Style Fashion Guides
Ten Style Commandments
The secret's out... here are the ten style rules that make the fashion world go round. Heed our advice and live fabulously ever after.
1. Accessories: less = more
Take one pair of denims and a plain white vest. Now add Dior wraparounds and Prada tote and it completely transforms the look. The trick with accessorising is not to overdo it. Coleen McLoughlin is a huge fan of sunnies, but she knows that combining big earrings and necklaces à la Vicky Pollard equals accessory overkill. The right shoes will make (or break) your outfit (remember the meedja furore over Theresa May's leopard-print heels at the Conservative Party conference?) Read Let's Accessorise for more ideas.
2. Money can't buy you taste
Who will ever forget the sight of Daniella Westbrook clad head-to-toe in Burberry check? It's clichéd but true - you don't have to flash the cash to be stylish. Victoria Beckham loves Gap Kids jumpers and Kate Moss owns Top Shop vests in every single colour. See Chic on the Cheap for shopping that's more Primark than Prada.
3. Keep it classic
Timeless classics will never go out of fashion. Whether it's a plain white T-shirt from Gap or your favourite pair of battered Levis, these are style staples that look great season after season. In terms of investment pieces think Chanel suit, Hermes bag, string of pearls, classic black D&G dress... your wardrobe becomes the stuff of heirlooms - your daughter will thank you for it!
4. Keep something back
Unless Jodie Marsh is your personal style icon, don't let it all hang out. If you're wearing a top that reveals lots of cleavage, cover your legs. Equally, if you're wearing a mini, wear it with a loose-fitting top. There are obvious exceptions to this rule, such as a show-stopping Julien McDonald evening gown, but as a general rule it's best to leave a little to the imagination. And remember, sexy never ever cuts it in the workplace.
5. Good fit
A bra that's too small will distort your shape with cleavage overspill and pads of back fat. Trousers that are too tight will create the dreaded camel's hoof and a muffin-middle. Harsh, but true. Narciso Rodriguez, designer to the stars, has just one fashion rule: 'the thing must fit - I can only take it to a certain point and then the wearer has to make sure it fits perfectly.' Show Off Your Shape has advice on dressing to flatter your figure.
Take one pair of denims and a plain white vest. Now add Dior wraparounds and Prada tote and it completely transforms the look. The trick with accessorising is not to overdo it. Coleen McLoughlin is a huge fan of sunnies, but she knows that combining big earrings and necklaces à la Vicky Pollard equals accessory overkill. The right shoes will make (or break) your outfit (remember the meedja furore over Theresa May's leopard-print heels at the Conservative Party conference?) Read Let's Accessorise for more ideas.
2. Money can't buy you taste
Who will ever forget the sight of Daniella Westbrook clad head-to-toe in Burberry check? It's clichéd but true - you don't have to flash the cash to be stylish. Victoria Beckham loves Gap Kids jumpers and Kate Moss owns Top Shop vests in every single colour. See Chic on the Cheap for shopping that's more Primark than Prada.
3. Keep it classic
Timeless classics will never go out of fashion. Whether it's a plain white T-shirt from Gap or your favourite pair of battered Levis, these are style staples that look great season after season. In terms of investment pieces think Chanel suit, Hermes bag, string of pearls, classic black D&G dress... your wardrobe becomes the stuff of heirlooms - your daughter will thank you for it!
4. Keep something back
Unless Jodie Marsh is your personal style icon, don't let it all hang out. If you're wearing a top that reveals lots of cleavage, cover your legs. Equally, if you're wearing a mini, wear it with a loose-fitting top. There are obvious exceptions to this rule, such as a show-stopping Julien McDonald evening gown, but as a general rule it's best to leave a little to the imagination. And remember, sexy never ever cuts it in the workplace.
5. Good fit
A bra that's too small will distort your shape with cleavage overspill and pads of back fat. Trousers that are too tight will create the dreaded camel's hoof and a muffin-middle. Harsh, but true. Narciso Rodriguez, designer to the stars, has just one fashion rule: 'the thing must fit - I can only take it to a certain point and then the wearer has to make sure it fits perfectly.' Show Off Your Shape has advice on dressing to flatter your figure.
