Choosing the Right Underwear: Elevate Your Outfit and Enhance Your - what underwear should I wear?

So, let’s talk basics.  And by basics I mean what we wear underneath our clothes.

Your underwear can make or break your outfit.  It can make it look expensive, or it can make it look cheap.

Underwear can also make you feel attractive, sexy and good about yourself, or it can make you feel dowdy, lumpy and frumpy!  It is an important part of our self-care and makes you feel good about yourself.

Firstly though, to look good in your clothes, leave the sexy underwear for the bedroom.  Lots of straps, lace, and bows or buckles, will show and make your outerwear hang incorrectly, or pull in the wrong place.  A smooth line is what we are looking for.

A pair of Spanks or similar under trousers, skirts or dresses, will turn an ordinary outfit into something that looks like a designer outfit.  To make any outfit look really classy and put together, the fit is of paramount importance, as any Italian will tell you and the under-pinning, i.e. your underwear, will enhance that fit.

Shapewear is a good choice for every body type as it smooths the lines and adds a bit of rigidity to an outfit, so even if you don’t need “holding in”, it will create a smooth and supported line.

Body suits are another good choice as they take away the lines caused by the top of knickers and the lower edges of bras.  Go for simple smooth designs, without too much lace and strapping to keep the things smooth.

Be careful when you wear tights (pantyhose) too, as these can cause another line to appear above your knicker line.

Panties

One of my pet hates is a VPL (visible panty line).  So many people don’t bother to look at their rear view in a mirror and a VPL will absolutely ruin any outfit you put on. 

Nobody (except perhaps your partner) should be able to see what type of underwear you have on!

If your panties cut across your bottom they will cause another line, which ruins the outline of your outfit.  If they fit snuggly under your buttocks they will create a pleasing line and will lift your buttocks slightly.

Thongs, in my opinion (please don’t shout me down for this!), should also be worn with caution.  Whilst they undoubtedly solve the problem of a VPL, they do then leave the buttock hanging free and uncovered, so unless you have a tight, toned tush, wearing a thong will show every lump, bump and sag.

Don’t get me wrong! I am all about embracing your body whatever the size, lumps and all.  There are very few of us who have perfect bodies (whatever that is!), and we must dress how we like, but I am also a very strong believer in dressing appropriately – and I don’t mean age appropriately. 

If you really thought about it, would you want the whole world looking at your backside as you walk along the street?   Is it really appropriate that there is very little left to the imagination with a lot of modern outfits?  Everyday dressing now includes very tight, figure-hugging, sportswear, which not only contours every line of your body, it also enhances in lots of cases, with the way the print is positioned.  Appropriate maybe for the gym – the high street, not so much!

The trouble is that most people forget that we are three-dimensional and when they look in the mirror, they just look at the front, forgetting, or not wanting to remember, that they have a rear view!

Bras

To keep your clothes looking stylish and put together, the other area you need to pay attention to is your bra.

A whopping 81% of women wear the wrong size bra and not only is this extremely bad for your boobs, it is also bad for your outfit.  The wrong size bra will create all sorts of bulges and lines, even if you are small-breasted and will make your tops hang in completely the wrong way.

I have seen time and time again with my clients how a simple bra fit completely changes the way their body shape looks and how they view their clothes on them.

So, get yourself down to your local underwear shop – I thoroughly recommend Marks and Spencer for this and all the pictures here are current M&S designs – and get measured for a new bra and invest in some full and supportive panties.  They don’t have to be grey and boring - there are plenty of styles out there that are pretty and elegant.  They also don’t have to be un-sexy.  But if you want something more seductive then leave this for the bedroom!

Colour

So, let’s talk colour.

I love coloured or black underwear, but this can only really be worn under dark colours or jumpers, etc, that are of a thicker material.

Otherwise go for white or, better still, a nude colour.  Although nude is not a seductive colour, it IS the best colour to wear under any clothes, especially white, as white panties and bras can show through white clothes like a beacon, weirdly!

I find, for a normal week, if I wear a nude body, then it doesn’t matter how many times I change my clothes, I am always wearing underwear that will work.  There is nothing more annoying than finding an outfit doesn’t work, you are in a hurry and the underwear you have on will only go with what you were hoping to wear!

If you would like to have a copy of my bra-fitting guide, then please email me at info@elinorsalter.com

Wardrobe Essentials Every Man Should Own - outfits for men

A guide to timeless pieces that form the foundation of a versatile wardrobe. Outfits for men who want to stand out!

 

I was recently at a meeting in London at a large office on Baker Street.  Now, I know I am old fashioned in some ways, but I was shocked at the casual attire that most of the men were wearing.  When I am in Rome, almost without exception the men look well-dressed and refined, looking as if they mean business, but in London they looked as if it was “dress down Friday”!

It probably isn’t a very popular view, but I really feel that if you want to get ahead of the competition, you have to look the part and dress for the part.  Dress for success, dress for the job you want, but above all, dress as if you respect yourself and you will, in turn, be respected.

So, what should a well-dressed man have in his closet now?

A single-breasted suit in navy or grey

A simple, elegantly cut, single breasted suit will be your go to for an outfit for men.  Obviously worn for work, it will also look good for evening visits to the theatre, smart suppers or drinks parties.

Plain white shirt

This is an absolute must.  Worn with a tie preferably – remember we are dressing to impress - it is always an elegant piece worn under a smart suit.  Or, you can wear it open-necked with chinos or blue jeans, for a more casual look.

Plain pink or blue shirt

These classics, like the white shirt, will look amazing with your suits and just as good with chinos or jeans.  Invest in good quality, heavyweight cotton so they don’t crease too much.

Dinner Jacket (Tuxedo)

Every gentleman should own one.  You never know when you might need it.  Stick to black and it won’t go out of fashion. 

Blue Jeans

Jeans have become a staple of everyone’s wardrobe these days, but to be truly classy, make sure they sit on your hips, not high waisted and definitely not so low that you show your boxers, or worse your backside!

White T shirts

A classic white t-shirt will never go out of style and will never let you down. 

Grey or blue T shirts

Great with jeans or a blue chino for your weekend off-duty look.

Navy cashmere sweater

This will look cool with a white t-shirt and jeans, classy with a white shirt and chinos, great under your bomber or blazer for that extra bit of warmth and is a great piece for popping on to travel in, be it on the train or a plane, as it is light-weight and will fold easily into a hold-all or briefcase.  What’s not to love!!

Sports Jacket/blazer

Investing in a good quality, blue blazer, will be something you will never regret.  They never go out of fashion and if you go for a classic shape, in a wool/cashmere blend, it will last you for ever.

Trenchcoat

My husband is still wearing his Burberry trench that he bought in the 1980’s.  It still looks smart and current and a trench will look good over a suit for a more casual look.

Again, invest in a good one – it will pay you back in spades!

Crombie Overcoat

There are town Crombies and Country Crombies!  The town one should be in a navy blue with a velvet collar.  The Country should be in a tweed.  They can be worn over suits (tweed in the country) and over chinos or jeans for a more casual look.

Bomber Jacket/Harrington

Steve McQueen rocked this look and what better Icon is there than him for looking cool!

This is your answer for a smart casual dress code, worn with a cashmere sweater, white T-shirt and chinos.

The Harrington brand is a classic and comes in a number of colours, the most useful being a stone or blue.

Chinos

Chinos are your classic smart/casual wear.  They look just as good with a blazer and shirt, as they do with a t-shirt and bomber jacket.  With or without turn-ups – your choice!

Essential Shoes

Brown brogues

Brown brogues are a classic and work just as well for the town or the country.  But please NEVER wear them with a black, navy or grey suit!

Never bright orange/light tan colours:- dark brown or oxblood only.

Black lace-up shoes

Classic black leather tie-up shoes are a must for any classic wardrobe.  Wear them with your suits, or your jeans.  Keep them cleaned and shiny and they will serve you for years to come.

Good pair of classic suede loafers

Brown jodhpur boots or similar to go with jeans, smart trousers, etc. 

Ties

I know that ties are not worn as much these days, but if you want to stand out from your peers, then a tie is the way to go.  You will look instantly more put together and smarter, without trying too hard! 

You will need at least three types, for casual, very formal and smart but flamboyant for wearing with a suit. 

Cufflinks

Never too ostentatious, silk knotted are good for casual and for a more formal look, metal/gold or silver pairs are good for suits.  Gold is always a winner for evening wear, as it is understated and classic.

Briefcase

I think a briefcase always looks smarter than a “man bag”.  Obviously, it depends on the type of job you have as to the style of case or bag you choose, but always buy the best you can afford, as a good quality bag will stand up to the wear and tear it will receive on a daily basis.

Belt

Black for a formal suit and plain brown for casual trousers.  Keep the buckle “subtle” and not too large.

Sunglasses

You can never go wrong with a pair of aviator sunglasses.

And lastly –

Handkerchief

A true Gentleman should always have a clean handkerchief in his trouser pocket and in a pocket square in a suit or blazer pocket – just don’t match it to your tie!

And please – avoid back packs, bum bags and baseball caps – and NEVER wear them backwards!

If you would like to talk to me about personal shopping and up-levelling your wardrobe then I would be delighted to help info@elinorsalter.com

Picture credits

https://www.crockettandjones.com/

https://www.piniparma.com/

https://savilerowco.com/

https://www.cordings.co.uk/menswear

https://uk.velasca.com/

https://www.bogliolimilano.com/

https://lucafaloni.com/

How to wear red at 40 and beyond

Fashion Tips for Wearing Red at 40 and Beyond

Dressing Boldly: How to Incorporate Red into Your Wardrobe After 40

Red is a colour that will make you stand out.  It is a colour that signifies strong emotions of energy, power and determination.  It attracts attention.  But it is also a warm colour that evokes feelings of excitement, energy and happiness.

If you want to stand out from your colleagues, or dress for success and empowerment, then red is your colour!

The colour has been in the shops for a while now and shows no signs of abating anytime soon.  As I said in my previous blog – red goes so well with another trend of the moment and that is animal print.  The two together look classy and bold!

If you are worried about standing out too much, just introduce the colour in small amounts.  A pair of red trousers and a white shirt is always a winning combination.  Or maybe just add a red handbag to your neutral wardrobe, or a pair of red shoes.

Mixing and Matching Red with Other Colours for Women Over 40

A monochromatic look, wearing red, or shades of red, from head-to-toe, will give a very dramatic and slimming effect.  Not for the faint hearted, but this is a great way to make a statement!

Mixing red with the triadic colours blue and yellow, or the complementary colour of green will give a bright, impactful and energetic combination bound to brighten up anyone’s day!

Red goes well with browns, beige, grey, white and black and will lift a neutral outfit with a pop of colour.

Accessorizing Red Outfits for Women Over 40

The easiest way to bring a bit of red into your life is to add a red accessory.   A red bag will brighten up any outfit, whatever the colour! 

Red shoes are always a little girls dream and I don’t think it changes much as we get older!  There is something lovely about putting on a pair of red shoes – don’t ask me why!!

Finding the Right Shade of Red for Women Over 40

Don’t think that you can’t wear a colour because it isn’t in your “season”.  For a start, if you don’t like the type of red against your face, wear it on your lower half.

But there is a red for everyone in some shade or hue.  If you have had your colours done, you will have one on your sheet, be it a dark red, burgundy, pillar box red or an orange red, to name a few.

If you haven’t had your colours done, then try lots of them out, hold them up against you and see which ones make your eyes “ping” and your face less shadowed.

Seasonal Red Outfit Ideas for Women in Their 40s

And of course, don’t forget the festive season coming up!  Wearing red for Christmas is always a hit and teamed with a dark brown is a good alternative from black.

Try teaming a pair of red wide leg jeans with a sparkly top in gold or silver, or a silk button

-up shirt for a semi-casual look for lunchtime drinks.

A red, maxi dress will make a statement and teemed with a pair of blue slingbacks and a yellow velvet jacket will add a colourful impact for the office party!

A red skirt, with a black or brown cashmere sweater would be lovely for Christmas lunch. 

Add a pair of wellies and a Barbour jacket and your afternoon family walk will be stylish as well as refreshing.

 You will also like - Wearing Animal Print Over 40

and four tips for wearing red with style

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