Style Tips // Perfect Styles for Imperfect Bodies

So, I'm not about that gym life. I need to be, but for now, the gym is just not where it's at for this working mom. Until I can get my life together, I've had to learn how to dress this imperfect body of mine. Thankfully, I've found some styles that work wonders for me and can work for most body types as well.

The Full Midi Skirt

High-waist, full midi skirts are my favorite for occasions that call for timeless, ageless modesty. I find full midis, whether pleated or flowing, to be fun, flirty, effortless and classic. The narrowest part being the waist, it gives a slimming illusion making it perfect for almost any body type. A midi may not be the best choice for someone under 5'3, but a petite fit with some killer heels can be the fix to short girl problems.

The Loose-Fitting Dress

For a weekend night out, a loose-fitting dress hitting the knee always does it for me. While the dress works wonders by not clinging to problem areas, a fun jacket can help to give the look shape in all the right places.

The Long Blazer

Whatever the perceived body imperfection – a generous bust, excess in the midsection, or a large bottom area – a long or over-sized blazer can be the forgiving piece for any corporate look. Yes, ladies, we can wear our fitted dresses and pencil skirts and still feel confident that we've put together an appropriate, fashionable outfit for the office.

If you're like me and haven't quite reached your body goals, avoid the discomfort of extra support layers and invest in styles that make you look and feel confident all on their own.

Style Tips // 15 Wardrobe Essentials that Never Fail

Recently, I've shared my thoughts on how to develop a personal style. Whether you're building a foundation to achieve the sense of style you can call your own or simply in need of tips on how to maximize your closet, I recommend 15 wardrobe essentials that will never do you wrong.

Style Tips // How to Develop a Personal Style

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I've gone through several stages of what I've considered "personal style." From simply wanting to fit in to shelling out serious money chasing brand names to trying to keep up with seasonal trends, I've tried it all before finally settling into what I confidently consider my own personal style: simple, classic and feminine.

For me, personal style is just that... personal. It's not based on what the trends are, what the magazines recommend or what the bloggers are wearing (although great inspiration can be gained from each). It's about what suits you, what you like, and what makes you feel confident in order to create a style aesthetic that is unmistakably you. So, let's discuss these three questions.

What suits you?

To determine what suits you, consider a few things: your body type, your age, your lifestyle, and colors that complement your skin tone. Your body type/size, age and lifestyle are subject to change whether inevitably or unintentionally, so it's natural for your personal style to evolve along with these changes. Using myself as an example, I'm in my mid-late twenties, so of course I no longer dress the way that I did when I was in my teens. My body also went through changes as a result of pregnancy, and coupled with the fact that I'm a mother, I became more attracted to clothing that complemented my more mature figure and lifestyle.

What do you like?

Trends are fun, fine and dandy, but at the end of the day, it only makes sense to pick up a trend and incorporate it into your style if you really, genuinely like it. If not, you'll be looking back at photos from the previous season wondering, "What was I thinking? I hate the way I dressed!" instead of smiling back at a fond style memory. It's important to choose timeless silhouettes that you like that can serve as the foundation for your style first, and then pepper in trends throughout each season that accentuate your signature looks rather than dominating for a short period of time. This rule of thumb also reduces the urge to start your wardrobe from scratch every few months.

What makes you feel confident?

I always say, "Wear the clothes; don't let the clothes wear you." Comfort is a huge factor in making sure you look and feel confident in your clothing. If you can't walk in stilettos, don't wear stilettos! If polyester makes you itch, only wear cotton. It's really that simple. I feel particularly comfortable in clothing that doesn't require a lot of layering to achieve a modest look and shoes that don't torture my feel after an hour of wear. Comfort allows for you to focus on being you which results in confidence, the key driver behind your personal style.

Happy styling!