What a tough month April was. So we’ll wave it goodbye and welcome May with open arms. I really do hope that you and your family are staying safe and remaining at home as much as possible. There’s enough doom and gloom on our television so I’m keeping my newsletters upbeat and of course, colourful. I hope that’s ok with you.

Have you ever noticed how some people always look effortlessly stylish whilst your wardrobe is a hodgepodge of patterns, textures and colours, and you’re hard pressed to put a decent outfit together? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, I see lots of people each year with the same problem.

1. Know Your Style Personality

Your personality dictates your style, which is your own interpretation of fashion and how you like to wear clothes. I spend time with my clients talking about their own style personality, regardless of whether they have come to see me about make-up, colour or style. It’s important that you feel comfortable in your outfit whatever the occasion, and what is right for one person, may not be right for another.

Take Helena Bonham Carter and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, both beautiful women who have very distinctive styles. Helena isn’t afraid to experiment with textures and cuts and no doubt enjoys a good rummage in second-hand shops. She’s a true Creative. Rosie on the other hand, always looks well groomed and put together, living up to her City Chic persona.
Understanding your own style personality will help you to develop a very cohesive and enjoyable wardrobe of clothes. It really is the starting point for a whole new you!

2. Know Your Best Colours

Colour is magic. Fact. Wear the right shade next to your face and you will look simply amazing; fresh, healthy and glowing. Ask anyone who has had a colour analysis how it has transformed the way that they dress (and the compliments that they receive). It can be life changing. Her Majesty rarely gets it wrong.

She looks simply stunning in hot pink which works well with her cool skin tone and hair. However, the terracotta orange reflects both upwards and downwards onto her face, giving her a grey pallor. She’s lost the freshness that she has in the main image.
When you know your best colours, it will enable you to build a wardrobe of very wearable clothes. Your neutrals will work hard and the more fashion-forward shades will inject fresh life each season
The colours in your make-up bag are just as important, and understanding the shades that flatter is key to making the most of yourself. When was the last time you looked through your make-up bag?

3. Know Your Bodyshape

When you can identify your body shape, you can learn how to dress to make the most of what you have. There is nothing that can’t be solved with a little bit of know-how. For example, if you are a full hourglass, stiff fabric will not be your friend, as it will stand off your curves giving the illusion of being larger than you really are.

Often it’s just a matter of a little tweak here and there, such as an oval shape wearing soft fabrics that hang from the shoulders. You’ll be amazed at the difference this will make. Size doesn’t matter, shape does! It’s all about drawing attention to your good bits, and taking the attention away from the features that you don’t like.