Style Counsel Brisbane personal stylist Alison Triffett wardrobe & shopping tips

Alison with Taryn Onofaro during the Aussiprom.com Fashion Parades in the Queen Street Mall - Sept '07

STYLE AT THE RACES

The Australian horse racing industry is in full swing at the moment, with the Spring Carnival finally here! For all the information on the major carnivals, the tracks, feature races, videos, and a horse racing blog where you can discuss upcoming races visit Horse Race Australia.

Alison also has provided some great tips on DRESS CODES on the HORSE RACE AUSTRALIA SITE so make sure you check it out - Melbourne Cup is on the way!!

Dressing Different Body Shapes

No matter what the latest trends are, wearing what actually looks good on your body is the only key to truly dressing well. Here are some tried & true tips which may help you to identify your own silhouette so you can have some fun working with what you do have!

Pear Shape

This shape is truly feminine & there are varying sizes of this shape. It is characterized by narrow shoulders, small bust, refined rib cage, slender/shapely waist, generous lower hips, a larger butt &/or full thighs. Pear shapes have a fabulous waistline that is feminine & perfect for waist accentuating styles.

Pants should be "man-style", made of flowing fabrics which drape loosely around the hips, falling straight down.
Shoulder pads are your friend – but beware over-sized 80’s style ones!
Jackets should finish just above the widest point of the hip.
Enhance your upper body with semi-fitted or tailored tops.
Handbags should be worn above the hip area to avoid drawing attention to that area.
Cowl necks, square & wider necklines help broaden the shoulder area & balance hips.

Round Shape

Characterized by a generous bust, wider rib cage, round or fuller back, generous middle, narrow lower hips, often shapely slender legs. You've got great legs and narrower hips which means you can show off lots of leg & styles that accentuate hips!

Avoid fitted tops which will accentuate a larger middle.
Stay away from bulky or gathered skirts. Go for a more tailored fit to flatter your assets (legs).
Avoid wide belts that divide your body, look for a narrow belt that blends with the colours you are wearing.
Wear handbags at hip level & lower.
V-Necklines or necklines that are elongated will help slenderize your neck.
Longer tunics will help hide a generous middle &, draw attention down to lovely legs.

Inverted Triangle Shape

This shape is characterized by broad shoulders, a medium to full bust, average waist, narrow hips & long shapely legs. You've got great legs, and hips that allow you to wear those hip "enhancing" styles. You've also been blessed with breasts so show off the curves!

Set-in sleeves such as raglan, visually narrow wide shoulders.
Flared skirts balance wide shoulders as do pants which flare slightly at the hemline.
A low slung belt will help attract attention to the hips, balancing your figure.

Straight Shape

Characterized by an upper and lower torso that are equal in width, an average bust, a large rib cage, undefined waist, flat bottom, & slender legs. Your legs are a great asset so show them off!

Avoid belts which will accentuate your thicker waist.
Dresses that are looser in the mid-section are great. Try a sheath dress or shirtdress.
Try lower or v-necks to elongate the neck. .
Try longer jackets with a shorter skirt to help visually lengthen the upper torso.
Dropped waist skirts elongate the upper torso & help slenderize.
Avoid very gathered or heavily pleated fabric at the waist.
Try straight or long tailored skirts with a longer tunic top or semifitted pants/jeans with a longer top.

Hour-Glass Shape

This shape is characterized by a pronounced bust, small bone structure, a defined waist, curved hips, sometimes protruding buttocks, & shapely legs. You've got curves, so show them off!

Avoid oversized & baggy styles which will disguise your delicate bone structure.
Do draw attention to your waist with waistbands, belts, or wrap tops that tie at the waist.
Avoid wearing overly fitted clothing. Semi-fitted is the most slimming.
You have a dream figure (really!), so don't complain -take advantage of your curves & the clothes they allow you to wear!

Aussieprom.com Fashion Parades in the Queen Street Mall - Sept '07

Bookmark this page for frequently updated wise-style tips & product recommendations. Scroll down for advice on finding your own style, & subscribe to Style Counsel's newsletters for all the inside info on everything stylish!. Check out WHAT'S HOT, MUST HAVES & SMART SHOPPING & let Alison become your very own Beauty Editor & Style Counsellor!

More Top Tips for Always Looking Stylish

1. Assess what you have and what suits your lifestyle

I don’t believe anyone’s entire wardrobe is a complete fashion disaster. It may be as simple as understanding different ways to mix pieces that you already own with a few great, new fashion fixes to truly upgrade your style. Think out of the box and pair the unexpected for stylish results – but always remember LESS IS MORE!

2. Set your limits

Don’t go shopping for a new wardrobe without a plan! Have a mental list of what you actually need & stick to it. This way, you won’t be lured into buying frivolous sale items that will break your budget & do nothing to enhance your total look. The Style Counsel question to ask yourself is “Do I absolutely love it, & if so, will it go with or enhance at least three other items in my existing wardrobe?”

3. Find your fit

One of the secrets French woman have to looking chic, is a tailor. Take the time to have your clothes altered to fit you perfectly. A little nip & tuck here & there can be the difference between looking frumpy & looking fabulous But don’t expect magic if something is simply not the right cut for you. Understand your body shape & dress for it.

4. Don’t be a fashion victim

Just because something is in fashion or trendy, doesn’t mean it’s right for you, your figure, or your lifestyle. Be honest & realistic about your personality & your body’s general proportions to avoid looking like a fashion victim. Dress smartly to camouflage figure flaws & spotlight figure assets.

5. Hair and beauty

Style doesn’t stop above the shoulders. Most of us have skin tone that needs a little boost with a touch of make-up. There’s no reason or excuse not to learn a fast, five-minute, natural make-up routine (with the help of mineral makeup and a makeup workshop with Al!) that will get you out of the house looking refreshed everyday. And don't forget your crowning glory or your eyebrows either! Some women forget to invest the effort in their overall beauty regime & it really is about the whole package if you want to look truly stylish and FEEL confident every day.

How to: Get Glamorous

Get Frocked - Nothing screams glam more than a beautiful dress, & the good news the frock is still going strong in Spring '07. There is no shortage of styles to choose from, for day or night. Tunic or shift-style dresses & leggings are everywhere so there's no excuse for not falling in love with at least one dress that will surely become your own "must have" signature look of the season!

Brilliant bags are always a winner A worn-out, cheap-looking bag will detract from any attempt to look glamorous, but you don't have to spend a fortune either. Make sure you only buy the one you LOVE & when it comes to designer "IT" bags, be careful! See my tips in "What's Hot/What's Not" for more on this subject!

Get glowing A little colour looks great when showing some skin, but we also know that tanned skin = damaged skin! Those in the know are aware that I am addicted to DOVE SUMMER GLOW body lotion. It slowly builds a natural-looking tan without that familiar "eau de fake-tan". If you're not yet "in the know" simply opt-in to my mailing list (on this page or the homepage) & you too can receive free insider tips from your very own Personal Stylist!

Make-down - Without your makeup looking "just so", no glam look will look as good as it should. Think "make down" for day, "make up" for night. Don't expect to look glamorous without at least SOME cosmetic assistance! Everyone looks more glamorous with curled lashes, a sweep of mascara (or get lashes tinted if you want to avoid this step), concealer for dark circles and imperfections, pretty pink-flushed cheeks & glossy lips.

It doesn't have to take hours! Let Alison show you how during a Skin Deep Workshop. Learn the art of the Style Counsel Make-Down to look & feel fantastic every day. Learn tricks of the trade & try Alison's road-tested faves. There is no point having a great makeup done for you if you can't reproduce the look yourself. Invest a little time in you every day; enjoy it & don't feel guilty!