| It is so easy to look in the shops and see all the | | | | When we think of the party season we often think |
| glorious dresses and glitzy tops and it is so easy to | | | | 'sparkle'. Sparkle can be achieved by the actual fibres |
| be tempted to part with the cash without giving as | | | | in the fabric, gold based and silver based are |
| much thought as you do when buying everyday | | | | particularly common. Do choose the one that suits |
| clothes. Remember these rules and you will not only | | | | your skin tone, silver fabrics with a warm skin can be |
| look great but you will ensure that the look will be | | | | very draining, particularly if you are thinking of |
| cost effective too. | | | | teaming it with black. Sequins can provide sparkle, |
| 1. Colour | | | | again think about where you are going to put these. |
| Think which colours you look good in ( if you don't | | | | They can add inches to your size, this might be just |
| know this, make a note to see an image consultant | | | | what you need, but if it isn't do look carefully in the |
| who can help you with this and much more).Then | | | | mirror to see that you are happy with your overall |
| consider which of these colours are suitable for party | | | | look. |
| wear. Black is not suitable, particularly near the face, | | | | 5. Accessories |
| for lots of ladies. See what you have in your | | | | You can wear an outfit that you have worn before |
| wardrobe, you won't necessarily need to go and buy | | | | and it can be totally transformed by accessories. |
| a new outfit. By wearing a flattering colour at a party | | | | Think particularly about jewellery. A striking necklace |
| you will both look good and stand out from the | | | | need not be expensive but it can be just the thing to |
| crowd. Using bright colours where you wish to draw | | | | make you look and feel stylish. Consider earrings too, |
| attention is worth experimenting with. | | | | you can have 'sparkle' here, and if you have the |
| 2. Styles | | | | figure to wear bangles then there are lots in the |
| Look at all the party type styles in your wardrobe | | | | shops that again can transform your overall look. |
| and think what would be suitable for the occasion. | | | | Take a look at bags too. If you are saving money by |
| Don't dismiss a smart pair of trousers. Particularly if | | | | revamping an outfit a smart new bag is a great idea. |
| you are short legged or a triangle shape, these can | | | | Finally of course, don't forget the shoes. |
| help you look very elegant if they are in one of your | | | | 6. An extra layer |
| better darker shades. | | | | Will you need a stole/pashmina/scarf? There's nothing |
| 3. Drawing attention to the right areas. | | | | worse than being cold! Build this in to the planning of |
| Look in the mirror and see which areas you would | | | | the outfit. |
| like to draw attention to. Also note those areas that | | | | 7. Finally |
| you would like to disguise. If you are thinking about a | | | | Assemble the whole outfit a few days before the |
| dress, think carefully about fabrics and shapes. Is a | | | | party. Put on all the clothes and all the accessories |
| tight fitting dress really going to look good on your | | | | and do a final check in the mirror. Where do you look |
| hips? It might be great for an hourglass shape, but | | | | first? Is this where you hope others will look too? If |
| again there will be better items if, for example, you | | | | not you have still a few days to work on that area! |
| are rather more rounded. Think about the width of | | | | Above all, enter the party room with confidence |
| the hem of the dress, a wider hem can slim the rest | | | | knowing that you look good, you will then feel great |
| of the body, but be cautious that it doesn't make | | | | and give a great first impression which should set |
| the bottom half of your body look too wide. | | | | you up to really enjoy the occasion. |
| Consider the drape of the fabric, softer fabrics can | | | | If you feel you need some help with any of these |
| fall into gentle folds and look elegant, but stiffer | | | | aspects or about dressing for different occasions |
| fabrics can add inches where you might not want | | | | then an image consultant will be the person to help |
| them! | | | | you. |
| 4. Sparkle | | | | |