Good Housekeeping (UK)

Now DRESS YOURSELF Confident

I’D LIKE THE CONFIDENCE TO... BREAK OUT OF BLACK They say the best make-up is a smile, and the best clothing is confidence… But could the reverse ever be true? These five readers had all lost their style mojo for different reasons. Step forward the GH fa

- PHOTOGRAPH­Y NICKY JOHNSTON

Sticking to safe, dark colours is doing her no favours – Keelymcint­osh needs to find a brighter, braver look

Black has been my default colour throughout my career: a black dress or a black skirt suit, always with a black jacket on top. For evenings out, I would tweak my day look and wear black jeans or leather trousers. It’s easy and flattering.

While I know I look smart and practical for my job as a sales director, I’d love to be more adventurou­s. About five years ago, I went to a party in a bright turquoise sequined dress. I still remember the lovely comments, people stopped me all night to tell me I looked good. Yet for every party since then, I’ve gone back to choosing black. It’s the safest option, and I don’t feel confident enough to break out of it again.

I’ve got the drive to wear bolder, brighter clothes, I just need a little push in the right direction. I know that when I feel good in what I’m wearing, it gives me the confidence to make my voice heard, which will definitely be a boost at work when it comes to big meetings and networking events. I’ll look better, feel better and have the courage to achieve more. I just need to take that leap.

THE FASHION BOOST

‘Keely tried on neon pink and pillar-box red before we settled on this orange jumpsuit,’ says GH’S Jo Atkinson. ‘Although this outfit is very much a party piece, after trying on a multitude of bright shades Keely now knows that colour really suits her, and she has the confidence to incorporat­e it into her daily wardrobe as accessorie­s as well as separates and statement pieces.’

LOOK AT ME NOW!

‘If I’d walked out of the house in this outfit today, I would have felt really good,’ says Keely. ‘The vividness of the orange against my skin makes my face look so much brighter than if I was in black. I would totally wear this to a special function or a party. It would give me so much confidence and I’m sure that would show in my posture.’

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Photograph­er Nicky and Fashion Editor Jo Atkinson work their magic
Photograph­er Nicky and Fashion Editor Jo Atkinson work their magic
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom