Can I wear this now I'm in my 50s? - 3 main rules of mixing colour

Do you want to update your wardrobe and refresh your look?

If you’re ready to experiment with your favorite clothes, there is a very simple way to do it: just try combining prints in one look!

You know that I love the stylish looks that the Milenese put together - the mixing and matching of prints and colours, so I am unapologetically putting together 3 ways of pulling off the look!

Also read https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/post/how-to-dress-like-you-come-from-milan

Why not join us at the Style Day London - learn all the tricks of the trade to give you a new style confidence https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/style-day-london

1. Stick to classic combinations

Start with classic, simple prints. Use simple prints because they go with just about anything. These can be stripes, polka dots and tartan.

Then add a brighter ornament. For example, you can try pairing a classic stripe with a brighter check print, or add a leopard print to a classic tartan.

Also in the photo you can see an example of combining a polka dot blouse with an unusual bright skirt with an abstract print.

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/775111785842135141/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/424253227398576813/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/46302702410475953/

2. Play with proportions

The second technique for mixing prints is to choose prints of different sizes! This is one of the easiest ways to combine prints in an outfit.

But remember that prints should complement each other, not compete with each other. One print should visually dominate in the image.

For example, two garments in an outfit might have the same print, but be of opposing scales. Or one print in the image may be larger, consisting of geometric shapes, and the second print is smaller.

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/492649946315272/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/11681280274068675/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/560979697340749708/

3. Use similar shades in different prints

The third rule when mixing prints is to keep the shades of the prints in the same tonal range.

This is the easiest way to make two different prints look more common.

You will be surprised to know how many items from your closet can be combined using this approach!

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/615515474053549508/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/219128338107512504/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/378020962476233433/

#StyleTip: You can start by using an accessory, such as a scarf, to master any of these print mixing techniques, and then experiment with different garments.

In addition, following the main 3 rules for combining prints, in the future you can also safely combine three or more different prints in one look.

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/64176363427010989/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/360147301458069427/

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.ru/pin/503981014553159269/

I hope these style tips will make you feel like a real pro by combining different prints together.

Mixing prints using items from your current wardrobe can help breathe new life into some of your favorite pieces of clothes!

Why not join the club - Our Generation Style Club - where you each month there will be exclusive podcasts/blogs/vision boards/shopping ideas/news/views/style tips and advice - and SO much more

Click here for more information - https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/ourgenerationstyle

8 Best Swimsuits to hide your tummy bulge

Ok I admit it, I put on rather too much weight around my midriff during lockdown and this, combined with the weight that has gathered there due to my age, means that putting on a bikini or even a swimsuit, fills me with dread!

I am sure I am not alone in this. Tummy weight gained for whatever reason, whether it be after having a baby, menopause, illness or just eating too much, can mean that finding something to wear to the pool or the beach is fraught with difficulties and potential embarrassment.

Finding something flattering is a challenge whatever body type you are and swimsuits that are designed to control your tummy area can be very frumpy looking and also very expensive.

But, fear not, I have solutions here to come to your rescue and which will make buying swimwear a walk on the beach!

Hot weather - why not read - https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/post/what-to-wear-in-the-heat

Colour blocking

If you have a darker bottom of the swimsuit with a lighter top half, the eye will be drawn upwards away from the tummy area. The darker bottom half will also have a slimming effect.

https://uk.cupshe.com/products/colorblock-v-neck-one-piece-swimsuit?variant=39860545618111&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9-6JsI-D8gIVUOvtCh1-yQUyEAQYASABEgKsf_D_BwE

High Waist

High waisted bikini bottoms will help keep the tummy area under control. If there is a ruching on the bottoms, this will further help to disguise the problems.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-super-high-waist-control-brief/?styleid=68620&curr=gbp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3PzS_Y-D8gIVC57tCh1N5gF5EAQYCSABEgJ26vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Patterns and Prints

Patterns on a swimsuit will confuse the eye and draw attention away from problem areas. If the pattern is around the waistline, this will further help the allusion.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-super-high-waist-control-brief/?styleid=68620&curr=gbp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3PzS_Y-D8gIVC57tCh1N5gF5EAQYCSABEgJ26vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ruffles

A ruffled top or one piece can help disguise the tummy area, with the material skimming over the top. The best type, in my opinion, is to have a tankini so that the top has ruffles, but the bottom part is fuss free.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/mini-maxi-super-high-waist-control-brief/?styleid=68620&curr=gbp&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3PzS_Y-D8gIVC57tCh1N5gF5EAQYCSABEgJ26vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Peplum Tops

Tankinis with peplum tops will help to disguise extra pounds on the waist. Hanging from just below the bustline, which is a narrower part of your torso, the top will skim over your curves and create a pleasing line.

https://dresslily.app.link/5oU9OP7qeib

Blouson top

This type of suit is great, as the top “blouses” out over the problem areas, completely disguising it, whilst keeping the bottom part fuss free.

https://www.landsend.co.uk/s/LandsEndUK/Womens_Adjustable_Chlorine_Resistant_Blouson_Tankini_Top/pp/5598400.html?

Ruching

The best friend of many a tummy! Ruching (pleating) of the material is very flattering, as it again confuses the eye and draws attention away from the problem area.

https://www.pourmoi.co.uk/products/heatwave-control-suit/?styleid=76205

Dark Colours

Dark colours are always flattering and slimming. Don’t just stick to black though, try dark blue, dark purple or even dark reds and pinks.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-amalfi-high-apex-cross-front-swimsuit-green/p5496233?

Carry on reading - https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/post/dressing-for-your-shape-in-midlife

Sign up for my email list to get weekly news, views and style tips and ideas.

How to dress like you come from Milan

I love the way people from Milan dress. I won't call them Milanese as a lot of them don't originate from Milan. In fact people who were born in Milan are known as "DOC" - a jokey reference to wine and other produce that originates from a region, as so few people living in Milan originate from there!

In my experience the people who live and work in Milan, especially in the fashion industry, love colour. This sets them apart from their Roman counterparts, who tend to me more minimalistic.

But the Milanese love to wear colour and to mix and match their prints and the fabrics. Their outfits are usually eye-catching and unashamedly "look at me".

To look as if you have just come Milan here are 5 pointers:-

1. Texture - mix and match prints, colours, textures and materials -

@Simona Bertolotto

2. Colour clash - doesn't match? Who cares!

@Silvia Berri

3. If in doubt, wear a Maxi

@Simona Bertolotto

4. Embrace animal print

@Silvia Berri

5. Make it colourful - can't get enough of it!

@Silvia Berri

@giovanna Batiglia

@Silvia Berri

Your next read - https://www.yourstylerenaissance.com/post/5-things-you-will-find-in-an-italian-woman-s-wardrobe-fab-after-50