The Long and Short of it all....

OK, we know, you are thinking shorts for Autumn? Yes, shorts can actually be worn all year long. Shorts are

Theory

great. They are practical, they won’t cause embarrassment when you bend down and they won’t restrict your movement or blow up in the wind like skirts can. They can have useful pockets too. So, why is it that when it comes to buying shorts we struggle? How many times have you gone out to buy shorts and returned home empty- handed? 

Shorts are probably one of the most difficult pieces of clothing to choose because in order for them to cover all the bases – be comfortable, fit well and look good – you have to get the style, cut and colour absolutely right.

This Autumn season shorts are there and not just for transition. For many women, our hips, tum and bottom are the areas we find most difficult to dress and shorts focus on all those places. So, to help you get the best shorts for your shape and to look your best this Autumn 2013 see our tips below:
The main things to look out for are: fabric, cut, length, detail.

Fabric: As a general rule, fuller figures should choose softer fabrics that will fit nicely over their curves. Slimmer figures can take the stiffer fabrics

Cut: In terms of cut, you will find both tailored and casual styles. Very tailored, structured cuts will look best on slimmer, rectangle or neat hourglass figures. Soft tailored shorts are probably the most flattering for most people. Enormous baggy shorts will make you look bigger so the choice is yours!

Club Monaco

 
Length: Short shorts are fine for most people on the beach, but beyond the seaside, they should be left to those in their teens and early twenties.  Bermudas are smart but you need to consider the length of your legs to decide what length of short to go for. Mid-thigh is probably the most popular. If you have short legs, make sure you either a tonal shoe or an open-toed sandal to elongate your legs in your shorts. Adding a jacket will make shorter shorts look stylish.

Detail
If you are lacking curves then detail on your top and/or bottom will add volume and give the illusion of more shape. Pockets, buttons, zips, embellishment or pattern on your shorts is good for you.  If you are a triangle shape (fuller on the hips) avoid details on your shorts as it will emphasize your hips.

Denim: Curvy bodies need to choose soft denim in a darker shade. Lighter denim will attract the eye more and you won’t want this area to be the focus of your outfit. Denim shorts often have pockets, buttons, zips or stud detail; so again, think about how much you can get away with. Denim shorts never really go out of style and can even be worn with tights in the cooler months.

Elizabeth and James

Colourful: You don’t have to opt for safe black, navy or beige – have fun with your shorts! Firstly, you must choose a colour that looks great on you. You will need to take care with colour, if you have a fuller figure, go for a simple style with no detail at a flattering length and in a darker shade from your colour palette. Lighter colours will draw attention to that area but wearing a looser top will balance it out.

High waisted; High waisted shorts can be tricky to wear and are better on figures with medium to long legs. They can, however, give a streamline look to the body if you go for a style with no detail on it.


Final word: Not sure what type of shorts suit you? Give us a shout and come in for a Style Consultation! Whether it’s for casual, work or an evening out shorts are great and that’s just the long and short of it all.

Stay Savvy,

Eve Roth Lindsay
www.savvystyle.com 
www.colourmebeautiful.hk

Style Icon: Kate Middleton

It is a well known fact that everybody loves Kate Middleton. Her timeless style is one which is adored the world over by women of all ages. Working women, stay at home mums, college gals-they all aspire to emulate her choice of fashion, making her a certified Fashion Icon and a favourite of Savvy Style’s. From classic shifts to elegant frocks, this princess knows exactly how to dress perfectly for every occasion. Always elegant, never under-dressed or over-dressed, Kate knows the shapes and cuts which flatter her body best. Let’s face it though-not all of us have sky high gams like Kate. So how do we incorporate a bit of Kate into our wardrobes? 

• Stick to classic cuts-Kate wears a lot of A-line skirts which are great for concealing larger hips or thighs, creating a slimmer silhouette. A classic shift dress is also a favourite of Kate’s and looks good on all shapes and sizes.
• Tailor it-Kate likes to maintain a sleek, tailored shape to her clothes. Copy her look by choosing structured, fitted separates to mix and match. Invest in a good fitting blazer which gives you a waist, and a fit-and-flare skirt to give you curves in all the right places.
• Heels-create the illusion of height with a pair of classic timeless pumps

Transition into Autumn!

Not only does Kate dress beautifully, but she also knows how to re-wear items in her wardrobe and transition them into a different season. As the warmer, humid months come to an end, take a look at how Kate transitions from summer to autumn effortlessly.

Wear your lightweight summer dresses into fall by simply adding a tight fitting dark blazer over. Add some sheer black tights to keep your legs warm inside the cold Hong Kong air conditioned offices, or for a night out during the cooler months. Trade your strappy, summery sandals and wedges in for a pair of deep coloured suede flats or pumps.

Add a lightweight cardigan or a pastel coloured blazer over your floaty summer dress. Or go for a glamorous brocade coat (hottest fabric of the season!) over your shift dress for work or to Sunday brunch over the weekend.

Key separates-add a light blazer over a summer tank top and a lightweight pencil skirt to work.

Wear a classic belted trench coat over your summer dress or office ensemble. Go classic and choose cream s Kate has, or choose one in one of fall’s most popular colours eg. Teal or cobalt blue. Here, Kate has chosen a pretty, feminine fit-and-flare cut to her trench, a common cut of the season.  Copy her style or go for a classic A-line cut. Add a pair of black opaque tights when the weather gets colder.

Add a velvet coat over your office dress ensemble, or over a cocktail dress for a night out. In addition to being one of the hottest fabrics of this season, velvet is warm enough to keep you from getting too chilly outside, yet light enough for autumnal weather. Pair your outfit with a pair of purple suede heels like Kate has, as it is one of the hottest colours for fall!

Would you like to know more about how to transition your summer wardrobe into fall? Savvy Style is here to help! Discover your best styles, fabrics, cuts which suit your shape, lifestyle and personality. Click here to find out more about our Style Consultations!

Confused about which autumn colours look good on you? Not to worry. Come and take a look at our Colour Analysis packages we offer to help you access your best colours.

Interested in a head to toe consultation on your most flattering colours, styles and makeup? And how to incorporate this season's trends into your wardrobe, cosmetics and accessories? Click to find out about our Total Makeover package!