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)
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/
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 20th 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.
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.
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.
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”.
If you have something to hide, then this can also dictate the lengths you choose.
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
‘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/
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.
Personal Stylist Sharron-Del Wakley talks about the use of the humble shoulder pad to change your body shape
Big hair, big earrings and big shoulder pads are synonymous with the 1980’s. As fashion toned down in the subsequent decades the big hair and the big earrings were downsized but shoulder pads were totally eliminated from our wardrobe. Yet as an invisible accessory, they are hard to beat. With the exception of those few women who naturally have a broad, square shoulder line, every woman will be flattered by a shoulder pad. When we look back over the last 100 years, shoulder pads have been in vogue for most of that time. There have only been brief periods when they were considered passé. This season we have seen their resurgence as a style feature. Long may the trend continue. However, when this fashion fad has run its course, as indeed it will, hopefully the unobtrusive and subtle shoulder pad will still remain.
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Would you love the help of a personal stylist? How good could you look if a professional took you in hand?
Ever thought about it, or rather fantasised about it because after all you have seen the ‘before and afters’ on countless TV shows and in glossy magazines. You’ve seen the gorgeous transformations that take place and quietly thought that you have no less potential than those ordinary men and women plucked from the crowd and given the star treatment.
“So why not find yourself a personal stylist and treat yourself?” Because on your budget, it’s out of the question.
Well, being mindful of where your money goes and how far it needs to stretch may just be one of the best reasons to engage the services of a personal stylist.
It is frequently said that women in particular, wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. That means hundreds if not thousands of dollars are wasted by the average woman. The bargain top or skirt that never gets worn is no bargain. The jacket that can only be worn with one particular pair of pants is anything but versatile and if it’s not versatile, then it’s expensive. So, when money is tight, it is all the more reason that any garment purchased should be successful.
A personal stylist or image consultant is trained to recognise just what suits you and what does not. You will benefit from their understanding of line, design and colour. They can identify your body shape, prominent features, colouring and style personality very quickly. This enables them to identify those garments that will flatter you and help you look current, younger and fabulous. They know just what to leave on the racks for others to spend their money on instead of you. They will lead you to purchases that you will love to wear and that you will wear time and time again. This is not money wasted this is money saved.
A savvy stylist can help you structure your wardrobe around core colours and key items, minimising the quantity of garments required. They will use the rule – ‘if it doesn’t go with 5 other items in your wardrobe, then don’t buy it’. They will train you in versatility; how to wear a single item in a multiplicity of ways. When you have a wardrobe of clothes that you love, it doesn’t have to be a big wardrobe. You won’t feel the need to keep on buying because what you already own looks sensational on you and serves a variety of occasions.
The initial financial outlay for a styling session may be as little as the cost of a couple of hair cuts; an expense many of us budget for every 5-8 weeks. The difference of course is that what you learn from your stylist is information that will stand you in good stead for years to come. Some clever person observed that most of us spend more money on what we put on the outside of our head than what we put inside it.