By: Gill Hart

fashion design dresses © romina rossi #8106404 at www.fotolia.com/id/8106404

Create Your Own Fashion Style

Fashion style is also about attitude. Feel confident in yourself about the way you look and that will come across to other people. It doesn’t take much to learn what cuts and colors suit your body shape, just a few hours research on the internet will tell you what you need. In the words of fashion designer icon Coco Chanel, “Fashion is architecture. It’s a matter of proportions.” and she should know!

In journalist Jacqui Ripley’s The Makeover Book (Piatkus 2004) she states, “The secret to pulling off desirable style is to simply know what suits you and what most definitely doesn’t.” This ultimate look good book contains a wealth of practical and realistic information for the average women who needs to give her wardrobe a workout. In it Ripley makes simple recommendations on improving your own fashion sense, some of which are incorporated in the advice below:

10 Simple Fashion Tips for Women

• Forget about the word “fashion” and think “style” – it may be mentally less intimidating or more “wearable”! says Ripley.

• Even if you stay at home, make an effort to dress everyday as if you are going out. This changes your whole approach to even the most mundane household chores. You will find you have a more positive attitude and are less inclined to be reduced to a couch potato, in your slovenly sweat pants and baggy T-shirt.

• Clear out your closet. Get rid of those items which are outdated, do not suit you or simply do not make you feel good. Make room for that new wardrobe of clothes that you are going to build, slowly, piece by piece.

• Take stock of how many classic items you currently have in your closet. Start building new outfits which will prove versatile and timeless – go anywhere and do anything. You should aim to have a wardrobe base of well cut, classic pieces and a few cheap fun, fashionable outfits that are right on trend, which can be replaced every season.

• Treat your wardrobe as an investment. “Create a closet that is full of must-have pieces rather than make-do ones,” adds Ripley.

• Ensure that your wardrobe is built around some style staples which will take you from season to season and can be dressed up or down. A good coat, a little black dress, a wrap dress, well cut denims, a classic pair of black pants, cashemere cardigan and a stylish crisp white shirt. Update these looks every season with some fab accessories.

• According to Ripley, buying a really great bag and a pair of look-at-me shoes, which will transform any outfit. Transform your “walk” into a “wiggle”.

• Get to know your body shape. Are you a pear, apple, brick, hour glass or inverted triangle? Read up on the free fashion advice available on Suite 101 and learn how to dress for your body shape.

• Learn how to play down your flaws and make the most of your assets. Learn how to disguise big hips, stomachs or a larger bust and learn what not to wear if you are short or flat-chested.

• Shop smarter. Ask yourself a few key questions regarding what suits you before you shop and plan what to buy in advance.

There is never a better time than the start of the new year to create a brand new you. The first important step is to detox your wardrobe, clearing out those outfits which do not make you feel good. The second is to learn what cuts and colors work best for you and the basic style rules of women’s fashion.

Finally, the next time you feel inclined to throw on a baggy T-shirt and pants, take some advice from Ripley, “Anything that makes you feel frumpy, dumpy and lumpy does nothing for your sense of self.”

Read more at Suite101

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