THE EDIT: CREATING YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE
I’ve curated some of my best fashion tips and with the help of stylists Victoria Genevieve and Deborah Sheridan-Taylor. Here is your guide from basics to accessories, and everything else you need in your wardrobe.
1. Dress for YOU
Knowing your body type and embracing it is the key to getting the most out of your wardrobe. The trick here is to draw attention to your best features by building your outfit around them. Those with an hourglass body shape should accentuate their small waist by choosing clothing that hugs the midsection, while those with an apple shape should find clothes that skim and smooth the midriff.
2. Learn About Light and Shade
Similar to how makeup is used to highlight and contour the face, different toned clothing can be used to add structure and definition to the silhouette. Use dark tones to minimise and slim any problem areas and contrast with lighter colours to create a focal point and add shape.
3. Invest in Coats
Stylist Victoria Genevieve, known for her capsule wardrobe dressing and confidence coaching, advises buying a good coat that fits well, especially if you spend a lot of time out and about. For high-end High Street coats Reiss is great, and for more affordable styles Zara do an extensive range of coats and jackets.
4. Go to Court
Victoria also says that every woman needs a good, neutral pair of courts – they never go out of style. It’s worth spending that little bit extra here – you want them to last, and remember that heels need to be comfortable!
5. Get Inspired
Stylist to the stars Deborah Sheridan-Taylor suggests curating the looks you like using sites like Pinterest, and then experimenting with the elements that will work for you. Instead of copying an exact look, tailor it with older pieces you still love.
6. Shop the High Street
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create the style you’re looking for or find something unique. We have great High Street brands that offer affordable and fast-turnaround fashion. Zara is a big favourite for me – and you can wear the same clothes as your daughter provided you know what works for you and wear it with confidence!
7. Jean Genie
A good pair of jeans is a wardrobe essential – tailored, ripped, skinny, cropped or flared, it doesn’t matter! If you wear them a lot, Topshop (now online only at ASOS) have a huge range, or if you don’t like shopping online, Zara have a great and affordable range too. If you only wear them occasionally, it’s worth investing in a great fitting pair – check out Donna Ida for their timeless and durable styles.
8. Look at Long AND Short
Found a skirt you love but it’s too long? I recommend checking if they do it in the petite section. The same applies if you want a slightly longer length. Most brands now have tall and short versions of their clothing so you can tailor your outfit exactly to your size.
10. Be Careful Who You Ask
Children and husbands are NOT the best people to ask for advice! Choose a friend whose style you admire and shop together, OR bring in a stylist to cull your wardrobe for you.
11. Get Quali-tee
When it comes to style as an older woman, ‘gravity is a bitch’. Plain T-shirts are the one item that can be really unflattering, so it’s worthwhile spending a little extra on quality, as a basic T-shirt is such a staple in everyone’s wardrobe and goes with everything. I am a great fan of Love Sweat and Tees!
