Top Ten Tips

Here are a few things I have picked up from my intensive study of makeover shows, websites, books, and even my own, slightly biased advice!

1.) Dress for the season

It’s Spring/Summer now, so it’s important to know what the key looks are, and what to avoid when updating your wardrobe. This page provides a few to look out for. (Link opens in new window)

2.) Match your clothes to your personality
It may look great going out head to toe in the latest catwalk trends, but is it saying anything about YOU? This doesn’t mean if you think you’re hilariously funny that you should go out sporting a clown suit, but you want to show that you have your own personality, so you should have your own sense of style.

A successful shopping spre

3.) Try shopping solo
If your anything like me and you hate doing things like that on your own, just try, and I guarantee you’ll never look back! Solo shopping means you can devote your entire shop to looking for what you want, no trailing around shops for something you have little to no interest in. And, it means you don’t have to rush in the changing rooms and you can make a day of treating yourself. Also, shop assistants are far more likely to help you if you are on your own and a little lost.

4.) Never shop with a boyfriend
Again, shopping with someone of the opposite sex, unless they are your stylish GBF, or Gok Wan, is hopeless. Most guys will just say whatever they think you want when you’re out shopping as long as it gets it over with quick. ‘Yes darling it’s lovely, really suits you. So, what time were you thinking of leaving?’ In my experience, guys either pick out something hideously unfashionable, or something revealing. Not helpful, boys! Guaranteed, even if you have the greatest boyfriend in the world, he still is not a good shopping companion.

Can I get you a makeup wipe, Christina?

5.) Don’t try too hard
There’s nothing worse than  seeing someone so caked in makeup you wonder if they can actually smile without their face crumbling to bits. By all means make an effort, but you don’t want to look like you spent the entire day preparing to leave the house.

6.) Dress for the occasion
This is something that some people just cannot get right? sure, it’s a matter of preference how dolled up you want to be, but generally speaking, don’t wear scruffy jeans in a night club, don’t put lipstick an a push up bra on to go to the gym (why, just why?!) and if your going to a posh ‘do, make an effort! If in doubt, dress up not of down. This rule has never failed me yet. If it’s a job interview, dress to impress- heels, smart dress, small accessories, big bag. Remember being comfortable is important too, so think about practicality first, then match your outfit to the occasion.

Jodie Marsh shows what not to wear for a meal out at TGI Friday's

7.) The flesh rule
Everyone should know that if you’re getting your ‘bangers’ out, don’t flash too much leg or you’ll end up looking a bit.. erm… loose.
It’s always good to accentuate your best features, but do it tastefully ladies. The worst offenses are girls exposing so much boob you just don’t know where to look, or flashing their knickers because their skirts are so short. Combine both of these and you will end up looking like Jodie Marsh on a night out.

8.) Know your size

Everyone is different, there are so many shapes and sizes, and you must know what size you are before choosing clothes. Have a look at my Apples or Pears post to discover what size you are, and my Dressing for your shape post before you go shopping next, to see if it can make a difference for you.

9.) If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again

Don’t freak out and think you can’t ever wear something just because once it didn’t work on you. Granted some things work best for some people, and not as good for others, but it’s all about trial and error, and it is good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while.

Take my friend Julia as an example, I still can’t get her into a pair of trousers, just because once she tried on skinny jeans and they made her feel big. I guarantee if she tried nice wide leg trousers with a medium/high waist, she would regret her decision to cut all trousers out completely!

10.) The importance of underwear

Never underestimate your underwear, as it can be vital in helping you look your best. Some underwear can create bulges and lines if it doesn’t suit your body, or if it fits incorrectly. Also, old, worn out bras will probably not give you the right support, allowing sagging, and/or budging in the wrong places.

Women should get a professional bra fitting every couple of years, to prevent this happening, and when buying underwear, TRY before you BUY!