What is Givenchy really saying to us? The dress, or any garment for that matter, must flatter the body. Our body proportions take the lead when we get dressed AND when we shop to make the best of our natural assets.
It’s very liberating and reassuring to know that it’s NOT our bodies that need to change to fit the dress but that the dress must work for the body!
I love fashion and style as you know but let’s face it not everyone does. And whilst the endless options of colour, cuts, styles and textures is exciting for many of us it can be overwhelming too.
PLUS on top of this every season we are bombarded with the latest ‘must have’ items from magazines, brands and influencers to entice us to buy.
How do you approach shopping?
Are you like the kid in a candy store who wants EVERYTHING?!
Or, do you go into overwhelm and decide better the devil, or rather the pants, you know and make a sharp exit?
Or maybe you know exactly what you want and stay focused?
Most of us fall into the first two categories so you either end up with a wardrobe full of things that you don’t wear because a lot of the clothes don’t suit your body or your personal style. Or, you don’t buy anything and wear the same clothes as it’s easier and less confronting.
Fashion is exciting and it’s a beautiful way to express who we are BUT there is no such thing as a ‘must-have’ item or trend. When you shop the only ‘must have’ is buying what:
Suits your proportions
Expresses your personal style
And, what you NEED in your wardrobe
I really like to think of fashion as a candy store full of pick and mix sweets. Everything looks so pretty and sugary BUT deep down you know there are only a few sweets that are really for you and your tastebuds.
Fashion and style is EXACTLY the same! Everything is styled to look great on the models, influencers and in-store to create desire and entice you to buy. The reality (for most of us anyway) is that only a narrower selection of what’s on offer will suit you.
How to avoid being fashion’s victim
When you know your bodyshape and understand how to make the most of your assets it’s much easier to shop. Having this knowledge saves you time and money gives you more pleasure and most importantly, grows your self-confidence.
I back this 100%! Clothing is often written off as frivolous or superficial. However, we wear clothes everyday and they are essential. Why wear something that makes you feel a bit meh when you can use clothes as a tool to tap into your self-confidence?
When we wear clothing that fits well and flatters our body, not only do we look great on the outside but the clothes also help us feel great about ourselves on the inside. Put on the right outfit for your body and you can go from zero to 100 in an instant!
When we look for clothing that suits us i.e. we look with intention, it forces us to be mindful. When you dress with consideration for your body, the occasion, the season, etc. you naturally become more confident because you know that you have taken the time to select clothes that work for you. And that is very empowering.
Like anything, learning to dress for your bodyshape will take a little bit of practice.
I have had so many fashion and style fails over the years and have literally lost count of the number of times I have looked back and said to myself “what on earth was I thinking?!’
But it really is OK to make mistakes. If you don’t make any mistakes how will you learn? And besides, you also get to laugh at yourself with love too!
Shop with confidence
Here are my top three tips for shopping with confidence:
Stand in the mirror and look at your body with love – note the width of your shoulders, the size of your waist and the width of your hips.
What’s the relationship?
Now consider how your clothes influence your proportions
What is flattering your figure and what isn’t? Be armed with the knowledge when you shop
If you don’t feel great in something or are unsure – walk away! It’s your intuition telling you it isn’t right. Remember, there is always something better out there for you
Don’t fall into trends or what looks good on someone else. Consider will that item or outfit work for you – if so, try it on. If not, move on and find pieces that you know will work for your body
When you understand your body proportions and how to dress to flatter your best assets, shopping becomes a much easier experience. Almost instantly the options in front of you are edited because you know what neckline to choose, trouser style, colours, etc. you are looking for. This makes shopping, building your wardrobe and developing your personal style a much easier and more enjoyable project.
If you would like to learn more about how I can help you dress with confidence get in touch.
Love Rhi x