It’s Sweater Weather. Here’s How to Wear Yours.

 

With temperatures dipping into single digits, it’s safe to say we’ve officially reached sweater weather.

 

On chilly days it’s easy to grab heavy, cosy knits to wrap ourselves in, but are we forsaking substance for style?  Or, if we want to, can we wear a knit in a smart, formal way?

 

Here’s a couple of thoughts on how to dress your favourite jumpers in balance with the rest of your winter outfit.

 

Heavy jumpers

Taking refuge from the cold, swathed in a heavy, oversized jumper has its appeal.   But you can look top heavy, especially if you’re wearing something tight on the lower half.  Balance oversized knits and skinny jeans, for example, with chunkier boots.

 

If you choose to wear oversized knits with the loose or wide-legged trousers that are currently very popular, try partially tucking in your jumper slightly off centre at the front.   Otherwise, it will drown the top half your body and you’ll lose all shape.  Avoid dainty shoes with this outfit, or your silhouette will be top heavy.

 

Examples of half tucks below.  See how they offer better proportion and elongated leg shapes.

Lightweight jumpers

Roll neck jumpers are in many people’s wardrobes as they offer warmth and versatility.  Keeping the top half neat, wear these with straight, loose, and wide legged trousers. These would also look nice with this season’s denim maxi skirts, for an elevated casual look.

 

Crew vs V neck knits

Crew neck knits are often a weekend wardrobe staple and are very useful in neutral colours.  They look good with a white T.shirt poking out of the top.  Or wear with a white shirt underneath for a smarter look.

 

V-neck jumpers are the perfect formal jumper.  They look great with a white shirt underneath for work. They also sit comfortably underneath a suit jacket or with blazer and jeans. However, they’re also easy to dress up. Wear with a necklace or statement earrings heading out for drinks and dinner.

 

Nipped-in Knits

Lastly, if you want more shape around the mid-section consider adding belt.  A wide belt will add real definition to your waistline and structure to the overall effect.  A thin belt adds a hint of shape and keeps the body elongated.

 

 

I hope you like these sweater weather ideas and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question.  You can drop me a line at info@notgivinin.com any time.

If you would like a more bespoke service know that I am personal stylist based in Bristol and covering the Bath area.  Take a look at my personal shopper services here.

Thanks for reading.

 

Gail

 

Dressing up this Christmas

 

Let the fun time begin!  The build up to this year’s yuletide festivities is apace and as a ‘professional shopper’ I’m seeing pieces come in quickly and go out just as fast.  So, if you’re planning to party this Christmas don’t dilly dally on planning, finding and pocketing your outfit as quickly as you can.

I’ve been looking at classic pieces for Christmas parties and get-togethers.  I’ve focused on velvet, sequin and satin pieces which will not only work for this year, but for years to come.  And, of course, these pieces can work for parties and weddings too.  You break them down and mix and match with other items in your wardrobe all year for a high/low look. Think sequin top, jeans and heels for an evening with girlfriends, and sequin leggings with a chunky jumper for a concert or date night.

You’ll find a few short dresses in the selection below.  If you want to cover up legs with something other than fake tan, go for 20 denier tights and wear them with ankle boots for the edgier party look.

Velvet pieces feel cosy and look elegant, while satin has a lustre look that party girls can have fun in.

I’ve chosen mostly black pieces as it’s a classic choice, but there’s some colour in here too.

Choose jewellery to suit your skin tone and add a pop colour with the addition of a clutch or small shoulder bag.

And most importantly, have fun!

Satin

Velvet

 

Sequin

Selecting a Staycation Swimsuit To Suit Your Body Type

notgivinin | personal stylist

 

If you’re staying home this summer let me make selecting a staycation swimsuit to suit your body type a little easier with this guide.

 

Apparently, we’re going to be blessed with more gorgeous weather towards the end of August.  So, with more beach or, if you’re like me, garden sunbathing time ahead, now is the time to grab a new swimsuit if you don’t have one.

 

Even though we’re a fair chunk of the way through British summertime there are still some gorgeous swimsuits available.  Wherever you are catching the rays, it’s still very important to feel confident in what you’re wearing, so I strongly suggest choosing a costume that works well with your figure first, and follow what’s popular second.

 

To that end, here are my suggestions on which to choose depending on your body shape.  I’ve included some guidance on what to look for and some ideas that fit the bill.

 

Selecting a staycation swimsuit

 

Rectangle

The aim of the swimsuit here is to help give you the appearance of curves.

Look for: strategic cut outs, higher cut legs, pleats/frills/embellishment on the chest and hips.

 

 

Hourglass

The aim of the swimsuit here is to support your curves.  You don’t want to lose your waist.

Look for: built in boob support, retro styles, belted swimsuits, wider straps, one colour elegance.

 

Pear

The aim of the swimsuit is to help balance out the hips.  Draw the attention upwards.

Look for: more fuss on the top half, halter necks with thin straps. Frills and flounce on the chest.  Horizontal necklines.

 

Apple

The aim here is to elongate the torso, create more of a waist and show off legs.

Look for clever ruching, darker colour panels down the sides and tankinis.

 

Inverted Triangle

The aim here is to balance the broader shoulder shape with the hips.

Look for V or sweetheart necklines to add focus away from the shoulders.  Padded or underwire cups give support to bust and asymmetric styles break up the neckline.

 

 

Hope that’s useful!  It’s little tweaks that can make a big difference to help you look good and feel great.

 

There’s lots of information there to let you make wise choices, but if you’re feeling confused about your body shape, don’t worry everyone’s shape is different.  If you want to learn more do drop me a line and sign up for my Body Shape and Colour Consultation.

 

Whether you are going away or not this year.  Have a great time.  You deserve it!

 

To get more styling tips, do come and join my new Facebook group – Style with Gail.

 

Gail xx

 

4 Steps to Creating Your Own Style Mood Board

 

Creating a mood board is hands down one of the best ways to finding your own true style identity.  If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and wondered who the hell is the woman wearing the clothes in it?  Or you find that clothes are purchased on a whim only to be hung in the closet for the rest of time, then it’s likely they don’t represent the real you.

 

Don’t worry, we all get ‘influenced’.  It’s super easy to get caught up in following the trends or making rash purchases when you get an invitation to go out.  But what if your wardrobe is always prepared, always ready with smart choices that you love and wear with confidence.  It can be done.  You just need to know your own true style and stick to it.

 

One way to do this is by creating a style mood board.  It acts as a reference point to help you make wise choices, inspires you on days when you’re feeling a bit lost with what to wear, and is a constant source of inspiration to motivate and empower you to express your true self to those around you.

 

Style Mood Board Tools

 

So how do you create a style mood board?  Personally, I really enjoy using a cork board.  I bought mine for a couple of quid from an online shop and it was therapeutic to do a little cutting out and pinning.  I have the board in full view in my home office to refer to when I’m not sure what to wear.

 

Similarly, and great if you want to compile more than one board and have easy access where ever you are, there’s Pinterest.  A great app that you can download to your mobile, Pinterest offers oodles of fashion images from across the globe.  The options are endless here and it’s super quick and easy to delete and add at your whim.

 

Collating Styles You Like

 

If you’re going down the cork  board route, start by looking through magazines and pulling out images that inspire you.  You might have old mags in a drawer (or is that just me!) that you’ve kept because the looks in it inspire you.   Now is the time to dig out any scraps of inspiration you’ve held on to over time.   Also, go online and download pics from your favourite fashion websites.  You really need to draw together any looks that resonate with you.

 

4 Tips to Creating Your Own Style Mood Board - Gail Painter - Notgivinin.com

 

You’re looking for colours, patterns, cuts, items of clothing, and complete looks that appeal to you.  But also keep in mind that you are building a collage of styles you can/will want to wear so the looks must fit in with and support your lifestyle.

 

If you’re stuck on where to start with Pinterest, I would start by looking up your style icon/s.  There’s a reason why you love their look.  Perhaps you look similar, or love the way she/he wears their clothes.  You can then really deep dive into searching for more pieces. For example, I love Victoria Beckham’s style, which led me down a road looking for wide leg trousers.

 

Re-Load Your Own Style

 

You can also include pics of yourself.  Dig out pictures of you wearing your favourite outfits. My advice would be to look as far back in the photo album collection as you can.  You will likely spot a look that has got lost in translation over the years that you need to be drawn back to.

 

Your Fashionista DNA

 

Once you have lots of images to hand or pinned to a draft Pinterest board, it’s time to hone down what really resonates with you?  Is there a trend appearing?  A finite look revealing itself.

 

From mine you can see that I have a real penchant for denim.  Jeans are a big part of my wardrobe, but I didn’t realise how much, they’re all over the board.  I also like light, neutral colours, and there is a bias for black too and simple designs.  Accessories are a big love too.  Handbags have always been really important to me.  I change my handbag to work with my outfit, daily.

 

4 Tips to Help You Create Your Own Style Mood Board

 

Keep whittling down the images you have, it’s actually easy to do with a cork board as you only have a certain amount of space.  Gradually you will see a pattern forming, aligning with your style at its very core, this is true fashion DNA.  Casting to the side images that are on the periphery of what you like really helps to show you how you truly want to dress.

 

Keep it Handy

 

Keep your board handy.  Like mine, in the office, in sight.  If you’re working on a board online, download a screengrab to your laptop, tablet and mobile.  Refer to it every time you go shopping and especially before you consider following the latest trends so that you can stick to your fashion DNA.

 

Sticking to your true style identity when you go shopping can be very handy.  Your wardrobe should work more cohesively, a capsule wardrobe could appear naturally, and you won’t be wasting your hard-earned cash.

 

If you want to, and you’re enjoying getting crafty, you can build more boards to help plan seasonal looks.  Try building a board or two for spring/summer and autumn/winter looks.  Or, create a couple around the different areas of your life, work (you might have more than one career), life, hobbies, etc.

 

Happy pinning!

 

 

Gail

 

P.S.  If you would like a more personal approach to finding your style I work in Bristol and Bath, helping women and men discover their style and wear it with pride.  Find out more about my services here.