UNIQUELY YOU

Carol Goodsman, owner of Alice Carroll explains why she believes that everyone can look great if they know how to style themselves.

In my job , I see different body shapes, styles and colourings every day. I believe that everyone can look great and it’s not about being a certain shape, size, age, style or colouring. If you really know your own style, colouring and body shape, you can dress to compliment them and always impress with a look that is uniquely you.

Body Shape

Body shapes vary enormously. A woman who thinks she is a size 14, may actually have a size 16 bust, size 14 middle and size 12 hips. Trinny and Susannah have recently expanded on the six traditional figure types (angular, rectangular, hourglass, apple, pear and ellipse) and created the skittle, goblet, hourglass, cornet, cello, apple, column, bell, vase, brick, lollipop and pear. However, many women still find it hard to pinpoint which type applies to them, or feel that they fall between two or even three types. For example, I would fall somewhere between a skittle, an hourglass and a pear. The reality is that no two women’s shapes are exactly the same.

Take an objective look at your own body in a full length mirror and decide what you want to emphasize and what you would prefer to play down. Relative proportions are important, so take time to notice if your bustline is naturally high or low, your neck or limbs particularly long or short for example.

It is the balance of the figure that really matters and this will be slightly different for each individual. Notice where on your body you are inclined to carry more weight and avoid wearing texture, print and light or bright colours in that area, as they will add bulk. If you carry weight around your middle and have a great bust, empire lines with fabric gently floating over your middle section are a great trick to minimize bulk and balance your shape.

Your Style

Once you have worked out the overall proportions of your body and the shapes that will flatter it, it is important to think about your individual style. Some people are style chameleons and can move freely between a wide variety of different looks. For others, it is important to stick to one or two particular styles, adapting them to the current fashion. Do you suit floaty florals and lace, bohemian styles, understated elegance, a more natural, dressed down look, or perhaps something more outrageous and flamboyant?

The looks that flatter you will be affected by your colouring, your frame and also by your personality. For example, a woman with dark, strong colouring and an angular frame is likely to have some drama in her style, but if she suits very flamboyant clothing, there is also likely to be a touch of the exhibitionist in her character. Such things can often be well hidden and it is important to be honest with yourself. Discovering your true style can be a liberating experience.

Think about the clothes in which you feel most comfortable and receive the most compliments. This will help you to determine your style, which like your shape is something very individual and personal to you.

Colour, Print and Texture

Are you someone like myself, who prefers a neutral colour scheme with little print or texture, or someone for whom different colours, interesting textures and statement prints are far more flattering? For some, especially those whose natural colouring is strong, the colours they wear can make or break their look. If a particular colour seems to light up your face, minimizing imperfections and making you appear younger and healthier, opt for other colours that have the same qualities, ie that are equally strong, warm or cool, clear or soft.

As mentioned previously, your shape should affect your use of colour to balance your figure. Your personal style will also dictate the colours you choose. For example, if your look is very classic, you are more likely to stick to neutrals and blocks of colour, rather than prints.

Texture and print have the same use in balancing your shape and are also affected by your style. Natural fabrics with an unfinished texture will flatter those who suit a dressed down look, floaty florals and lace will appeal to those with a girly, delicate style, whilst velvet and bold prints will suit those who are more dramatic.

So, think of yourself as an individual whose shape, style and colouring are unique. Once you take a step back and realize what is most flattering for you, you are half way to understanding how to bring out the best in your look. And everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, style or colouring can look great if they understand how to style themselves.

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