Angie on Fashion and Style - YouLookFab

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Twenty-Five Style Tips, Three Years Later

— by Angie

on July 15, 2021

For a few days I am republishing some posts that have been particularly popular on YLF. Today we are revisiting my top 25 style tips from three years ago. I think they are equally relevant today.

I’ve been in the fashion world for more than half of my life. I’ve learned so much and it makes me very happy to share my experience with others when it can help them on their style journey. Here are are my top style tips in no particular order.

Style is beyond size, age and body type. It’s an energy and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories.
An authentic style is one that’s manageable and makes you happy. It celebrates that style is PERSONAL, and emanates from the inside out.
Be patient and positive with your style. Relax into your style journey. Pat yourself on the back every time you get it right.
Dress the body you have right now. Don’t wait for some future version of yourself.
Create a column of colour when you’re after a streamlined and slender outfit effect.
Be mindful of how you wear black. It can look chic, dressy, slimming, hard-edged, strong and dramatic, but it can also look boring, harsh, flat and predictable.
Focus on fit, and not the size written on the clothing label.
A glowing smile, great posture, and happy eyes are the best accessories to an outfit.
Do not underestimate the importance of fabulous hair, killer eyewear, and excellent underwear. These are the areas of your style to analyze first when you’re in a style rut.
Don’t “compare and despair” by focussing on what others have and you don’t. Compete with the best version of your current self, and focus on what you do have.
Don’t take the emotion out of your style. Listen to how you FEEL in an outfit. The more you are in tune with your preferences, needs and emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is easy, authentic and makes you feel fabulous.
Celebrate your body because it’s an incredible gift that deserves daily care and praise at any shape and age.
The sooner you embrace the next phase of your own beauty, the easier it will be to stop fighting the aging process and start celebrating the miraculous journey that is your life.
Appreciate all the different ways we can be beautiful. Life would be awfully dull if we all looked the same.
Create brow, lash and lip definition to frame your face.
Look after your skin and wear sunscreen daily.
Keep your fashion feet moving. Allow your style to evolve.
Judge the outfit, and not the person.
Never say never in fashion and style because you’ll be surprised at how your feelings about a look, colour or item can change over time.
Ask three questions to troubleshoot outfits:
1. Is it the length of an item that will make the difference?
2. Is it the contrast between the items and your skin tone?
3. Do you need to add heels to the outfit?
Create outfit proportions that align with YOUR figure-flattering priorities.
Your favourite colours are always in style.
Life is too short to save your clothes for special occasions. Ration the super special stuff and wear the heck out of the rest.
Modern Classics can be incorporated into any style.
Have fun with fashion at any age. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your fashion exploits.

Which of these style tips resonate with you the most? Please post your own favourite style tips in the comments section below.

Instant Style Tips

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The Shifting Goals of Conventional Figure Flattery

— by Angie

on July 14, 2021

For a few days I am republishing some posts that have been particularly popular on YLF. Today, a five-year-old post that encourages you to think about your figure-flattering priorities. Feel great in outfits that aren’t conventionally flattering.

You can think of garment fit and outfit proportions as running along a continuum with conventionally flattering proportions on one end and so-called unflattering proportions on the other. The thing about trends is that they are often unconventional and therefore not conventionally flattering. Over time, our collective eyes will adjust and what we view as conventionally flattering will change. But in the meantime, exploring the trends, having fun with fashion, and wearing what feels most comfortable, is often about pushing this boundary.

Conventionally flattering proportions create a streamlined silhouette with a long neck and leg line. They celebrate the female form by accentuating the curve on the bust and hip, and defining the waist. Fits are neither too tight nor too loose, but beautifully tailored. Outfits are structured with few or no horizontally cutting lines. The idea is that these outfit proportions accentuate your “assets” and make your body look its best.

On the other end of the continuum, fits are either too tight or too loose by conventional standards. Outfits are often unstructured in the extreme, surrendering the waist and ignoring the curve on the bust and the hip. The neck and leg line are usually severely shortened, and there are many horizontally cutting lines in the outfit.

It used to be that conventionally flattering proportions were the way to look stylish. Outfit proportions that strayed from the benchmark were deemed less flattering, or even unflattering. Things have changed. The wonderful thing about our current fashion era is that we’re becoming more tolerant than ever of outfits that defy conventional figure flattery. It is an era that accepts and even encourages all sorts of outfit juxtapositions and silhouettes. Often the edgier and more fashion-forward the outfit, the less conventionally flattering the proportions.

This is wonderful, but it is also means that the tried-and-true guidelines associated with conventional figure flattery are less useful than they used to be. So I have found it very useful to think in terms of outfits that are just flattering enough. These are outfits that sacrifice some conventional figure flattery to be more fashion-forward, or more comfortable, but they keep just enough of the traditional guidelines to make us feel confident. Typically by adding a little structure or elongating the lines in just the right places. These little tweaks make all the difference, taking the outfit out of unflattering territory.

This is the modern approach to creating outfits. The results are more interesting, and allow us to feel more comfortable and creative in our outfit choices. And as our eyes adjust to outfits that are just flattering enough, they will become conventionally flattering. We will be able to push the boundaries even further. This shifting of the figure flattery goal posts is inevitable, and I’m curious to see where fashion, outfit proportions and figure flattery will be ten years from now.

Of course, figure flattery is in the eye of the beholder, and we all have different thresholds that define when an outfit is just flattering enough. That’s why dressing according to your own figure-flattering priorities is the best guideline that I can offer. Whether you prefer conventionally flattering proportions or veer much further up the continuum to create outfits that are just flattering enough, it’s all good. The most important thing is to listen to how you FEEL in an outfit.

Individual Style · Outfit Creation

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A Showstopper Summer Dress

— by Inge

on July 13, 2021

A new outfit from Elaine Davis of Square Pearls, whom we introduced to YLF in July 2020.

This entire look is amazing, but the showstopper is undoubtedly Elaine’s elegant midi dress. The side slits and midriff cut-out detailing make it unique, eye-catching and alluring. The deep V-neck on the structured bodice is flattering and juxtaposes nicely with the breezy batwing sleeves. The flowy skirt with its A-line silhouette gives the impression that the dress might be a jumpsuit, and makes you look twice. Our blogger’s fab three-toned bag in white, gold, and brown provides great textural interest, and pops against the navy. Her flat cognac thong sandals add an earthy touch that is casual and polished. Elaine’s sleek shiny bob adds extra polish, and the oversized sunnies bring subtle glam.

Outfit Bloggers

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Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Weekly Roundup: Assorted Items

— by Angie

on July 12, 2021

I’ve been shopping with my clients in brick-and-mortar stores recently, and I’m sharing some of their winners. Some items are on sale and going for a song. Some items are classic, and some are not. Some items might look overly warm for Summer, but remember that they work well in air-conditioned settings. Browse the colour and size options, and read the reviews for an alternative opinion to mine.

Nic + Zoe Sweet Dove V-Neck Sweater: This top looks chic with white jeans and silver shoes. A great fit that is fluidly tailored. Does not cling, and has some structure. It was KILLER spectacular on my beautiful 80-year-old client with silver-streaked hair who rocked it with white jeans.
Nic + Zoe Lookout Print Woven Shirtdress: If you like to wear sleeveless classic shirtdresses - try this. Works well on a curvy hourglass with a regular or long waist.
Nic + Zoe Dunes Sweater: This lacy, open-stitch sweater is gorgeous with a matching tank. Breezy yet covered. Classic, elegant and pretty. Comes in white, and looks fabulous with white bottoms for a White Out look. The same 80-year-old client rocked it with her white jeans.
ECCO Sport ECCO Sport: These trendy sandals come in colours and can work well for wider feet. Comfy, supportive, and with handy adjustable straps.
Birkenstock Birkenstock: I love the look of white Birkenstocks with gold trim, although these come in colours. Euro, a trendy classic, and healthy for your feet. But so far none have worked for the shape of my low-volume feet. A client suggested that these run narrower, so I'm giving them a bash. I can adjust the straps too. Will keep you posted.
Treasure&Bond Plaid Long Sleeve Poplin Shirtdress: This sack-like shirtdress is prettier and more pink in person. It has pockets, and an architectural drape to it. It slightly narrows at the hem and has an amazing side silhouette. GORGEOUS substantial cotton fabric that feels luxe and crisp to the touch. Fab length and quietly dramatic. At first I thought it looked like a nightie, but got over that in two ticks. It's $46 at the moment and earned a place in my wardrobe. It's very roomy and tent-y in that typical avant-garde way. Just the type of very breezy yet covered and polished dress I like to wear in Summer with scrunched sleeves, a popped collar, pearls, flat white footwear and a structured bag.
L.L.Bean Women's Classic Utility Jacket: A well-made and versatile classic utility jacket that might run a little big.
Free People Rumors Denim Jacket: For those who like '80s acid wash - try this as a fun juxtaposition over a pretty dress or skirt. I keep on eyeing it.
Maggy London Multi Stripe Long Sleeve Dress: A fun sporty dress for Team Stripe. The diagonal lines are magical and interesting.
Nordstrom Drapey Sleeveless Midi Dress: An easy Summer dress made of natural fibres for Team Cinnamon. The asymmetrical hem adds a lot of movement and interest. Comes in black.
Chaus Tie Front Fit & Flare Midi Dress: A great dress for those who like to define their waist. Fluidly tailored. Gently flared. The neckline looks good on a range of body types. Easy to hem, and to layer with a topper. Machine washable and $79. Comes in navy and cobalt.
MARÉE POUR TOI Floral Burnout Shirtdress: Unless you are short in the waist, this fits more like an empire cut than a fit-and-flare. Can be dressed up or down and is nice and soft. Elegantly classic and tailored.
Leota Cindy Print Ruched Waist Midi Dress: An easy knitted dress for those who like to define their waist, and wear V-necks. It's polyester, in case that's a dealbreaker.
Halogen Sleeve Stripe Cotton Blend Poplin Blouse: An interesting shirt to wear with black pants or a skirt. The twill tape and tabs on the sleeves add loads of interest. Comes with pink twill tape. Straight drape like this tends to work well on straighter figures and apple shapes. That said, I've seen it work well on curvier figures too.
Halogen Boatneck Pointelle Sweater: A good shorter top for a skirt or wide crops. Fitted but not clingy. Breezier than it looks.
GIBSONLOOK Ruched Sleeve Top: A knitted top with on-trend puffy sleeves for Team V-Neck. Soft and comfy. Not clingy. Comes in solids and a stripe.
AG Robyn Denim Jacket: A coated denim jacket for those who like to wear a cool tone of brown. A unique item!
AG Nikki Relaxed Bermuda Shorts: These roomy shorts are very comfy and have worked well on a straighter and curvier body type. Straighter figures might need to size down.
CeCe Ruffle V-Neck Blouse: A breezy natural fibre top to wear on a hot day. VERY lightweight and covered. It is flattering on a slew of body types. Fluidly tailored and not clingy. Comes with a black background.
POPPY FINCH Solitaire Cultured Pearl Pendant Necklace: I have a similar dainty piece that was custom-made for me, and I love it. It's a great Summer necklace that adds just enough subtle polish and interest. Lightweight and unobtrusive. Good to wear in high heat.
Liverpool Liverpool: A very soft and stretchy bright red denim moto jacket that is well-made and very comfy. It has a shorter back making it extra cute. It does not run small like the review suggests. I got it in my regular size, and if anything, it's more fluid than I expected. I like the roomy fit. I've worn it almost daily since I got it. Versatile if you like to wear bright red.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

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Simpler Items

Assorted Items

Casual Summer Vibes

Summery Earth Tones

Hints of Spring

Dressier Items

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