Effortlessly stylish please share your secrets

[buttercrumble]

I see women who always look great, how can I achieve this myself. I want to look like I haven't tried too much, but I always seem to miss the mark

This has been discussed many, many times, but basically, looking "effortlessly stylish" involves:

• knowing what styles/shapes/colours suit you and throwing out anything that doesn't
• buying quality fabrics that hold their shape and don't rub, twist, fade etc
• taking care of your clothes (hanger to dry, everything ironed) so they always look like new
• colour-coordinating your wardrobe and buying plenty of neutrals so that all your items work together
• invest money in great shoes and bag, as they are what will bring an outfit to life, even if the clothes are fairly plain!
• make sure you keep your hair and skin in good condition and wear them as natural as possible, as too much make-up/styling gunk is the total opposite of "effortless"!

Ooh thanks some great tips there, I think the comment about the skin and make up is really interesting and completely spot on. I think too much can have the opposite effect

Fit Fit Fit! don't underestimate the importance of a good fit. Seams should line up, sleeves the correct length, A waistband that fits properly etc. Ignore the size labels and understand how a garment should fit.

People often stick with a dress size when they should just use that as a starting point and try on sizes around it until they get the correct fit.
(My clothes all fit well but range across about 4 dress sizes).

The other tip that seems to ring true is coat/bag/shoes - invest your money here and buy other items cheaper.

Quality over quantity!

Go for good fit, good quality pieces in classic cuts that suit your body shape etc. then buy the best you can afford. Look after them, dry clean, press, proper hanger spaced out in your wardrobe

Learn which colours suit you and stick to it. DON¨T BE A SLAVE TO FASION.

Invest in the core pieces you will use the most often.

Keep wardrobe to casual size and make sure everything works together - makes getting dresses a piece of cake.

Update with cheap accessories eg. a scarf in this season must have colours etc BUT only if they suit you.

A good hair cut and colour can take years off and look effortlessly style able.

Shoes, Bags and coats - big investment pieces but really make a difference to the overall look.

Jewellery can make or break an outfit,

Good skin, and good make up - keep it simple and natural not over applied, just fresh I´ve just got out of the spa sort of look. (chance would be a fine thing)

Most of all - good under pinning's, great bra etc will make you look oh so much better than a badly fitted ones

Hold you head high and remember you look fab, confidence makes a difference honestly.

Great advice. Cheers x

Ooh thanks this is brilliant, have started trying to buy pieces that suit me rather than what's in fashion

Buttercrumble I am pretty sure that both Johnlewis and Debernams now have FREE personal shoppers. Use them to your advantage they should be able to help you find things that suit you and fit you properly.