Some women just have a great sense of style. They know how to pull an outfit together effortlessly, while managing to look both appropriate and fabulous. If you've ever wondered what their secret is, look no further! These five elements of style are the building blocks to help you get your chic on, at any age.
Know your Body
This seems simple enough; you see your body every day, and if asked, can rattle off a list of all your trouble spots in 5 seconds flat. However, have you thought about what clothing shapes best disguise the stuff you want to hide? What silhouettes accentuate your best features? This is the foundation of style. As a teenager, I fell in love with Audrey Hepburn's simple and elegant flair when I first saw the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. After many failed attempts to wear similar styles, I had to face the heartbreaking fact that Audrey looked amazing in column gowns, skinny ankle pants and leggings with cropped tops because she was rail thin, with no hips or thighs to speak of. I also had to accept that streamlined silhouettes just didn't look as good on my shapelier figure. It may be difficult to come to terms with your body's shape, but in order to look your best, you must first acknowledge what does, and does not, flatter your figure, and then lock in like a laser beam on the items that make your shape sing.
Find a Good Tailor
Once you've collected the clothing that is right for your shape, making the effort to alter what doesn't fit quite right, will take your look to the next level. Fit is such an important part of style because when your clothing fits well, you aren't focused on adjusting and pulling all day long, and can instead concentrate on being your charming, comfortable, confident self. By eliminating the bags and sags, tailoring also helps give you a neat and polished appearance.
Accessorize
Now that you have flattering clothing, you want to think about the embellishments. Accessorizing is very near and dear to my heart; I owned an online accessories boutique for many years, and through that experience, I realized that the right necklace, scarf, earrings, belt, or bracelet can detract from your flaws, accentuate your best features, and tell the world a little about you before you say a word. Imagine a simple black dress; by adding a belt, a woman with an hourglass shape can define a small waist, or instead, by adding an artfully draped scarf, she can detract the focus from an ample bosom; the possibilities are as endless as the selection! If you fear accessories because you think you'll "do it wrong" start by choosing special pieces that you absolutely love. From there, you'll be making an effort to wear those pieces as much as possible. Soon, by belting that cardigan or wearing your signature pendant every day, you'll realize that there is really no way to do it wrong, because it's just a fun, yet functional, form of self-expression.
Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin
This one is a bit more challenging because its about being self-assured in your clothing choices and at ease with your body. Confidence gives you an undefinable air (also known as swag) which sends the message that you are in control; it makes you more attractive in whatever you choose to wear. Although the previous tips will go a long way in helping you feel more confident, another highly effective way to boost your self esteem is by improving your level of fitness. Physical activities like yoga, dance, or weightlifting, promote a body/mind connection, enhance your posture, improves your quality of movement, and increases muscle tone. If you still find being comfortable in your own skin difficult, check out Tiffany's other blog where she focuses on issues that affect self-confidence.
Stay Current
It is necessary to reevaluate and update your look so you don’t make the mistake of wearing something that is inappropriate for your age or appearing stuck in a past decade. You should revisit what works for you and your body as life changes occur; such as, weight gain or loss, career advancement, or a move to a city with a different climate. Even in the absence of these events, there are shifts in fashion that occur over time, which will require updating or editing your style, including makeup and hair. The focus on appearing current is not about following trends blindly, but rather gradually modernizing or reassessing what works for you in the moment. As writer Annette Tapert, author of The Power of Style says, "You don't invent yourself once and for all. Style is an ongoing creative process."
