Back-to-School Style Tips From the Experts

At a recent back-to-school fashion show Diane Parente and Charlotte Welch, "style ambassadors" for Northgate in San Rafael gave mothers and daughters attending event offered lots of tips for girls and women of all ages. Here are a few: 

Column dressing 

Column dressing means that you start with the top and bottom in the same color which can be dark or neutral. That makes you look taller and slimmer. Then you can layer on top of that with sweater, jacket, scarf and coat in bright colors, prints, and patterns.  This works best if the prints pick up the column color of black, navy, tan or whatever it might be.

Push up your sleeves 

If you push up your sleeves, it creates a slimmer silhouette.  Who knew?

Fold back your sleeves if the lining is cute

Often jackets and coats have lining in a different color or sometimes even in a fun print.  If that is the case, consider folding the sleeve back to show the colorful or cute lining and maybe match that with a scarf in the same color.

Button cardigan sweater at the waist

When you button your cardigan sweater at your waist, it defines the waist.

In addition, if you leave the last two or three buttons undone or open from waist down, it accentuates the waist size, and gives you a curvier look. A cardigan sweater, unbuttoned, is basically a box shape. While our bodies are not.   

To belt or not to belt – higher or lower?

 If you are short waisted, consider wearing your belt below your natural waistline and place the buckle off to the side which will slim your hipline.  

 Layering is key  

For our climate in Marin County layering is key as many of us, from moms to students to working gals, are on the go from morning through evening.

Start out with multiple layers and if you can find fabrics in tissue weight it won't add as much bulk. 

Begin by layering two camis (two!)  in two different but complimentary colors, instead of one, and on top try a light weight long sleeved T-shirt.

Wear a cardigan over the camis and T-shirt, then add a light jacket and top everything with a heavier coat that can be a quilted parka style or a warm wool coat.

Scarves are great to bring harmony to an outfit when you are wearing a variety of colors and patterns.  

 A hood takes the place of an umbrella

If you can find a jacket with a hood, it takes the place of an umbrella so you have one less item to carry when getting in and out of your car or juggling books on a rainy day.

Diane Parente and Charlotte Welch are personal shoppers. You can find them at: www.imagesellsyou.com