Style rules you live by

[anyabanya]

Hi, I am just curious abut what style tips people have that improves their general appearance.

I am a bit of a mess really. I do not have a great sartorial eye, and always look a little as if i have just come in from mucking out horses. I am really trying to change my style.... i have become addicted blogs where people are trying to live chicly (is that a word?), like Anne Baronne's 'chic and slim' blog etc.

Despite my total messy nature, I do have a couple of rules I live by.... always wear dark toe polish; never wear competing patterns on clothes (so, horizontal stripes on a skirt and a top with a flower pattern for example).In winter I try and wear black and two other colours (black and emerald green is a fave) but other than that i seem to spend alot of time trying to look halfway decent... and failing.

I would love to hear what other people do.... what ideas they have in always looking good.

[Alouiseg]

A v neck breaks up a large chest. Boot cut jeans make legs look longer.

Over 30 forget eyeshadow and worry about facial contouring.

[mittz]

Don't wear a baggy top and loose cut trousers/skirt, make one or the other as 'fitted' as possible to avoid a frumpy outline.

Agree on the bootcut tousers.

Give yourself 5 mins a day to feel comfortable with how you look, whether to add a couple of accessories or just foundation/mascara. It helps with self esteem if you feel OK about your appearance.

Drink lots of water.

An easy hairstyle that needs little management. (very short in my case).

Comfortable shoes, as for me tired aching feet stress me up.

Facial scrubs make skin oh so soft Just a couple of times a week instead of usual soap.

I never buy a size too small and if I don't like the size, I cut the label out! Again, that tight feeling makes me stressy. I don't personally like ripples where clothes are too tight so would rather have a size too big to have a none bumpy silhouette.

It might be a long list but isn't time consuming and if I feel comfortable with how I look I feel better about life.
Also have fun with your appearance, to me my body is a canvas for self expression.. a bit like Japanese flower arranging !

[Bobbalina]

Always think and buy in terms of whole outfits or you end up with a lovely skirt that suits you but is never worn....

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

Work out your body shape and be strict with the shapes and cut of your clothes. I'm a pear so I always try to wear boot-cut trousers or A line skirts with tops that balance out my hips and flatter my boobs. I used to be hourglass (sob!) but two pregnancies have meant that I've lost two cup sizes and now have less cleavage to balance out me hips.

I don't follow current trends, unless they flatter my shape.

I try to avoid black and colour together as it cheapens the colour. In fact, I wear very little black as it doesn't go with anything (unless it's a black dress on its own).

Never, ever, ever go to sleep without taking my make-up off and washing my face. Invest in good moisturiser with UV protection and eye cream and never leave home without lipbalm.

[Ineedmorechocolatenow]

'my hips'

[traceybath]

Fab attitude from mittz as usual

I think just have fun with clothes but do like to have a few outfits that I know work.

Oh and buy good stuff like 'going out stuff' as and when you see it. I've just bought a black silk dress in the sale from wallis and have no occasion as yet to wear it but know I will in the future.

Dressing for your shape is good - I'm small so suit fitted clothes and nothing too voluminous.

Lots of people swear by getting their colours done too.

[anyabanya]

Love it, love it. Pls keep them coming. What is 'facial contouring' is that like using blusher properly?

Love the idea of having fun and using the body as a canvas.

Never thought though of black cheapening a colour..... hmmm...... may have to rethink.

[teta]

I tend to wear all one colour as i am little and not skinny this helps to elongate me.I also wear long pendant necklaces or long scarves for the same reason.If i am wearing dark colours i always put some colour next to my face with earrings or jewellery/scarves.I am blonde so blue/turquoise,jade and lilac colours are flattering on.I have just bought necklaces and earrings in the above stones in the local markets in china [on my holiday].Also my new fave thing is using lily lolo eyeshadow in golden lilac as a sparkly eyeliner to add colour.

[OllieWollieWoo]

Good thread! I had my colours done yesterday - v enlightening to see which shades did nothing for my skin tone and those which changed the way I look completley! The consultant also offers style advice re dressing for your body shape which I think I will be doing in the future. I think I know, but it would be nice to hear a professional's take!

I long to be chic but can never quite pull it off - I blame my fine hair which just does what it pleases! Agree with Traceybath re buying something when you see it - I have gone to too many weddings etc looking and feeling bad as I didnt find the perfect outfit and had to make do with something else!

[noddyholder]

Lots of water
Clean hair even if its not a 'style'
Make up that is virtually 'bare' no colour
No big patterns or ruffles
Buy a size up if in doubt and look slim rather than sausaged in
Take off one thing at the end when you are ready I think anything 'gok' like in terms of accessories looks really mother of the bride and old

[anyabanya]

This is all fabulous, thanks SO much!!!!! i am taking notes. [writes feverishly]

I also like to wear really chunky necklaces with my clothes..... they may be cheap but I like to wear fairly plain tops then an in your face necklace of beads, silver whatever. Need to get my ears pierced i think, I LOVE earrings, and cannot wear them.

I love scarves too, teta, but cannot seem to wear them well.

[teta]

I have had success with the long crinkly thin ones.I have one with different colour blue flowers which goes with plain or blue breton t's that i loop round once and let hang down each side[does that make sense?].I got the idea from the La Redoute website!.But i do have some lovely scarves that wear me![too ott].Leopard print ones are good as are Peony scarves [ on the peony website].The most difficult thing for me was knowing how to wear them and feeling 'right'.I practiced with different ones before i ventured out!.

[anyabanya]

Checking out La Redoute website now.... gorgeous cashmere cardigan they have there.... [gets credit card]

[LetThemEatCake]

I tend to mix clothes (pieces, if you will ) from a range of different price points and designers/ brands to avoid looking generic.

You can never have too many scarves. They brighten up an outfit and double as wiping up cloth when kids have inevitable disasters . Also disguise coffee etc stains when you spill stuff down your front when dc tugs at your arm/ barrels into your legs etc

don't overthink it or worry too much about being mutton etc - the lines between age groups are so blurred now re fashion that you can easily get away with wearing something that perhaps the previosu generation would have considered 'too young'.

don't rely on jeans too much.

Assume that everyone is looking at you. They're probably not, but thinking that they are makes you try a bit harder

don't fall into trap of thinking that you're not doing anything special so don't need to 'bother'. Everything is special and an excuse to dress/ feel good.

[thumbwitch]

I have no style. But I have worked out that I am an Autumn in colour terms and therefore buy appropriate coloured clothing. This is a Very Good Thing - but it does mean I can no longer buy black (except for shoes, boots and jeans).

I also favour boots that have pointed toes - or if they have to be squared off, then it is a narrow squared off tip as I have largeish feet and clumpy toes make them look dreadfully barge-like.

Shoes MATTER a LOT. You can wreck an outfit with the wrong shoes. That doesn't mean you need to own lots - just a few well-chosen pairs in (in my case) black or brown - sorted.

Apart from that my main criterion is to be comfortable - gone are the days when I'll try and impress with something that cuts in, worries me about bulgy bits, or is too short for my slightly prudish senses.

[OllieWollieWoo]

There are some great autumn winter dresses on there - and nice to see their are using normal sized models too!

[teta]

Anya B. i know the cardigan you are looking at - I would like one.But i can't look as am in China atm.This is a really interesting thread.I love the posts from Thumbwitch and LTEC - some very pertinent advice there[ opposite advice to my mum who always asks me why are you putting on all that make-up to go to the supermarket].

[overmydeadbody]

Only wear clothes that fit you.

[ValiumSingleton]

Always wear shoes that give you a me of height, even for walking around tesco. Doesn't matter too much if they are a hush puppy wedges and wouldn't get a fanfare of ooooooh if you posted a link!, they make me feel taller and and so a bit slimmer, that's more important at my lackof height.

Also, I have given up on patterns. Feel too old for them and too small for them.

[Alibabaandthe40nappies]

Spend money on the things you will use every day. Boots, handbag (I only have 3 main ones, the rest are small clutches in various sizes and colours to go with certain outfits), shoes, coat. Last winter I bought a long cardi-coat thing which was expensive for me, about £150, but in terms of price per wear it has worked out brilliantly. It is still in fantastic condition and I will wear it lots more this winter to keep my baby bump warm!
Then you can buy other things more cheaply - vest tops, t-shirts I don't spend much at all, trousers, jumpers and dresses I go mid-range.

One more thing - wear good underwear. I don't have loads of bras at once, I go and get fitted every 6 months and buy 2 new bras even if I haven't changed size. Bras lose their elastic and shape (well they do if you have boobs the size of mine!) and I find that a year is the maximum they stay really supportive and in good condition.

[batsforlashes]

Another to second scarves.

Try and avoid black- very difficult against most skin tones- try for dark grey or navy. I try and keep black for evening wear.

If you do wear black - then, all black broken with accessories and pay lots of attention to make up and accessories. Personally not a mad fan of black and colour together.

The best tip I got re looking stylish is to try and dress in the same shades from head to toe- ie different shades of grey/ cream/ beige

I also ask myself the question "Would Jennifer Anniston wear this" before I buy anything new- helps me buying into trends that don't suit me. And I love her style- www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1296207/Jen-Aniston-doesnt-raise-smile-leaves-Los-Angel es-heads-London.html

[brimfull]

Don't forget to style the hair on the back of your head. The flat donut is not a good look.

Mascara/eyeliner on top lashes only for daytime.

Wear a decent bra.

Keep feet looking good, massive cracks on heels ruins a nice pair of sandals..bleurgh

Scarves and necklaces help finish an outfit.

[ValiumSingleton]

I agree about the handbags. I will never again buy a non leather handbag no matter how nice it is. Oasis charge up to £50 for a pvc handbag and you can find a leather one for possibly less than that in tk maxx.

lol at would Jennifer Aniston wear this?! She looks beautiful when she's going somewhere, but she doesn't dress up when she's not going somewhere.... dykwim?

I am going to start asking myself "would Blair Waldorf wear this?". I love her style. I would adapt it a tiny bit though being twice her age (with no cash).

I'm after a statement coat this winter though.

[monkeysmama]

I agree with getting a good bra. I wore nursing bras for ages after dd and when I finally got measured again it made so much difference I went down a dress size and felt so much better (carried on bfing for another year - just wore proper bras).

Get your eyebrows done. I'd recommend threading every time but if not pluck them yourself.

Get a good concealor. This is v good for the money. I am a major fan of this too. It is like a lemony cream that goes on the eye lids to make you look more awake. Bare Minerals make up is my new find. Brilliant stuff.

Agree with good shoes; so many outfits are let down by poor shoes. If you're sensible and choose a complimentary colour palette you can get a few pairs that will go with everything. Get shoes reheeled frequently.

Get a decent pair of sunglasses.

Unlike some of the other posters, I wear a lot of black and think it looks much more luxe than lots of colour. Camel is my favourite clothing colour though so I am very happy this season.

Never mix silver and gold jewellery/accessories.

Never wear PerUna.

[CerealOffender]

buy once, buy well is my motto. no point in buying a pile of crap from new look that looks like shite after a few washes.

i don't buy clothes v. often but when i do try and get things that will last.