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. Wear the chain diagonally across your body for the best effect.
Keep Straight Lines Beneath
Get a true feel for the fit by having your hip or thigh slimmer under your sheath dresses.
Edit Your Closet
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.
Can you say D'orsay
This style pump will always slim down a thick ankle because the vamp is cut close to the toe box and the sides are cut away. Super-flattering
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.
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.
Throw On a Scarf
It's the ultimate accessory according to a host of the best-dressed women we interviewed. Stash one in your purse or carry-on to transform simple Ts in the time it takes to make a knot.
Always Check Out the Rear View
And don't leave the house until you like what you see. Every angle matters. Trust us.
Layer Your Necklaces
Coco Chanel's more-is-more approach still makes a statement today. You can do multiples of the same material, or better yet, go for contrast: Try a femme piece with edgy chains, feathers with beads, or pearls with diamantés.
When in Doubt, Wear Nude Pumps
Matched to your skin tone, they're a pretty safe bet. (And they make legs look longer.)
Upgrade Your Buttons
Sometimes, the only giveaway that your cute jacket cost less than lunch money is its cheap hardware. Swap in nicer buttons, or have a tailor do it.
Own Something Leopard Print
Make the print a staple in your accessories wardrobe.It's timeless, racy enough, and always glamorous.
Make Friends with a Good Tailor
Nothing raises the quality of moderately priced clothes more than having them altered to suit your shape. Build a relationship with a tailor or dressmaker who knows your body and your taste and you'll never look back.
Don't Skimp On a T-Shirt Bra
The right one will give you confidence and shape under those unforgiving tissue Ts.
Spend Your Budget on Accessories
Cool shoes, interesting jewelry—those can really elevate your look, note that a wardrobe of the right little extras lets you be more relaxed about the rest of your outfits.
Create Your Own Lookbook
Got compliments on your outfit today? Snap a photo of it with your phone. You'll have a quick reminder of what to wear the next time you're in a rush.
Get Studs
Fake or real, big or small, they will go with any color, fabric, or style of cocktail dress and will never compete with other jewelry.
Only Buy a Bargain if You Love It
Be dubious of that voice that tells you you've got to buy because it's only "a few bucks" or that if you don't scoop it up now, you'll never find it again.
Conquer Your Fear of Color
To play it safe, combine a neutral, like flax, with something bolder, like yellow. But think twice about pairing intense hues with black, which "can look dated." For something punchier, try two colors that are beside each other on the color wheel, such as coral and orange. Not sure where to begin? Notice what colors you love and respond to in your décor.
...More tips to come.
cheers
