Style and fashion tips from Tim Gunn
Tide and Tim Gunn know that with so many different trends in fashion that keep changing from season to season, it can be hard to keep pace. But, you don't have to stress yourself out just to keep up. Truth is, you can express your own personal style and still be "trendy". It all starts with choosing the right clothing for your style sensibilities and your shape.
Tim on style staples:
There are certain items of clothing no woman should be without. They are like weapons in an arsenal that she can use to fend off the "what to wear" conundrum. Having a selection of staple garments makes getting dressed to the sevens effortless.
- White Button Shirt: There's a reason the white button-front shirt is so ubiquitous. It's inherently professional, and easy to dress up or down. Look for button-front shirts with darts at the bust or down the front. They'll make you look slim and sophisticated simultaneously.
- Cotton Sweater: A soft cotton sweater can take you from spring, through summer, and right into fall. And any neckline can work as a staple. V-necks draw the eye up to your neck and face. A turtleneck sweater can be chic or bohemian. And nothing says classic like a crew-neck or cardigan sweater. This is one of the most versatile style staples, as it looks as good on its own as it does layered. Try pairing a sleeveless button-front shirt under a V-neck sweater. On cool days, top it off with a fitted blazer.
- Jeans: At one point, denim was worn only by industrial workers. Today, it's omnipresent. Jeans can be paired with just about anything. A dark bootleg jean with a wrap top and sandals works well for a casual evening out. Lighter jeans paired with a t-shirt and blazer makes you look chic for a Saturday afternoon of errands—much more so than a pair of sweat pants. Look for jeans that flatter your figure and that fit comfortably. If going up a size means a full day of breathing easily, so be it. A woman who is at ease in her clothing is much more beautiful than one who is too constrained to draw a breath.
- Day Dress: Having at least one dress in your wardrobe that's appropriate for daytime is essential. Putting on a dress is a simple way to throw together an outfit that's inherently stylish, while requiring a minimum of fuss. The wrap dress is a perfect example of a day dress that works on just about anyone. It cinches the waist and draws attention up toward the neck and face. It's such a popular style that you'll find wrap dresses from just about every designer and retailer. Best of all, it goes seamlessly from day to night. Just add a pair of spiky high heels, a little extra lipstick, and you're ready for an evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing.
Tim on season trends:
Each season, new colors, silhouettes, and fabrics emerge in stores, all touted as the latest "must-have" styles. But if you pay attention from year to year, you'll notice certain patterns in the trends that are introduced each season. And if you look in your closet, you'll see iterations of the same styles that are appearing in stores.
- Trendy accessories: Trends in accessories tend to shift more dramatically than trends in clothing. So to update your wardrobe on the cheap, purchase trendy accessories at a discount store. You'll enjoy the use of them throughout the season, and avoid buyer's remorse if they don't come back into favor the following year. Best of all, accessories take up very little closet space.
- Style that suits your shape: Even if it seems that everyone is wearing a particular style one season, be sure to evaluate how it will work with your shape before committing to purchase it yourself. Skinny jeans, for example, just do not work on every figure. In fact, they work on very few figures. Wearing a style that is clearly meant for someone else's figure won't make you look chic. Embrace your own shape—it's beautiful! And adopt the trends that accentuate your best features. Part of looking your best is projecting an air of confidence and comfort in your clothing. So don't settle for trends that don't provide you with both.
- Trendy styles vs. your style: When a fashion magazine editor or retailer tells you something is stylish, feel free to disagree! There's no reason to adopt a style that doesn't align with your personal style sensibility. In fact, wearing clothing that is notably different from your everyday style will elicit unwanted attention. Who wants to answer questions about why you're suddenly sporting a rocker look when you've always been boho-chic? Think of what retailers and magazine editors put forth as suggestion only.
Remember, choose the right clothing that best suits your own style, sensibilities and shape. By doing that, you'll be on your way to dressing to the sevens every day. For more style tips from Tim Gunn, as well as to learn more about how new Tide® TotalCare™ helps reveal the seven signs of beautiful clothes visit: www.dresstothesevens.com.
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Style and fashion tips from Tim Gunn
