Stylist’s top tips for the fashion fearful
Whether you enjoy fully committing to the art of dressing up or prefer just to throw on the first things you can find, knowing a few basic tips and tricks can make all the difference.
And luckily, personal stylist Natalie Baker has revealed to MammaMia’s Laura Jackel her 6 best pieces of advice for those hoping to level up their wardrobe without spending a fortune.
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Have fun with colour, but don’t turn your back on black
Many people can be unsure about dipping into the wild world of colour when selecting pieces to wear, but as Natalie explained, they ultimately come to love it when they try on certain combinations - be those seasonal colours, or simply palettes they might not have considered otherwise.
And, according to Natalie, wearing some colour has an unexpected benefit, as “wearing a colour that's not black, close to your face, is also much more flattering for mature skin.”
For those who have a difficult time stepping away from black, Natalie suggests trying other neutral tones such as navy, grey, and camel.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t wear black,” she assured, “but maybe pair your black blazer with a white or light coloured cami or t-shirt and jewellery to help light up the face."
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Invest in classics
While trends can be fun - for a while - Natalie stressed the importance of well tailored classics. She suggested purchasing the “best your budget can afford”, as a flattering style will never go out of date.
“A quality suit is great as it can be styled up or down and used as separates,” she explained. “A good pair of jeans and some basic tops to wear over and over really make up the basis of any wardrobe.”
For those who would like to have a little more fun with their look, or who love to embrace a fad, she recommended adding a trendy accessory, or a splash of popular colour to suit your needs.
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Don’t be so hard on yourself
Natalie opened up about her experience in guiding people over the age of 40 who lack self-confidence, or don’t know how to embrace their bodies after the changes life has brought their way. She explained that, in these cases, she helps her clients to “pick out elements of colours or styles that they used to love and bring them up-to-date so they suit them now.”
“Clients can be very self-critical, and I know we all do it,” she said, “but I tell people to speak to themselves gently and kindly and to focus on their best traits."
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Tucking a top
Tucking in a shirt is a popular trick amongst stylists, but Natalie has one very particular rule when it comes to perfecting the twist: tucking up, not down, to create a better silhouette and to prevent creasing.
"If you take the bottom of your shirt and tuck it up and under your bra, it creates a tidy 'tucked in' look but without the fabric 'bulk' around your middle that happens when you tuck shirts down into your pants or jeans,” she instructed.
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Consider what you already have
According to Natalie, it helps to consider your specific “wardrobe dilemmas” and know what it is you hope to resolve. That way, when you next set out to the shops, you’ll know what you already have in your wardrobe, and what you can pair your new pieces with. One rule of thumb is not to buy something new without first having a couple of outfits in mind for it.
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Enjoy yourself
Changes for the better should make you feel good, and finding the right outfit for you can work wonders on that front.
“I recently saw a 91-year-old client who wanted to look smart because it made her feel good,” Natalie shared, “which shows that nice clothes can do that for you at any age.”
She went on to mention that life can get busier and trickier as time goes on, and that the least she can do is help people go out without worrying and stressing over how they look in what they’re wearing - because feeling good, at the end of the day, is the most important thing.
Images: Getty