Mar 12, 2019 | Accessorize, Clothing, Fashion, Men, Style, Style Personality
Lots of my customers have never heard about style personality before and yet it governs a major part in the decisions that we make in relation to hairstyles, clothing styles, footwear and even the cars we drive, the homes we live in, or the holidays we enjoy. I have therefore set myself the task of covering all six style personalities in my blog over the next six months. That way you can start to piece together the two or three categories that you align yourself too.
So what is “style personality”? In an nut shell, it’s your first buying decision so it’s the subconscious pull that you get when you first walk in to a shop. Naturally, the colour and styling of your clothes play an important part in your appearance, but it is your personality above all else that acts as a catalyst to pull your whole look together. Your personality dictates your style, which is your own interpretation of fashion, ignore it and buy clothes simply because they feature in all the glossy magazines or look great on a friend and you will not look comfortable, nor will your wardrobe be very user friendly, instead it will be a muddle of styles which will only add to your confusion.
So lets kick off our tour of the six style personalities with our creatives, our trend setters rather than a trend follower. Shopping to these men and women is an art form. If you fall in to this category you will be great at combining different items of clothing and accessories to give yourself a unique and interesting look. You rarely throw anything out because you know you will use it again at some point, even if it has to be remodelled. You prefer public transport to any other methods of getting from A – B. Your wardrobe is full of items from many different sources be it vintage, hand me downs, one off boutiques, E-bay purchases or charity shops, with the occasional high-street gem thrown in for good measure. You may feel challenged in a very formal business environment but with careful modification your creative urges can still be fulfilled with one-off pieces of jewellery, a statement tie or an eclectic jacket. You will often make interesting purchases whilst away in unique holiday destinations far off the beaten track.
My one area of advise to all those creatives out there is to be careful that your passion for being an individual does not result in you being inappropriately dressed for certain occasions.
Celebrity examples would include, Sir Elton John, Paloma Faith, David Bowie or Nicki Minaj.
Feb 11, 2019 | Accessorize, Clothing, colour, Fashion
Scarfs are a fantastically versatile accessory that can be tweaked to flatter most people. Having said that not all clients will accept scarf wearing as part of their daily ritual as this has more to do with style personality than the actual scarf itself.
The colour of said scarf is clearly important as this is the colour that will draw all attention up to our face. Because of this you have to be sure that its not drawing unwanted attention to that spare chin or dark shadows that already might be lurking as it will only work to enhance these if its the wrong colour! I always opt for one of my “wow” colours for scarfs, I have around 20 in my collection and team them up with most outfits, especially when I’m making a bit of an effort (admittedly not very often these days but I’m hoping this will improve as the kids get older). If you don’t know what your “wow” colours are but would like to find out more then why not research “colour analysis” on my website at http://www.styledincolour.co.uk
The second thing to consider when choosing a scarf is the bulk factor. Generally speaking, the longer the neck, the bulkier you can go. However, there is a word of warning here, if you have an extremely long giraffe neck like mine, coupled with big boobs then tone down on the bulk just a smidge, otherwise you’ll be using the scarf as a makeshift table top because of those bresticles! With a long neck you also have the luxury of being able to double up on scarfs which is what I often do when using our raw silk range as the colour blends that you can achieve are simply stunning.
The third thing to consider is how to tie said scarf and where to house the knot/tie. For those of you with shorter neck proportions you can create the ultimate optical illusion of a longer neck, simply by fastening your knot lower down your breast bone.
Finally, you need to consider patterns and prints. The classic in me will often opt for block colours in scarfs whilst rarely venturing in to the world of patterns. That said, patterns are hugely popular. The size of the print is crucial. If, like me you are carrying around a rather large skeleton, then avoid delicate petite patterns or prints. Conversely if you are petite then go small with the patterns you choose. Interestingly, your body shape can factor in to the choice of patterns too. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of curves then think spots, swirls or animal print designs. If however you are more straight and angular then head for geometric patterns or stripes instead.
There’s such an array of colourful scarfs out there at very affordable prices so what are you waiting for?
Nov 6, 2018 | Clothing, Fashion, personal branding, Shopping, Style
I love meeting people for the very first time and trying to guess their own individual style personality. It’s a science in itself you see, and everyone has their own unique sense of style which is that subconscious pull that you get when you walk in to a shop, go looking for a new car, choose a partner, a handbag or even a holiday. Its your very first buying decision and comes before any consideration of colour or even shape. It can be rather important to know what yours is, as it may need tweaking every now and then to give you the best possible results when out shopping, attending a special occasion with a specific dress code or even when purchasing something for a loved one who may or may not share the same style personality as yourself. There are 6 different style personalities in the Colour Me Beautiful system and the majority of people fall between 1 or 2 categories. It really is fascinating as it can tell you a lot about yourself and your daily choices around make-up routines, shopping habits and outfit co-ordination.
I’ll start with our Creatives, the ladies and gents who want to carve out their own individual sense of style. Looking like everyone else is really not high on their agenda. Instead they opt for a sometimes quirky and eccentric approach to dressing with no fears of trying new things or standing apart from the crowd. Celebrity examples would be Paloma Faith or Lady Gaga.
Next we have our Dramatics who like to be seen and who like to make a show stopping entrance. They are conditioned to follow trends and require a new outfit for every occasion that they attend. They do not shy away from colour and like to make a statement with their outfit choices or make-up styles. Think Katy Perry or Angelina Jolie.
Next up is our Romantics who crave detail and femininity, whether that be in material choices where texture is crucial or in the finer details of the outfit such as buttons, fringing, beading ,hair adornments or in jewellery. Everything oozes all things pretty so underwear is often very delicate and detailed and the wearer will persevere with it even if its uncomfortable! Think Kylie or Katherine Jenkins.
We then have our Classics (like myself) who are creatures of habit when it comes to dressing. We shop in the same “safe” shops and buy simple yet elegant items that invariably match other items in our wardrobes. There is not a lot of risk involved in this category as we stick to the same tried and tested formula whether that be make-up application which may not have changed since we were teenagers or hair styles. Think Deborah Meaden or Hilary Clinton.
Our Naturals come next who have a no fuss approach to dressing. Comfort and practicality feature heavily in these wardrobe choices and they prefer an uncluttered look. Low maintenance is crucial for these individuals so a hair cut that styles itself, a low time investment make-up routine and flat shoes tend to be preferred. Think Julia Roberts and Kate Winslet.
Finally we explore our final category, City Chic. This is a far edgier version of the Classic. It has a more modern and European feel to it which oozes elegance but still has the ability to take a risk. Good tailoring is essential and investment pieces fill these wardrobes where items tend to cost more at ticket price as the buyer knows how to take full advantage of a timeless piece that will co-ordinate effortlessly. Think Halle Berry and Kate Middleton.
So now that I’ve got your all thinking about the style categories that you may fit in to, take some time to guess which style personality best fits your friends and loves ones, It can really help with present buying and with Christmas just around the corner this is my early gift to you!
Oct 10, 2018 | colour, Fashion, Style
Arriving in October, I wanted this months blog to reflect the abundance of colours available on the high street and how to introduce them in to your wardrobes. Following on from London fashion week and the A/W 2018 catwalks, these were the colours of the moment as identified by Pantone.
Green is everywhere this season and rest assured there is a green for everyone that will harmonise with your skin tone, hair colour and eye colour. If you’re unsure why not make it your mission to step out of your comfort zone and discover the perfect shade for you.
Burgundies and purples return every autumn, but this year reds and pinks are staying too. A great way of adding a splash of colour to the neutrals that feature in your palette.
For lights like myself, autumn/winter can be tough seasons to navigate whilst not “being worn” by some of the more dominant shades that are available. Try and keep the colour of your tops within the neutral and lighter shades of your palette. Prince of Wales fabric is elegant without being too overbearing.
For all the deeps, brown is the new black! From black/brown to chocolate to coffee and mahogany, embrace all these intense colours that will make you look co-ordinated and on trend. Don’t be afraid to wear dark colours from your palette together to make a truly show stopping entrance.
For all the warms out there, if ever there has been a season for you, it is now. Embrace all the wonderful display of chocolates, oranges, ochres and mustards. If choosing a navy or charcoal grey as a neutral then team them up with one of your warmer hues for full effect.
For all the lovely cools, I can assure you that your colours are out there too, from animal prints in greys and blues to checks in purples and damsons, via pinks and silver. Big chunky necklaces are in this season too, so aim for a silver, pewter or gun metal backdrop to set any outfit a blaze. Be warned though, if you’re going for a chunky necklace then don’t over do it on the earrings, unless you’re as tall as me that is!
The clears can enjoy the vibrancy that a new season brings. Team up your black/browns with greens to really make an entrance. This is the time to wear colours at their most striking, the more contrast and boldness the better.
Finally for all our softs, as brown is the new black then favour the paler versions from your palette in taupe’s and coffees. Team your neutrals with blues and pinks this season to get the most amount of variety within your palette. When masterminding your outfits, keep to a similar shade from head to toe and you will look instantly put together and effortlessly stylish.
Of course if you’re unsure what your perfect shades are, then with Christmas approaching why not consider a gift that will keep on giving and treat yourself to a colour session here at Styled In Colour.
Jul 9, 2018 | Fashion, Shopping, Style, Uncategorised
From statement making patterns to a more subtle Breton stripe option, there’s a stripe for everyone. Find out below how to introduce the trend in to your wardrobe.
The Breton stripe was pioneered by Co Co Chanel and is a timeless classic that will feature from season to season time and time again. It is quite simply a wardrobe staple that will never go out of fashion. When advising clients on the best stripe, you need to begin by considering your scale. If you’re 5ft 8″ tall or over then opt for a bolder statement making stripe. Conversely, for anyone 5ft 3″ and below then choose something a little more delicate that won’t over power you. There really is a stripe to suit every body shape and here’s how.
A diagonal stripe is fabulous for any body shape and works on anyone and everyone to break up problem areas and to disguise any challenges.
For people with a bigger bottom half and narrower shoulders then opt for horizontal stripes across your top half to create the illusion of a bigger torso.
For people who are petite and who would like to maximize their height, then opt for a thin vertical stripe to elongate the silhouette.
For people who are straight up and down with no waist, horizontal stripes of varying width can look fabulous (be careful with a larger bust and choose more of a uniform stripe in this instance).
For clients who have a larger top half than bottom half then consider wearing your stripes down below in order to draw all the attention to your most celebrated features.
Women who carry additional weight around their mid-section benefit form vertical or diagonal stripes.
Curvaceous bodies can accentuate their curves with horizontal stripes which will add focus to their hips and bust.
All that’s left to do now is to get hunting for those perfect wardrobe essentials. Happy shopping folks.
Nov 15, 2017 | Clothing, Fashion, Style, Wedding
During my Capsule Wardrobe Workshops we spend a little time on how to carry out a successful wardrobe audit in which you are left with clothes that you look and feel good in. For those “maybe” pieces that you’re unsure of, there could be a solution in the form of a reputable dress maker.
I was recently tasked with the job of finding a full length dress for a black tie event that I’ll be attending later this month. Unfortunately, there was nothing to be found that matched my requirements of flattering, floor length and not black. I did have a dress which I’d been lucky enough to source as a bridesmaids dress 7 years ago (see the picture above) that was both floor length and colourful but the straps on it weren’t particularly flattering (making my shoulders look even wider than they are in their natural state)! A little bit of brainstorming with my style rules to hand and I found the perfect solution of having the dress altered by making the straps less “Grecian” and more “Halter-neck”. A trip to a fab local seamstress later (Michaela Sneddon at Measured and Made) and not only did I find that this was possible but I was also inspired to add a contrasting colour to the hem of the dress to lengthen it. Obviously, floor length for me is quite a challenge so this idea not only created my first ever floor length dress, aside from my wedding dress, but the clever idea of adding a contrasting colour worked to achieve a colour block which actually has the effect of making me look a little shorter, win-win!
I was able to chat through my ideas with an expert who could tell me if it was possible and the cost of having the work done was cheaper than buying a whole new outfit. I also get to wear the dress again which appeals to my Yorkshire inherited, no waste, state of mind!
The black tie event is quickly approaching and is a big deal for Styled In Colour as I’ve made it in to the final 3 for the “Creative” category in The Made In Bury Business Awards. I promise to share some pictures from the night in my December newsletter but there’s a sneak preview of the dress in the picture above (I’ve purposefully not shown the contrasting colour as I thought it might be fun for you to take a guess)!
For anyone who hasn’t signed up to receive my newsletter yet but who would like to be added to the mailing list, simple drop me a line to styledincolour@gmail.com.
Finally, for those of you who are interested in my Capsule Wardrobe Workshops, I have dates available in the New Year, simply call or text on 07941739347 or drop me an e-mail to the address above.
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