EDITORIAL
Hello World! Welcome to another edition of Beacon of Elegance Magazine "Fashion Edition ", thanks for all the love we received from our readers and subscribers via email after the publication of our first edition, tagged " Style Edition ". Congratulations to all our membership subscribers as they continue to enjoy the benefits of their subscription
FASHION BONAFIDE
SORTING YOURSELF OUT---- Sort through your drawers /wardrobe- It may seem boring and just like a chore, but will be useful and make looking through your clothes much easier. Take out everything and put on the bed. If something no longer fits or you just don't like it anymore, then put in a plastic bag ready to take to the appreciative charity shop. There's nothing wrong with getting rid of unwanted clothes. Tutus, stripy tights and woolly jumpers may have been your thing back then, but chances are you have moved onto other stuff, which is fine. If you find clothes which are too badly ripped, damaged, stained or worn for someone to wear or ever look good again, use as rag or put them in the bin, now to organizing. You could fold jeans, dresses or skirts in one area and hoodies, jumpers-shirts and vests in another. If you have a wardrobe, you could fold items such as jeans, dresses, skirts, next to that fold up hoodies and jumpers and hang t-shirts and vests up on hangers. Put your underwear somewhere private and shoes maybe in a drawer. If you find any dirty clothes, take to the washing. Iron and put away.
Have a Good Fashion Sense and Look Great
------STEP 1- Find out about what sort of fashions/styles you're interested in. There are so many to choose from- Girly, Rock, Emo, Parisian Chic, Glamorous, Casual... the list goes on. Also, there are prints, patterns, pictures and textures to think about. Look at the internet or magazines for inspiration, and think about how you could put outfits together.
STEP 2- Go clothes shopping! It's a perfect opportunity to seek out some bargains and find pieces you love. Don't feel that you have to go to really expensive stores, Shop wherever you want, and you can buy anything. Some great things to own as essentials are below, as long as some others which are just for fun but will add a real interest and look to your wardrobe.
Jeans- boot cut, wide leg or skinny.
Hoodies- like jumpers and cardigans; they come in bright colours and are casually cosy.
Jumpers- forget heavy, itchy uncomfortable sweaters- a colourful, stretchy one in either V/round necked is much better.
Cardigans- so cardigans may not be your idea of fashion, but have you considered long ones? They are simple but elegant.
T-shirts/shirts/vests- some basic ones in block colours like blue, green, and red, white and black are good and you could get some with really cool pictures or patterns which look great on everyone.
Dresses/skirts- they don't have to be plain or boring! Dresses with a plain top but a ruffle/any other effect skirt look amazing, and you can choose from classic styles to more modern trends. Skirts don't come in just plain black or cotton- how about a colourful pattern? One big print? High or low waistband? They aren't essential but for a party or glamorous event, they are a good choice.
Pyjamas- still look good at night-time! A pair which is quite heavy should be worn in winter but for spring/summer when it’s getting a bit hotter, a lighter pair is good to have as spares. Find a pair with a really sweet design.
Underwear- should fit perfectly, and not be boring! There are lots of knickers and sock styles, and bras should be supportive and so you can’t' feel them very much, i.e. not too small or too big.
STEP 3- Have the right footwear; now for shoes, Sneakers, trainers, pumps, heels, sandals etc. are all in the shops. For a rock and roll twist, biker/military, lace up boots look good teamed with something simple and to wear with almost anything, a pair of awesome Converse All Star in your favourite colour. Shoes make a real statement, so have fun finding some nice ones.
STEP 4- Accessorize. Bead bracelets and bangles look great worn as a set. Charms are cute. Long pendants or big chunky necklaces worn against a simple top make a maximum impact. Earrings and rings are pretty. Details like flowers, stars, flowers, prints and even your favourite things look amazing on jewellery too.
TIPS: Dress in what your mood is, a really bright floral skirt with just a neutral colour like black let the skirt do the talking. Skinny jeans and long cardigans flatter each other perfectly.
Skinny jeans, plain vest top and lace up military boots. Simple, but still looks unique.
Co-ordinate colours for a stylish look; Red, black and white, pink, white and black, blue, red and white, black, grey and coral and blue, green and black/dark grey are good combinations
Wear a plain top with maybe a patterned hoodie/cardigan so it's not too boring.
Look at all the tips below for fashion ideas, but feel free to alter them if you wish. You can always set your own trends and dress as you like.
Summer dress (maybe floras) with a waist belt, pumps and a loose long cardigan for summery days
If you wear a really bright t- shirt which stands out keep the rest of your outfit plain so, like the floral skirt earlier, is the part you are looking at the most.
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1. BECOME AN EXPERT OBSERVER--
The number one thing you can do to improve your sense of style and train your eye is this: look at how other people are doing it! What types of pieces are they wearing, what colours do they mix, what shoes do they pair with their outfits, how do they accessorise and so on.
Pretend you are a researcher in a foreign culture and are trying to find out as much as possible about the local customs.
Use your everyday environment as your lab: Sit in a cafe and just watch people passing by, pay close attention to your co-workers’ and friends’ outfits and check out what your fellow commuters are wearing on your way to work (in a non-creepy way of course :)). and expose yourself to a broader range of styles.
The key throughout this whole process is to be as precise as possible. If you see an outfit that you like, figure out what exactly makes it so great. Is it the overall vibe of the look (e.g. preppy, bohemian or minimalist), the colour scheme or a specific piece? Let’s say the two pictures above caught your attention. Was it because of the neutral colours? The simple lines? Do you just like big sun glasses and or the sandals?
That is how you train your eye, by observing and paying close attention to how other people wear clothes and what types of things resonate with you and which don’t. It’s super basic, but if you ask them about it, people who have a great style and are ‘into fashion’ will probably tell you that they do this already, and have been doing so for years. Over time, you will get more and more of a feel for what kinds of clothes you like and how you like them to fit, and can then use that information to upgrade your wardrobe, either by wearing your existing clothes in a new way or by adding some new pieces.
2. IMITATE, IMITATE, IMITATE--
How do students in art school learn their craft? Correct: By studying and copying the styles of other artists.
It’s often said ‘be yourself, developing your own unique style’ and ignoring other people’s rules. But: For a complete beginner, imitating others can be a super helpful creative technique, because it gives you a concrete blueprint that you can use as a starting point.
Find an outfit that you could imagine wearing for one of your regular day-to-day activities, for example to work or on the weekends. Then, use your own clothes to replicate that outfit as closely as possible, or go into a store and try stuff on.
Imitating helps you on two levels:
By trying to copy an outfit as perfectly as possible, you are forced to really pay attention to details, like the fit of the pieces and how they work together to create the overall silhouette of the outfit. When it comes to fashion, details like that matter. On top of that imitating is also simply a great way to experiment and hone in on your individual likes. In the best case scenario you love your copied look and have discovered a new favourite that you’ll want to wear all the time (go ahead, outfits aren’t copyrighted). And if you don’t like the outfit on yourself, you can use that as an opportunity to learn more about your style too, by trying to figure out exactly what it is you don’t like about it. The fit of the pieces, the colours, the materials? Can you think of a way to tweak it to make it better? Are there any aspects you do like about the look? How could you incorporate into your wardrobe?
3. GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE--
Define your own personal style and building your wardrobe around it. If you are a fashion newbie, that may sound like an impossible task. How are you supposed to know whether you prefer bright colours vs. neutrals or feel best in flow-y bohemian pieces vs. tailored separates? Here’s how: You try it out.
The only way to ever get to a place where you can confidently say, yes this is my style is by exposing yourself to a ton of different aesthetics and experimenting, to find out what you like, as well as all the things you don’t like.
Everyone you see who has a great sense of style right now has gone through this experimentation phase at some point in their lives and could likely tell you millions of stories about all the ‘terrible’ outfits they wore before they finally settled on a style. As a total fashion newbie, you can do your best to speed up that process, but you still need to go through it. Make it fun, but effective. Actively seek out new styles, colours and silhouettes that are outside of your typical comfort zone, all for the sake of research. Set the stakes super low to avoid overwhelm: Go into stores just to try on a bunch of stuff, take mental or actual notes of what you like/dislike and leave again without buying anything.
A helpful way to push you out of your comfort zone is to set yourself little challenges. For example, go into a store you have never bought anything from and challenge you to find a complete outfit that you like and would wear. Or try on that one piece that you love on other people but think you can’t pull off yourself, and see if you can build an outfit around it.
4. USE YOUR MOST-WORN PIECES AS THE STARTING POINT--
Even if you aren’t all too happy with the state of your wardrobe right now, chances are you own at least a couple of individual pieces that you do like. An easy, fail-proof way to start upgrading your wardrobe and how you dress is to use those pieces as the starting point. Here’s how:
As a first step, figure out what separates your favourites from the rest of your clothes, i.e. why you wear them more often. Think colours, fabric, fit/silhouette, overall style and details.
Again, make sure you are precise at this point. Instead of settling at ‘I like that pair of pants because it’s comfortable and has a nice fit’, find out what exact feature of the piece makes it so comfortable and well-fitting. The all-natural material, the high waist, the thicker fabric?
Once you have defined what you like about your favourite pieces, you’ll be left with a detailed list of things that are all your style and that you can use a guide while out shopping. Since you have been wearing all of those things for a while already, there is a much lower risk that you’ll buy something that will end up un-worn at the back of your closet.
Another thing you can do is to do a little online research to see how other people are styling your most-worn pieces.
------Be your own fashion guru
Don't panic if the catwalk shows and the new styles flying into the shops have left you confused by what you should be wearing, the secret to looking fabulous is not about slavishly following fashion or looking like a supermodel, it's about finding your own style. Anyone can be "in fashion" simply by following the rules of the season. But style is personal. There is no herd to follow. There are no rules. There are no seasons.
Style comes from within, from knowing who you are and who you want to be; not from wanting to be somebody else, or wanting to be thinner, shorter, taller, prettier. Many of the most stylish women in the world have not been great beauties but have drawn from an enormous amount of self-confidence. They made us think they were beautiful simply by believing it themselves, all this sounds great in theory, but finding your own style can be a daunting prospect.
Which is why I've come up with some style basics that will have you looking - and, most importantly, feeling - fashion fabulous in no time. How many items in your wardrobe do you actually wear?
How many of those make you feel good about yourself? And how many times have you looked in that wardrobe and said: "I have nothing to wear!"?
Your wardrobe should contain only amazing choices - it is much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces than when you see 25 pieces and 20 of those are unremarkable.
Pick key items and get rid of the rest, even if it is the "must-have" item of the season, or you spent a week's salary on it in 1999, or you wore it every day of your teenage years and "can't bear to part with it”. If it doesn't look good on you now, it shouldn't be there.
Start by throwing out anything you no longer wear or that doesn't look good on you. Be ruthless. It’s easier said than done, so make yourself a deal: for every 20 items you chuck, you can buy one killer piece, when you're buying, buy the right size.
Don't buy a smaller one because you're planning on losing weight, or because you don't like the idea that you're a size 16, and be wary of bargains. Paying 10000 for a pair of jeans that cost 20000 is a great deal, but if you are never going to wear them, don't need them, or don't even particularly like them, that is a very expensive deal. If everyone is wearing bright yellow mini-dresses but you don't look good in yellow or mini dresses, why buy one? Wear what suits you and what makes you comfortable. Comfortable doesn't have to mean boring. Don't play it too safe.
You should wake up in the morning and be inspired by what is in your wardrobe: 20 black skirts tend to offer little inspiration; one white beaded vintage skirt offers a lot. Now you've cleared out your wardrobe, it's time to invest in the bare bones, if you don't own them already. These are essential staples that go with almost anything and never go out of style - a blank canvas that you can layer on to. The Little Black Dress, slimming and flattering, it's simple enough to make you look effortlessly stylish, yet sophisticated enough to make you look endlessly elegant.
A Classic White Shirt, It has a crisp simplicity that makes it practical and unpretentious. Cashmere Cardigan or Round-neck: Cashmere instantly imbues luxury when worn over anything, but is also incredibly sexy when worn alone. Denim: Jeans are the most versatile item. Simple and practical, sexy and perfect, rebellious and elegant, they can dress anything down and make even the most uptight items look relaxed.
A Man's Watch, women's watches tend to change according to trends, but a classic man's watch is timeless and looks great on a woman's wrist. It makes a statement and breaks the rules in an unexpected but subtle way.
Diamonds: You can't go wrong here. Perfect for day or night, casual or dressy, winter or summer, with other jewels, or not; Fake is fine.
Ballet Flats: For driving, mad dashes for flights, the first day of the sales, or any occasion when you have to give your heels the boot in the name of practicality.
A High-Heeled Pump: Sometimes you want outrageous, impractical, bold shoes. But sometimes, a reliable classic black high-heeled pump that won't clash with your dress, or prospective in-laws, is what's required.
A Great Bag (or four): Statement bags are great, but you also need the classics: a tote or shoulder bag for day and carrying almost everything; a clutch for night and carrying around almost nothing; a medium-sized handbag.
Now you have your basics, it's time to inject your own sense of style with some truly fantastic pieces - a decadent, oversized cocktail ring, a vintage beaded dress that fits you perfectly, a leopard-print coat - spend your money on these one-of-a-kind, dramatic pieces.
Don't just go crazy for the trends. If you do happen to fall in love with a trend, buy it now but wait a few years until it is "out of style" to wear it.
The best time to buy is when you are travelling - something exotic that nobody else will have back home and can usually be picked up for next to nothing, because while fashion may be expensive, style doesn't have to be.
Ironically, it is often the people with less money who seem to understand style best.
Maybe because they cannot slavishly follow trends, or because they consider purchases more carefully, or perhaps because they perfect the art of mixing expensive items with cheaper finds, unpredictable is what is going to make you look different.
Try diamonds with ethnic beads, stripes and checks, leather and lace, masculine with feminine.
It takes time and trial to perfect but these "imperfect" mixes are what style is about.
Basics and drama will take you so far, but accessories maketh the woman. Start with shoes. Perfect shoes deserve perfect feet - chipped polish and cracked heels are not a good look.
Toe cleavage is often overlooked but it matters - two cracks only should be on show (i.e. only showing the divide between your first three toes).
Don't go too high; if you can't walk, you will look ridiculous, and be wary of teaming very high heels with a very short skirt - hardly anyone can pull this off without looking like a tramp.
Other accessories should be equally carefully chosen - they pull an outfit together and tell the world how cool, elegant and sophisticated you are. Choose accessories as you would friends, seeking out the ones that complement you, make you feel confident, and stick by you through ups and downs, men, and extra pounds.
Your wardrobe of finishing touches should also include a good tailor who can make anything look expensive by making it fit you perfectly. So get them to revamp older items, shorten trousers but keep the same finish and turn vintage finds into one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Finally, remember style is not about being perfect.
Looking like you're always ready for a photo shoot is not style. Looking like you know how to live, how to have fun and how to let your hair down is
STYLE TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
Ralph Lauren: "Breaking rules is what makes clothes interesting. I love mixing fabrics and shapes in unexpected ways - classic with modern, rugged with elegant."
John Galliano: "Glamour today is confidence, independence, not giving a damn, going for it and indulging your desires - in fashion, life and living."
Donatella Versace: "The most valuable item in your wardrobe is not a piece of clothing; it is an accessory. With a quick switch of a handbag or a pair of shoes, you can instantly change your look and mood."
Heidi Klum: "Wear something you feel gorgeous in and don't try too hard; it's much sexier when it appears effortless. Clothes that don't fit, or don't fit the wearer's personality, don't help."
Giorgio Armani: "Elegance is the result of a natural equilibrium between simplicity, looking after oneself and intelligence. All this generates the attitude we call elegance. It is a quality which, contrary to popular belief, does not require deep pockets."
Elle Macpherson: "Find a personal style by not following trends. I have worn jeans, a white T-shirt, a cashmere jumper and knee-high, cowboy or motorcycle boots, or ballet flats for 25 years. The shape of the jeans changes and that's about it. There is something disquieting about clothing schizophrenia."
Zac Posen: "Dress to make an entrance the same way you dress to make an exit: with aplomb, shoulders back and a withheld secret."
SHOPPING GUIDE& TIPS
Sense of style can vary quite a bit from one person to another, but some are a bit less stylish than others.
STEP 1
Make sure that the clothes compliment your eyes, hair colour, and skin tone. For example, blondes look good in navy, brunettes in red, and redheads in olive. You can enhance a fair complexion with medium tones of colour (like blue or green) and a dark complexion with pastels (like pink, yellow, or aqua).
STEP 2
Choose classics. Look for clothes that can be worn at any time of the day or night. Mix and match with two or three colours for a great ensemble. Plain fabrics and simple, low-key prints are easy to coordinate.
STEP 3
Choose a few key basics. You should purchase a few new things each season so as to keep up with the trends.
Tops are good to change frequently because they tend to be fairly inexpensive and do not need to be made out of the best fabrics to look nice. Sleeveless styles can be layered to extend your wardrobe.
Three-quarter length sleeves can be worn at any time of the year.
Try matching pieces of your outfit, such as a jacket and shoes in the same colour.
A long or mid-length skirt can always be shortened at a later time.
Add [[Wear Big jewellery, a long scarf or patterned stockings to a few plain dresses.
Black and navy jeans are slimming. Try Bermuda shorts or Capri pants in this colour as well.
STEP 4
Select appropriate shoes. Try sandals, ballet flats and shoes with a slight heel. These styles are easy to match with a variety of clothes and have a long life. Avoid buying shoes that reflect current outlandish styles, however, as they will date too quickly.
STEP 5
Choose clothes that fit and accent the best proportions of your figure. Consider a larger size if it looks better, even if the size on the tag isn't what you'd ordinarily choose. Remember that:
Clothes should follow the contour of your figure.
Clothes should glide over your body whether sitting or standing.
For a slimming effect, choose dark colours, V-necks, and empire waists.
Try to update your wardrobe annually.
Look for fabrics with a permanent press label. Iron your clothes.
If you're short on money, buy something only if it's exceptional. It's okay to take time to think it over!
BARGAIN SHOPPING
How to Be Stylish Without Spending a Lot of Money
Bargain shopping can be turned into an art. Your closet can be overflowing with clothes that not only fit well, but that also express your unique personality and style. And the best part? You will have paid retail price for less than 10% of it. So, the trick is to have a stylish and distinct wardrobe on a budget.
This style of shopping is definitely not for everyone. In the beginning you will have to invest more time than you are used to on browsing and rummaging through clothes, quite possibly with very little to show for it. However, if you stick with this method, you will soon train your eye and learn the places where you have the most luck. It is very frustrating at times, but that is also what makes it so rewarding when you find clothes that you love for amazing prices.
Weed out your old wardrobe. Get rid of anything that doesn't fit you, and try to let go of attachments to clothes that you just don't wear.
Resell: If you have designer clothes or any other clothes or accessories (sunglasses, shoes, scarves, hats, etc.) that you think could yield a profit, resell them. This cleans out your closet, and allows you to earn more money to buy new clothes. OLX, JIJI, second-hand stores, thrift stores, and consignment shops are all good places to try to sell them. If you have a lot of stuff to sell with your clothes, you could also consider a yard sale.
Give away: Have friends or co-workers that are the same size? Let them rummage through clothes that you are not reusing or reselling before you give them away to charity. They may return the favour one day. However, charity is also a great way to discard your old clothes
Find out where discount stores are where you live, as well as where any Akube stores and second-hand stores may be located. These are the go-to stores when I’m not looking for anything specific. These stores can be helpful for a specific search, but I find them more frustrating in such a situation. See what works for you though! Try each store out, and see if you like what they carry. Give each store at least 2-3 visits (spaced out enough so that they get new inventory) before you decide whether or not the store is good for you.
Be careful about return policies. Because the clothes are discounted, they usually can only be returned for store credit or are non-refundable. Don’t hesitate to try stuff on, and be confident in your purchases!
You know what’s really amazing? Discount stores have sales too! I’ve found some of my best deals in such circumstances. Look out for them.
Be conscious of possible defects. Although most clothes in discount stores are supposedly “flawed,” most are unnoticeable and do not affect the quality of the product. However, it is best advised to inspect anything you like before purchasing.
Notice fabrics, cuts, and brand names: A wide range of clothing can be found in discount stores, and some are better quality than others. Searching for familiar brand names might be helpful, as well as looking for more quality fabrics. Better quality clothes also tend to have better cuts and thus are more flattering so again, TRY STUFF ON!
Don't try to fix your mind on a brand as that will prompt you to spend more money on that particular brand and prevent you from buying clothes from cheaper stores.
Give yourself plenty of time to look around discount stores-- it can take a while.
Convince your friends’ adventure into the discount and sale world with you so that you can compare notes on the different places you've been.
TIPS ON CASUAL WEARS
Be sure to have the three must haves on your wardrobe: - A pair of jeans, a white shirt (a loose one would be perfect) a blazer (it can be any colour, but simplicity is key, so a black or a navy blue one would be perfect).
Choose the right jeans, don't wear too tight jeans, you want feel comfortable. Cuff your jeans; this trend never gets old, apparently. Cuffed jeans look great on 40 year old women, apparently!
Wear your loose white T shirt.
Wear ballet flats or a pair of Martens.
Accessorize your outfit with a pair of simple earrings like pearls, diamonds or a bracelet.
Optional: If it gets cold outside or you're going out and you don't want to change your outfit, you can just add a blazer or a jacket and you're ready to go!
Remember to feel confident in what you're wearing.
If you want to spice up your outfit, try to add a big black bag and your favourite sunglasses.
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FASHION FOR EVENTS-- Are you trying to decide what to wear for a grand event? Evening dresses come in all shades and styles, and the hunt for just the right one can be overwhelming. Don't view it as a task to get you down; the search for just the right colour and style can be fun!
Consider your overall colouring. Get to know the colours that look good with your hair and skin tone. Not everyone can pull off burnt orange, and for others, a very dark or light colour may wash them out. If you've never consciously figured out what colours work for you, dedicate a day of window shopping to settling on some overall colour choices.
Spend some time trying on different dress shades in the fitting room and getting a feel for how certain hues look on you. Don't be afraid to pick up some colours that you never thought you could pull off! This stage is just experimental, and you might be surprised by what you see in the mirror.
Take a few snapshots of yourself in different colour dresses and review them. It can be easier to decide what colours flatter you if you take a picture than if you're standing staring in the mirror, or looking down at the dress as you're wearing it. You can also share these snapshots with others for a second opinion!
Consider the classic black. The phrase the "little black dress" exists for a reason. Black stands for coolness, mystery and elegance. Whether long or short, a black dress can send a message; it's simple and sexy.
If you're afraid of black being bland, highlighting embellishments such as lace trimming on the skirt, dark flowers over fabrics, or even a unique shawl can break up the heavier black colour
Consider matching a black dress with elegant silver or gold jewellery, or even a colourful shawl or necklace, depending on the look you're going for.
Try a white ensemble. White is a "pure" colour; that's why we always make wedding dresses white. White can evoke a sense of innocence and purity, and it's also very versatile. Think of it like a blank canvas - you can pair any colour of accessories and shoes with white, and still pull it off. Try to get an elegant white dress and some flashy accessories together. Just be careful not to spill anything! White is the least forgiving of any dress colour.
Paint the town red, in a red dress. Red stands for enthusiasm and wildness. A short red dress can be sexy and wild, while a long red gown can give off the impression of elegance and control. Red sets the tone, but the end result depends on the dress style and how you accessorize it.
If you're afraid of red being too edgy, pick a dress with some ruffles or a toned-down fabric choice to balance the harshness and inject some softness and sweetness into this colour.
Don't be afraid to try colourful prints. While evening dresses are common in solid colours, this can get old. The variety of print dresses available varies from season to season, so it's always a fresher look. Add ruffles, lace, tinsel and appliqué; these mix well together and show that you're not afraid to be different. If you like it and it suits you, go for it!
Putting a Look Together
Dress like a Celebrity
See what's "in". Once you have an idea of what overall colours suit you, research your options further. Look in magazines, online, and in-store. Get an idea for what fabrics and styles are "in". Take the opportunity to experiment with shades and fabrics. Colour may be your guiding light, but the rest of the style matters, too, so try out some options within your chosen colour family.
Let's say you've decided that blue works for you. The hunt doesn't end there - what's better: sky blue or dark blue? What difference do fabric, length, and style make? You might decide that royal blue is your ideal hue, but if you spot a sky blue dress in a flattering style and sleek fabric, you might find it's the better choice in the moment!
Select the accessories. Pearl, sapphire, emerald, diamond or artificial jewellery are all good choices. Don't feel limited in this area: experiment. You might actually find that some of the cheaper "costume" jewellery offers some great possibilities.
See if you can try on some different earrings, necklaces, scarves, and shawls in the actual store, while you're trying your dress on. You may not actually end up buying those particular accessories, but they'll give you a good idea for what kinds of accessories work and don't work with the dress, before you commit to buying it.
If you've got one particular necklace or pair of earrings you're dying to wear to the event, base your hunt off that. You can actually pick the dress colour and style based on what works with a favourite accessory.
Don't forget a bag. Nothing can ruin a look faster than forgetting about a good evening bag and just grabbing your day-to-day, overstuffed handbag as you head out the door. Evening dresses are most often complimented by choosing a clutch bag - a delicate one, soft leather, velvet, or leather fabrics.
There are lots of bag choices out there; see what you've already got in your closet, what's in fashion this season in the stores, and make a choice that balances fashion and practicalities. A girl's got to have somewhere to put her cell phone and lipstick, after all!
Select the shoes, a pair of shining stilettos or evening dress high heels with bold embellishments which complement your evening gown. When it comes to colour, just make sure it complements your overall look. You can go simple and have the shoes match the rest of your outfit or you can make the shoes your focal point and choose a colour that stands out - try sparking red shoes with a little black dress for a unique but sleek look.
If you want to wear open-toe sandals, you need to have a pedicure to make sure your feet look beautiful.
Tips--
If you are petite, opt for middle or high waist dress which decorates such body shape very well. Avoid fluffy skirt and exaggerated shoulder or sleeve details. A low back design is sure to make you look taller and slim.
Tall women can wear any dress styles perfectly for their natural height advantages. Why not try on mermaid dress styles which most ladies love but few dare to wear? You'll turn heads in the party.
A big girl looks good in a column dress with thin and light lace hemline. Try to avoid complicated design in waist, neck and hemline.
FASHION CONFIDENCE
Changing Your Style
Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Researchers have found that the clothes we wear really have an effect on our self-esteem. For example, wearing a superhero costume can boost confidence and make people feel stronger; women perform better on a math test in a sweater than in a swimsuit; and a white coat gives people more “mental agility.” Focus on wearing clothes that make you feel comfortable, such as a nice soft sweater, your favourite jeans, and a suit and tie (or something else professional looking).
Examine your wardrobe and make sure your clothes fit your style. If they don’t, you may need to go shopping! If you dislike shopping in public or don’t know what is in style, consider a service that selects clothes for you and sends them to your house or find an online retailer with an easy free return policy.
Wear colours that you like. Doing so will help boost your mood. If you can’t decide on a colour you like, a good go-to colour is blue because people general respond positively to it.
Wear clothes that accentuate the physical features you like. Find outfits that will look good to you when you look in a mirror because they match your body type or include accessories that show off your good features. There is no perfect body type, but there are good and bad clothes for particular body types. Clothes that fit because they match your type are more likely to look good on you.
If you are very skinny, avoid wearing dark colours, such as black, which are slimming. Wear lighter colours instead. Slim women should try to create some curve by belting a flowing dress in the centre. Thin men should avoid wearing large or baggy clothing to add the appearance of bulk; dressing in the appropriate size will look better.
If you have broad shoulders and narrow hips, avoid scarves with patterns (calling attention to your shoulders), shirts that accentuate your shoulders, and footwear that looks small for your body type, but do wear pants that make your hips look bigger and shoes with wider heels or boots with buckles that call attention to your feet.
If your body is pear-shaped, wear bright colours or patterns on top and dark, solid colours on the bottom and avoid horizontal stripes, particularly on the bottom.
If you have a round body type, avoid too much fabric in the middle of your body, belts, and skirts less than knee-length, but do wear details above your bust line and below your hipline.
If you have a curvy body shape, try clothing that is skinny at the waist but flown at the top and bottom. This will accentuate your curves and downplay your legs a bit.
Wear clothes in the appropriate size or have them tailored. Wearing clothes that fit you at your current weight and height will make you feel better about the way you look, even if the clothes are not the ideal size you want to be.
Special order clothes in sizes that actually fit you. If you are a very tall and skinny man, for example, you may need to order Medium Tall sizes online rather than settling for clothing in the store that is too wide and baggy on you because it is the appropriate length.
Have clothing tailored for length or width to fit you well. Tailors also know tricks like adding darts (folded sections of fabric that create a flattering shape) to clothing to accentuate positive features such as curves.
Wear the right lipstick. Using lipstick well means more than just selecting the right colour; it also means taking care of your lips as a part of your overall look by exfoliating (e.g., with a mixture of salt and almond oil) and applying balm twice a week. For the lipstick itself, makeup artists recommend the following
Avoid lipstick that shimmers and sparkles because it tends to look cheap
Choose a bright colour based on your lip colour (e.g., pale lips=cherry lipstick, natural=cranberry, and dark lips=burgundy).
Choose a nude colour based on your skin tone (choose something slightly brighter or deeper than your skin).
Avoid blue or black based shades, as they tend to make you look older, more severe, and yes, even scarier (think vampire).
Liners are not necessary, but when you use it, pick a colour that matches your lips, not the lipstick.
Apply lipstick carefully then smudge the border slightly for a softer effect.
Apply starting in the centre and then blend the colour towards the corners, careful not to apply directly to the corners of your mouth.
Apply strong lipstick shades to the bottom lip and then press your lips together for a lighter application.
Apply lipstick once, blot your lips on a tissue, and apply again for a longer lasting effect.
Apply make-up based on your face shape. Although makeup is not for everyone, those who use makeup can improve their self-image by becoming more educated on how to use makeup to improve their confidence in their looks. Just as with clothes, the goal is to match your shape (in this case face shape) and direct the eyes to the features you want to accentuate. To determine your face shape, pull your hair back and look in the mirror at your hairline and chin
Heart-shaped faces (broad forehead and pointed chin) should draw focus away from their prominent chin and cheekbones with soft tones on the face and colour on the lips.
Rounded faces (forehead and lower face are the same width) should help add definition using makeup on the cheeks and eyes (e.g., using smoky eye shadow).
Square faces (Angular jawbone and hairline) should use soft colours on the skin, mouth, and eyes to soften facial features.
Oval faces (forehead and lower face are same width with longer sides) should apply blush with horizontal strokes and define their eyes and lips to reduce the length of their face.
Get a good haircut. A great haircut from a stylish salon or respectable barber shop can make you feel more confident about your looks and will give you a more up-to-date, fashionable style. As with makeup, the key to a good hairstyle is to match the shape of your face
Heart-shaped faces should consider bangs and side-parts with chin-length hair that helps to round out the face more.
Round faces should consider a centre or slightly off-centre part and “face-framing layers” that minimize the fullness and create “a more chiselled illusion.”
Square faces should consider “face-framing layers” and a side-part that draws attention to the cheekbones.
Oval faces should find that most styles work for them as the techniques for other face shapes are meant to make the face look more like oval-shaped faces.
Stay well-groomed. Looking like you thought about your appearance and are taking care of yourself can boost your confidence and can be achieved with a few simple grooming tips
Keep your nails trimmed and shaped neatly (women and men can benefit from this tip). Be sure your nail beds are clean.
Brush your teeth several times daily, particularly after meals with tooth-gunk potential.
Keep moist wipes and cleansing cloths with you to clean off makeup, sunscreen, and sweat, or just to refresh yourself after a few stressful hours. Make sure to also do a full facial wash every 2 to 3 days to keep your skin clear.
Use an anti-aging moisturizer, sun protector, and concealer (to even out skin tone).
Use your fingers (as opposed to brushes) to apply makeup and get a better feel (literally) for how much makeup you are applying that can lead to a more natural look.
Use press-on nails for a quick manicured look. Even for people who experienced the 80’s, they are more socially acceptable today than you might realize!
Apply a deodorant or antiperspirant regularly.
Use natural oils (e.g., avocado, coconut, or almond) to keep your body and hair moisturized.
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Choose your friends wisely. Pay attention to your friends and how they make you feel. Surround yourself with people who don’t criticize or judge you because it can negatively affect your body image.
Friends can even help you work towards your health and fitness goals, which may help you, feel more confident in your looks as well. Find a gym partner or a hiking buddy.
Smile and laugh as much as possible. As easy and obvious as it sounds, smiling, even when you are forced to do it, can lower stress and make you feel better about yourself. Furthermore, people will see you as approachable and trusting.
Take a compliment. If you get a compliment, don’t deflect it, take it! If you are uncertain about your looks, it may feel awkward to get compliments and your anxious reaction might be to deflect or down-play the compliment. For example, if someone compliments your shirt, you might tell them it is a hand-me-down that you only wore because all of your other clothes are dirty. This is a reflection of your anxiety about your looks and can make both you and the person who complimented you uncomfortable. Instead, just say thank you and fully enjoy the compliment you earned.
Exercise regularly. Whether or not exercise actually changes your physical appearance, it can change your perception of yourself, which can lead to increased self-esteem. A national survey of physical activity and weight has shown that people who were not satisfied with their body size were less likely to be physically active, regardless of how much they actually weighed. This finding suggests that just being physically active can be related to a better self-image.
The amount of exercise needs to be enough to give you a sense of accomplishment and needs to be regular, but does not need to be any specific type of exercise or be done for any specific amount of time.
Eat a healthy diet. Certain foods, such as those high in carbohydrates and sugar, can cause you to become sluggish and negatively affect your mood. Foods that can improve your mood are those that are low in fat and release their energy slowly. These foods give energy for sustained periods of time and do not carry the risk of weight gain, bloating, and irritability; they can also lead to stronger hair and nails, which can improve your overall self-image.
Avoid eating foods that are sugary, fried, or overly processed.
Eat more nuts and seeds, legumes, and fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly produce with vibrant, rich colours.
Tips--
Remember that what people think of you doesn't matter a bit. The important is what you, and only you, think of yourself.
Saying positive and confident things aloud to yourself can help you feel more confident.
If people say mean things to you, remember that they are only showing the negative side of themselves, and their comment says more about them than about you.
Be true to yourself and find what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
That's it for this Edition.........Watch out for Beauty Edition coming next! Always remember to be awesome
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