Personal stylists share their best fashion advice

“The key to having great style is to buy things that fit you properly (or have them altered by a tailor). If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is if you have to adjust it more than once while you’re trying it on, then it’s not for you. It should feel comfortable.” – Lindsay Narain, designer.

“Remember how in The Devil Wears Prada, the editor always wore a single white Hermes scarf as her signature piece? What’s your version of this? No matter how traditional or fashion forward you like to be, have a think about what pieces you really gravitate to and make it your signature style. It doesn’t have to be a scarf. Consider brightly coloured shoes, men’s-style watches, or classic shirts.” – Narain

Tip: an easy way to try this bold move is with accessories and jewellery – like adding a dash of unique character with a headband or a statement band to your Apple Watch.

“As a male model, I’ve learned this the hard way. Even when I see something really eye-catching, if it’s the last one and it’s not my size, I still have to pass. I used to impulsively buy things because they were the last one and I thought I could make it work. But you can’t fix it if the fit is wrong.” – Michael Freeby, model and fashion photographer.

Tip: opt for confidence-boosting shapewear as part of your daily fashion routine.

Read on for the sneaky fashion tricks to look 5 kilos thinner.

“‘Fashion’ is the tangible clothes, the ones you see in stores, in magazines, and on celebrities. Style, however, is intangible. Style is how you take the fashion and interpret it into an outfit or look that makes you feel like you. It’s not all about the fashion or trends, but rather about accepting yourself, working with what flatters your figure, finding what tickles your fancy, and wearing what makes you confident.” –  Laurie Brucker, image consultant, personal stylist, and speaker.

“Dress to show off your favourite areas and not to hide the ones you don’t love. We all have trouble areas, so choosing your outfit based on hiding behind your clothes is negative. Instead, focus on the areas you love, then dress them accordingly. Not only will you look great, but it will also help you appreciate the good things about your body instead of worrying about the ‘problems.’” – Brucker

“As a size 14 myself, I have loved seeing the emergence of plus-sized women in fashion who have completely shattered expectations and rules over the last few years. Their confidence shines through in every photograph, and they don’t listen to silly rules about what ‘curvy’ girls can and can’t wear. They just wear what they love.” – Alison Jimenez, stylist and blogger.

Check out these fashion rules you should know by the time you’re 40.

“You can wear the same jeans every day and the world’s cheapest T-shirts, but when they’re paired with high-end, quality accessories, the look is instantly elevated. Look for better-quality materials like real leather handbags that last for years and genuine solid metal jewellery instead of just silver or gold coatings in a bid to save cash. Bags, shoes, and jewellery should be style staples you expect to keep in your wardrobe for years at a time, so don’t be afraid to splurge a little on important pieces.” – Astar Davidson, fashion merchandising expert.

“Are you a boho gal who loves kale salads, yoga sessions, and beaded jewellery? Or are you a preppy woman who has a penchant for stripes? Ask yourself what image you want to project and how you would want people to describe you based on first impressions. The truth is they are already thinking something about you when they meet you, so make sure it’s what you want!”  – Christina-Lauren Pollack, fashion expert and editor.

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Source: RD.com