Style Slip-Ups
Nowadays there are few fashion rules and it seems that almost anything goes. Nonetheless there are still some style slip-ups that are best avoided. Here are a few of my pet peeves:
Underwear on display – Unless you’re Beyonce or Rhianna (or in the boudoir!), underwear is best not be seen. Smooth lines in a nude colour may not be sexy but they provide a sleek silhouette and are the most versatile to wear under all types of clothing. Avoid the dreaded VPL at all costs – it is the quickest way to make your bottom look big and misshapen. M&S do a good range of no-VPL pants.
Muffin top – Unless you’re positively slender, you’ve probably got a little bit of a muffin top. That’s fine, but why draw attention to it by wearing knickers that cut into it and/or allowing it to flow over jeans and trousers? Instead, opt for a size bigger in your knickers and wear higher waisted jeans with some Lycra content which will suck you in nicely but at the same time be comfortable to wear. If you are short waisted, wear your top untucked or, if you’re long waisted, try tucking it in and blousing it out over the waist line to balance your proportions whilst at the same time disguising your tummy. A wrap such as those Kettlewell sell is also great for camouflaging any hint of muffin-top.
Too sloppy – Relaxed, loose-fitting clothes are forgiving and comfortable to wear but to look stylish you need to ensure that at least one part of your outfit is reasonably fitted. If everything is loose and flowing, you risk looking shapeless and larger than you are, so if you’re wearing a sloppy sweater team it with slim trousers or skirt, and if you’re wearing baggy trousers or a full skirt, make sure the top is more fitted.
Poor Fit – Getting clothes that fit properly is vital to looking good. An inexpensive item of clothing which fits well will look better than an expensive one which doesn’t. Don’t buy anything that is too small – it will show every lump and bump and you won’t feel comfortable. Bite the bullet and size-up if need be and then get it altered to fit. The Oriental Tailor in Winchester provides a good service http://www.orientaltailor.co.uk
Past Its Best – We all have favourite wardrobe items we wear to death, don’t we? The problem is, we sometimes fail to notice that they’ve actually started to look past their best. Do take a critical look at what you wear and ensure that it’s not “tired” or downright tatty. If it is, stop wearing it and shop for a replacement.
And finally, my best piece of advice? Before you leave the house look at yourself in a full length mirror – including your rear view!