How to Choose the Right Size Accessories

Size Really Does Matter

Knowing how to choose the right size accessories is an important skill but one that is easy to master. Have you ever put on a piece of jewelry and even though you love it thought it just didn't look right? You just can't put your finger on the problem but you take it off and try something else. Of course, there could be a few reasons for feeling dissatisfied with the piece, but a common reason is its scale, or size. Accessories that are appropriately scaled for our own body’s scale usually create better visual harmony and balance. Knowing our own scale is extremely useful when making accessory choices. A person's body scale typically refers to their overall size or dimensions.

The Power of Optical Illusion

Another consideration is that the scale of an accessory, like a pendant for example can visually impact the perceived area where it sits. For example, a very tiny pendant lying on a very generous bust creates the impression that the bust is larger and the pendant smaller. Larger pieces placed on smaller scale bodies serve only to accentuate their smaller size. How does that work? Take a look at the image below and you will see that the central circle on the left looks larger than on the right and that’s because the surrounding circles on the left are smaller than their counterparts on the right. And of course, the central circles are the same size. That’s the power of optical illusion.

What's Your Body Scale: Small, Medium or Large?

Here are the primary factors that determine one's body scale:

1. Height: This is a fundamental measure that contributes significantly to overall body scale. Taller individuals generally have a larger body scale compared to shorter individuals.
2. Weight: Body weight, specifically body mass index (BMI), is a common metric used to assess body scale relative to height. However, your body composition i.e. the proportion of muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues in your body also impacts your scale. Two individuals of the same height and weight can have different body scales if their body compositions differ significantly (e.g., one may have more muscle mass while the other has more body fat).
3. Body Measurements: Specific measurements such as bust, waist, hip, ankle and wrist circumference also contribute to determining body scale.

As a general rule of thumb, if you can be described as petite, your body scale will be small. If you are an average weight and somewhere between 164 and 175 cm tall, your body scale will be medium. Being tall, more than 175 cm and especially if you have a large frame generally means your body scale will be large. If you are significantly overweight, you are also likely to be a large body scale.

What Size Accessories Suit Your Body Scale?

If your personal body scale is large, your most flattering accessories will be medium to large scale. Dainty delicate pieces will be lost on you. However, if you have some beautiful fine chains or necklaces and don’t want to leave them languishing in your jewelry drawer, try wearing multiple pieces simultaneously. This can create medium scale and look great. Similarly, if your handbag is a tad tiny, tie a fabulous scarf to the handle to create a more significant piece. A large body scale is made for stunning statement accessories. So upscale your accessories and create your own knock-out personal style.

If your personal body scale is medium then you are spoilt for choice. You can look great in small, medium or large accessories. The most important determining factor for you will be your style personality. Circumstances and occasions will also determine the most appropriate scale for your accessory choices.

If you have a small body scale your most appropriate accessory scale will be small to medium. Choosing accessories that harmonise with your own body scale helps to create a balanced visual image. Over sized pieces on small or slight individuals can detract from your appearance by being too much of a distraction. The star of the show should be you!

If you would like to learn more about your body proportions an AbFab style analysis is the perfect way to do just that. You can find details of my next style workshop here Events - AbFab (abfabstyle.com) or visit MPS - My Private Stylist

Summer 2023 is here, and that means it's time to update your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends. Or is it? Just because something is on trend doesn’t mean it should be mindlessly adopted by us all. Before adding the latest ‘in’ thing to your wardrobe, there’s a few factors to consider if your goal is to look absolutely fabulous and stylish.

1. Will it suit your lifestyle?
2. Does it work with your body shape?
3. Will it highlight your positive features?
4. Is it age appropriate?
5. Does it complement your style personality?

So, with that said, here’s some of what you can expect to see in stores this summer.
1. Romantic Rosettes.

Romantic style personalities are going to love this one. These delicate floral accents have been popping up on dresses, chokers, and even swimsuits. Anyone remember the 80’s? Well, these pretty embellishments were popular then and they are making a comeback this year. Should you embrace it? Well, your body shape and colouring shouldn’t determine whether this trend works for you. It’s going to be all about your style personality. 

2. Sheer Clothing.

It’s usually only a daring few who feel comfortable exposing parts of their bodies generally only revealed at the beach. So, at first glance you might think this is a trend only for the Alluring / Sexy style personalities, but it is a trend which can be adopted by all body types and colouring. The only caveat may be how much skin you care to reveal and on what part of your body. So, if you’re sporting a lot of sun damaged or crepey skin on your arms, legs or décolletage, you may not want to go too sheer. After all, style is about highlighting our positive attributes and minimising any negative ones. A more universally flattering version of this trend is to layer sheer pieces over opaque ones. Do this to create an ethereal look that is current and contemporary.

3. The Peplum.

If you're looking for a flattering and stylish option, you may want to try this trend. It certainly adds shape and definition, making it perfect for those who want to accentuate their waist. It’s a great style strategy for rectangles with straighter torsos. It’s also a clever enhancement for inverted triangles by balancing their broad shoulders. However, if you have a triangle body shape, be careful. Peplums made of stiff fabrics that stand out from the body add unwanted volume to the lower half exacerbating horizontal imbalance. However, if the peplum is made of soft fabric which sits close to the body, the enlarging effect can be minimised.

4. Oversized Garments.

I can hear all of you Classics groaning at the thought but if your style is Natural Relaxed, then you’re possibly going to love this fashion trend for summer 2023. Comfort is the key word here. Baggy t-shirts and unstructured blazers will offer an effortless and casual look that requires little effort. The caveat here is if you’re carrying weight or you have a horizontally unbalanced body shape. Adding conspicuous volume isn’t a desirable thing for many of us. If you’re a size 8 and don’t mind looking a size 12 go for it but as a size 14, I’m not rushing out to look a size 18. How about you? A more figure flattering way to incorporate this trend is to wear one oversized garment with another more streamlined one. All over bagginess will make you appear heavier. However, if you choose to add a little volume only to your smaller half, you could actually create some visual balance. Think slim tank top with oversized pants. Or wide top over slim pants. So, before discounting the idea entirely, this trend may be worth trying on for size, no pun intended.

Summer is a time for having fun, socialising with friends, holidays and simply enjoying blue skies and sunshine. Summer fashion reflects this lighthearted time of year. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different trends and find what works best for you. Whether you're embracing sheer clothing, romantic rosettes or oversized pieces, be sure to enjoy your summer fashion with or without these fashion trends for summer 2023.

Do you have a classic style personality?

A classic style personality prefers timeless looks that are stylish year after year. They are not interested in throwaway fashion and would rather have fewer, quality pieces in their closet. It is epitomised by unfussy designs, regular shapes, thoughtful co-ordination and a degree of conservatism. They tend to gravitate towards well-cut pieces in good quality fabric. Their closet is likely to have a lot of neutrals, but they also appreciate classic shades like red, blue and green, and classic patterns like polka dots, animal print, and stripes. So, it’s no wonder that classic style personalities appear elegant, refined, and well put together.

Classic Style in the Real World.

Classic style personalities value good grooming, order, discretion and efficiency. In their personal interactions they appreciate attention to detail, good manners and good taste. They create an impression of reliability, professionalism and stability. They always look appropriate.
For these reasons, at work their style is well suited to corporate roles and office administration. Their style is compatible with professions such as lawyer, accountant, business executive, flight attendant and receptionist.

Famous Classic Style Personalities

Celebrities past and present with a Classic style personality include Kate Winslet, Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton.

Preferences of a True Classic Style.

• quality over quantity
• matching accessories
• neutral colours
• solid colours rather than prints, though polka dots and stripes are always acceptable
• streamlined silhouettes which are semi-fitted
• no more than two or three accessories at a time
• natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk
• tailored jackets
• collared shirts
• genuine jewellery in regular shapes like ovals and circles.

Things that a classic style shuns.

• revealing necklines and plunging backs
• very short skirts
• flounces and frills
• body hugging garments
• overly embellished anything
• shine and sparkle before 5 p.m.
• large statement jewellery
• clashing colours
• mixing patterns
• super high heels and super flat flats

So what do you think?
Do the items in these lists ring true for you? Maybe? An AbFab Style consultation includes a careful analysis of your style personality so that you better understand your preferences but more importantly, so you can make a conscious choice to cultivate the style that sits well with you. Learn more at https://abfabstyle.com/personal-services/style-analysis/

When it comes to dressing our body type, we often hear about the horizontal body shapes, pears, apples, triangles, rectangles or whatever other names stylists have conjured up. However, the vertical body type is just as important. It focuses on the balance between your torso and your legs. Today I’m suggesting some do’s and don’ts if you have a long torso and short legs; don't worry, you're not alone! These vertical proportions are more common in shorter people but I have assessed many tall men and women with these proportions. Their legs may be long compared to someone of petite stature but this is about THEIR leg length relative to THEIR torso length.

It's worth noting here that if you have a long torso and short legs, the plus side is you are long-waisted and this gives you some styling options balanced bodies or long legged bodies don’t have. Think layering your tops - short jacket over slightly longer top.

Before I give you my list of recommended do’s and don’ts, remember that your horizontal body shape and other features like a sway back or large bust for example, may mean not all these do’s will work for every short legged person out there. So, with that caveat in mind let’s talk about some general styling tips that can create visual balance for the long waisted body type.

THE DO LIST

1. Try hip-length, floaty shirts and blouses that sit away from your body to conceal the point where your natural waist starts.

2. Wear a dress! Dresses make it less obvious where your torso ends and your legs begin. By the way jumpsuits can work just as well.

3. Add a belt higher up than your natural waistline to maximise the effect of rebalancing your proportions.

4. Wear longer length dresses, skirts or pants; it’s the continuation of colour that gives the illusion of greater length. If worn with heels, your legs will appear even longer.

5. Stick to slim or straight-legged pants.

6. Incorporate clothing, especially bottoms with vertical stripes or patterns into your wardrobe. Vertical lines have an elongating effect.

7. Preference high-waisted pants, skirts, and shorts to visually lengthen your legs

8. Hip length or shorter length jackets balance the length of your torso more readily, especially when you’re not wearing heels.

9. Tuck your tops into your waistband.

10. Match the colour of your shoes with your pants.

11. When feasible wear heels, even a lower stacked heel or wedge heel can be a good compromise between comfort and style.

12. Choose a low-fronted shoe rather than one that covers your foot.

13.. Shoes with pointed or almond shaped vamps will visually add more length to your leg.

14. Opt for nude or neutral-coloured shoes. These shoes create a seamless transition from your legs to your feet.

AND NOW FOR THE DON’TS.

1. Avoid low-rise pants or skirts.
2. Avoid horizontal stripes, especially on the lower half of your body.
3. Avoid overly loose, baggy or wide-legged pants.
4. Avoid shoes with ankle straps, glamorous they may be but they visually cut off your legs and make them appear shorter.
5. Low waisted styles may not be in at the moment but they may come back. These are your worst option.

How to choose your best skirt length is a question many women ask. Once upon a time the length of our skirts was determined by social values, morality and religion. In more recent times fashion also had a say in where our hemlines finished, though it can argued that moral values strongly influenced fashion. As western society has become more liberated and religion’s influence has diminished, women’s hemlines have become shorter and shorter. In the past 100 years acceptable hemlines have moved from the top of our shoes to the top of our thighs.  But as the trend upwards continued unabated in the 20^th century, it wasn’t until the last 30 years or so that individual taste and preferences dictated the length of our skirts. Prior to this, women wore their skirts at a length deemed to be fashionable; few women dared to break ranks with the current trend.  In the 50’s if a woman wore her dresses above the knee she would have been branded as ‘cheap’. In the late 60’s however, if her skirts were knee length or longer a woman was dismissed as a ‘square’ or old fashioned. The length of your skirt had little to do with what suited your legs or your lifestyle, it was all to do with conformity.

Nowadays, I’m pleased to say it’s quite different. Most women would have a range of maxis and/or minis and/or midis in their wardrobe. Comfort and practicality can be as important as aesthetics when we decide the length of our skirts. However, if looking good is a priority, there are a few things to consider when determining how to choose the best skirt length for you.

1. THE SIZE OF YOUR LEGS

Hemlines in the main are horizontal lines and wherever we place such a line we broaden that area. So, if you have heavy calves, you would be advised to never end your hems at the widest part of your calf. Opt for above or below. Similarly, if your thighs are heavy, you do yourself no favours by wearing skirts that finish at the widest part of your thigh.

On the other hand, if your lower legs are thin it can actually be helpful to choose a hemline that finishes mid-calf as this can create the illusion of a little more width.

2. THE SHAPE OF YOUR LEGS.

If your legs are not particularly shapely, like my calves for instance then choosing to end your hemlines at a point where the leg narrows can create the illusion of a little more shape.

3. THE STATE OF YOUR KNEES.

If your knees are bony, knobbly, soft and pouchy (like mine) or just plain fat, then choosing lengths that are a couple of cms below the knee can be a wise move. In the words of the famous movie mogul, Louis B Mayer, “If it aint pretty, don’t’ show it”.

4. MARKS, VEINS AND BLEMISHES.

If you have something to hide, then this can also dictate the lengths you choose.

5. YOUR WEIGHT

If you are carrying extra weight and you don’t want to appear heavier than you are hemlines on or slightly below the knee are your most slimming option. Apart from being an elegant length, it helps to elongate your body thus helping you appear slimmer. There is an adage that says, ‘the shorter the hemline the wider the wearer’.

Finally, the length of your skirts affects your apparent vertical proportions. So, if you are quite short or your legs are shorter than your head and torso i.e you are short legged then skirts worn between mid-calf and

ankle can make you appear even shorter and/or even more  unbalanced. Shorter lengths can help you appear taller. Similarly, if you are long-legged with a proportionally shorter torso, ultra short skirts can make you appear even more vertically unbalanced – regardless of how great your legs may be.

Finally, here is a formula for working out your most flattering skirt and dress length. It comes from another stylist and personal shopper’s blog site, Missus Smarty Pants Blog Spot. You might like to check out her articles too.

 

Here is the "formula" for figuring out your most flattering length:

(You'll need a cloth measuring tape)

You’ll take 2 measurements: from your hipbone straight down the outside of your leg to the middle of your kneecap, and from the middle of your kneecap (outside edge) straight down to the middle of your ankle bone.

Here’s the formula:

(LONGER LEG LENGTH minus SHORTER LEG LENGTH) divided by 2 = X

X is the number of inches above or below the knee your skirt length should be.  If your shins are shorter than your thighs, raise your hem X inches above your knee.  If your thighs are shorter than your shins, lower the hem X inches below the knee.

Basically you want to visually equalize the length of the upper and lower leg.

So, I did it and here are my calculations...

Hipbone to middle of knee: 24"

Middle of knee to ankle bone: 17"

Difference = 7"

Divided by 2 = 3.5"

So, my IDEAL skirt length can go up or below my knee 3.5"..

by Missus Smarty Pants Style Blog

 

If you do this little calculation to work out how to choose our best skirt length remember however, all the other points I first mentioned. No point in wearing a length that suits your vertical proportions but makes your legs look wider or shows off wrinkly knees. Well, that’s what I think anyway. You may think entirely differently, and that is your prerogative.

Whatever length you choose to wear your skirts, do so with confidence and aplomb because you will never be stylish if you are not comfortable in your own skin.

Sharron-Del Wakely

Stylist, Colour Analyst and Personal Shopper

 

Our business dress creates a perception in the mind of others that has the power to:

• make or break relationships
• open or shut doors
• attract or repel opportunities.

 

Everyday people use stereotypes to decide whether to engage with a person or move on. In business we do not want people moving on to another professional or another firm. We want them to engage with us, to do business with us.

 

Try this exercise .Conjure the image of a heavy set man wearing leather biker jacket, blue jeans, heavy boots, earring and sporting a beard and a multitude of tattoos. Now, what ‘profession’ comes to mind to match this visual image?

Chances are you did not immediately think of doctor, architect, dentist, teacher, electrician, surveyor or landscape gardener. Why? Because you don’t associate any of these careers with the visual image you conjured up. This is the power of stereotypes.

It is very important to remember that if you dress in the manner of a particular stereotype you will be attributed with the qualities of that stereotype. A bikie is not someone we immediately assume is honest, trustworthy, educated and moral.

A more subtle example may include the young woman who dresses in a frilly skirt and pin-tucked blouse, and accessorises with a floral headband and bows on her shoes. This ultra-feminine look, attractive as it may be, does not send a message of competency and credibility in a professional setting. The look is stereotypically sweet and girly and the message this look sends is not reliability, stability and dependability. In fact women who dress in this way are often perceived as young and lacking experience, dependent on others and not capable of making difficult decisions.

So, the accepted guidelines for business dress include:

• neutral colours
• conservative garments
• closed-in shoes with a medium heel
• minimal jewellery
• and a minimum of bare skin on show.

An effective visual image for business is:

• attractive
• appropriate
• credible
• confident
• balanced

 

A successful  business outfit needs to:

• be well fitted and comfortable
• be clean and well maintained
• be restrained but not boring
• flatter you figure type
• compliment your colouring

Our visual image matters because rightly or wrongly, we are judged by it. And remember, we only get one chance to create a great first impression.

 

 

‘Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.’ – (Rachel Zoe) Did you know that the colours, patterns, motifs and designs you're attracted to speak volumes about your inner self, your personality and even your values? They can also give us a clue to what you look like.
Physical Traits of a Feminine Romantic Style Personality

If you are predominantly a feminine romantic style personality chances are you have many, if not all of these physical characteristics:

• you're small to medium height
• you're fair skinned
• your hair is wavy or curly
• your hair colour is blonde to medium brown
• you have soft or rounded facial features rather than angular

What do Feminine Romantics love to wear?

Feminine romantic women love, or at least like:

• floral patterns
• pastel colours
• floaty fabrics like chiffon, voile and tulle
• fabrics that feel soft to the touch
• ribbons and lace
• sweetheart necklines
• dainty jewellery such as lockets, cameos, heart-shaped pendants
• flowers or bows on their shoes
• retro fifties fashion

Feminine romantic style personalities:

• often work in the caring and nurturing professions like nursing and teaching
• read poetry
• love romantic novels and films
• are forgiving, sensitive and compassionate
• avoid conflict and prefer to be the peacemaker
• make lovely friends

Of course, these traits do not belong exclusively to this style personality but if you feel that very many of these characteristics do belong to you, it’s likely that you are indeed a feminine romantic style personality.  And you are in good company. Famous women who share this style with you include:

• Jane Seymour
• Taylor Swift

  

• Reese Witherspoon

Learn how to create and cultivate your innate femininity, and how to represent yourself authentically and honestly through your visual image. An Abfab Style consultation shows you how to look your fabulous best by being true to yourself and your style instincts. Learn more at https://abfabstyle.com/personal-services/style-analysis/

How to choose the perfect red for you, is the all important question.Red, the colour of passion, excitement and power never goes out of fashion. It attracts our attention, and at times even demands it.  It empowers the wearer and can evoke impressions of strength, sensuality or romanticism. When you want to be noticed red is definitely your colour!

Most women express a love of the colour red, but finding the perfect red is important. Everyone can look absolutely fabulous in a red dress, it’s just a matter of choosing the right shade of red. The wrong red can overpower you, or create a sallow overtone or clash with your natural warmth. However, wear the red that harmonises with your own colouring, and magic can happen!

So, how do you know which is the perfect red for you?  It’s not that difficult. Your perfect red will be a reflection of you. This means if your colouring is light, soft and cool then a red that is light, soft and cool will look fabulous on you. If your colouring is deep and warm, then a deep warm red will be your best.

So, firstly match the temperature of your red with the temperature of your skin. If your skin has a warm undertone you need a red with a warm undertone. If your skin has a cool undertone then always choose a cool red. Then, if you are fair choose a light or medium red, if you have dark hair and/or eyes choose a deeper red.

Finally, if you look great in clear and bright colours make your red a bright one and if you feel and look more comfortable in softer, muted shades choose a soft, toned down red.