iris personal styling

Ever tried to explain why one item of clothing looks contemporary even fashionable as a pose to outdated, frumpy? sometimes its just down to the fabric, pattern or detailing rather than the shape of the garment. Some pieces we can quickly identify as trendy because these are the shapes and colours of the season we see in the press and at the fronts of the shops but once you move on and want to put more stable items in your wardrobe you need to know that they will stay looking contemporary for many seasons. There are some ways of transcending the whole fashion thing by choosing a style which overrides these issues. Look at Vivienne Westwood or Marni.

However if your style is a bit more classical but you want to keep looking up to date and aware the nuances of design is a little more tricky. Here's some rules that might help!

* Choose distinct colours not washed out or dull, tonal colours ooze more class and tend to look more expensive than one dimensional colours. Little liscence required with this for the current neutrals trend.

* Choose geometric patterns, if florals make them clean and clear not too pretty pretty.

* Go for simplicity of design and quality finish above complicated details and embellishments which you can easily get wrong or look cheap.

* Avoid labels and logos, making it obvious won't compensate for style.

* Make jewellery bold and distinctive it can change any outfit from frumpy to fashionable

* Pay attention to footwear and bags, changing acessories can update your whole look, wear the most fashionable trousers and all is lost if you shoes say Grandma!

Any questions email me at gill@irispersonalstyling.co.uk and find my website atirispersonalstyling.co.uk where you can sign up to my newsletters, twitter and magazine.

Best wishes Gill