Here I share wise words from one of my trusted advisors, image consultant, Anita Feron. I have personally used Anita’s services and she has helped me get my wardrobe in order, not to mention make it more colourful!
I asked Anita if she could help my readers on “How to Look Younger and Slimmer for the Party Season”. Her knowledge on fashion, body shapes and image astounds me!
So without further a due, Anita – please take the stage!
How to look younger and slimmer for the party season
With a hundred and one things to think about as the festive season fast approaches, let me help you look fabulous with my my top ten tips to look younger and slimmer for the party season.
1. It’s the shape and fit that matters
Never get hung up on size, it’s the shape and fit of your clothes that matters. If you wear clothes that are too tight, it will distort your body shape and make you bulge in all the wrong places. Wear clothes that are too big, you could make yourself look frumpy.
2. Underwear
Consider getting your bra size measured before investing in any new party wear. Over 90% of women wear the wrong size! Wearing the right size will improve your posture, define your bust, make you look curvier and boost your confidence. If you have a full bust, try a minimiser bra (great range at M&S) and lower necklines. Invest in some shape wear/spanx/magic underwear and remember to always go up a knicker size.
3. Wear more colour
As we get older, black can look too severe near the face, so consider other dark alternatives like charcoal, chocolate, mulberry, dark green and navy.
4. Jeans
Let’s face it, we all LOVE to wear jeans when we go out and the right fit should hug you in all the right places but not be too tight. If you are getting a ‘muffin’ top, it may suggest the waistband is too tight. Choose the lightest weight denim in the darkest colour for a flattering look. If you have flat hips and bottom, choose a pair of jeans with lots of detail on the waist and hips – it’ll make you look curvier. If you carry weight on your hips, avoid too much detail in this area.
5. Body-lengthening clothes
Everything should be body skimming and the most common misconception is that bigger clothes will make you look slimmer. Layer with lightweight fabrics (think long cardigans, scarves, necklaces) to build a body-lengthening look without the bulk. However, if you are petite (5ft 3” and below) avoid doing this.
6. Add some shimmer and shine
Consider jazzing up your day and evening outfits with light reflecting fabrics and accessories. For example, shiny fabrics like silks, polyesters, rayons, lurex and acetates are great worn with wools or cottons. Alternatively, opt for a shiny scarf or piece of statement jewellery.
7. Choose your fabrics carefully
The weight of fabric in your clothes is key at enhancing all your best ‘bits’ and detracting from other areas. If you have broad shoulders consider lighter fabrics worn layered on the top half. If you have fuller hips then keep the fabric lightweight and dark. If you have flat hips and bottom, consider more structured fabrics.
8. Bat wings
If you’re shy about exposing the top part of your arms, keep them under wraps with a lightweight cardigan, pashmina or jacket. Otherwise, opt for a style of top/dress that has chiffon on the arms – coverage without bulk.
9. Accentuate Your Waist
Show off your assets, especially your waist with a belt.
10. Shoes
Have fun! And remember the shorter the hemline, the lower the heel, otherwise, you will look tarty as opposed to chic. There is the mid-heel, between 1”-2” which looks elegant and sexy and is a comfortable heel height.
I hope you found Anita’s tips useful.
If you would like to receive more useful information from Anita, please visit her website www.feronclarkstyle.com.
As a special gift to you, Anita would like to offer a £35 gift voucher off any of her services. Please use code: DT/FCS2013 on booking.
BIOGRAPHY
Anita Feron Clark’s career spans 18 years in the fashion industry. Having graduated in business studies from Oxford Brookes University, she joined Marks & Spencer as a graduate trainee. For almost 12 years, Anita worked as a senior clothing buyer for M&S and Austin Reed. This experience allowed her to understand all aspects of clothing and the competitive sales-driven nature of the corporate retail environment. Anita established her image consultancy business, feron clark style, over five years ago – and it has gone from strength to strength.
Anita specialises in personal and corporate image coaching and management development. She has been trained by colour me beautiful – one of Europe’s leading image consultancies – and is a multi award-winning image consultant. Some of her corporate clients include Barclays Bank, Bank of America, The Tata Group, Warren House, L.K. Bennett and White Stuff.
Her presentation style gets across all of the important information in an easy-to-follow and memorable way, with lots of delegate participation. Alongside running her successful business, Anita lectures in fashion buying and merchandising at the prestigious London College of Fashion.
In the last five years, Anita has seen over 1,300 clients (men and women of all ages) from all walks of life. She has appeared on television, showcasing both her personal style and her home.
Being any incredibly busy woman, she juggles the demands of parenting with a successful career. Anita is often described as professional, friendly, organised and knowledgeable. Anita is the fashion editor for ‘essence’ magazine, Surrey’s premier monthly lifestyle publication, with 8,500 copies printed monthly. She has also helped over 15 schools, in the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames and Wandsworth, to raise much-needed school funds, by holding style evenings.