I loved the way Kate Moss had a star painted in gold eyeshadow across one eye on the night of her 34th birthday party. But that’s Kate’s real style and it just wouldn’t be me to go for something like that. So, while I would never suggest that you hit the eyeshadow palette with a paintbrush, there’s no doubt that if you’re glamming up for a night, just keeping it natural can make you look too washed out. The way I do it is simply to make my daytime look a little stronger. So, I’ll put on some black mascara, brush on some bronzer and maybe wear a darker lip gloss.
Top, Hennes; ring, vintage.
Real Style Note
If you don’t like wearing make-up, look after your skin, as a fresh complexion always looks good.
I always carry a little pot of Vaseline in my bag: it’s a great natural lip gloss. Use a teensy amount on your eyelashes and eyebrows to lift them a little. Don’t overdo it, though, as you don’t want to look too shiny.
Groomed hair always looks smart, although tousled, rougher styles can look lovely at night.
Of course, like most girls, I could go on forever about my hair. But my general rule is to pull it into a ponytail for day, and to wear it soft and loose or sleek and straight at night. If you’ve got short hair, add some glossing product and make it a little sleeker – spiky hairdos can look a little fierce. If your hair’s curly, add some moisturizing anti-frizz spray for healthy-looking locks and tease your curls out a little at night – and if it’s short, pull and lift the waves back from your face. But don’t be afraid to experiment: I did just that when I went to Victoria and David Beckham’s Full Length and Fabulous party in 2006, and my hairdresser pulled my hair up into a top bun. I’m not sure if I’d go for that look again but, like Kate Moss, I had fun trying it out.
Brushes, The Body Shop.
I like to stick to a natural make-up look and soft, neutral colours.
Top, DKNY; skirt, DKNY.
Style Tip
If your shirt buttons gape around the bust, wear a pretty camisole underneath. It’s smart and will add a little extra something to your look.
Shaping up:
Styles to suit your body shape.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been lucky to get loads of advice from the style professionals I’ve met on photo shoots (and I’m passing on lots of their tips, so ‘thanks’ to all of you). But the main reason I wanted to do my Real Style guide was to share my love of fashion with you, and to let you know how I’ve worked out the best ways of making the most of my own style.
I think real style is about constantly developing and changing your ideas.
Like most normal girls, it took me a while to get the confidence to develop my own tastes in clothes. And I’ve mostly done that just by trusting what I see in the mirror. I’ve still got lots to learn, but then to me that’s what real style is all about: mine is constantly developing and we all change our ideas about what we like as we get older. There are some things, though, that I would never change: having the confidence to make your own choices, feeling good about the way you look, and, most of all, just being true to yourself.
Which shape are you?
SUPER LADYLIKE Then you’ll tend to have a curvy bust and bum or thighs, and a nice, neat waist.
Dress, Marks & Spencer.
Styles to suit your shape:: Try simple, lower-cut necklines: anything too fussy can make you look square. Longer-length tops pulled in with a big wide belt will make your body look longer (I love tan-coloured leather ones as they go with everything. Try Reiss for a selection); nipped-in jackets show off the waist, shoulders and all your nice curvy bits to their best advantage. Try wearing skinny jeans with a longer floaty top to cover the bottom – this is one of my favourite looks for going out. Make sure that your trousers are not too short, as this can make you look a little square or stocky; A-line, just-below-the-knee skirts can really balance your shape out; and pencil skirts look fab worn with that lovely big belt.
GORGEOUSLY CURVY Then you might have more of a tummy, and nice, shapely legs, too.
Styles to suit your shape: Try pretty necklines detailed with pleating, bows or ruching, as they will draw attention away from your middle – I think See by Chloé and Topshop do really good tops and T-shirts like this. Or try V-necks, as these will highlight your bust more and give the impression of narrowing the top of your body. Hipster belts will make the best of slim hips, and nipped-in jackets are also good for making you appear to have more of a waist. I would also try slim-cut trousers or jeans.
TALL AND LEGGY Your lovely, slim frame means you’ll look really good in simple outfits like jeans and a T-shirt.
Styles to suit your shape: Try plain tops in fresh colours such as white or powdery blue and coral pink, and dress them up with long necklaces and accessories. I think Elle Macpherson carries this style off so well. She sometimes even does her casual look when you see pictures of her on evenings out and she still looks fantastic. Another good idea is plain shirts – I got a blue-and-white striped one from the Kate Moss Topshop range, which looks really smart during the day. Bigger blouse styles can also look great when going out. Slim trousers or ‘boyfriend’ styles (Gap is brilliant for these) will look really stylish. And you’ll be able to wear long, ruffle skirts and full-length maxi dresses. That’s a look I love for summer.
Real Style Quiz
Now it’ time to check your Real Style factor. If you agree with any of the following, tick the boxes next to them:
I love choosing new clothes
I love shopping with my mates
I love getting dressed up
I love looking good
I love feeling good
If you answered YES to all of the above, you’re totally in tune with your Real Style.
If you answered YES to three of the above, you might need a little fine-tuning.
If you answered NO to more than three of the above, you’ve got a Real Style journey ahead.