Fashion: Confidence to build bold new style

Some people like to adopt a signature/accent for their style.

After much soul searching, I've acknowledged and accepted that I'm gay. What I'd really like to do now is change my style, away from the conservative look of my past to something more fun, lively, quirky and individual. I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

A girl can have so much fun changing her style personality.

I'd love to help.

Do you have a specific style in mind, perhaps inspired by a person or people you admire, or have you yet to discover it? The internet can be a fabulous source of inspiration, especially sites like Pinterest that has images about anything and everything. You could start to collect images of styles you like for things such as hair, clothes and accessories. I'm sure you've already started taking more notice of people on the street.

The words you describe - fun, lively, quirky and individual - lend themselves to:

*Colour - strong and bold.
*Eclectic styling - mixing patterns and shapes, and new clothing and accessories with pre-loved.
*Bold accessories - eyewear, jewellery, handbags, shoes, belts, etc - but not all at once.
*A bold hair cut and colour - and perhaps bold makeup. Visit a makeup counter and give them your brief, and get them to help create your new look. Similarly, go to a hair stylist with an open brief, telling them the overall direction you're headed in.

Some people like to adopt a signature/accent for their style, such as bold eyewear or the same colour lipstick. This may be something you could consider.

You won't necessarily crack your new style straight away; I'd suggest it will be something that evolves with you over time. The more confident you become, the bolder you are likely to be.

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice.

www.gorgeousme.co.nz