Style tips

To tuck or not to tuck

/ edebock / 2 Comments

logo-by-samRecently, a reader commenting on one of the fashion blogs that I follow suggested that the blogger consider tucking in her blouse because, in her words, it would reduce the “frump factor”. The blogger took exception to being told that she looked frumpy and responded by devoting part of her next post to the topic. She pointed out that tucking tops in doesn’t necessarily work for everyone and that many very stylish women choose not to tuck. That post resulted in a lengthy discussion amongst her readers and inspired me to write today’s post. So, with apologies to Shakespeare, to tuck or not to tuck, that is the question!

I very rarely tuck my tops in. The quality of the photos isn’t great, but I’ll let them speak for themselves. This is just a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit that I’d wear around home, but I think it’s sufficient to make my point. 

For me, to tuck or not to tuck has a lot to do with body type. I’m tall and thin, but I have a boyish figure with a wide waist and narrow hips. To top that off, as is true of most women who are midlife or beyond, I have some extra me around the middle. Leaving my top untucked tricks the eye and makes that less noticeable. To see what I mean, look at the line between my t-shirt and pants in the photos. When my top is tucked in, your eye is drawn to my waist, the area that I don’t want to emphasize, but leaving it untucked draws your attention away from that area. An important key to making this work is to choose a top that drifts over the body instead of clinging to it and showing every bulge. 

When I do tuck in my top, I usually wear a third piece over it as I’m doing in this photo from a recent post. This actually has a narrowing effect as only a small portion of the line between my top and pants shows.

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When it comes down to it though, to tuck or not to tuck is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer. That’s why we call it “personal” style. 

25 style tips that every woman should know

/ edebock / 2 Comments

LogoHave you ever noticed that some women always look polished and put-together? What is it that makes them look that way? Who doesn’t want to look fabulous every time she steps out of the house? Today I’m sharing 25 style tips that every woman should know. Tips that work regardless of size, age, budget, or taste.

1.  Use a lint roller to remove lint, hair, and other small fibres from your clothes. This is especially important if you have pets!

2.  Similarly, make sure you have a fabric shaver to remove fuzz and pills from sweaters.

3.  Invest in a good quality iron with a range of settings; one that can get out the toughest wrinkles but is also gentle enough to use on delicate fabrics.

4.  Even if you’re not a seamstress, have a basic sewing kit on hand and know how to use it to sew on a button, tack up a hem, or do a minor repair.

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5.  Make sure that your shoes and boots are clean and/or polished.

6.  Use empty wine bottles or rolled up newspapers to keep tall boots standing upright when you’re not wearing them.

7.  Declutter and organize your closet. Hang what needs to be hung in neat categories and fold the rest. You won’t wear what you can’t see.

8.  Read labels when you shop. Pay particular attention to washing or cleaning instructions. If an item requires hand-washing or dry-cleaning, don’t buy it unless you know that you’ll give it the care it needs.

9.  Be a strategic shopper. Keep a wish list of specific gaps in your wardrobe to prevent impulse buys that you’ll regret later.

10.  Remember that a bargain is only a bargain if you’re actually going to wear it. Don’t buy it unless you love it.

11.  Dress up a little when you go shopping. This tends to result in better customer service.

12.  Put the majority of your fashion dollars into good quality basics. Have fun with trends, but don’t fill your closet with them as most won’t last long.

13.  Check the rear view. Use a 3 way mirror when you’re shopping for clothes and check your back before you leave home. Every angle matters!

14.  Wearing white? Check it in the light. White clothes tend to look more see-through in daylight, so check in bright light to make sure you’re not revealing something that you’d rather keep hidden.

15.  Make sure your clothes fit properly.

16.  Don’t prioritize fashion over comfort. If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll probably look uncomfortable.

17.  Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. For tips on how to do that successfully, check out this post.

18.  Think about balance. Your top and bottom should complement one another. Pair a loose skirt or wide-legged pants with a fitted or cropped top. Wear skinny jeans or leggings with a looser, longer top.

19.  Remember, leggings are not pants! Unless you’re wearing them strictly as exercise wear, pair them with longer tops, tunics and oversized cardigans that cover your butt.

20.  Accessorize! Accessories are the finishing touches that can take an outfit from drab to dramatic.

21.  Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

22.  Know which colours suit your skin tone. Wear those colours close to your face.

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23.  Know your personal style. This post explains how to use Pinterest to help you identify yours.

24.  Think about what you want your outfit to say about you. For help in choosing and using your own style adjectives, read this post.

25.  Remember, age is just a number! Regardless of how young or old you are, embrace the styles that make you feel good.

If you have questions about any of these tips or would like to add some of your own, please use the comment section below.