Dressing up without a dress

Hello,
I am thirty years old in excellent shape, 5'2, 115lbs. I can pretty much pull off any outfit. I recently won a trip to LA to see Christina Milian's movie premier "Pulse". I am from Florida and though I love fashion, I also am into the beach look (flip flops,jeans,tanks). What does one wear to a movie premier? In other words, I am uncomfortable getting dressed up. I don't mind tight clothes either, just not a formal fancy dress. What can I get away with at a movie premier? Thank you for your help!

Hi Aimee,

A girl with simple tastes should not be forced into peacock attire, you will look and feel awkward. I think for you that you should keep to your simple formula but add stand out accessories. To formalise your look swap the jeans for wide legged, tailored black trousers, preferably with open pockets. Mannish trousers dressed sexily are the perfect antidote for the Paris Hilton-premiere-minidress-look. Get a new good quality white cotton tank that fits like a glove.

Now the fun part. Here's where your love of fashion comes in. Depending on your tastes, find a neck-piece that makes a statement and an OTT cuff or bangle. Here you can use colour and texture. You can go 2006 all blinged-out with diamantes, masses of pearls 1920's flapper style or 1960/70's wood and tortoise-shell plastic accessories. Go for a big clutch bag SATC-style and some fab heels or wedges. I'm loving Chanel inspired monochrome shoes with pearls, killer stillettos with bling or wood-soled wedges with tortoise-shell accessories for the 70's look.

For hair, natural, glossy locks look great on camera. Based on your height a shorter hair-do makes you look taller. So if you dare try a short layered bob. With make-up, pick your best feature, accentuate eyes or lips. Don't forget to smile for those cameras!!

The Style Counsellor

Big & Beautiful - Summer Solutions

Hi there,
I am a UK size 20 with a thick waist, narrow-ish hips and 40C bust. I really need some help with my summer wardrobe. Strappy tops seem to be a big "no" and I just don't know what sort of swimwear to brave. Please help!!
Laura

Hi Laura,
As an owner of many DD cups (and not in a good way), I feel your pain when it comes to strappy tops and swimwear. The first thing to do is accept that this is your body and no-one's going to love it if you don't. Stop beating yourself up and have fun.
Most of the advice out there says wear black to look slimmer. I agree, but the main point is to wear one colour or very similar tones for a longer and therefore leaner silhouette. Postbox red, hot pink and purple work well together. Primark has lots of linen-cotton mix clothing that will be light but give you coverage for confidence. Try a shirt dress over linen palazzo pants. Forget strappy tops, they do no-one but Madonna any favours. Cap-sleeved tops and shirts offer shoulder coverage but give exposure to those tanned arms. Go for scoop or v-necked style top with a tactel or lycra mix for support.
Dressing for the beach is scary. In a size 20, a one-piece with underwiring is your best option to minimise problem areas and give you the support you need. Stick to one colour or a tiny print, no horizintal stripes. Here's the fun part. Nothing draws the eye away from the body than fabulous accessories. Bangles, long beads, big earrings, wedge sandals. Go natural, go colour, go metallics. Believe me no-one will be looking at your bum..they'll be thinking "where did she get that red wooden bangle?", "I wish I'd thought of that". Get some plain-coloured sarongs (short if you like your legs) and mix and match with your beach jewelry.
Check out Marks and Spencer's Plus Collection for tops, skirts, swimwear and outfit ideas. You can buy online to ensure you get your size.
www.ehow.com has lots of general advice on dressing slimmer and finding flattering swimwear.

The main thing Laura is not to worry about trends and fashion. Many women fall prey to styles that are in but make them uncomfortable and maximise their problem areas (case in point - low rise jeans). The most important factor in any wardrobe is comfort, regardless of size. Comfort=Confidence
Work that beach!
The Style Counsellor

The White Suit

Hi,

I have a white cotton summer suit. I wish to know what would be appropriate to wear underneath the jacket e.g. tops, especially good colours to wear with white?Am I correct in thinking that a neck scarf is in fashion? And what are the best shoes to wear with this outfit e.g. courts, open-toe heeled sandals colour of shoes as well?

Thanks,

M J

Dear M J,

White, like black is an extremely versitile colour. There are very few colours you can't wear with white. The only colour not to wear under a white suit, is white. The 'Angelic-Look' is best kept for nativity plays and brides. You have lots of options based on what's in at the moment.

A great look is to wear contrasting ultra bright colours in your top and accessories such as yellow, green, postbox red, electric blue, orange and purple. Try a one colour or multi-coloured print low necked top with contrasting coloured sandals and bag.
For a more muted, fresh look try a light floral or polka dot print shirt. This can be a smart or casual look depending on your shoes. Go with flat sandals or flip-flops with a large straw beach bag for a relaxed feel. Alternatively wear peep-toe heeled shoes with a box style purse for a ladies-who-lunch look. For a formal occasion or business affair a black halter top with gold or silver accessories is classic and elegant.

I find scarves with a suit can look a little too stuffy. It can just look like the female version of the suit and tie. If you're going to draw attention to the neck try a stand out piece of jewelry instead such as a bronze or silver torque.
In terms of style and colour of shoes, you can really get away with anything these days with suit trousers. If I had to advise you to make a single purchase to wear anywhere with a white suit it would be brown leather, wood-soled wedge sandals. They're comfortable, can be coordinated with brights, monotones and metallics and give a great line with trousers.
Always with white, wear with a sunkissed glow and keep make-up minimal and natural.
Enjoy the summer!
The Style Counsellor

All dressed up and no shoes to go

Dear Style Counsellor,
Its coming up to my 21st birthday. I've got a gorgeous outfit together to celebrate my coming of age and all thats missing is a pair of shoes to set the outfit off. I have bought a mid-blue pencil skirt with off white polka dots, an off-white off-the-shoulder plain top and a broad mid-blue belt. I have a cute little mid blue clutch bag with off-white detail and nice chunky blue necklace. I have looked everywhere for a pair off shoes but cant find any that stand out to me. I want something that I'll wear again, and I don't have a big budget as I'm a bit of a poor student! My max would be £50-60.
I would really appreciate a bit of guidance and some leads to my pair of birthday shoes.
PLEASE HELP
Alex

Dear Alex,
This Fifties-style look is a party favourite. I like your choice of blue, instead of the ubiquitous black, red and white generally associated with this look. I think that the reason you've had trouble finding shoes is over-matching. This is something we all do, as a result of wearing too much black. I think you could introduce a contrasing tone to draw the eye to a total-look, head to toe.
I recommend a pair of red peep-toe heels. These will fit perfectly with this shapely silhouette. There are plenty of high street stores stocking this style of shoe at the moment but make sure you shop around to get the fit and comfort you need for a long night on your feet. The last thing you want is to look fabulous only to spend all night looking for reasons to sit down. Barratts shoes are a great compromise for price and quality. They have a beautiful pair of red, sling-back heels with a bow detail (very Betty Boop). This is a classic style shoe which can be teamed with capri pants, skinny jeans, big skirts and city shorts.
Finally try to add a dash of contrast to your outfit..red lipstick. This will offer some balance to the matched blue and white. A word of warning! Go easy on the eye make-up with red lipstick. All you need is a thin, black eyeline on the upper lids, black mascara and a touch of bronzer.
Well Alex, good luck on your big night. You only need one more thing to make this outfit a show stopper...wear it with Fifties diva attitude (see Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani for waist hugging poses)!
The Style Counsellor

Coat Length Dilemma

Dear Style Counsellor,
My dress coat is about 1 to 2 inches shorter than my dress. Is this a big mistake or is this acceptable?
Ann

Dear Ann,
Playing with layers and lengths is perfectly acceptable. I have recently worn to a wedding a black A-Line dress with a floral-print coat 2 inches shorter. I was initially worried but in fact I think it showed off more of the style of the dress in the photos! You can send me a photo of the dress and coat together for my opinion if you dare!!
The Style Counsellor

Bargain Hunter's New York Shopping Tips

Research is a must when planning your first New York shopping experience. It's an amazing city but a sizeable one for the first-time visitor.

Walk everywhere you can. Wear comfortable shoes and get a good street map. It's very difficult to get lost and walking exercise makes those post-retail drinks and nibbles more deserving (and guilt-free!!). Also if you take the subway you miss out on a Style Counsellor travel must: Accidental Tourism (chancing upon landmarks and other attractions while actually shopping or bar hunting!). If you're tired or in heels, just take a cab. There are tons of yellow cabs in New York and they're super cheap!!

No bargain hunter's visit to New York would be justified without hitting Century 21. This is known as New York's best kept shopping secret. Perfect for the rummager, this shop has designer clothes and accessories reduced by 25 - 75%! Century 21 stocks actual, known designer names (not like those promised at TK Maxx). Go to www.c21stores.com/nyc for addresses, opening hours and directions.

Depending on when your trip is, check out www.billiondollarbabes.com to see if there's a New York sale on. There are 3 sales per year, attracting bargain hunters, fashionistas and VIPs. It's easy to register for an invite and this is THE designer sale with up to 80% off retail prices on designers such as Diane Von Furstenburg, Tocca and Goldhawk.

There are so many vintage shops in New York, here's a link to a useful guide: www.ehow.com. This guide advises on which districts to go to, when to go and haggling etiquette.

No shopping trip would be complete without window shopping on the infamous 5th Avenue. Stroll along to see all the big names such as Tiffany & Co., Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton to name but a few. You'll also find Nine West, Sephora and Banana Republic for the more modest budget.

Hope these tips were useful, so go have a great trip and shop your ass off!!

Ethnic Accessories

Dear Style Counsellor,
I've just bought a top but i've no idea what would go with it, i'm trying to go for that unique look. What kind of shoes would go with it?

Thanks,
Jenna


Dear Jenna,
Use this ethnic print top to create a cool, summer look. Here's some tips to pull off the look. The ethnic print is loud, so match with natural material accessories such as wood, bronze, gold and leather. Try some brown leather strappy sandals. You could go for cork or wood in a wedge or flat sandal.

You can bring out the red and yellows in the top with wooden bangles or beads. Also try bronze or gold bangles, torque or disk earrings. You can mix up the wood and metal accessories but be careful not to overdo it (in this case, less is more)!!

Remember the best accessory you can have with this look is sun-kissed skin.
Good luck!
The Style Counsellor

Back to Basics

We all love fashion. Maybe we see ourselves as some measure of a fashionista (GO my inner SJP). Unfortunately we tend to get caught up in the whirlwind of seasons and trends and forget about our basics. Without these wardrobe staples there is nothing but costume. Time and time again we buy the most beautiful, delicate, impossibly NOW items with no attention to what's going on in the background.

A well maintained capsule wardrobe will serve from season to season and save us from the fashion victim inside us all. Well, no time like the present for a bit of wardrobe housekeeping (and renovating if necessary!!).

Every well maintained wardrobe needs:
Blazers black, navy, brown, or white
Black/navy shift dress
Black evening dress
Black skirt (pencil, a-line)
Black trousers
Jeans
Vests (spaghetti strap, racer-back) white, black & your tones
T-shirts (long fit) white, black and your fave tones
Thin knits (v-neck, crew-neck, cardigan, polo-neck) black & your tones
Evening tops (sequinned, silk, jersey)
Fitted shirts (cotton, silk) black, white, printed

Regardless of season keep an eye out for these essentials. As we all know it's not every season we find the perfect little black dress, the timeless white shirt, forgiving t-shirts and jeans that don't give in to muffin-top over-hang.

Here's some tips:
Look outside of your comfort zone in size, length & layering
Be adventurous in your choice of store..even though you're 20 you'll still find essentials in M&S (likewise just because you're 35, doesn't mean you can't look in Topshop)
When you find one of your wardrobe essentials, for God's sake bulk buy (within reason). T-shirts, shirts, vests etc buy 6. Trousers, jeans, skirts, dresses etc buy 2.
Don't be intimidated by designer stores. It is worth it if you can budget for it. Think Ralph Lauren.

If you manage the capsule wardrobe you can be confidently seasonal and finally get down to really building that bag and shoe collection!

Feel free to ask for advise on what's out there now for your budget and needs.