Female Fashion Tips (Do's & Dont's)

Feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear is a vital part of having a good time and making an impression. Follow these golden rules to help you create the perfect outfit for a special occasion.

Birthday drinks/meeting friends at a bar

Jeans create a classic but simple look that's always a winner in a bar. Girls can glam them up with heels and a top that matches the shoes. It's a simple and easy look that you can pull off as long as you follow these rules.

Do:

Dress to impress

• Wear fitted jeans - skinny or straight-fit jeans are most suitable; boyfit and loose-fit jeans look too casual and don't go with heels;
• Wear a top that infuses shimmer, shine or glitter; it will make you stand out from the crowd;
• Wear black or darker shades. Gold and silver look great at night. Avoid yellow and orange;
• Wear a lower-cut top with your jeans. The bottom half of you is covered so your top can be more revealing;
• Accessorize with big distinctive jewelery.

Don't:

• Wear shoes that you can't walk in. You'll regret it;
• Wear glittered jeans; they are more of a pre-teen trend;
• Wear a short-cut crop top; it can look tacky. If you want to show off a trim stomach then wear a top with slightly see-through bottom layers - more subtle and stylish.

Interview

You can't sit still; you've got butterflies in your stomach and sweaty hands. An interview is a time when you need to have absolute confidence within yourself and give a lasting impression. Remember that most employers form an opinion about you within the first few seconds so an impressive outfit is essential.

Do:

• Dress smart. It will make people take you seriously;
• Wear a high-waisted pencil skirt with a tucked in shirt for the slimmer figure. You'll look professional and stylish;
• If you're applying for a job within the design, media, fashion, music or art industry make your outfit unique and individual to express your creativity;
• Make sure that your clothes are fitted. Baggy clothes look casual and unprofessional;
• Wear heels less then three inches - any higher and they will look unprofessional.

Don't:

• Be too revealing, it looks unprofessional. If you're going to wear a shorter skirt, wear a higher-cut top;
• Wear over-sized jewelery, keep it simple and elegant;
• Wear bright or heavily-patterned clothes as they can be distracting.

First date

You want to dress to impress but don't want your date to think you're trying too hard. Remember that a first date is a casual occasion so try not to go over-the-top.

Do:

• Wear uplifting, happy colours like pink, purple or green;
• Dress with comfort in mind. Your favourite fitted jeans are perfect for first dates;
• Wear distinctive clothes to express your style and personality.

Don't:

• Be too revealing. If you're going to wear a shorter skirt avoid a low-cut top;
• Wear pre-layered clothes. Layer clothes yourself to express creativity.

Meeting the parents

You need to wear an outfit that expresses your personality when you meet the parents. Turning up in a floaty floral number if your usual style is heavy grunge may make a good first impression, but it's important to be yourself if you're planning to build up a relationship with them. Follow these simple guidelines and you can't fail.

Do:

• Dress uniquely as it will help the parents to identify your personality;
• Be comfortable - this is nerve-wracking situation, so it isn't the time to experiment with new looks.

Don't:

• Be revealing. It won't impress anyone;
• Wear black trousers and a shirt, it's too formal.

Weddings

You want to look good for your friend or family's happy day, but not too good. Dress according to the season and never wear white unless you want to be given evil looks by the bride all day.

Do:

• Wear light colours if the wedding is held in the spring or summer. Colours like lilac, yellow, light blue and dusty pink look great.
• If it's a winter wedding wear seasonal colours like red, dark green and purple.
• Keep jewellery simple and elegant. Oversized fashion jewellery can be distractive.

Don't:

• Wear a dress that is too short, try to keep it knee length or longer;
• Wear over-patterned dresses. Simple and subtle outfits are more appropriate;
• Wear oversized hats. You'll look like the bride's mother.

The final word

Looking good doesn't need to break the bank. Book a free appointment with your own personal shopper at high street stores such as Debenhams (tel: 08445 616 161) or Topshop to find out about the styles that suit you best. A simple but well-fitted item of clothing can be accessorised to suit a range of different occasions. Be creative with what you wear and express your personality.

Courtesy and Written by: Nadia Abdeljaber