Inspired to try a New Style?
The key to carrying off a bold new style is to step out with your head held high, knowing that you look great. But you need to take a few preliminary steps to build up your confidence.
Step 1: Make a mood board for your look
This is the first thing that the fashion houses do to establish the feel of their latest collection. Gather together photos of women who are style icons, pictures of inspirational works of art, scraps of patterns and fabric swatches. Tear out magazine photos of garments that you would love to wear. Glue, pin or tape them all together onto a 'board of inspiration' and put it on your dressing table.
Step 2: Don't rush to invest in an entirely new wardrobe
See what you have in your cupboard already. If you've been paying attention over the last few years, it's likely that the clothes that you have will suit your body shape and coloring. Clever use of accessories is often all that's needed to completely change the style of an outfit. Obviously it will be difficult to achieve, for example, a Diva style, if your wardrobe exclusively consists of jeans and casual gear, but there is still no need to go and blow your savings at a high end store. Experiment with a few cheap clothes from chain stores before you push the boat out.
Step 3: Feeling at ease is the secret
The secret to self-confidence is to feel at ease in your style, to give the impression that you wear it everyday. Wear your new look around the house, practice walking, sitting, lounging and eating in it. With a bit of prior rehearsal you will avoid those hideous moments of sudden realization that you can't get down the street in those heels or you're not sure how to get out of the car in a mini skirt or that your dress is so tight that you can't eat even a celery stick without bursting the seams.
Step 4: Take some photos
Ask a friend to take some photos of you in your new style. Then tape them to the inside of your wardrobe door. These will be invaluable if you decide that you love the style and want to do it again in the future. It's surprising just how quickly you will completely forget how you put that fabulous look together.
These tips are from Trinny and Susannah's latest book Who Do You Want to Be Today? available from http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0297854526?ie=UTF8&tag=themoneypage03&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0297854526 and is published by Phoenix Illustrated of the Orion Publishing Group Ltd.
