I’m an H shape, this means that straight (pencil) style skirts suit my figure much more than flared ones (this is also true for 8 Shapes). Pencil skirts are traditionally classic garments. They originated in the suit and are synonymous with the business world and the corporate office. I don’t work in one of those…
No matter the print, whether it’s florals, animal, abstract, ikat, check, geometrics or stripes, finding prints that relate to your value and value contrast will make your outfit look so much better on you. Just as with colours where you should wear the colour rather than the colour wearing you. You should be the one…
Not sure what to wear or how to put an outfit together? Stuck for ideas on what to wear so you keep going back to that same old tried and true formula? This weekend, do something different and why not go monochrome and put together an interesting, layered outfit. Watch the video and see examples…
Monochromatic, meaning one colour (read up on the definition here), outfits can look extremely sophisticated and gorgeous, or if you’re not careful, a little boring and plain. So how do you ensure that your monochromatic outfits are stylish and sophisticated not dull? Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss ways to put…
Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss all aspects of animal prints in this video post. I explain the contrast elements of animal prints, both value contrast and colour contrast. Watch the video in this post if you want to know more about choosing prints and the contrast of prints (it’s the…
When you’re choosing a print, how do you know what contrast it is and how to choose the right value and colour contrast prints to flatter you? Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types do a show and tell inside my wardrobe with a bunch of patterned clothing items. In the video I talk about my “stair”…
People tell me all the time that they’re not sure how to mix and match colours. And it’s true, there is a whole science behind it (and it helps to understand colour properties, and terminology which I’ve written about here), but if you don’t want to even have to think about the theory, why not…
Hi Imogen. I am working on making a wardrobe capsule. The colors are brown, red, grey and white. I have an argyle sweater that I would like to build the capsule around. Would like to have some print pieces in the capsule. My question, what print patterns would work with the argyle sweater or should…
Hi Imogen, I have been wondering if you can give some tips on how to not match effectively. I’m in my early 50’s, and I find that my choices have become more stodgy and less risky :-(. This isn’t about shoes and bags (mine would only match accidentally anyway) but I’ve noticed younger women are…
Imogen I was hoping you could give some ideas on what to wear with leopard print loafers/flats. I’m seeing them in all the shops and I think they might be what I need to spark up my wardrobe. As a full time mum with some feet issues I’m always in flats or sneakers and I…
One of the easiest ways to plan a wardrobe capsule is to take a multi-coloured patterned hero garment and use the colours in it as inspiration for your colour scheme. I have a real life example of one such capsule in this post about how to pack 72 outfits into carry on luggage where my…
An Interior decorator once told me that she always treated stripes as a ‘solid’ rather than as a pattern as they are so easy to mix with multiple other prints and patterns. Many of you will have a simple striped t-shirt which you may usually wear as your patterned element of your garment. But how…
Mixing patterns is one of the bigger trends on the catwalk at present. It’s not something for everyone and tends to be something that is only for those with more creative or dramatic personality styles. These images are from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2016 and Gucci Spring 2016 catwalk shows and show examples of successful…
Imogen, I am part of the evolve your style program and I have an issue for you to address. If you’ve already written a post regarding this, could you share the link? I am a v shape with a somewhat short waist. I am 5’4 so slightly petite. I want to have my upper body…
Reader’s question: How do I create more interest and excitement in my outfits? 1. Add Accessories Accessories really make a difference to your outfit. They take it from plain to interesting. They add personality. They add excitement. You want to wear them. Don’t be scared, nobody died from accessorizing. In fact, what most people…
Hi Imogen I love your articles and especially enjoyed the article ‘what to wear when you’re retired’, it was so helpful. Have you got any styling tips to match either a striped t shirt or animal print t shirt with a scarf? I don’t seem to be able to get it right. Thanks Libby Here…
Your outfit doesn’t have to be complicated to be stylish. This is one of my current favourite combinations. I don’t wear it exactly the same every time, but it’s an easy outfit to wear. I love the loose nature of this top, so easy to wear and it hides my tummy. How to Mix Patterns…
I’ve been asked to show you some examples of using contrast – what is high medium and low contrast, so here are examples and the 7 essential elements you need to know about using contrast. You need to understand your personal contrast levels to then choose the clothing/garments and create outfits using a similar contrast…
After a recent discussion with the Evolve Your Style group members, when deciding what to keep and what to throw out (because it is dated), I was asked about what is dated and what becomes timeless. I thought I’d ask one of our group members and recent Stylish Thoughts contributor Lisa White share her thoughts…
I love patterns, but when looking for a specific colour inan item of clothing it is really hard to know when there isenough of the ‘right’ colour to balance out the ‘wrong’colour. Canyou point me in the right direction? – thank you! Jessie Choosing Prints and Patterns to Work with Your Colour Swatch Here in…
I’ve been asked to show you some more examples of the differences between naturalized and stylized floral prints. As you can see, a floral print that looks more like a photo of the flower it represents, is a naturalized floral. The further away you get from a photolike image, to something that appears more like…
