leggings or relaxed trousers.

Tip Number 2 – Working from a Corporate Office

If you need to have a more corporate look, or have a strict dress code because you are a lawyer or you are meeting clients, a suit with a little personality is an easy go-to for this.

Top Tips for adding personality to a suit:

• While suits are excellent for corporate styling, they can feel a little restrictive. Depending on your position and company, you can add a dash of personality in a few ways:

• Wear a colourful heel or bag to your look to make your suit pop.

• Pop on a brooch to your lapel to liven up your suit jacket.

• Look for a different colour for your suit. Navy or black are no loner the only options! A deep grey, lilac, brighter blue, or even look for yellows, pinks, or greens, depending on your colours, to really jazz up your suit options.

• Change up the suit by wearing a different jacket with your black or navy bottoms, and vice versa.

Tip Number 3 – Working in the New Office

The case seems to be that most offices have now relaxed their dress codes with the changing times. This means you can have smart-casual looks, which may feel a little difficult for those who have always worn a suit to work, and now have more options!

A few ways to make a smart-casual office look:

• Wear your suit jacket with a pair of smart jeans. A deep wash is often best for this as it remains professional, but brings that touch of a more relaxed look to the outfit.

• Wear a suit with a smart t-shirt, in place of a blouse or shirt. There are lots of options for smart, high quality cotton t-shirts, that have a bit of personality, without having a slogan that may feel too casual!

• Pop on your favourite trousers or chinos, and add a comfortable high quality jumper or long sleeved cotton tee. The smarter bottom half of your look will elevate the comfort of your top half.

• Try out an alternative shoe, such as a brogue or a platform. Heels are no longer a requirement for the office, so play with more relaxed styles. For more ideas on shoes that work for the office that aren’t heels, I have shared a few of my favourites in this article.

• Play with colours that bring a touch of personality to your outfit, allowing you step out of the traditional black or navy palette.

• When it comes to working in a new way, it can feel difficult to plan your looks when you go to the office and when you stay at home. I hope some of these ideas have helped you plan your outfits for this new way to dress.

If you are a professional and you’re feeling unsure on how to dress for your new working style, I can help you make it a pleasure to dress for your work life.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: 7 WAYS TO STYLE CROPPED JEANS.

Jeans – they’re an essential part of most of our wardrobes, but when it comes to the styles we can wear, they are countless. Cropped jeans are one of the styles of jeans that is a more recent trend after years of skinny shapes dominating the fashion world, but can be tricky to style.

The first thing to think about when it comes to getting your cropped jeans is how can you style them with confidence? Here are my personal styling tips to help you discover new ways to play with your cropped jeans and perhaps add them to your wardrobe!

Cropped jeans with ankle boots

When you think of cropped jeans, you may not initially think that wearing ankle boots are a great option, but they can be super stylish together! Adding your little ankle boots, particularly when it’s a colder day, can be one way to continue to style your cropped jeans, while remaining a little warmer. I recommend wearing cropped jeans with higher boots that can hide under the jeans leg, but if you prefer to show a little space between your jeans and your boots, and your cropped jeans are the same length as your boots, then roll them up a little to show off that little bit of skin and create a break line.

A black pair of cropped jeans with black zip up boots, that have a little detail can be a great “rock chick” look to try out. However, if you’re more “romantic” in your styling, find a boot that has a thinner heel or have a quirky pattern to them to bring a little elegance or flair to your look.

Cropped jeans with a long overcoat or jacket

Layering is one of those styling additions that can transform a look, particularly for winter wear. Find a jacket or a shirt that comes to the length of your jeans and style them together to bring a complete look together. When you are looking at attending a smart/casual event this can be a great look to try as it can elevate the jeans you are wearing to a more smart-appropriate style, while remaining comfortable.

For the layering items, you can find blouses that are meant to remain open all the way or just at the top, and you can go for a fully fashion-forward look by half tucking your blouse at the front to bring an a-symmetry to the outfit. This can also be where you add your colours to the outfit, particularly if you have blue or black jeans that remain more neutral – add the colours and patterns to your outfit with a bright blouse or jacket and you’ve brought drama to your outfit!

Cropped jeans with a blazer

Now, if you know me, you know that a blazer is an essential piece I recommend to any client that wants to have an easy to add item to an outfit that brings a formal/business-appropriate addition to any item – and the same goes for your cropped jeans! Where your blazer may be more form fitting, this is where you can find a “mom” style cropped jean to your outfit or a looser fit to the bottom, that is then bringing the eye to your waist with your buttoned up or belted blazer.

For more ways to style your blazer, I have created a blog that shares a few ideas!

Cropped jeans with stilettos

With this outfit choice, you’re really going to town with the casual jeans paired with your formal or even sexy stilettos! I love bringing a heel to my jeans, so with a stiletto, go all out and make them work for you. You can have your looser fitting cropped jeans paired with your stilettos to create a sexy date-night look in a flash – with just a change of shoes! These are one of the best accessories that you can bring with you in a bag if you’re going to meetings and then seeing friends or your partner in the evening. But, with the right stilettos, you can also make these jeans work for business meetings. Find a nude or black pair of stilettos and pair them with your cropped jeans for a more work-appropriate look, that works if you are more comfortable with a smart/casual business attire.

Cropped jeans with platform trainers

Platform trainers are an excellent shoe to add to your collection – they remain comfortable, yet chic and stylish, while adding a little height. A classic white platform sneaker is a great option to add to your cropped jeans, as you can look slick and feel confident running between meetings – while remaining stylish and professional. If you want to add a little more personality, you can find platform sneakers in a range of styles, so go all out, try adding a little splash of colour to a neutral look with pink or bright blue platform trainers, while you could invest in a pair of designer platform trainers to really upgrade your look if your jeans are more budget friendly.

Cropped jeans with a shirt

You really can’t go wrong with a crisp shirt and any style of bottoms, and with your looser cropped jeans this can be another way to ensure a more smart/casual look that may work well for a more relaxed business person. A looser shirt can be a good option if you have a larger bust, as you’ll be able to tuck in your shirt into your cropped jeans to bring you in at the waist – adding a little definition with a belt can be another way to continue to bring your waist in.

Finding a cotton shirt that works for you is one investment piece I highly recommend bringing into your wardrobe, as it can go really well with many bottoms.

Cropped jeans with combat boots

Finally, one of the most rock-chick ready looks to wear with your cropped jeans is with combat boots which are another huge trend at the moment – best if you can invest in a leather or vegan leather option. With combat boots you could play with different options, from the classic punk-look of Doc Martens, to a more modern and romantic style with stiletto fronted combat boots! If you are conscious of your leg length, then matching your jeans colour to your boots is a good way to help your legs look elongated, or buy a pair of platform or heeled combat boots to add a touch of height.

While this can remain the most casual of looks, it can work well if your business style is more rocker or design-led, depending on the combat boots you try (for inspiration on how to style your combat boots in a variety of different ways, go here).

If you are planning on trying some cropped jeans, I hope some of these styling ideas have inspired you to bring new looks together! If you are unsure on how to style outfits, or want to have a professional helping hand when you go shopping, please get in touch.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

When it comes to transitioning from the corporate world to running your own business, there are a whole host of incredibly overwhelming and exciting things that need to be thought about. What to call your business, what to offer as a service or product, where and how to market yourself, and with this marketing comes the potential to refresh your personal branding. Out with the corporate world requirements of you, and in with the ability to truly express your own self! Goodness, that can be a very scary thing, especially if you have moved from a role that had a uniform, or felt like it had a uniform even if it was not set upon you!

In this article, I wanted to share some fantastic examples of how female entrepreneurs are showcasing their personality with fashion, and how you can remain yourself, but keep “professional” or as much as you need to when running your business. Now, these are just my personal tips, and I love the uniqueness that fashion can bring to us, alongside the independence that running our own businesses can bring to our wardrobe, so you can wear whatever you wish, these are simply some ideas to whet your appetite!

Ideas for the networking meeting

As a business owner, I find that the best form of marketing is word of mouth and recommendation, so I attend regular networking events with fellow business owners to help me extend my network of contacts that I can recommend to clients, and in return, they may also recommend my services to their contacts too! In these meetings, there is often a lot of sitting, as well as the potential to stand up and share insights into your business. They are not informal, but they are not as professional as, say, a corporate meeting with investors. So I recommend keeping an outfit that feels comfortable yet professional enough to not feel to informal!

Try a button down shirt and leather trousers for a funky look when attending these meetings – one of my clients, an early-30’s business owner, loves being able to turn up in her leather trousers, a pair of heeled boots, and a fun, colourful shirt at her networking meetings. It’s a great talking point, and one that works well for her business.

If you are in a more corporate feeling mood, you can never go wrong with a pencil dress, or skirt. These are still quite a feminine look, but you can pair it with trainers (see my recent article which shows the new ways trainers are taking over the heeled world!), for a less formal feeling. There’s also no harm in throwing on a pair of killer heels, should you feel more confident in them.

If you prefer a more casual look, you can go for a great pair of jeans, paired with a blouse – potentially a silk or smart white cotton blouse, as these can be a good option for the potential nerves that arise when networking!  To help elevate the look, I’d recommend pairing your jeans with a pair of heels, but it totally depends on your preference.

For the business meeting

As a business owner, you may be meeting with clients, investors, potential business partners, suppliers, the list goes on! So, when it comes to showcasing your business, this may require a slightly more elevated look than for the more informal networking events. I always recommend getting a colour analysis to my clients, particularly if they are looking to boost their confidence with their wardrobe, so these outfit ideas will be on the basis that you either know the colours that work well for you, or feel a certain love for specific colours or patterns!

The classic monochrome look is one that works incredibly effectively for a formal outfit. Layering is an excellent way to help build up the look, without feeling too “samey”. I love the use of black, beige, or cream, as these are classically elegant options, however, I have noticed many women on the street using fantastical monochrome coloured looks including pinks, greens, and purples, and they look fantastic! For the best options, I recommend finding similar tones in the colour you are looking to build your outfit with, as well as utilising different patterns and textures to help the outfit feel really put together.

Upgrading your outfit from day to day, to business meeting, can be transformed with a simple and elegant blazer. I love using a blazer to transform my outfits, they are a great way to help a look feel more business appropriate. There are a range of options out there, from simple black, to blue velvet, as well as the classic tweed and linen options. Find a few blazers that you find work in your wardrobe, add them to your coat rack, and use these in place of your coat when you head out for a business meeting, it can transform the feeling of your look! They work fantastically over a turtleneck, a blouse, or a casual tee.

Now is the time to invest in key items

When it comes to letting your wardrobe make you feel super confident, you can’t go wrong with investing in pieces that perhaps were higher than you used to spend in your corporate job. Trust me, the investment is so worth it. The reason I find investing in key items so important is that I will tend to take better care of them, they last longer, and I get more wears out of them. Shops like Reiss and & Other Stories are great places to find slightly higher end wardrobe items that can have your key items that elevate your look (& Other Stories also offers a 10% off voucher if you take them old textiles, which is an excellent way to support sustainable fashion).

Reiss is the place I recommend for an elegant, effortless yet modern style. & Other Stories is a younger, more boho style that is quite Parisian. They have excellent choices to add to your wardrobe and I tend to find well-made piece of knitwear or beautiful dress are items I can pick up easily in these stores. Reiss even offer a tailoring service, so your items can be made to fit you like a glove.

For my petite clients, I highly recommend visiting HOBBS, as they offer not only an excellent range of smart pieces, they also have a petite collection – perfect for female entrepreneurs who are under 5 foot 3. Their styles are classic, and have a huge range of dresses that are a great solution for a “grab and go” outfit. If you are looking for a more corporate look for your business styling, you can also take a look at L K Bennet. Their workwear collection has a range of excellent blouses, suits and classic styling that would work perfectly in most corporate offices & your business office!

As a new Mum myself, I know the importance of being able to have comfort and professionalism come together, so there are a few brands I love to get my jeans and blazers from. One brand I highly recommend, particularly for those of us with problems finding jeans that fit both our hips and our waists, are Liu Jo. As for blazers, my go to option is Pinko, they are fantastic!

You will often find that heading to new shops on the highstreet can be an excellent way to find your new “branding” and you may gravitate to certain styles, let your gut instinctively tell you, and go and try it. I do recommend heading to a department store to get to see a big range of options in one handy place, somewhere such as House of Fraser or John Lewis are a good place to start. Once you find a brand that really embraces your style and shape,  The great thing about being a woman entrepreneur is that you make the rules – be yourself, let yourself be confident, and bring your personal style to the forefront! If you are feeling nervous about where to start, I’d love to help you with a personal styling session.