Lifestyle

Published on March 19th, 2012 | by Yellow Magpie

2

A Sense Of Style: How To Hit New Fashion Heights

A Sense Of Style Begins With Fashion Design

A Question Of Style

What is style? How do we define it? How do we acquire a sense of style? Why do some people have style and others just can’t seem to get it right no matter how much they spend on clothes?

Style is about how we dress, speak,walk, behave and carry ourselves. There is no doubt the way we dress plays an important part in our sense of style.

People With A Sense Of Style

Think of people whose names are synonymous with style? Audrey Hepburn, Kate Middleton, Catherine Zeta Jones, etc.

These women all developed their own sense of style. For example, Audrey Hepburn created a unique look at a time when large-breasted women were all the rage.

Along comes Audrey, with a wafer-thin ballet-type figure but she made the most of it with her simple yet elegant style. She wore heavy black eye-liner which emphasised her eyes and the effect was stunning.

French Chic

French women have perfected style. If you have ever been lucky enough to visit Paris you will not only be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its abundance of style, you will also notice how the French women stand out from the crowd.

You will rarely see Parisian women tottering along in six inch high heels which not only look ridiculous but are extremely uncomfortable and unsuitable for walking through city streets.

No, the quintessential French woman is casual. She will wear jeans, flat ballet shoes or boots, a jacket and of course the ubiquitous scarf.

However, it is not so much what they are wearing that gives them that chic it is how they combine clothes together that gives them that well-groomed put-together appearance.

A perfect example of French chic is Ines de la Fressange. Beautifully elegant while always looking comfortable in her own skin and clothes, her hair is simple and shiny. She is light on the make-up, her clothes are casual yet she is unmistakeably glamorous.

Ines has written a book called Parisian Chic here she gives a taste of how she approaches dressing.

Let’s Start At The Very Beginning

So where do we start? Before you go shopping decide how you want to look. For example, if you are looking for a work-day wardrobe then the type of work you do should dictate what you wear.

Nevertheless, for most jobs a black trousers is a must. Combine this with a few different tops in various colours that suit your complexion. A dress appropriate for work is also a good idea. Go for a plain well-cut dress which you can accessorise if you are going for a drink or dinner afterwards.

You will also need a good winter coat and of course a trench coat. If you live in a wet country with rain falling constantly why not invest in a trendy rain hat, you can put it into your bag and pull it out at the first sign of rain. Of course a good quality handbag together with shoes and boots are also essential.

Invest in a leather bag in a neutral colour that is both classy and smart. Remember you will need a bag every day for work so choose one that is suitable for your size and shape and which will go with every outfit.

Of course every woman needs a black dress in her wardrobe. Why? Because black dresses are simple and can be dressed up or down depending on where you go. They are great for disguising any figure and are always in fashion.

What’s Already In Your Wardrobe?

For those who enjoy dressing up and always want to look glamorous whether it is for work or play, planning is crucial. Running into the shops and buying without thinking will cost you dearly. You could still end up with absolutely nothing to wear, because what you have bought goes with nothing that you have in your wardrobe.

So even though planning sounds boring when it comes to buying fashion it will be well-worth the effort and the result will be that you always have something ready to wear for every occasion.

Before you head for the shops look at what you already have in your wardrobe. What would look great with what? Or better still what would look absolutely stunning with that red coat you just bought? Or what accessories could lift that grey jumper and bring it to a completely different level?

No matter what your taste in clothes try to have your own signature style. Do not become a slave to fashion, know what suits you. Learn how colours look against your skin and find a hair style that makes the most of your face. Then learn the subtle art of make-up.

For a good place to start, watch this.

Be Interesting

While clothes are great for making a first impression it is our personality that captivates. So learn how to be charming, mannerly, and interesting. Learn how to speak properly. There is nothing as disappointing as admiring someone then suddenly they speak and either the tone of their voice is annoying or they haven’t learned to use their voice to the best of their ability.

Then of course you must have something worthwhile to say so read the newspapers, go to films, listen to music and learn the art of good conversation.

Be mannerly say thank you and please and smile but make sure your teeth are white. Visit your dentist and have you teeth scaled and polished and always floss at home.

Take a look at this video and what people say about the style icon Audrey Hepburn. Remember if you want to become a style icon yourself (and why not?) you must develop your own individuality. This is what Audrey did and others who are known for their great sense of style.

Before you look at it though, remember that being stylish also involves being kind and compassionate. No matter how great your clothes they only serve to make a first impression for after that you must work on your personality. Being friendly, warm, caring and kind are a good place to start.

Enjoy this video.

Recommended Reading

You may wish to read Yellow Magpie’s Shoes: The Ultimate Accessory.

The aforementioned Parisian Chic by Ines de La Fressange is a great introduction into the world of looking your best.

You can obtain Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange here from Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk
For people living in Ireland or the United Kingdom, you can access: Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange from here.

Amazon.ca
For Canada: Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange.

Amazon.de
For Germany: Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange.

Amazon.fr
For France: Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange.

About the Author

Yellow Magpie

Related Posts

Being Your Best Self →

Self Confidence The Advantages And How To Get It →

Laugh, Laugh, Laugh: How To Be Happier And Have Fun →

Just The Way You Are →