The Best Fashion Tips of All Time (a selection of)

  1. SHOW SKIN STRATEGICALLY
    Looking truly sexy involves knowing what to bare—and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where’s the mystery? “Choose one—only one—body part and show it off,” advises Jen Rade, stylist to Jenna Fischer and Angelina Jolie. “If it’s cleavage, don’t show your legs. If it’s your legs, stay covered on top.”

  2. ACCESSORIZE IN BRIGHTS
    If you’ve got a closet full of neutrals—be they navy, black, camel, or gray—add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. Not only is a hunter green satchel more lively than ho-hum black, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. Feeling really brave? Wear a neutral base with shoes and a bag in two different complementary colors.

  3. KNOW YOUR STRETCH
    The secret formula for a soft but formfitting T? 95% cotton, 5% Lycra spandex. For jeans to hold their shape, they need at least 2% Lycra.

  4. HEM YOUR PANTS FOR A SHOE HEIGHT
    “The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren’t the right length for their shoes,” says stylist Kate Young. To fix this, hem to either heels or flats—no going back. Generally, hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch off the floor.

  5. GO HANDS-FREE FOR EVENING
    A dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités and a cocktail—plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear, says stylist Cher Coulter. Wear the chain diagonally across your body for the best effect.

  6. MAKE A LIST BEFORE YOU SHOP
    Not of what you want to buy, but of the 10 favourite items in your closet. This will help you zero in on pieces that mesh with what you own (or remind you that you never actually wear big floral prints).

  7. ALWAYS CHECK OUT THE REAR VIEW
    And don’t leave the house until you like what you see. Every angle matters. Trust us.

  8. ROUND DOWN IN DENIM
    When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing’s more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.

  9. EDIT YOUR CLOSET – (I call it “wardrobe weeding!”)
    Clothes need breathing room! You should be able to see every item without rummaging. Consider donating anything you haven’t worn in the past year.

  10. TOUCH THE INSIDE
    A garment’s lining is often a designer’s calling card, and a good way to judge quality. A well-crafted lining is a sign that the whole piece has been sewn with care.

Source: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20398276_20522658_21045753,00.html

If you would like some down-to-earth advice, give Ruth a call on (086) 226 3951