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.
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.
Here are the primary factors that determine one's 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.
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.
Multiple fine or small chains and necklaces can create medium scale.
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
Just like your most flattering colours reflect your own colour characteristics, so it is true for patterns and prints. In order to choose patterns which complement your colouring, you need to be able to identify your key characteristics.
For those with high contrast in their colouring such as Bright and Cool Winters, patterns which are bold and highly contrasted look wonderful. Patterns which combine bright, saturated hues such as hot pink and turquoise, emerald and violet, and true red and cobalt blue will look dynamic and startling. Geometric prints and abstracts are top of the list but highly stylised florals particularly on black backgrounds are also great.
For those with low contrast and muted intensity like Soft Summers, and Soft and Muted autumns, monochromatic combinations create low contrast patterns. This means pairing slightly different shades of the same hue, such as a medium blue with a darker one. If you are fair with low contrast like some Soft Summers, stick with light to medium hues - pastels are perfect. If you are dark with low contrast, stay with darker monochromatic prints.
Mixing a neutral and a colour of similar value (depth) also creates low contrast.
The important thing is to avoid patterns that incorporate colours from the opposite side of the colour wheel e.g. blue and orange.
Soft and muted colouring, will be flattered by patterns that can also be described as gentle and delicate, and having soft edges; think water colours and florals. The elements of the pattern should be small and disorganised. Choose autumnal colours if you are a Warm and blue-based colours if you are a Cool.
Avoid ordered geometric patterns in particular.
If your value is light, as for Light Springs and Light Summers, patterns with deep, strong colours will overwhelm and overpower you. The former will sparkle in fun, busy and colourful patterns combining gelato tints of yellow, mauve, peach and/or aqua. The latter will shine in slightly more subdued blends of pastel pinks, blue, mauve and mint. Both look lovely in pretty florals and even soft edged geometric patterns.
If you are one of the deeper seasons like Deep Autumn or Deep Winter, you will be underwhelmed and washed out by floral pastels and soft abstracts. Your best prints will match the strength of your colouring. Low contrasts will not be as wonderful as high contrasted patterns. Look for bold prints especially containing unusual and unexpected elements. Geometric patterns with round and angular shapes mixed together are perfect as are defined abstract prints. Combinations of pure colours from the opposite side of the colour wheel make great patterns for deep colouring while black backgrounds punctuated with pops of vivid colour are especially flattering on Deep Winters.
And if you're not sure how to choose your patterns which complement your colouring because you are unsure of your key colour characteristics, consider having a colour analysis. It will take the guess work out of shopping, save you money and save you time. For more information click here. Colour Analysis - AbFab (abfabstyle.com)
Which greens are your most flattering if you are a Soft Dominant season? There is huge variation in the colour green, and that variety means there is definitely a green for all seasons. There are light greens, dark greens, bright greens, muted greens, yellow greens and blue greens. In my previous post I talked about the fact that everyone can look fabulous in green, but the question is with so many to choose from, which greens are your most flattering? To find the ones which will look loveliest on a Soft Dominant season, you must find a green that shares your temperature, intensity and value. This means you should choose greens of medium depth, have a muted intensity and ideally, have the same undertone as you.
This is the dominant or primary characteristic of these seasons. The greens which will look good on both of them will therefore have a muted or greyed down quality. Their best colours, green or otherwise range from very low to medium intensity. Neither season will be particularly flattered by clear and bright hues, these will actually overwhelm them. Instead, they look fabulous in softened, dusty, greyed down shades. And again, it is worth mentioning that a fabric’s surface affects intensity. Shiny surfaces like satin, lamé and sequins make colours brighter while matte fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and wool soften them.
SOFT Warms and SOFT Cools have a very similar value profile. They both sit in the middle of the value spectrum meaning medium light to medium deep colours are their best. Very light colours, especially when worn alone will wash them out and very dark colours will be too heavy. Medium value greens include moss, khaki and mint.
This is the characteristic which truly differentiates the two soft seasons. SOFT Warms have a yellow-based undertone, SOFT Cools have a blue-based one. Remembering that green is a secondary colour made up of yellow and blue, those greens which have a higher percentage of yellow will be most flattering on Softs with a warm undertone, and those with a higher percentage of blue will complement Softs with a cool undertone.
So, which greens are your most flattering? Considering all three colour characteristics, the best choice for a SOFT Warm will be muted, medium light to medium deep yellow-greens.
So, which greens are your most flattering? The best choice for a SOFT Cool, will be muted, medium light to medium deep, blue-greens.
To conclude, take a look at the images below and you will see that both dresses are soft, medium light greens but one has obviously more yellow in it than the other. So, while both seasons could successfully wear either, it is still true to say that the warm green will be best on the Soft Warms and the cool green will be best on the SOFT Cools.
And if you are unsure what your dominant colour characteristic is, or you'd like to know more about colour analysis and what it entails, click here for more information. Colour Analysis - AbFab (abfabstyle.com)
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.
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.
Things that a classic style shuns.
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/
‘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:
What do Feminine Romantics love to wear?
Feminine romantic women love, or at least like:
Feminine romantic style personalities:
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:
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/
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:
Other tips:
Remember, when your hat creates visual balance and harmony for your face, you can’t help but look…absolutely fabulous!!
Patterned pants are a very popular fashion 
trend this year. They are frequently colourful and just a little 'out there'. For the past couple of summer seasons, floral pants were the in thing, but in Summer 2014/15, there has seen a shift away from flowers to abstract and geometric patterns. The colour options have been varied, and of course that's great because with a little discernment we can a find a pair of patterned pants that blend beautifully with our own colour palette. However, all that being said there are a few things to consider before spending dollars on this latest trend.
We frequently write about focal points and just as frequently about the need for balance in our visual image. Both these style issues need to be considered before we buy those colourful pants.
Rest assured, these pants are a focal point. People will notice them and they will draw the eye of the onlooker towards your lower half. For some of us this is a problem, not up there with world peace, but still an issue. If you are a triangular body shape and/or short legged and/or carrying a few extra kilos on the hips, thighs and bottom then the following tips are especially important. On the other hand if you have the good fortune to be tall and slim, these tips can still help you to look absolutely fabulous in your beautiful patterned pants.
1. Choose your pair of pants in a colour that works with your own palette. No point in buying something that doesn't work with the items you already own.
2. As these patterns often feature many different hues, choose the one which is most fabulous on you and base your outfit around this colour.
3. To counter the downward attraction of these pants, do wear something eye catching on the top half. Choose a coloured top as opposed to a neutral shade or opt for an eye catching necklace, scarf and/or earrings. As well as taking the focus away from lower body figure challenges, this tip creates visual balance.
4. If you are hippy or short legged, avoid
elasticised cuffs. This style makes your legs appear shorter and wider. Instead select a straight or slightly tapered leg to elongate and slim your pins.
So, with a little careful shopping and clever accessorising, there is no reason why we can't embrace this fashion trend and liven up our wardrobes and ourselves with a splash of colour!
