Australia Fashion Blog My thoughts about fashion…

Women’s summer hats aren’t just for keeping the sun off your face.  They’re an accessory that can either make you look great at the beach or just plain silly.  Just like you wouldn’t buy a bathing suit that didn’t flatter your body type, you shouldn’t buy summer hats that don’t match your face shape.

So, what works, and what doesn’t?

• Smaller faces need smaller sun hats

If you’re petite – or just have a petite face – the last thing you need are giant women’s hats.  They’ll simply make your face look lost.  The last thing you want is to be “the giant hat sitting at the pool”.

• Bigger women need bigger summer hats

Summer hats that are too small are going to make the rest of your body look big by comparison.  With all of the insecurities that women already have about being out in public in a bathing suit, the last thing you need are sun hats that add to your anxiety!

The same rule applies for smaller women with large foreheads.  If you get a hat that’s too small, it will make your forehead look larger.

• Pay attention to your shoulders

OK, summer hats don’t go on your shoulders, but they’ll still help you find a great hat!  That’s because women’s hats should be no wider than the width of your shoulders.  If the brim of your hat is wider than your shoulders, you’re going to look like the hat is swallowing you.

• If you have a long face, you need a wider hat

Floppy women’s summer hats are perfect for long, narrow faces because they add some width.  Just don’t forget to follow the “Shoulder Rule” – no matter how long and narrow your face might be!

• Round faces look best underneath slanted hats

Women’s hats that slant to one side – or that simply offer a slanted brim – will add angles to your face.  When you combine it with the curves you’ve already got in your face, it’s a great look!

• If you have a square face, you need to add some curves

Rounded summer hats with big brims are perfect for square faces because they add curves.  If you want to take attention away from the strong jaw that so many square-faced women have, then take advantage of sun hats that sit high on your forehead.

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When you think of women’s casual clothing, you probably think of loose baggy clothes that feel great – but leave you looking totally shapeless.  Luckily, it is possible to wear comfortable women’s casual clothing that’s also trendy.  If you’re looking for clothing that represents the best of both worlds, here’s how you do it:

• Opt for skinny jeans

Love that great feeling you get when you slip into a pair of jeans?  If you’ve been shoving yourself into business suits all week, there isn’t much that feels better than a nice, comfortable pair of jeans.  If you want to make your casual denim look a little trendier, get some skinny jeans.  Whether you’re setting out on a shopping trip, meeting a friend for lunch, or meeting up with your book club, skinny jeans fit the bill of both casual and trendy clothing.

Pair them with your favorite vintage t-shirt for a trip to the grocery store, or wear them with a comfortable tank top for a summer barbecue.  Either way, you’ll look completely casual and totally trendy!

• Add some glam to your tank tops

Tank tops are the perfect addition to any women’s casual clothing collection because they’re so versatile.  Wear a tank top alone on a warm day, and you’ve got something that’s totally casual.  Or, pair one with a denim jacket, and you’ll get a casual look that also keeps you warm.

If you want to make the most of your tank tops – and turn them from just plain casual clothing to trendy clothing – get tank tops that come with a more glamorous finish.  Things like rhinestone or sequin embellishments, shimmery stripes, or even a few ruffles can turn your casual clothing into trendy clothing.

• Take advantage of dresses

Dresses can qualify as casual clothing – depending on what they’re made of and how you accessorize them.  If you’re looking for women’s casual clothing, look for dresses made out of cotton or other light fabrics – and make sure they’re not too tight.

As for the accessories, you can use some comfortable sandals and light jewelry to make your sundress look both casual and trendy.  Or, pair a maxi dress with a hobo bag, and you’ll get a long, flowing, trendy look – that’s also casual and comfortable.

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If you think that you need a different women’s dress for every occasion, think again!  You can easily double the size of your wardrobe by transforming a “day dress” into a “night dress” – or vice versa – just by taking advantage of these 4 tips.

• Wear a blazer over your night dress

That strapless, spaghetti strap, or halter-top dress may look great out on the town at night, but it’s not exactly work-appropriate – at least, not on its own.  In order to turn your night dress into a day dress, throw a fitted blazer on over it.  That way, you’ll cover up the overly-sexy parts, but keep the feminine parts intact.

• Change up your accessories

Basic little black or white dresses can look great during the day or night – depending on how you accessorize them.  The great thing about using black or white women’s dresses is that they’re both like blank canvas.  Since they’ll go with virtually every color in the rainbow, you’ll have a ton of accessories to choose from.

For a daytime look, pair your dress with a bigger bag – like a hobo bag or a tote – and wear some smaller jewelry – like stud earrings and a skinny necklace.  Then, when it’s time to go out at night, trade in your big bag for a sequin clutch, put on some chandelier earrings, and put on some bright, chunky bracelets.

Remember, when you’re in a night dress, the shinier your accessories are, the better!

• Wear sandals instead of heels

Your night dress can easily turn into a day dress if you wear it with sandals instead of heels.  That’s because stilettos and equally-high heels scream “nighttime”, while sandals give your dress a more casual look that’s perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.

• Cinch your flowing dress with a belt

Loose flowing dresses are perfect for the daytime, but once the sun goes down, it’s time to show off some more curves!  You can wear the same dress – just cinch it with a belt.  That way, your loose flowing women’s dress will be tighter around your midsection, instantly showing off the curves in your chest and hips.  For an extra-glamorous nighttime look, use a sparkly belt.

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Whether you are single, out with the girls, hoping for a chance encounter with Mr Right or trying to remind the boyfriend how he struck gold the day you met, finding the perfect Valentines outfit can sometimes take more time than deciding what card or gift to buy. So next V-Day, why not kill two birds with one stone? Ditch the handmade sock puppet and surprise him with an outfit instead that will knock his socks off. And for all the single ladies, listen and learn…

A figure-hugging body con or strapless mini dress is sure to catch his attention, however try to leave a little something to the imagination by keeping the focus on your best asset, opting for a longer hemline if the cleavage is making an appearance or going for something more modest on top if you’re getting the legs eleven out. Alternatively if you’re feeling more flirty and fun than go-get-him seductress, choose from soft, sheer feminine fabrics or a cute print to lighten the mood and make him wish summer would come early.

Give him something to think about by baring one shoulder in an asymmetric dress or draw attention to your collarbones and neck line with long earrings and swept back hair, a barely-there simple necklace or naked neck and shoulders, the arguably more interesting alternative to an in your face cleavage. Likewise, by keeping a dress simple at the front with an open back, revealing only shoulder blades and a hint of skin, when you walk away from him you are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Alternatively opt for laid back luxe with a simple white T and embellished skirt, after all, most men will say they find a girl most attractive when she is comfortable in her clothes! A pair of great fitting jeans that cling to your curves and a T can be as equally sexy to the opposite sex as a dress. Simply accessorise with statement jewellery and killer heels or sling on an androgynous tailored tux jacket or blazer to exude effortless, understated chic. The best thing about this outfit? It is fool proof for those casual blind dates, taking you from day to night without any danger of over or under dressing! Sharp and sassy, this look is for those who aren’t afraid to make their own rules, in fashion and in love.

With a range of outfits to suit every style and personality or cheat confidence even if you’re a bag of nerves on the inside, make sure you choose the perfect Valentines number to enhance your pulling power. If you feel good in your clothes, it shows, leaving you to worry only about the garlic bread.

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Whether you want to look elegant, chic, or sporty, the women’s skirt you choose will make or break your entire outfit.  Wear a skirt that doesn’t flatter your body type, and you can wind up looking heavier, wider, or more shapeless than you really are.

So, how do you make the perfect skirt choice for your body type?

-          If you have wide hips, wear an A-line skirt.  The flared bottom will draw attention away from your hips.  But to make everything work, you’ll need a skirt that sits either at or below your knees.

If you really want to draw attention away from your hips, look for skirts that have vertical stripes or some kind of vertical embellishment on them.  Just make sure that the skirts you buy don’t have any embellishments at the top.  Otherwise, they’ll attention to your hip area.

-           If you have broad shoulders, a skirt with a flared bottom will give your body some balance.  Just beware – if you wear a woman’s skirt that’s tight or straight-out, it will make your top half look even wider.

-          If you’re curvy all over, get excited.  Women’s skirts are ideal for curvy figures!  You can show off your curves in a pencil skirt.  That way, you’ll get a tighter fit without having to show off too much skin.

-          If you don’t have any curves, the right skirt choice can actually make you look like you have some.  Try a bubble skirt to give the illusion of fuller hips or a tulip skirt that shows off your tiny waist.  As an added benefit, a tulip skirt can make your backside look fuller, too.  You c an also wear a ruffled skirt to add some fullness to your bottom half.

-          If you’re on the heavy side, never wear a skirt that sits above the knee.  Otherwise, you’ll make yourself look heavier than you really are.  Also, stay away from full-length skirts.  They can make your wide hips and thighs look like they extend all the way to the floor!

Instead, wear skirts that fall right in the middle of your calf.  That way, your bottom half will look longer and slimmer.  You can also take advantage of skirts with elastic waistbands.  The good ones are smooth in the front, so that no one can tell you’re wearing elastic!

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You may sometimes find yourself in a situation where you need to find a fashionable outfit quickly but do not have the time to shop for something new or to carefully plan out what to wear using the clothing in your closet. Luckily, women’s fashion is highly versatile when it comes to choosing the right clothes for any occasion. Even the most basic articles of clothing have the potential to look highly stylish when you combine them with coordinating garments and accessories. Whether you need to dress up for a formal event or a more casual gathering, you likely already have the elements you need to create a memorable look.

It is always a good idea to have a simple yet elegant dress in your wardrobe as a go-to when you need to put together a last-minute outfit. A little black dress is a classically charming garment from women’s fashion that can be worn for a variety of occasions, but nearly any other colour or print of a simple women’s dress can is equally useful. Tights or leggings combined with nice heels or flats give an added touch of sophistication. You can also enhance the outfit by sporting a cardigan, shrug or shawl in a coordinating colour on top of your dress. Complete the look with some fashionable jewellery and styled hair.

Another excellent choice when you have to dress up in a hurry is to combine a sleek skirt with a satin blouse for a vintage-inspired look. Pencil skirts and similar form-fitting skirts are both classy and flattering. Choose one that is black or deep grey to maximise the number of clothing combinations in which it can be used. Select your favourite special-occasion print or solid-colour blouse. You can decide whether the blouse looks best neatly tucked into the skirt’s waistband or left loose. Enhance the look with a wide women’s belt cinched around your waist, then complete your outfit with heels and a clutch.

Last minute dress-up ideas do not have to be limited to skirts and dresses. A pair of long pants or quality relaxed jeans for women combined with a tunic or loose shirt creates a beautifully breezy effect. Select pants from your wardrobe in a solid neutral colour and a top in the colour or print of your choice. Women’s sandals or open heels work best at enhancing this look. Loosely styled hair, a headscarf, beads and bangles give the outfit a special bohemian touch.

It is always a good idea to have a few versatile garments in your closet for emergencies such as last-minute invitations. However, dress-up ideas for last minute women’s fashion don’t have to be overly simplistic. The clothing from your wardrobe can be combined and accessorised to accommodate both the event for which you are dressing up as well as your own fashion sense. Whether you prefer pants, skirts or dresses, the outfits you create are limited only by your creativity.

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There is a tendency, particularly for men, to hoard T-shirts, no matter what the colour, style or age- but they can be a fashion item as much as any other garment.

Short sleeved, long sleeved, tank top, crew neck, A-shirt, muscle shirt, scoop neck, and V-neck – without a doubt,  t-shirts are one of the most comfortable and versatile items of clothing any of us will ever own. Made from stretch fabrics, usually in natural cotton fibre with maybe a component of lycra or nylon to increase the stretch and durability, T-shirts are not only suitable for any occasion but are so varied in style that anyone can wear them, and most people do.

Like jeans, T-shirts are perfect for women, men and all ages, right down to new borns. They come in countless styles and knits, and can be worn long and loose, tight and cropped, over jeans, under jackets, in any colour and a range of fabrics. Print T-shirts are extremely fashionable and come in some truly beautiful styles.

After a smouldering Marlon Brando wore one in A Streetcar Named Desire in the 1950s the T-shirt gained status as a fashionable, stand-alone garment rather than underclothing, which was there original use. Nowadays, no wardrobe is complete without at least a couple of T-shirts, and a T-shirt with a witty phrase screen printed on it makes a quirky present for anyone.

Your T-shirt choice will make a statement about who you are; the style and cut and the way you wear it show your personality almost as much as your hairstyle or the car you drive. While the record for the most T-shirts ever worn at once by the same person is 247, you only need a couple in your wardrobe to be comfortably you at any time of day or night.

Choose T-shirts to match your body shape, and ones that make you smile – get colours and prints that you love, find that special vee-neck with diamantes or sequins, or some pretty detailing on it. A good tee should be something you can wear anywhere, any time with a smile on your face!

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So often in life we have to conform to dress codes and rules decreeing what is appropriate when it comes to women’s clothing, which is one of the reasons every female loves a girls’ night out. What better excuse to throw the clothing choice rule book out of the window than when you and your girlfriends get together for a night out on the tiles? With your closest friends you don’t have to worry if your dress is crazily colourful or your shoes outrageously high – a great girls’ night out is all about having fun and doing whatever you feel like, which includes your clothing choice!

On a girls night out you don’t have to dress for anyone but yourself. Your clothing choice doesn’t have to be pretty and demure to please your partner or flirty and sexy to attract men – this is when you can have fun and experiment with the latest trends in women’s clothing. What better time to experiment with this season’s puffy shoulders, 40s-inspired knee-length skirts, pussy bow blouses and pannier skirts than when out with the girls?

Getting your clothing choice right is all part of the fun of a girls night out. Gather the girls round to your house early and get ready together, glass of wine in hand and cheesy girly tunes blasting out of your iPod. Trying each other’s clothes on, having a fashion show, and helping each other with hair and make-up, can sometimes be the best part of a girls’ night out. Plus, with the support of your friends you can wear that outfit you’ve been dying to for ages but haven’t been brave enough to yet.

So, what are the essentials for that perfect girls’ night out outfit? First of all, decide whether you want to wear trousers or a dress. If you’re opting for the former, go for a pair of figure-hugging jeans, something that’s both sassy and fun and can be dressed up or down depending on where you’re going. If you fancy wearing a dress, don’t go over-the-top – make a statement, have fun with it and be comfortable. You want to be able to laugh until your cheeks hurt and dance all night without feeling constrained by your dress. Whatever you wear, think about the ways in which you can accessorise your outfit too – a great belt to cinch in your waist, some killer heels, a gorgeous clutch and a bold piece of jewellery will give your look those all-important finishing touches.

Women’s clothing should be fun, not frumpy, too formal or fussy, especially on a girls’ night out, so invite the girls around and make your clothing choice part of the party!

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You will always look hot in a cool white dress.  While pastels, vivids, patterns and blocks  come and go, classic colours will always be in fashion. This summer, white is the new essential. You’ll want at least one summery women’s white dress in your collection for 2012.

Katie Holmes and SJP have perfected the art of wearing white, and so can you. At the beach, white simply shines and will keep you cool while looking hot. It is beautiful topped with a flowing scarf in soft patterns or print, or teamed with bold, gold bangle and ear-rings. It is ideal at the office, either as a fitting suit or a simple blouse under a jacket. You’ll always look tan in a crisp white shirt and who can forget Marilyn Monroe’s classic white dress?

There are some obvious rules for wearing white; fit for purpose is the first that springs to mind. White trousers are great for golf, parties, dinner or the office, but not so flash on the farm! Gold is the perfect complement to white, while silver can ‘wash out’ on it unless you choose carefully. White goes better with subtle patterns than block colours. Layers of whites are fabulous and summery, while off whites and creams have a natural warmth for winter and autumn wear; and finally, don’t wear it to a wedding unless you’re the bride!

The US fashion rule for autumn used to be don’t wear white after Labor Day, the first Monday in September (or March in the Southern Hemisphere).  This is changing as women want to wear white later in the year.  White has strength and versatility, making it an all year colour choice.  Wearing white right through the year is a trend that is sweeping the fashion world.  Forget the LBD, and find your perfect Hot White Dress.

This season, prepare to be dazzled – get out your sunglasses, brush off your favourite summer hat and stock up on white-hot whites to sizzle right through summer.

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The perfect pair of women’s sunglasses are well within your reach – whether as a gift or just for yourself, sunglasses are a fantastic purchase. Stylish, easy to wear, and a must in the strong Southern Hemisphere sun!

Still, choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses can be a tough job. But with just a few tips and trends, making a final decision on which sunglasses to purchase can be an easier job than ever.

First of all, it is always a good idea for women’s sunglasses to begin with an awareness of the best options in shape:

Round is so much more appealing than square! The Oversize Rose Sunglasses, available for just $10, are a great example. Narrow arms, with tortoiseshell plastic frames, subtly emphasize the tasteful round shape. Of course, great sunglasses choices depend on more than just that one quality, though!

Another important style consideration with regard to sunglasses for women this summer will definitely be simplicity. That’s not just simple in terms of size, but in terms of style and presence, which creates the whole glamorous look! A great example could be the Wire Sunglasses. At just $29.95, this item really shows how important a thin, small, almost invisible look can be. Especially when they’re simple, women’s sunglasses are extremely beautiful!

Finally, a very prominent trend in women’s sunglasses fashion this summer is definitely going to be an emphasis on the outdoors. Feelings of exoticism, escape, bonding with animals… these are all powerful trends! But it doesn’t have to look garish and obvious; the theme can be a very subtle and light hint. For instance, Animal Print Sunglasses. Ruggedly sophisticated, out of the ordinary, a beautiful choice for shoppers.

All year long, accessories are of the utmost importance to women’s looks, but summer is when things really heat up. You can rest assured that your sunglass choices will work wonders. New Zealanders shouldn’t worry any longer if a certain sunglass choice is okay. Just remember: round, simple, and outdoorsy is a good start. Don’t be shy; this summer, you can have the perfect pair.

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