Fashion 95
Strike Effects: Hollywood’s Summer Blockbusters Navigate Uncertain Waters
The ongoing actors’ strike has cast a shadow over Hollywood’s summer blockbuster season, impacting premiere events, marketing strategies, and the livelihood of non-union workers in the industry. While films like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” managed to sail through their opening weekends largely unaffected by the strike, other big epics like “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and “Indiana Jones” have had to contend with the limitations imposed by the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) guidelines.
For now, film festivals like Venice and Toronto are navigating uncertain waters, unsure if they will be graced by the presence of movie stars due to the strike’s restrictions on public appearances. The strike’s effects have been compared to those of the pandemic, with production shutdowns and workarounds causing concerns among industry professionals.
Non-union workers, such as set designers, stylists, and hair and makeup artists, are already feeling the impact of the production shutdown, raising concerns about the loss of health insurance coverage for many individuals. Meanwhile, social influencers are advised by Sag-Aftra to avoid promoting studio projects during the strike to prevent potential issues with future membership applications.
While the strike has the potential to disrupt marketing strategies and red-carpet events, the luxury fashion industry may see opportunities arise. Some fashion brands have already delved into the movie industry, launching production studios and collaborating with acclaimed filmmakers. Kering, a luxury conglomerate, is reportedly in talks to acquire the Hollywood talent agency CAA, signaling the growing connection between the two industries.
For actors, modeling, and commercials in the fashion and lifestyle sectors remain a viable option, but self-promotion during the strike may come with risks in terms of credibility and public perception. As Hollywood and luxury brands continue to interweave their interests, decisions regarding brand collaborations will be based on how actors manage their image and brand business opportunities.
Overall, the actors’ strike has prompted the industry to reassess the significance of red-carpet events and consider alternative ways to promote films and engage with audiences. As the strike continues, its impact on Hollywood’s blockbuster season and beyond will remain a central focus for the entertainment industry.
From Flat Caps to Fedoras: Cillian Murphy’s Impact on Hat Trends
Cillian Murphy, renowned for his roles in Peaky Blinders and now Oppenheimer, has proven to be a trendsetter in the world of headwear. While his portrayal of the ruthless gang boss Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders led to a surge in the popularity of old-fashioned flat caps, his latest role as the “father of the atomic bomb” in Oppenheimer is now fueling a rise in demand for fedoras.
Major retailers such as John Lewis have reported a 21% increase in fedora sales compared to flat caps, and specialist hatters Herbert Johnson have noticed a growing interest in this classic headpiece among younger demographics.
The hat worn by J Robert Oppenheimer in the biographical thriller played a pivotal role in the character’s iconic image. Ellen Mirojnick, the film’s costume designer, along with Murphy and director Christopher Nolan, carefully selected the perfect fedora to capture Oppenheimer’s rock star persona.
Nolan specifically requested that no other characters in the film be dressed in hats, highlighting the hat’s significance in defining Oppenheimer’s unique style. The process of finding the ideal hat was no easy feat, as Mirojnick had to commission a hat maker to recreate the distinctive design seen in historical photographs.
The hat, a cross between a fedora and a porkpie hat, was crafted from undyed beaver felt to ensure it was lightweight and perfectly tailored to fit Murphy’s head. After months of meticulous work, the final hat was unveiled, leaving Mirojnick confident that it perfectly completed Oppenheimer’s silhouette and made a bold statement in the film.
As Cillian Murphy continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances, it is evident that his influence extends beyond the screen, shaping fashion trends and redefining the appeal of classic headwear for a new generation.
Craze for vintage Gap comes to the rescue as current sales decline
The resurgence of vintage Gap clothing has taken the fashion world by storm, with demand for high street styles from the 90s and 00s skyrocketing. The fascination with the iconic brand has led to an increase in searches for “vintage Gap” on platforms like Depop and eBay, where the Y2KGap collection has become a sensation.
Gap itself has joined the trend, launching its vintage collection curated by Sean Wotherspoon, a vintage collector and retailer. The range features staple styles from the 80s, sourced from Gap’s archives, flea markets, and secondhand shops worldwide. The collaboration was an instant hit, selling out within two days online.
The popularity of vintage Gap is not only attributed to nostalgia for the decades’ style and culture but also the brand’s affordability and great quality. Gap, founded in 1969, quickly became a go-to store for teenagers and young people, offering stylish basics at reasonable prices. The 90s saw Gap reach new heights with its mix of designer and high street fashion, attracting attention from celebrities and supermodels.
However, Gap’s appeal waned in the mid to late 00s when attempts to bring a designer aesthetic to the brand did not resonate with customers. A decline in stock value and store closures followed, and even collaborations, such as Yeezy Gap with Kanye West, faced challenges and eventual termination.
Amidst a gloomy period for the retailer, the vintage Gap trend offers a glimmer of hope. The success of Sean Wotherspoon’s collection indicates a promising future for more collaborations, providing unique and exclusive styles for Gap’s loyal customers. The timeless appeal of vintage Gap clothing continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts, leaving a mark on the industry that stretches beyond two decades-old sweatshirts.
A guide to the DASH diet for weight loss
Find out what to eat and what to limit on the DASH diet for weight loss!
Ever thought about trying the DASH diet for weight loss? The healthy eating plan was originally designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure, but it could also boost weight loss, as a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine(opens in new tab) found. Dr Deborah Lee(opens in new tab) from Fox Pharmacy says: “DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It was initially piloted more than 20 years ago, when it was first realized that blood pressure could be lowered by controlling what we eat.”Researchers found that high blood pressure was less common in people who restricted their red meat intake and cut back on sodium, fats and refined sugars. Perhaps not surprisingly, a side effect of cutting out these less healthy foods can be weight loss.
So yes, the DASH diet can be effective for weight loss – but don’t expect it to help you drop pounds on its own. For sustainable weight loss you will need to be in a calorie deficit, eating fewer calories than you burn.In this article we explain how the DASH diet works, how to employ it most effectively and the foods to eat and avoid.
DASH DIET: HOW DOES IT WORK?
Anyone who suffers from high blood pressure will be at increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. By limiting consumption of red meat, sodium, fats and refined sugars, the DASH diet aims to reduce the risk of an individual developing hypertension.
So, why does it work? Salt, for instance, makes your body hold onto water. So if you eat too much, the extra water in your blood means there is too much pressure on your blood vessel walls, thus raising your blood pressure.
Saturated fat in turn can boost ‘bad’ cholesterol, which is linked with hypertension. Fatty foods can also increase visceral fat on the body – the really dangerous type of body fat that is stored deep inside the belly, wrapped around the major organs – and this can raise blood pressure by physically compressing the kidneys.
“The DASH diet is low in sodium but high in potassium, calcium and magnesium,” says Dr Lee. “It is also low in saturated fat and sugar – this is what is needed to lower blood pressure and for good heart function.”
The standard DASH diet involves restricting sodium intake to less than 2,300mg per day – approximately just one teaspoon of salt.
There is also an option to follow the ‘Low Sodium DASH diet’ whereby sodium is restricted even more, to less than 1500mg per day.
So, what can you eat?
“The diet contains lean meat and fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains, unsaturated fats and fruit and vegetables,” explains Dr Lee. “High fat, high sugar, and high salt foods should all be avoided. This means not eating processed foods, which tend to be high in all these constituents.”
“You will be eating roughly 2,000 calories per day, including six to eight portions of whole grains, four to five portions of fruit and vegetables, two to three portions of low-fat dairy (such as yogurt), and one ounce of low-fat meat or poultry, or one egg. In addition, four to five portions of nuts and seeds should be consumed every week. You should consume five or fewer servings of sugar per week – for example, one tablespoon of jam is one serving.”
IS THE DASH DIET GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?
Absolutely, says Dr Lee. “In one 2016 review published in Obesity Reviews(opens in new tab), featuring meta-analysis comparing DASH with other low energy diets, it was shown to be statistically significantly beneficial for weight loss,” she says.
“DASH dieters lost approximately 3.1lb (over the course of eight to 24 weeks), 0.4 units of BMI (over eight to 52 weeks), and 0.4 inches more of waist circumference (over 24 weeks) than those on other diets. The effect of the diet was greater in those who were overweight and obese, compared to standard Western diets.
“These may seem like small differences. But one of the key issues about weight loss is continuing to lose weight as time goes by and keeping the weight off. These changes were noted after following the DASH diet for up to one year.”
DASH DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS: WHAT TO EAT
Fruit and vegetables are good for lowering blood pressure – and in turn aiding weight loss – not only because they are low in calories and fat but because they are rich in antioxidants, substances found in plants that counteract the effects of oxidative stress, which occurs in our bodies every day
Dr Lee says: “Oxidative stress results in the production of electrically charged particles called Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These have the potential to damage DNA and underpin the development of many of the chronic diseases we see today, including hypertension.”
“By eating lots of fruit and vegetables, you are ingesting large amounts of antioxidants and helping to combat oxidative stress, lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.”
“Fruits and vegetables which have bright colors – such as beets, broccoli, sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries – are especially high in antioxidants.”
Whole, unprocessed grains are also a good choice. The outer bit (the husk) is especially high in fiber, which has numerous health benefits.
“Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer and helps control appetite,” says Dr Lee. “It helps digestion and reduces the dietary absorption of cholesterol. It also reduces insulin resistance, aiding the metabolism of glucose (helping lower glucose levels in the bloodstream, and avoiding high levels of insulin). Whole grains are often high in potassium, too, which is beneficial for the control of blood pressure.”
So go for brown rice, pasta, bread and cereal, while avoiding white, processed carbohydrates. Try to eat 100% whole grain products.
“Many studies, including one published in Nutrition Journal(opens in new tab), have shown that replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated plant-source fats, such as olive oil, helps to lower blood pressure,” continues Dr Lee.
“Choose oils such as sunflower, olive, avocado or flaxseed soil. Avoid animal fats, butter, cream, lard, ghee, and cheese. The reasons for this are complex, but unsaturated fats have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and to have favorable effects on cholesterol.”
DASH DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS: WHAT TO AVOID
If you want to try the DASH diet for weight loss you need to kiss goodbye to high salt foods – and this doesn’t mean simply avoiding adding salt to your meal.
Dr Lee says: “Salt can be hidden in foods, so read the label and be cautious about what you eat. There are often high levels of salt in table sauces, stock cubes, soups, ready meals and snacks.”
“Bacon, salami and other foods containing cured meats and fish can also be high in salt. Don’t eat crisps, roasted nuts and other salty snacks. Don’t put a salt cellar on the table or use it in your cooking, flavor foods with garlic, herbs and spices instead.”
Takeaways are also off the menu as they are often fried and high in salt. “Even curries and other convenience foods often have sauces high in salt and fat,” warns Dr Lee.
Instead create your own low fat, healthy options at home instead. You can spray potatoes with dry fry olive oil spray and roast them in the oven, for example, to make low-fat chips.
“Get out of the habit of adding sugar to food and drink,” says Dr Lee. “You can use a sweetener, or slowly wean yourself off to go without. Use a small spoon of honey sometimes as an alternative, and choose low-sugar jam and marmalades.
“You are what you eat. Treat your body with care and make sure you eat well every day, with large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. This will work wonders for your general health, too.”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
5 Tips for How to Choose a Watch for You
With the vast number of watches on the market, choosing the one that’s right for you can seem a little overwhelming. The key to choosing a watch lies in identifying your priorities and making sure the watch you select fits your budget and lifestyle.
What You Should Know Before Buying a Watch
Before you begin shopping for a watch, it’s important to understand a bit about timepieces and the styles and types available. You can’t choose the best watch for yourself without knowing your options. Keep these basics in mind.
Your Budget: How Much You Want to Spend
Before you can begin looking at styles, you need to decide on a budget for your purchase. How much can you afford to spend? Watches can range from under $50 to over $50,000, depending on the materials used, the brand, and other factors. Consider the following as you set a budget for your watch:
- Luxury watches start at around $500. If you want a mechanical Swiss watch, you can expect to spend at least $500, with many options in the $1,500 range. Precious metals and designer names will drive the price up.
- You can still find beautiful watches under $500. Japanese brands like Seiko and Citizen make excellent mechanical watches at lower price points.
- Stylish, casual watches can be very affordable. You can find beautiful casual watches without mechanical movements for $100.
- Most watches are not a good investment. According to the New York Times, very few vintage designer watches make a good investment, but the market is so volatile, that an amateur collector would struggle to recoup the money they put into the purchase. It’s better to buy a watch because you like it.
Your Options: The Types of Watches
Watches come in a variety of types or styles, and it’s important to understand these options before you shop. The type of watch that’s best for you will depend on your needs, style, and budget:
- Sports watches – Active sports take their toll on a watch, and these styles are durable and designed for activity. Many people choose timepieces with a tough titanium case and scratch-resistant dial covers. Also, look for screw-down crowns and high water-resistance ratings to keep out the elements.
- Dive watches – If you are a diver, you’ll need a special kind of watch that can withstand increased pressure from the water. Marketed as “dive watches,” these take water-resistance to the next level and can handle regular exposure to water.
- Casual watches – For everyday wear, you may want a casual watch. This could feature a digital or analogue display, depending on your preference. Ideally, a casual watch will be very comfortable.
- Chronograph watches – Chronograph watches do more than tell the time. They also have stopwatch functions, and they sometimes tell you the date, phase of the moon, and other helpful information.
- Designer watches – Running the gamut from casual to formal, designer watches from brands like Cartier, give you a chance to admire your favourite brand every time you glance at the time. These tend to be pricey, so they are best if you have a substantial budget.
- Diamond and gold watches – For the best in high-end timepieces, choose a gold or silver watch with diamond accents. These watches often become family heirlooms.
- Formal watches – If you need a watch for a special occasion, a formal watch may be the best option. Typically, these designs are similar to formal jewellery in style.
- Pocket watches – For a classic look, nothing beats a pocket watch. These offer plenty of styles and allow you to check the time without the annoyance of a watch on your wrist.
- Necklace and bracelet watches – Necklace watches are another fun alternative to a wristwatch. These are better as an accessory, rather than for everyday wear. Perfect for formal occasions, as well as any other time you want a special watch, bracelet or bangle-style watch is a pretty option.
How to Choose the Right Watch: Helpful Hints
Now that you have a little background info and an idea of your budget, you can start shopping. Choosing a watch that suits you is a very personal decision, so it takes some thought.
1. Find the Right Watch Size for Your Wrist
You can usually adjust a watch band, but the dial of a watch stays the same size. Did you know that the circumference of your wrist actually affects what size of watch dial looks good on you? Fortunately, it’s easy to pick a watch size that’s flattering if you take a few minutes to measure. You’ll need a flexible tape measure to do this. Simply measure the circumference of your wrist and then look up the dial size on this handy watch size chart.
| Wrist Circumference (Inches) | Wrist Circumference (Centimeters) | Ideal Watch Dial Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 6 1/4 inches and below | about 16cm | 38mm and under |
| 6 1/2 to 6 3/4 inches | about 17cm | 38mm to 42mm |
| 7 to 7/14 inches | about 18cm | 40mm to 44mm |
| 7 1/2 inches and above | about 19cm | 44mm and over |
2. Think About How You’ll Use Your Watch
How you use your watch will also affect your purchasing decision. Will you be using your watch during diving or hiking? Will you be wearing your watch to the office? Will this be an evening watch to accessorize those special occasion outfits?
| Intended Use | Best Watch to Buy |
|---|---|
| Water sports, snow sports, rugged activities | Diving watch |
| Hiking, running, biking, and other active hobbies | Sports watch |
| Daily wear at work and home | Casual watch |
| Evening events, galas, parties | Formal watch |
| Accessorize an outfit | Pocket watch, necklace watch, vintage styles |
3. Consider Your Personal Style
Another important thing to consider when buying a watch is your personal style. Take a look at your wardrobe and think about your personal fashion style. Ask yourself a few questions:
- Are most of your clothes simple and traditional? If so, you may prefer a mechanical watch with classic style.
- Do you like vintage fashion? If you do, there are lots of great vintages watches out there to try. You might even consider an antique pocket watch.
- Do you have a lot of bright colours and bold patterns in your wardrobe? If you do, consider a simpler watch that won’t fight for attention.
- Are you into statement pieces? If you have a lot of bright scarves or bold neckties, you might want a watch that’s got some bling.
- Do you have a mix of styles and formality levels? If you do, you should choose a watch that goes with anything, such as a simple and classic traditional style.
4. Identify Important Watch Features
Once you’ve decided on the type of watch you’d like, you can identify the features that are most important. Not all types of watches are available with all features, but you’ll have options no matter which type you choose. Consider some of the following:
- Digital or analogue dials
- Large or high-contrast dials for easy viewing
- Level of water resistance
- The adjustability of the band
- Battery power or wind-up functionality
- Stopwatch function
- A pedometer or other helpful features
5. Try the Watch On Before You Decide
It’s best if you can try the watch on before you buy it. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do the links of the band pinch your skin in any way?
- Will you be able to easily change the watch band if it wears out or if you want a different look?
- How easy is it to adjust the band to customize the fit?
- Is the watch too heavy?
- Is it too bulky? Will it catch on your sleeve or pocket?
- If it’s a pocket watch or jewellery watch, is it comfortable to wear and not too heavy?
A Timepiece You’ll Love for Years to Come
Ultimately, the best watch for you is one you really like. If you choose a watch that has the features you need, matches the formality of the occasions you’ll wear it, and is comfortable, you’ll have a timepiece you’ll love for years to come.
The Best Style Tips for Women
As women we have so much on our plates, between the demands of motherhood and the time constraints of our careers, that dressing in a way that makes us feel both confident and stylish seems like an unattainable goal. But it’s not!
Have you ever noticed that there are some women who have a consistent quality about them that feels both effortless and perfectly polished? You get the impression that the way they dress just comes naturally, and what feels impossible to you looks like an innate skill they possess.
The truth is, for these women, fashion has much less to do with a hidden talent and is much more based on knowing what works for them and following a few guiding principles. They build a strategy for their personal style so that majority of the guesswork is eliminated right off the bat and getting dressed in the morning is a breeze.
If you want to learn how to look more stylish and put together without having to invest in an entirely new wardrobe, the secret can be found in a few key rules.
Scroll down for the top 50 style tips for women that work regardless of your size, budget or aesthetic, that will help you automate your wardrobe and take the confusion out of what to wear.
DETERMINE HOW YOU WANT TO SHOW UP IN THE WORLD
The first step in establishing your sense of style is to build your message. Think of this as your personal branding – an external package that shows the world exactly who you are on the inside and highlights your strongest qualities.
Begin by asking yourself how you’d like to be perceived by the people you interact with. Choose words that paint a vivid mental picture of the way you want to represent yourself. Adjectives like powerful, compassionate, sophisticated and intelligent, provide a measurement to assess your image against, so it’s important to get as clear and concise as possible. When we first begin the personal styling process with a new client, this is the initial step we start with. Before knowing what your clothing will look like, you have to be clear on your message.
Keep in mind that you’re always driving your personal narrative, whether you’re conscious of it or not. What do you want your style to say?
BE AUTHENTIC
The clothing you wear is an extension of who you are. It should strengthen your image and be an expression of your true self, so don’t force it. This means not wedging your feet into 5-inch stilettos that require an hour foot massage at the end of the work day if you’re more comfortable in flats, or wearing the latest trends just because all of your friends are. Wear clothing that feels like YOU.
If you’re unsure how you feel in something, take the authenticity test by asking yourself 3 simple questions: Does the outfit feel comfortable or will I be constantly adjusting it? Do I recognize myself in the mirror or am I trying to be someone I’m not? Does this clothing bring me joy and am I excited to wear it? If you answer yes to all 3, you’re good to go! If not, look for another option.
DON’T PRIORITIZE FASHION OVER COMFORT
When it comes to style tips for women, this one is a non-negotiable.
If torn between style and comfort, always opt for what feels the best. When you’re uncomfortable or restricted in any way, you’re not able to exude power. The old adage that beauty is pain is not a reality we should ascribe to. As women, we juggle busy careers on top of child rearing and family life. The last thing we need to worry about is spending an 8-hour work day in a dress that sucks the life out of us or jeans that feel too restricting. There’s always an alternative, equally as stylish option, that we can find.
IDENTIFY YOUR INSPIRATION
Studying the work of those who’ve already mastered a skill is a useful place to start when learning something new. As you begin to determine the framework for your sense of style, it’s helpful to draw inspiration from people who fit your mold.
Whether it’s celebrities, politicians, TV characters, or co-workers, make a list of individuals you view as consistently well-dressed. Getting clear on who you look up to helps you better identify what your preferences are as you build a unique personal style of your own.
This exercise can often feel difficult. As creatures of habit, it’s challenging to envision ourselves wearing something other than what we’re familiar with. For the time being, ignore the natural hesitation to step outside your comfort zone and instead focus on what appeals to you.
BUILD A VISUAL STYLE GUIDE
Create a collection of images that reflect your desired sense of style – search for outfits you’d like to try, icons who embody your aesthetic, and anything else you can use as reference to help build your personal brand.
Pinterest is a great platform for compiling ideas. Their algorithm is quick to learn your preferences and make personalized recommendations. If you need a place to start, our account has lots of outfit inspiration to get you going.
Alternatively, you can save images into a designated folder on your phone, or cut out pictures from magazines and build a physical mood board.
Collecting photos allows you to see what your preferences look like as a whole and easily identify patterns in your taste. This visual framework serves as your style guide while you begin to put outfits together and decide what you’re going to wear.
ASSESS WHAT YOU OWN AND LET GO OF WHAT DOESN’T ALIGN
Getting clear on the image you’re creating for yourself will help you assess what’s in your closet with honesty and objectivity. Chances are you’ve been wearing the same thing for years, not because you chose it strategically but because it was familiar. It’s time to be more methodical about what you’re wearing.
Review your current wardrobe piece by piece, to determine if each item fits with the style you plan to achieve. Commit to letting go of anything that doesn’t align. Holding on to clothing out of sentimental attachment will only guarantee you repeat old patterns. Keep the items that match your goals and part with the rest.
If you want to learn how to organize your closet effectively, try our simple 7 step process, which will help you easily maintain a more effective, comprehensive wardrobe.
GIVE YOUR CLOTHES A SECOND LIFE
Clothing is a gift that keeps on giving, and what no longer works for you will most certainly provide value for someone else. Check with family and friends to see who may be in need of a clothing refreshment. Businesses like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are easy donation drop offs, and you can also look into local non-profits that partner with the homeless community. We donate our clients’ unwanted clothing to organizations like Chrysalis and Dress For Success, which are both fantastic options for giving clothing to people in need who are working to re-enter the job market.
And finally, if you want to make some extra income, sites like Poshmark, The RealReal and thredUP are all great options for reselling your unwanted items.
USE HANGERS TO SEE WHICH ITEMS DON’T GET WORN
After you’ve done a major edit, you’ll still want to keep an eye on everything you’ve kept in case you held on to something that isn’t getting used. To see which clothes you never wear, try the hanger test. Start by turning all the hangers in your closet with the hook towards you, opposite to what you’d usually do. As you wear items, re-hang them back with the hook facing away from you in the normal direction.
Set a time frame to reassess what you’ve used, generally 6 months to 1 year, taking note of everything still hanging in the original manner. These can be donated or sold as it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever wear them again and they’re taking up valuable real estate in your closet.
TRY THE ONE IN, ONE OUT METHOD
Now you’re organized with a wardrobe that’s ready to showcase your updated style. To keep it that way, you’ll have to be disciplined. Remember, the objective of an overhauled closet is to maintain a selection of clothing you wear on a consistent basis, all of which makes you feel like your most confident self. As time moves forward, put systems in place that prevent you from over-accumulating. A great way to do this is to maintain your organization by removing an item each time you add something. If you buy a new pair of jeans, one pair should go. Everything needs a purpose within your closet so that you know it’s there and don’t lose it within the clutter.
SHOP YOUR SHAPE
Understanding your body shape is a key piece in successfully achieving a great sense of personal style. When you know which cuts and silhouettes work best for your body, you eliminate a lot of the confusion around what to wear and a closet filled with items that go unworn.
One of the best style tips for women is learning how to master balance. If you hold more weight on the bottom, the trick is to offset it by adding more volume to your top (think structured shoulders, jackets with breast pockets). If your bust or shoulders are bigger, than you fool the eye into creating visual balance by increasing the weight on your lower half (ie. A-line skirt, wide leg pants).
Women who dress with ease know exactly what flatters their body and what to avoid, always enhancing their best assets. If you aren’t sure of your shape, do some research into the most common female body types so you can easily identify which category you fall into.
The most important part about developing your style is choosing clothing you feel great in – and there’s nothing that feels better than wearing clothing that enhances your body.
INVEST WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD IN GOOD QUALITY BASICS
Women with great style know that spending a little extra money on the basic wardrobe essentials means that they will always have access to good quality pieces that stand the test of time. Basics are items that belong in every woman’s closet and can carry them across a variety of settings. The point is to have less, while getting more out of what you own.
We suggest investing as much as you can afford into neutral denim and slack options, versatile coats, classic white button downs, fitted dresses, structured blazers, classic leather handbags and staple footwear. These pieces will be worn time and time again, thus making them worth the investment.
While you may need to spend a little more upfront to account for the better quality, you’ll be replacing your basics much less frequently than if you were to buy cheaper, fast-fashion versions. Ultimately, you’ll be shopping less often and saving money you would have spent on repeat purchases.
CREATE A CAPSULE WARDROBE
A capsule wardrobe is the intersection between fashion and functionality, where everything in your closet can be mixed and matched with ease and has a cohesive theme running through it. Think of it as your own personal uniform in the sense that everything works together by setting the foundation for your personal style. When you have a capsule wardrobe, getting dressed in the morning becomes that much easier. Everything already pairs together so the guesswork is removed from making great outfits.
As you edit your existing wardrobe and begin to shop for new pieces, the ultimate goal is to have a collection of like-minded items. The importance of the capsule wardrobe methodology isn’t to achieve a certain number of items in your closet, but rather a framework for dressing that makes everyday life much more simple.
DON’T FOCUS ON FADS
Fads or trends are the items that gain overnight attention but have little staying power. A key style rule is knowing not to waste too much time focusing on these pieces, spending money on something that won’t be relevant for long. While we always suggest buying something if you truly can’t stop thinking about it, make sure you keep these purchases to a minimum and focus on the classics. Establishing your sense of style means not getting overly distracted by trends so that you don’t have to continuously update your closet. If you’ve built your capsule wardrobe successfully, you should have everything you need to perfect your everyday look.
WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT
Fit is the number one most important thing when it comes to great style. Why? Because wearing clothing that fits us properly, highlights our assets, flatters our body type, and most importantly makes us feel good. Beautiful clothing has no place in our closets if it doesn’t hang, drape or mold to the shape of our bodies properly.
When it comes to fit, the items we choose to wear should create a clear shape and allow for breathing room without looking bulky. Too big and they end up making us look sloppy and ill-proportioned, too small and they cut in all the wrong places. Proper fit is how we achieve effortless style while feeling comfortable in the clothing we wear.
Don’t go a size down just because the number makes you feel better, or a size up because you think it hides problem areas. Clothing that fits you properly will always look the best.
EXPERIMENT AND EXPLORE
Building your image doesn’t happen instantaneously, so give yourself permission to play around and explore. Creating a sense of style is a trial and error process designed to help you discover what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Use what’s in your closet to experiment with new outfit combinations. Go to the store and try on silhouettes you’ve never seen your body in. When you step outside your comfort zone, you discover new possibilities for yourself.
AGE IS ONLY A NUMBER
When it comes to clothing, the term ‘age-appropriate’ is ill-fitting if not entirely outdated. The prescriptive notion of giving into a quieter, more controlled image as we age suggests that looking our best has a time limit.
Being a woman is challenging enough without the added social pressure of having to fit a style-by-numbers approach to dressing. As with everything in fashion, the most important element is how we feel and what our clothing-choices do to elevate our confidence.
Perhaps the way we dressed in our 20s isn’t something we want to re-create in our 40s, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to be just as in love with dressing our best. Regardless of the age you’re at, embrace the styles that make you feel good, experiment with fashion, and know that it’s well within your right as a woman to be as stylish as you wish to be….regardless of your age group.
COMMIT TO STRATEGIC SHOPPING
To shop effectively, you’ll need to have a plan in place otherwise you’re destined to repeat similar buying habits you’ve formed up to this point. Make a list of specific items you’re missing in your current wardrobe, so you’re clear on what you’re looking for when you get to the mall. That top you already have 3 of that just so happens to be on sale now, is not why you came. Stick to the plan!
It helps to break up your shopping, and focus on a few items each trip. Our minds have a tendency to get overloaded when we have too much to consider. If blazers and pants are on your list, save blouses and sweaters for another day. You’re much more likely to find what you need when you’re not clouded by decision-fatigue.
PREP FOR THE DRESSING ROOM
Trying on clothing in a dressing room is often an overwhelming experience. A combination of the florescent lights, unflattering mirrors, and discomfort over having to ask for other sizes and styles from sales associates.
Being prepared can help make the experience less stressful, especially if you’re shopping for something significant, like a special occasion outfit. Put on some makeup, do your hair, and bring your proper undergarments and shoes. When you feel your best, you’re much more likely to enjoy the process of trying on clothes and will ultimately have more success in finding something you really love.
DON’T BUY UNLESS YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN
We’ve all had that feeling of trying something on and knowing with certainty that we had to have it. But sometimes that’s not always the case, and the clothes we find in the store end up being the best of what we can find.
If you find yourself weighing out the pros and cons of buying something, or convincing yourself that it’s the most suitable option at the store, it most likely isn’t going to get worn. That’s how we end up with so many clothes hanging in our closet with price tags attached.
When you’re unsure about an item, ask the sales associate to put it on hold for you. If you can’t stop thinking about it after two days, go back and try it again with fresh eyes. If you still love it, go ahead and buy it. At that point it won’t be an impulse purchase.
LEARN YOUR GO-TO BRANDS
As you experiment with fashion, you’ll begin to learn which brands are cut in a way that highlights your shape and offer styles in line with your aesthetic. Shopping becomes a whole lot easier when you already know which stores have items that work for you. If Rag & Bone jeans tend to fit you perfectly, you can save yourself a lot of time (and energy) by knowing where to look first. When J Crew consistently comes out with collections that match your personal style, it’s a pretty safe bet that you can find something you like there without having to scour the entire mall.
Knowing your go-to brands is an easy way to build the foundation for your personal style while developing your capsule wardrobe.
GET EXCITED TO GET DRESSED
When you’re clear on your unique sense of personal style, and have built a wardrobe that reflects your message, getting dressed no longer feels overwhelming. It’s one step in your morning routine that sets you up to operate from a place of empowerment.
Wearing clothing that makes you feel good, ignites your self-confidence and drives you to perform at a higher level. When you feel your best, not only do you command more authority from others, but you have a greater trust within yourself. You take more risks, assert more attention, ask for what you want, and push yourself to be better. Style is so much more than nice clothing and designer trends. It’s one of many tools at our disposal, we can use to help us show up in the world as the best version of ourselves.
What’s the ultimate style tip for women? Have fun with the fashion process, make it your own, and see what’s possible for you! Remember, it’s a work in progress and you’re always evolving.
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