Having worked for over 15 years across fashion media, events, editorial and personal styling, I like to think I've acquired a few sartorial tips and tricks along the way.
Similar to a chef following a recipe, I follow a set of carefully curated fashion rules that have ultimately shaped the basis of my daily dressing routine.
Watch: Why you should start dressing for the body you have. Post continues after video.
Whether you struggle in the changeroom or the kitchen, I believe that with the right utensils, good ingredients and a method, you can develop a signature style that works for you.
Clear the kitchen folks, it's time to serve some looks!
5 styling rules from a fashion expert.
The 80/20 rule.
A crisp white button-down shirt is a wardrobe essential. Image: Supplied.
One of the first questions I ask my personal styling clients — does your wardrobe consist of mostly basics or statement pieces? If you answered with the latter, you sit within the most common realm and have some homework to do!
As boring as it may sound, the majority of your wardrobe should be "capsule", where classic cuts, simple silhouettes and tonal colour palettes allow for the final 20 per cent to do the talking.
A wardrobe full of clothes but no actual outfits is a wardrobe full of bold fashion pieces that contradict and fight for attention. Without the "boring" fashion foundations, your statement pieces would fail to wow.
Just as every pantry has its staples, every wardrobe requires the below:
- White/black/grey/navy tee
- Tailored trousers
- Crisp white button-down shirt
- Blue denim jeans
- Tan sandal
- Black blazer
- LBD (little black dress)
- Black heel
- Neutral midi skirt
A little black dress goes a long way. Image: Supplied.
The outfit combinations that can be created from this short list are endless — there is no occasion, location, age or demographic these won't cater for.
Invest in your basics and watch the styling process flow as you integrate your favourite printed dress, red leather bag, embellished earring, sheer maxi skirt, or leopard heel into the mix.
No more than three statement pieces per outfit.
Now that we have your wardrobe ratio sorted, we can begin to build an outfit.
Rule #2 is integral to nailing the perfect fashion formula and is my most cherished tip when explaining good style to clients.
Coco Chanel may have requested you remove one item before walking out the door. I'm going further and asking you to remove another.
A maximum of three statement pieces is all I will allow for any dress code, because a well-balanced outfit (or meal) must work towards a certain flavour profile (aka sweet, salty, savoury, feminine, Bohemian, trendy etc.).
An outfit that follows the 'three statement pieces' rule. Image: Supplied.
Build your outfit from a favourite bold shoe, bag or skirt and watch this mantra gently reign you in to create a chic ensemble time and time again.
Allow for alterations.
I'm going to let you in on a little industry secret... we are all getting our clothes tailored.
No matter how expensive or impeccable the quality, off-the-rack items won't always work for your body, so it's important to find a local tailor who can finish the job for you.
It's the final step that transforms a good pair of jeans into a great one. The subtle tweak, tuck or cuff that ensures you always look your most polished.
Don't stress about the additional alteration cost — I've had everything from Balenciaga through to Zara tailored and the final cost-per-wear calculation always works in my favour.
Personalise with accessories.
I always say accessories can make or break an outfit. Used wisely, they add a personalised fashion flourish that instantly makes a simple tee and jean combo look unique.
Used with little caution, you risk looking like a Christmas tree (refer to rule #2).
Accessories also add a touch to your personal style. Image: Supplied.
While I have no major objections regarding the accessory aesthetic (they reflect your personal style, therefore there is no "right" or "wrong"), the real crime is avoiding embellishments altogether!
Relish in the safety net of a capsule wardrobe and use bags, belts, shoes, sunglasses and jewels to trial trends, prints and pops of colour. You'll be shocked how much a $30 pair of statement sunglasses can transform your entire wardrobe.
The art of 'zhuzing'.
My favourite step in the final styling stages!
"Zhuzhing" involves the simple act of tucking, cuffing, unbuttoning, cinching, scrunching, folding and popping to transform an unflattering fit into a purposeful one.
In those moments where you pull an outfit together but can't quite pinpoint the error — don't give up!
Tuck in your baggy shirt. Cuff the hemline. Unbutton to create a v-neckline. Cinch in around the waist. Scrunch the sleeves. Pop the collar. There are so many clever ways to adjust an outfit to make it work for you. THAT is the fun of styling!
The art of 'zhuzing'. Image: Supplied.
When it comes to food, I'm afraid I will never be fluent and will always require a tried-and-tested recipe to get me through a dinner party.
Fashion, however? Fashion I know.
Whether it is accessorising for an event, styling for a client or shopping for a sale, my instincts and history allow me to play around with flavours and adjust measurements to create stylish outfits.
If you struggle to feel good in clothes and second-guess your styling decisions, use these five simple rules to guide you and ultimately boost your confidence.
With a little consistency and practice, you'll find yourself wanting to experiment — that is when you know you are truly ready to throw the recipe book out and do what feels best for you.
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Feature image: Supplied.
