Style tips: Stylish confidence

A true sense of style really comes from inner confidence. The more you believe in yourself and feel good on the inside, the more attractive you will appear to those around you. Clothes and beauty products, however, can encourage and enhance that sense of confidence. Clothes and beauty products are powerful tools that we all have at our fingertips to create the impressions we want to create. This week I thought it would be interesting to go back to some basics when it comes to dressing.
Know your shape
There are four main shapes. Think of a triangle and think of it the usual way up, this is the bottom heavy figure. Then think of the triangle upside down, this is a top heavy shape. Aside from these two figures there is also the hourglass (think Marilyn Monroe), which is balanced on top and bottom with a good waist. Then finally there is boyish or straight. Most of us fit into these four categories. Work out which shape you are and then use your clothes and accessories to balance it. So, for example, if you are bottom heavy, wear pieces that have ruffles or extra structure on the shoulders to bring width to the top of your body and go for long necklaces that draw the eye up. If you are top heavy, wear narrow on top and choose pants with a bit of width at the bottom.
Hemlines
Ensure hemlines don't finish in places to which you don't want to draw attention. So think about where your skirts end - if you have chunky calves the hemline should finish just under the knee, or if you have great knees, just above the knee. Look in the mirror at where your tops, t-shirts and blouses end. If you have a larger middle area and a thicker waist, opt for longer tunic shapes that skim over the top and end just below your bottom. If you have a narrow waist wear pieces that show this off, so stretchy and tight, finishing just below the hips.
Take it in the neck
The décolletage is one the most beautiful areas on a woman's body. It is also an area that generally doesn't age or gain weight, so take advantage of it! Off the shoulder tops that reveal this area across the top of your chest are flattering on every woman. A bit of skin is sexy and this is a modest way of showing some off.

Make friends

Creating a relationship with the sales staff in your favourite stores can be invaluable. Most stores have excellent and experienced staff who can advise you on pieces to suit your shape and style and who will offer honest advice in the changing room. After all, they watch people trying on pieces all day long, so their eye is keenly trained to spot sartorial mistakes and triumphs. If store staff also know what you like, what suits you and what you already have in your wardrobe, they can call you to let you know when particularly relevant new garments arrive. Be brave too and make it your goal to try on something that you wouldn't normally this season - it may not work, but you may be surprised.
Got a fashion or style topic you'd like us to cover? Email Natalie at editor@simplyyou.co.nz