Style Question - Mutton Dressed as Lamb

Q: I’ve just turned 60 and I don’t want to dress like a granny, but I don’t want to look like Mutton Dressed as Lamb, either. How do I create a look that is stylish, but age appropriate.

A: First of all, I have to say that I don’t think you should dress as a granny, or shop in old ladies stores! You can be stylish at any age. The main thing with not looking like Mutton dressed as Lamb is to steer clear of showing too much flesh. Don’t wear skirts any shorter than your knees, and watch out that necklines don’t plunge too low. I think the trick is to go for more classic styles, and add personality with great accessories. Start collecting interesting jewelry, handbags and shoes. Make sure you wear colours that really suit you, especially close to your face. This works like an instant face-lift! Check out our brochure for details on our Colour Consultation.

Style Question - The Black Addiction

Q: I’m stuck in a rut of wearing black, because it’s so slimming. I want to wear some colour, but I don’t know what will suit me. Do you have any suggestions on how to wear colour and still look slim?

A: This is such a common problem for people. Aucklanders especially are addicted to black clothing! It’s true that dark colours are slimming, but this doesn’t restrict you to only black, you could try dark navy, charcoal, or dark chocolate brown too. If you are unsure what colours suit you, I’d recommend getting a Colour Consultation done. This really helps you to make sure you are choosing colours that really suit you. Check out our brochure to find out more.

My colour rule of thumb is: Wear darker, plainer colours on your area of figure challenge, your larger half. Wear lighter, brighter colours, pattern & texture on your smaller half. The eye will be drawn to the lighter, brighter colours, where the interest is, and will skip over the darker shades.

Style Question - 3/4 Pants on Short People

Q: I’ve heard that short people shouldn’t wear ¾ trousers, why is that? I live in mine over summer!

A: What you’ve heard is true! ¾ trousers will make your legs look shorter, so if you have short legs or if you are not tall, stay away from ¾ pants at all costs! The reason behind this is that visually, the eye will travel down your silhouette until it has a reason to stop. Any hemline, colour change or horizontal line will draw attention. So basically, when you wear ¾ pants, it looks as if your legs stops at the hemline, and your foot starts from there, which makes your legs look much shorter than a full length trouser. If you’re unsure, check out some photos of yourself in ¾, then in full length. You’ll definitely notice the difference. You can learn more about how to dress your body shape with our Style & Line Analysis. Check out our brochure for more details.

Style Question - "I look too young. Nobody takes me seriously!"

Q: I am a 23 year old woman that works in an office, but people say I look like I’m only 17 years old. How can I dress to make people take me more seriously?

A: First of all, if you don’t wear makeup, that’s a great place to start. If you aren’t confident doing makeup yourself, get someone to teach you how. Contact us and we can help you out there. Also, stay away from pastel colours such as baby pink or baby blue, these will make you look younger. Instead go for stronger colours, and wear stronger design lines such as a blazer jacket, and pointy toe shoes. Straight lines and stronger colours help to give a more sophisticated look. You may also want to get your hair style updated to a more stylish mature cut. Definitely don't wear your hair in pony-tails or pig-tails.

Style Question - Trends vs. Body-Shape

Q: I work in the fashion industry and need to stay up to date with the trends, but find that my curvy figure doesn’t suit a lot of what is in this season. What should I do?

A: It can be tricky to look stylish when the fashion styles don’t suit your body shape. However, there will often be one or two main styles that will suit your shape. The trick then is to use the same key items and rework them with accessories and layering to keep your look fresh. Don’t be tempted to wear styles that don’t suit you, just for fashions sake. You can look stylish and up to date; you may just have to think creatively.

Style Question - Trousers to suit big hips & thighs

Q: If you have wide hips and thighs, but slim lower legs, what style of trousers will suit you best?

A: Definitely stay away from skinny jeans or stovepipe trousers, as they will emphasize the triangular shape of your legs. You need to balance the weight on your upper legs by wearing either a wide leg trouser, a boot-cut trouser, or a straight leg trouser that still has enough room for your thighs, but doesn’t taper too much at the bottom of the leg. You can learn more about how to dress your body shape with our Style & Line Analysis. See our brochure for more details.

Style Question - Bulky Pockets

Q: Guys often have a few things to carry around - typically their wallet, cell phone and keys to start with. Sometimes this is difficult to just fit it all in your pockets without it looking bulky, what are some other solutions for guys?

A: Streamline your wallet - get rid of receipts and unnecessary cards you don't use. Do the same with your keys, only carry the ones you need with you. Wear a leather satchel or similar type bag if you have a lot to carry with you. Do make sure your bag goes with your clothing , for instance, avoid wearing a back-pack with your suit or with smart clothing.

Style Question - Redheads

Q: Is there any colour a redhead shouldn’t wear???

A: Redheads generally suits warm, yellow based colours. So they shouldn’t wear cool tones such as grey or silver. However, some redheads suit crisp, clear colours, and others suit more muted autumn colours. Get a Colour Consultation if you’re not sure. Check out our brochure for more details.

Men’s Style Bloopers

I’ve previously concentrated a lot on Women’s Style topics, so this week, boys, it’s your turn.

Whether you like to admit it or not, people do notice how you present yourself, and studies have shown that in the first 15 seconds, a new person meeting you forms more than a dozen impressions about you and your life, based almost entirely on your appearance.

Do you know what message you are sending out? Do you send out a “Yeah, whatever, who cares!” attitude? Do you look scruffy? Do you look as if you have no attention to detail? Or do you send out the message that you are successful, stylish and in good shape.

Your personal presentation can send out all those messages, for better or worse. Do yourself a favour and make it work for you, not against you.

Unlike women, men have a tendency to go for whatever that is easy and comfortable. Hence, they often overlook the small details which actually matter the most if you want to dress for success. Here’s a look at the style bloopers that men often make and should be avoided at all cost:

1. Wearing Socks With Sandals

This definitely proves your lack of men’s style. The only place that you can wear socks with sandals and not get labeled as a fashion offender is in the privacy of your home. Do not, I repeat “DO NOT” ever step outside your home looking this way.


2. Too Much Jewelery

Now, who said it was ok to wear as much jewelery as Mr T? A wedding band and a watch is all you need. Do yourself a favour and don’t pile on those gold neck chains, bracelets, body or facial piercings. They make you look very try-hard.

3. Wrong Length Trousers

Always try on trousers before buying as different brands have different lengths and cuttings. If the waist of your trousers sits higher than the belly button, it is too high. On the other hand, trousers should not fall below the pelvic bones. According to Michael Anderson, vice president of men’s apparel at Banana Republic, “A good rule of thumb is that the waist should rest comfortably just above the hip bone.” The length of the hem should end where the sole of your shoes starts at the back, just above the floor. Too short trousers are a style disaster.


4. Stained Clothing

Given the fact that spilling coffee on the shirt happens to all of us, it would be wise to keep a stain stick or a clean shirt in the office as a backup. Otherwise, I would suggest that you simply go out and purchase a new one when a stain occurs.

5. Shiny Shirts

Shiny fabric shirts are a thing of the past even if you are considering wearing them for clubbing purposes. Instead, try a form fitting back shirt which can be worn with jeans or trousers.

6. Anything Novelty

Novelty clothing does not project style and are meant to be left on the racks of the store where you last saw them. Have you ever seen those satin cartoon character ties, waistcoats or boxer shorts? They should be burnt. All I can say is “Ewwww….”


7. Chunky Shoes

Take my word for it, chunky shoes are no longer cool unless you have travelled back in time to the 90s. You have my permission to throw them into the nearest garbage bin. Make sure your shoes are clean & polished (if they are leather). If they are noticeably scuffed at the toe, they are past their use-by date.

8. Wrong sized clothing

Don’t wear a shirt or pants that are 2 sizes too big for you, it will make you look chunkier, and not in a good way. Also, don’t wear clothing that is too small; make sure your buttons don’t gape open, as that will also make you look chubbier. Get clothing that fits you properly, and you will look much smarter and more confident.


9. Way Too Casual

I know some guys who wear shorts and jandals all year round. Not to mention track-pants and the habit of wearing sneakers with everything! Women appreciate men who make a bit of an effort to dress appropriately for the occasion. Many restaurants and bars have a dress code, to keep the standard at a reasonable level. Don’t make her embarrassed to be seen with you.

10. Un-groomed Manliness

I’m not saying that we are hunting for metro-sexual men who take longer than us to get ready; we do like our men to be men. However, there are a few things that should just be common sense. Bad breath, body odour and dirty fingernails are all things that people notice, and well, they are gross.

Now you know what NOT to wear, you may still be at a bit of a loss as to what actually will look good on you. My advice: get some help!! Check out our brochure to see how we can help.

For men, it’s all about making stylish clothing choices easy, quick and simple. See www.outfitme.co.nz for details.

Trinny & Susannah here to rescue 'saggy boobs' and 'flabby tums'

Trinny & Susannah have been here in Westfield Malls, showing the ladies of Auckland how to dress for their body-shape. From pears, apples & hourglass figures to bricks, vases & goblet shaped bodies; they have been pulling up saggy boobs and transforming flabby tummy's with their magic knickers.


The main message they are here to give is, no matter what body shape you have, don't hide under shapeless clothing, but make the most of your best features. Create a waist where there is none, give yourself feminine curves and show off those great legs.

Make the most of your shape. You'll feel so much more confident and stylish. See how we can help!

Listen to Tanya on Radio here!

For those of you who missed 'It's not about size, it's about shape!" on Radio last Thursday, you can now listen here online!

Listen to Part 1 (mp3 8MB)
Listen to Part 2 (mp3 8MB)

Enjoy!