12 favorite tips from InStyle’s 50 best fashion tips of all time

InStyle posted an excellent article on the 50 best fashion tips of all time. Here are my 12 favorites from the list.

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1. Hem your pants to a specific shoe height. This is one of the biggest mistakes women make according to stylist Kate Young. In most cases the hems of the pants should just graze the top of the shoes and be about 1.5cm (½ inch) to 2cm (¾ inch) off the floor.

2. Embrace your shape. Designer Shoshanna Gruss is quoted in the post as saying “Once you know which silhouettes flatter; you should filter trends ruthlessly”. For example if you are petite and shapely avoid tall columns and billowy maxis. Go for a defined waist and just above the knee hems. When I look back at some photos of my younger days I think what was I thinking.

3. Layer your necklaces Coco Chanel did this with numerous strings of pearls at different lengths placed over a beaded necklace. You can do multiples of the same material or create contrasts with different materials chains, feathers with beads or pearls with diamantes. I have a favorite one pearl necklace and I now team it with two strings of pearls left to me by mother in law

4. Edit your wardrobe. This is a brilliant idea I often give away items I have not worn for a few years. I kind of made a wee rule for myself if I buy something new I have to give something way. But I must admit I don’t always follow my own rule. Well they do say rules are made to be broken

5. Upgrade with buttons. This is a wonderful tip. You can update an out of date item and can also make a less expensive piece of clothing look more expensive simply by replacing buttons

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6. Show limited skin Jen Rade advises her clients to choose only one body part to show off; if it’s cleavage don’t show your legs, if it’s your legs then stay covered up on top. This is similar to decorating a room with two focal points. They fight with each other for attention

7. Own at least one thing that has a Leopard pattern. Instyle states it is a timeless and always glamorous choice. I have a Leopard patterned scarf and when I think an outfit needs just a little something I add this scarf

8. Mix your prints. A basic trick is to wear two prints that repeat the same colors or mix a large scale pattern with a smaller one. Although I think; this needs to be done with caution large scale patterns can overwhelm slender or petite figures. Another trick is repeat a second motif from the fabric as an accent

9. Conquer your fear of color. You can do this and still play it safe by combining a neutral with a bolder color like yellow. It’s kind of similar to painting a room in a neutral; then adding colored accessories. Black teamed with a bold color can now look dated. Try colors that are close to each other on the color wheel for example coral and orange

10. Add an element of surprise. For example a motorcycle jacket over a formal dress, an over sized choker with a simple white t shirt, or a vivid belt as a touch of contrast. Just like following the interior design principle of adding a discordant item to a room to add impact

11. If you have a limited budget; spend it on accessories. Cool shoes, interesting jewelry, scarves, belts and hats can all bring an outfit up to date

12. Don’t buy a bargain if you don’t love it. Resist the urge to buy an item because it is on sale or you are scared you will miss out on it if you do not buy it now. I have been guilty of doing just that and have lived to regret the purchase. But I console myself with the fact I make this mistake rarely. And no one’s perfect right, well I’m not although I’d like to be

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Oh I can’t resist one more and make it a baker’s dozen 13 instead of 12 by adding

13. Wear nude shoes match your skin tone and make your legs look longer. I’ve decided to treat myself to some new nude colored shoes or maybe boots for the winter (it’s autumn here in Aussie land)

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