Dress for your body shape
If you leave the house wearing clothes you're not convinced look the best on you, then it's time for an upgrade.
Many of us don't know how to flaunt our best body parts and end up wearing clothes that are unflattering and frumpy - making us feel anything but attractive. Making flattering clothing choices can be tricky but it's an important step towards loving the skin you're in.
Today, Mind+Body speaks to some of Perth's top stylists to get their inside tips on dressing to be the best, most confident version of yourself.
Clear the wardrobe:
"Detox your wardrobe," stylist Jennifer Gillson says. "Most of us only wear 20 per cent of what we have. Make it earn its place."
The stylists recommend asking yourself: Does it fit? Have I worn it in the past year? Can I think of three ways to wear it? Does it look old? Would I buy it today? And, most importantly, do I feel good wearing this?
Invest in good basics:
"If we don't get the underwear or shapewear right, anything on top of it is going to look terrible," image and first impression specialist Alba Gomez says.
Stylist Jo Shields agrees: "Invest in shapewear to smooth out any problem areas such as your tummy, waist or buttocks."
As well as underwear and shapewear (which it's best to get fitted for) try including these items in your wardrobe: black pants with a straight leg, V-neck lines, a well-tailored jacket or blazer, dark denim jeans, a semi-fitted, knee-length black dress, tops that sit on your hips, a fitted white or cream shirt and a long pendant, which Ms Shields says is "instantly slimming on the torso".
Here are some great tricks to make the most of the assets you've got, hide the ones you're not so keen on and give the illusion you have others - all with clever clothing.
Get longer legs:
Show some skin: "The more skin of your legs you show, the longer they will appear to be - just be careful in a professional setting," Ms Gomez says.
Choose your shoes: Peep-toes or heels are best. If they're the same colour as your skin, it's even better.
Blend your hemlines: "If you're wearing a black skirt with black shoes, wear a pair of thin black stockings which will create flow," Ms Gomez explains.
Love your waist:
"Everything is about defining the waist," Ms Gillson says.
Use belts: "You can use a belt the same colour as your dress if you want to disguise it," Ms Gillson says.
Wear darted jackets: To create a slim line and cinch in your waist.
Alter your bust size:
"One of the best things any woman can do is get a well-fitting bra," Ms Gillson says. These should be properly fitted.
To go smaller: Go for dark tops - avoid turtlenecks, necklaces and frills.
To go bigger: Do the opposite - go for colours, patterns, frills and statement neckpieces.
