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

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.

 

Call it a muffin top, spare tyre or whatever you will, many women, especially those of us over 40 carry excess weight on our stomach. I have met very slim women who are fit and trim but still struggle with a flabby tummy. There are a plethora of solutions offered on the internet, most of which involve diet and exercise, but regardless of whether you have tried a few of these, are in the process of trying  them or you have put it all in the too hard basket, knowing how to dress a flabby tummy can really help. So, here are AbFab's ten best dressing tips to help you look absolutely fabulous, even with a little pot belly.

1. Distraction. This involves drawing attention upwards and away from the trouble area. Do this by:

• Wearing eye catching necklaces and/or earrings
• Decorative or interesting necklines
• Interesting shoulder detail

2. 

   Define the waist.

Many of us succumb to hiding a flabby tummy beneath a big boxy jacket. Problem is we only succeed in making ourselves look big all over. Instead wear a jacket or top that nips in at the waist and is at least low-hip to crotch length.   Ponte and unlined stretch fabric jackets work well.

3. Don’t tuck in.

Soft flowing tops with a little wriggle room are a great way to hide what lurks beneath. They also help to elongate the torso. Remember, what looks longer looks thinner.

 

 

4. 

   Raise the waistline.

Choose empire line or raised waistline tops and dresses. However, avoid tops that are too loose and baggy. You don’t want to create the impression that you are pregnant. A fit and flare style skims, not clings to the slimmest part of your torso underneath your bust and then flares out over thr tummy.

5. Wear patterns. Patterns can be more slimming than a block colour because patterns confuse the eyes, they don’t know where to settle so they don’t settle anywhere. And as we don’t want eyes settling on our tummy, that’s a good thing. A few pattern tips include choosing:

• Medium sized patterns
• Deep to medium-deep backgrounds
• Angular patterns as opposed to circular.

6. Open Jacket or vest or cardigan.

When you wear an open jacket you are running two long vertical lines down the centre of your body and this is one of the most slimming strategies ever! As well as the vertical lines working their illusory magic, the jacket of course also hides the tummy beneath.  In summer, you can opt for a sheer, light weight fabric in a jacket, cardigan or vest.

7. Ruched, light to medium weight fabric camouflages a soft tummy. Look particularly for styles that have a ruched centre panel. The sides are smooth and only the central area of the garment is ruched. This is a particularly useful strategy for swimwear.

8. A medium to wide belt.

Preferably elasticised, wear a belt that can sit over the tummy area and ‘suck it in’. This works really well if combined with strategy No. 6

9. 

   Shapewear. I’m not talking about the whale bone corsets that our great-grandmothers endured. Today’s shapewear is pretty darn clever and pretty comfortable to boot. Try high waisted undies, slimming camisoles and slips or full body suits. Whatever you decide, make sure it is not too tight because otherwise you will put them on and take them straight off again. I have read that you should buy your shapewear in the same size as your clothes, or even a size smaller. However, I recommend going up a size, this way the garment will definitely fit, feel more comfortable and still smooth out the lumps and bumps. Give it a go and see what works for you.

10. Combine two or more of the above strategies!

Every year the Pantone Colour Institute declares its Colour of the Year. In 2016, for the first time ever Pantone has announced not one colour but a combination of colours; Rose Quartz and Serenity. This is an exquisitely beautiful pairing of two pastels, pink and blue. Together they are magical. They both have an ethereal and dream like prettiness reminiscent of a delicate sunset. However, like all things in fashion these colours will not suit everyone nor everyone's taste. As gorgeous as this combination may be, I know it will do little to flatter my deep, high contrast colouring and I will do better to leave it to others to embrace. So, who will suit this combination of pastels? Women with cool, light and medium contrast colouring will look stunning. If you're hair is silver/ash blonde, grey or brown, your skin is fair and your eyes are green, blue, grey or light brown this combo is a marriage made in heaven for you.

However, colouring is not the only consideration. Your Style Personality is an essential element of looking fabulous. Anyone with a strong dose of romantic femininity in their style will be attracted to these colours. But, even if you are blonde and blue eyed, if you shun most things girly, pretty and delicate then you will probably shun Rose Quartz and Serenity too.

However, there are many 'Classic', 'Creative' and 'Natural' style personalities who underpin their dominant style with some Romantic/Feminine and if this is you, then you should find ways to incorporate this colour story into your 2016 wardrobe. Even if you don't embrace the whole pink and blue catastrophe, a scarf, jewellery, shoes, bag and make-up all provide opportunities to update your look with the most on-trend colour of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the celebrities, past and present who would look absolutely fabulous in Pantone's Rose Quartz and Serenity.

 

Hats can look so fabulous and add a touch of panache to any outfit, casual or formal. However, some hats look great on us and some don’t so it helps to know what to look for when choosing one. Our face shape is one of the important factors to consider when buying a hat. Not all styles suit all face shapes. The exception here is the oval face; blessed with perfect proportions and balance, just about any hat looks great on this face shape. However, for those mere mortals amongst us who do not possess an oval face, here are some tips that may make life easier when choosing a hat for the races, the beach or just having fun in the hat department of your favourite store.

If your face is:

• Rectangular or oblong, (longer than it is wide) you will be best suited by a small crown and wide brim. Think ‘picture hats! Rounded crowns can be particularly flattering.
• Square/round, (as wide as it is long), try a tall crown and narrow brim. Avoid very wide brims and rounded crowns, in particular.
• Diamond shaped, (narrow forehead and jawline with wonderful high cheekbones) then medium crowns and medium brims will work well. A cloche hat may look fabulous!

  

• Heart or inverted triangle shape, (a jawline narrower than your temples), wide brimmed hats and medium high crowns will create pleasing visual balance.
• Triangular, (strong jawline wider than your temples), small to moderate brims are your best option. Definitely avoid very wide brims.

 

 

Other tips:

• An upturned brim helps you appear taller. Floppy brims diminish your visual height.

  

• Slightly rounded features on a hat and soft embellishments such as flowers and feathers can soften a sharp jawline, and/or a long, straight nose.
• Angular brims and/or asymmetrical styles can flatter round or plump faces.

  

• Choose a hat that not only harmonises with your outfit but harmonises with your colouring!

Remember, when your hat creates visual balance and harmony for your face, you can’t help but look…absolutely fabulous!!