Anyone can be "in fashion", but style is personal. There are no trends to follow. There are no rules. Style comes from within. But you have to be confident with who you are on the inside before you can be comfortable presenting yourself to the outside world. And how you present yourself to the world is important. Every time you dress you assert some aspect of yourself and your identity. With style, you tell the world who you are and it allows you the chance to showcase a facet of yourself in a unique way.
You might say they are just clothes, shoes and bags, but I believe that they play a large part of a woman's character. And more importantly clothes affect how we feel about ourselves throughout the day, week or year. Alot of Women I meet are stuck in typical life cycles of shopping, whether that be fast shopping based on getting good deals in the sales, impulse buying and buying clothes based on other people's opinion of them, buying the same items on repeat, sometimes without even realising it or just can't bear to buy anything new and are wearing friends and families hand-me downs. None of these shopping scenarios are conclusive to feeling great in what we wear.
When it comes to personal style, it's all about you. Making simple changes in your wardrobe can create huge shifts in how you feel about yourself and how you come across to the world. The right style brings out the best in every woman, at every age, in every situation. When it comes to having great style, knowing what colours, silhouettes and pieces you love and how they all fit together, is only part of the equation. The other part is having the confidence to actually wear those things. These days, I find myself thinking more and more about topics related to confidence, fashion ideals and body image, because judging from countless consultations it's a hugely important part of your style journey. You need confidence to be creative, express your personal style and have fun with fashion.
As an image consultant and personal stylist, I believe there is a way to boost your self-confidence through your style. I am passionate about women and passionate about what I do, but I also know how difficult it is to feel confident and to love ourselves in a society that constantly tells us we are not enough. I help you find confidence in your individuality, help you discover your personal style through inspiration whilst staying true to yourself. I truly believe that your personal style is more than just a way to get dressed, it’s about celebrating your creativity, self-expression as well as figuring out what makes you feel confident and inspired every day in life and work, as clothing becomes part of your life currency.
Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Be an editor
Your wardrobe should only contain amazing choices - pick out the key items and get rid of the rest of them. Be inspired by five remarkable pieces rather than twenty unremarkable pieces. Be ruthless when you edit - if it doesn't look good on you, it shouldn't be in your wardrobe.
2. Buy the right size
If you are a size 12, do not buy a size 10 because you have told yourself you are going to loose weight. It is better to buy the realistic size and enjoy the way the clothes make you feel at that moment.
3. Don't be sucked in by the price tag
Paying £50 for a pair of jeans that cost £200 is a great deal. But if you are never going to wear those jeans, you don't need them, or really even like them, then that's a very expensive deal!
4. Do not buy according to the trends
Wear what suits you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Not what everyone else is wearing, not what the magazines and newspapers say you should wear, learn about your body shape and listen to your inner voice of reason.
5. Buy with drama
Buy what is truly fantastic! That leopard print coat, the knock-them-dead dress, the metallic pleated skirt or the statement earrings. Yes people will comment on what you are wearing, but you know you look good in it and everyone else knows that too.
If you need help with any aspect of your style, wardrobe and confidence then contact me for an consultation. I am passionate about helping women grow their confidence in their appearance by helping them understand the colours and styles of clothing that flatter them and make them look "wow"! Getting this right can really change not only how you look but also how you feel! I look forward to you getting in touch soon.
Photos by Claire Lane - http://www.clairelanephotography.com/
Make-up by Charlotte Jay - http://www.charlottejaymakeupartist.co.uk/