1. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
DRESS FOR YOUR LIFE
BODY SHAPES SKIN TONES WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
2. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
BODY SHAPES
Most women fall into one or a mixture of the main body shapes.
Here we explore the most common body shapes:
3. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
• Tummy larger than bust
• No waist
• Generous top thigh
Recommendations:
Tops that fit under the bust
(typically with a band) that
fall straight and/or V-neck.
Full skirts, tailored trousers,
jackets with waist definition,
wedges.
APPLE SHAPE
4. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
TOPS FOR APPLE SHAPE
5. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
BOTTOMS FOR APPLE SHAPE
6. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
• Larger bottom and legs
• Long waist
• Small bust
Recommendations:
A-line skirts, wide leg pants,
embellished tops, statement
jewellery, darker colours on
the bottom, wrap or
strapless A-line dresses,
puffy sleeved tops to
“balance” out hips.
PEAR SHAPE
7. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
TOPS FOR PEAR SHAPE
8. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
BOTTOMS FOR PEAR SHAPE
9. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
• Well proportioned
• Defined waist
• Generous bust and thighs
Recommendations:
Highlight your defined waist
with dresses and skirts with
waist features, V-neck tops
and knits, straight or flare
legged pants, all skirts that
begin at the waist and
anything belted at the waist.
HOURGLASS SHAPE
10. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
TOPS FOR HOURGLASS SHAPE
11. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
BOTTOMS FOR HOURGLASS SHAPE
12. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
• No waist
• Larger thighs and calves
• Broad shoulders
Recommendations:
Empire line tops, dresses
and coats, draping tops,
soft feminine skirts to
soften shape, wrap
dresses, round necklines
with embellishments,
chunky heels.
RECTANGLE SHAPE
13. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
TOPS FOR RECTANGLE SHAPE
14. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
BOTTOMS FOR RECTANGLE SHAPE
15. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
SKIN TONES
16. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
COLOURS FOR COOL TONES
17. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
COLOURS FOR WARM TONES
18. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
19. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
There are several essentials that most women should own for their wardrobe
“that work.”
WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
These include:
• Crisp white shirts
• Timeless trench:
Black or neutral
• Little black dress:
One that can be dressed up or
down & flatters your figure
• Classic black pant
• Patent heel
• Comfortable ballet flats
• Sunglasses:
Must suit your face shape
• A comfortable pair of jeans:
Must suit your body shape
• Basic t-shirts
• Well tailored blazer
• Thick strap singlets:
White, Grey and Black
• Delicate knit:
Most commonly a cardigan
• Jewelry that illustrates
your personality
• Preferably at least 2 “day time” bags:
Black and neutral
• Evening bag:
Black never dates
• Winter boots:
Preferably a flat pair and a heeled pair
20. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
SAVE ON TRENDS
21. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
SPLURGE ON CLASSICS
22. Dress For Your Life Media Presentation July 2015– Lenya Jones – Fashion Stylist
QUESTION TIME
Editor's Notes
Introduce myself – Fashion & Personal Stylist, Net-a-Porter Addict, Normcore enthusiast, Wine Lover, Star Wars Next Gen BBT Geek and Dog Lover
We are going to begin with the basics, your body shape, skin tones and then talk about the essentials you should have in wardrobe and what to save and splurge your money on.
There are basically 4 different body shapes and all women fall into one or two of these shapes. It’s important to understand your body type. This will help you to find clothing that will suit your shape and make the most of your assets.
Apple shapes usually have a tummy that is larger than their bust, no defining waistline and have generous thighs.
As you see here, tops that fit under the bust look better. Depending on your bust you can wear straight or V-neck tops. Full skirts, tailored trousers and jackets help to give you a waist.
My other suggestion is to wear heels, they don’t have to be high, but they should be elegant.
Find tops that will help create a more defined waist and accentuate your shoulders and bust. Look for:
Tops with nipped or belted waists.
Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
Tops that are full, rushed or flowing around the bust.
Square or scoop neck button downs that are nipped-in at the waist and flare at the bottom will help create the illusion of a more defined waist.
Choose tops with wrap-style busts and an empire waist. Fabric should gently skim away from the body below the waistline. Princess or flutter sleeves will further balance your figure.
Choose tailored wrap tops or tunics with belted waists that skim over your tummy and bottom.
Choose shirts with wide necklines, full sleeves and draped fabric with a low, banded waist. Strapless versions of this top are also flattering.
Look for strapless or off-the-shoulder tops with an empire waist and fabric that skims the body below the waist.
Choose jackets with full or structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist. Draw attention to your bust with pockets or details. Stay away from lower pockets.
Look for bottoms that lean and lengthen your lower half:
Choose dark colored bottoms.
Choose pants with simple back and hip pockets.
Lightly gathered or A-line skirts that skim your figure.
Straight skirts that fall from the widest part of your hip.
Pants with legs that fall straight from the widest part of your hip.
Simple, dark colored slacks with no (or minimal) pockets. Choose relaxed fits that fall from the widest part of your hip. Avoid tapered or super-wide legs.
Choose boot cut or trouser cut jeans that fall straight from the widest part of the hip. Stick with uniform dark washes and simple back pockets.
Straight skirts that fall from the widest part of your hip are flattering when paired with a shirt that de-emphasizes your tummy. Add interest and a slimming effect with vertical seaming.
Choose lightly gathered or A-line skirts that skim your bottom without adding volume.
As noted, Pear shapes are larger on the bottom and legs with long waists and small busts.
A-line skirts, wide leg pants and jeans, which are so in right now. Embellished tops to draw attention to your bust, statement jewels, especially necklaces which are all very in at the moment. Darker bottoms slim and conceal the larger part of your body and help to balance your shape.
When dressing a pear body type, look for tops that will will help balance your lower half while accentuating your defined waist:
Tops with nipped or fitted waists.
Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
Bright colors and bold patterns.
Billowy tops that add volume to the bust with a snug fitting waist. Add flutter or princess sleeves for a more dramatic effect.
Shirts with a fitted waist, and embellishments around the bust and shoulders to balance your lower half.
Find dress shirts with structured or princess shoulders and a darted waist.
Wear wrap shirts that emphasize your small waist with full or structured shoulders and a wide neckline. Wear a padded bra for an enhanced effect.
Jackets with full or structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist in hip-length. Draw attention to your bust with pockets or details. Stay away from lower pockets.
Off the shoulder shirts or shirts with wide necklines and a fitted or nipped-in waist will widen and draw attention to your slim shoulders and emphasize your small waist.
To dress a pear body type, look for bottoms that will minimize your lower half:
Lightly gathered skirts that skim your body without adding volume.
Avoid details such as whiskering and embellished pockets.
Pants that fall straight from the widest part of your hip.
A-Line skirts.
Darker colors, clean lines and simple stitching.
A-line skirts that gently skim your body help to de-emphasize your bottom.
Look for lightly gathered skirts that skim your bottom without adding volume.
Simple, dark colored slacks with no (or minimal) pockets with a mid-rise waist. Choose relaxed fits that fall straight down from the widest part of your hip.
Dark washed, boot-cut or trouser-cut jeans that fall straight down from the widest part of your hip. Avoid whiskering and embellished or small rear pockets.
Hourglass shapes have defined waists and are equally generous on the bust and thighs.
These lucky ladies can wear just about anything as shown here. Anything belted or with a defined waist is a great option for this body shape.
Look for tops that will accentuate your waist and maintain the balanced look of your figure. Look for:
Belted tops.
Tops with banding or nipping at the waist.
Form-fitting tops.
Wrap-style tops.
Tailored shirts and jackets.
Your figure was made for form hugging tops. You can further enhance your waist by adding a belt to basic tops (tube tops, knit tops, sleeveless tops, etc.).
Tops with that add volume to the bust and shoulders with a snug fitting empire waist create a dramatic hourglass effect when paired with a proportionally voluminous bottom.
Wrap-style tops accentuate your waist and enhance your hourglass figure.
Flowing tops that are banded at the waist, showing off your amazing curves, create a dramatic hourglass effect.
Wear fitted dress shirts with darted waists that conform to your natural shape. Stay away from boxy styles.
Choose either form-fitting jackets or jackets that nip in at the waist with a flare at the hip. The flare should be balanced with a structured or princess shoulder.
Lucky you! You can wear most any bottoms as long as you pair them with the proper top. Try the following:
High-waisted pants and pencil skirts.
Boot cut & straight leg pants.
Skirts that will show off your great legs.
Skinny jeans and pants paired with a balanced top.
Cargos or flap pocket jeans paired with a balanced top.
Pants with wide waistband are very flattering on your body type. Pair straight-leg pants with a form skimming top or cargos with a fuller top to maintain your hourglass proportions.
Wear skinny jeans with banded, belted or not-to-tight body skimming tops. Boot cut jeans look good with most any of our recommended tops.
Figure skimming and pencil skirts of all lengths look good on your figure. High-waisted skirts are particularly flattering. Add a flounce around the bottom to balance fuller tops and jackets.
Full skirts are flattering when paired with a top that adds fullness to your bust and shoulders while accentuating your waist. This look creates a very dramatic hourglass effect.
Rectangle shaped ladies, while usually being thin usually have larger thighs and calves with broad shoulders which can pose a problem with looking feminine.
Empire line tops, dresses and coats are good. Soft trends like the lace trend and lady like silhouettes are also recommended.
Look for tops that will add curves to your upper half and create a more defined waist:
Tops with nipped or belted waists.
Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
Tops that are full, rushed or flowing around the bust.
Find tops with belted or gathered waists with fullness around the bust and hips.
Off the shoulder shirts and wide necklines will lengthen your shoulders and create the illusion of a smaller waist. Enhance the effect with a wide belt and padded bra.
Flowing tops with draping in the body and sleeves and a wide banded waist help create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Billowy tops that add volume to the bust with a snug fitting waist. Add flutter or princess sleeves for a more dramatic effect.
Shirts with a fitted waist and embellishments around the bust and shoulders will give you a more curvaceous appearance.
Jackets with full or structured shoulders and a nipped-in or belted waist. Draw attention to your bust with pockets or details. Choose a jacket with a pocketed or flared bottom.
Look for bottoms that add curves to your lower half while creating an hourglass effect:
Go for details such as whiskering, embellished pockets & flap pockets.
Cargo or safari pants with pronounced hip and rear pockets.
Pants with full or moderately flared legs.
Full, tiered or bubble skirts.
Mid to low-rise waists with wide waistbands.
Choose pants with a wide waist band and full or slightly flared legs. Flap rear pockets, pronounced hip pockets and cargo pockets will add curves to your lower half.
Choose boot cut or flared jeans with a low to mid rise waist. Whiskering at the hips will add the illusion of curvier hips and flap-type back pockets will add fullness to your bottom.
Choose full, tiered, or bubble skirts of any length. Pair with shirts that provide an equal amount of volume to your bust and shoulders to create an hourglass effect.
Find skirts with details, seaming or pockets that add the illusion of curves to your hips.
Knowing if you are cool or warm toned can help with choosing the colours your purchase for your clothes and make up
Now lets talk about the main items your should have in your wardrobe to get through most occasions. These essentials are also the items that should be allocated the majority of your fashion budget
Lots of white shirts, a good pair of jeans, a good fitted blazer and a pair of patent leather pumps can see you through almost every occasion from casual lunches to a night out. Just change your accessories and your are ready to go from day to night.
These items on this list are the things that should be the most expensive items you buy. They are timeless, will never go out of style and can be worn whether your 20 or 80 years of age.
Now some trends you will be able to convert into classics for your wardrobe. Some trends just work with your body shape. Like the lace trend with the rectangle shape or the ballerina trend with the apple shape or the wide leg jeans and pants with the pear shape.
My advice is to try the trend out first with a cheaper mass market brand like Zara or Topshop and see how it works for you. If you find that you are wearing that trend a lot and it works for your lifestyle and bodyshape then purchase a better quality item in that trend so it will last longer in your wardrobe.
The top trends for 2015 are:
Khaki, Hippy Deluxe, Jumpsuits, Romantic Lace, Kimono, Nautical, Ballerina, Mix and Match, sheer, contrasting prints, pop art
There is a reason that this picture is named French Dressing 12 Essentials. French woman have a certain effortless way of dressing that is very chic and timeless. They always look classy and expensive even if they are wearing a paper dress. The secret is that they have a very small but expensive wardrobe. They make sure that they tailor every piece of clothing so it fits perfectly. Even a blazer that was bought of the rack is taken to the tailor so that it can fit perfectly.
The pieces outlined above are the basics, the most important are the trench coat, the handbag, the blazer and the jeans. These items should be good quality items. And good quality doesn’t mean insanely expensive, it just means good quality. Buy the highest quality you can afford. Witchery and Country Road make fantastic quality items that are classic and can work into your wardrobe.
The one thing that you should always splurge are your shoes and handbags. Good quality shoes are important because they will be made well and won’t hurt your feet. And a good matching handbag will around for ages.
