Hands up if you are also guilty of opening your wardrobe and feeling like you have nothing suitable to wear or anything that feels ‘quite right’?
As the textures and colours of the Winter 17 ranges begin to appear in stores, we asked Fiona Keary, in-house stylist at the Canberra Centre and founder of Style Liberation for her tips on creating a versatile and personalised wardrobe.
Fiona’s style philosophy is simple – start with the basics, investing in a capsule wardrobe of clothes that suit your body type and colour tones. This will not only save you time and money; it gives you the confidence to develop your own personal style and tailor looks that work for you.
“Your style personality is a way of expressing yourself – it is your personal business card”
Fiona Keary and Sarah Kelly at the Canberra Centre style sessions.
You lived in London for a few years, what did you learn about dressing for cold weather?
I actually think Canberra is colder as you have such a variation between night and day temperatures. The key is to layer wisely as you may go from freezing outside to a balmy 21 degrees inside. A great versatile coat is a must.
How do you know which pieces of clothing to invest in – what will last for a number of seasons and suit our personal style – without going out of style?
It’s about being current rather than being on trend. It’s about creating your own signature style rather than being a slave to fashion. If you start with great base pieces (i.e. dresses, suits, pants, skirts, jeans, coats and jackets) that flatter your colouring, style and body shape, then you’re already on the right track. Then you’ll find that you can update every season with some key trend pieces that match your style personality.
Winter 2017 at the Canberra Centre
Are there wardrobe essentials you think should be updated each season?
Replace those base pieces once they are starting to see better days. Canberra Centre has great retailers that offer good quality base pieces that you can then layer to create your unique style.
Cold and warm colours – what do we need to know and how do we adapt colours to our own style?
Cool colours are blue based, and warm colours are yellow based. However, while many people are one or the other, many are neutral, so the temperature of the colour is not as important as say the depth or intensity of the colour. I would recommend working within a colour palette that works for you. Firstly because everything in your wardrobe will mix and match, and secondly you’ll look great.
No matter your style personality, there will be colours in your palette that will work all year round and be appropriate for your style.
Do the same cold and warm colour palettes apply to men?
It’s exactly the same principles for men.
Your style personality is your personal business card.
How have you seen the Canberra fashion scene change over the last few years?
It’s fantastic to see local designers showcased. There is so much talent here. I also love that Canberrans are experimenting and embracing both international and local brands located at the Canberra Centre.
Do you have any your favourite Canberra designers?
Braddon Tailors, Rockstars and Royalty, and Pure Pod
Change it up a bit.
The Canberra Centre has a wide range of fashion retailers – do you have a tip on breaking the routine of shopping at the same spots?
Working out your style personality is key. When you understand your style, it’s much easier to work out which stores are right for you. Saying that never discount any store, as you never know what you’re going to find. You may be a classic, but you may be able to pick up a gem at Sass & Bide. I would recommend looking in three or four stores that you usually wouldn’t go to every season. Change it up a bit.
Before becoming a stylist, you worked in an office – what is your tip for taking the ‘corporate look’ to after work events?
It’s about accessorising, change the shoes, bag, perhaps the shirt or blouse and add some statement jewellery.
Do you have an ‘on trend’ must have for Winter 17?
No, buy pieces that you love and make you feel fabulous. If you want to wear sparkles and sequins during the day – wear them!
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Gift bags at the Canberra Centre lifestyle workshops.
Thanks to the Canberra Centre for inviting the So Frank team to attend Fiona’s Style Masterclass – we will be looking at clothes shopping in a new way.
The Canberra Centre offers personal styling sessions, with Fiona, where you can learn more about developing your style personality.
You can also download Fiona’s ‘35+ Where to Shop’ guide, providing tips on which stores to visit to explore looks for your style (and it is not just for the over 35’s).
