With the plethora of style advice available on the market, most women have a few tricks up their sleeves for making the best of themselves. Here are seven common style tips, examined in more detail to dispel some of the myths behind them.
Everyone Can Wear Black
False: Although black is the most versatile and most slimming color to wear for many women, it does not flatter some complexions. Wearing black close to the neck and face can be unforgiving against pale complexions and makes olive skin appear sallow. In this instance, a color one tone away (such as charcoal or navy) works better. However, anyone can wear black on the bottom half.
Black Should Not be Worn at a Wedding
False: These days black need not be a taboo color to wear at a wedding. It can be considered stylish rather than bad luck, but it is advisable to check with the happy couple first. If in doubt, a monochrome outfit is a good way to go. White is best avoided, though, so as not to compete with the bride.
Horizontal Stripes are Fattening
False: Recent research carried out by the UK’s York University has shown that horizontal stripes can actually have a slimming effect. Two hundred images were compared of women wearing outfits with horizontal or vertical stripes. Those ladies wearing horizontal stripes were judged to be slimmer-looking by a margin of 6%. Vertical narrow stripes, not set too close together, will also make women look slimmer as the eye travels from head to toe. However, wider vertical stripes can create the illusion of width.
Bags and Shoes Should Match
False: Gone are the days when it was de rigueur to coordinate bags and shoes. Nowadays anything goes; it is a matter of personal choice, although for a wedding it is more traditional and polished look. To make an up-to-the-minute style statement, match a bag to clothing rather than a pair of shoes.
Spend All Your Money on Classics
False: While a capsule wardrobe of some great investment pieces are fashion staples it is also important to update these in relation to trends. A jacket with wide lapels or accentuated shoulder pads may now look outdated, or a hemline on a little black dress may show its age by being the wrong length. Classic pieces do need to be updated and they can be given a trendy lift with some accessories in the colors and style of the moment. It is unwise to binge on fast-fashion that will only last a season, fashion-savvy women will go for longer-life pieces which are fashionable but are likely to transcend several seasons.
Baggy Clothes Will Hide Unwanted Curves
False: Contrary to popular belief, dressing like a sack of potatoes will not necessarily hide figure flaws. In many cases it will accentuate them, and will make a larger-than-average woman look bigger than she actually is. Clothes that are too loose can kill a figure. Wearing outfits that skim the body rather than drown it are actually more flattering as they create a slimmer silhouette.
One-Color Dressing Makes Women Look Taller
True: Creating an all-in-one look by wearing a single color will make a woman look taller. Block color can be very slimming too, especially if in a dark hue. Nude colored shoes are great leg lengtheners too.
Remember that style tips are useful guidelines but it pays to experiment to see what works best for each individual, taking into consideration their figure, skin tone and height.
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