5 Essential Tops for Every Woman’s Wardrobe

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There are certain items that every gal needs in her wardrobe and today we’re tackling tops. As I coach my clients, there are five shirts that I consider “essentials” that will easily transition between seasons and will be a staple for any outfit.

These 5 shirts include: (1) Striped Tee (2) White Oxford (3) Denim Shirt (4) Patterned Shirt and (5) Layering Top. With these important tops, you’ll be able to put countless outfits together.

Speaking of essentials, in case you missed it, read about the five must have shoes for every season here.

STRIPED TEE

The striped tee never goes out of style. It pairs perfectly with other patterns as well as with denim, leather, khaki and the list goes on and on. Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 10.29.33 AM

WHITE OXFORD

Paired with black trousers at work or thrown over jeans while running errands on the weekend, the white oxford is easily dressed up or down.
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DENIM SHIRT

Don’t be afraid to partner denim with a bright colored pair of jeans, a fancy skirt, or even with denim jeans. Denim on denim is a popular trend right now! Think of this chambray shirt as a neutral.
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PATTERNED SHIRT

Paired with blue jeans and a fun flat or wedge, a patterned shirt {A.K.A. stand alone top} can dress up any outfit and add a punch of something fun to your look. Screen Shot 2016-04-25 at 10.31.24 AM

LAYERING TEE

Layered under a leather jacket/ blazer or just thrown on for a day out with kids with a scarf, the lightweight layering tee is versatile in so many ways.
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Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress an Apple Shaped Body

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Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the apple shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear and String Bean.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR AN APPLE: Apple shaped individuals have a heavier mid-section with a wide torso and broad shoulders. They have an average sized bust and an undefined waist. Also, these women have thinner arms and legs with a flatter bottom and hips that are narrower than the bust area. For an apple, draw attention away from your middle section by directing focus elsewhere {upper body or legs} or by creating more definition in the waistline. Don’t be afraid to show off your legs, which often tend to be a great asset for this shape.

Perhaps the apple frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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OUTFIT 1: one // two // three // four // five // six // seven

OUTFIT 2: eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

OUTFIT 3: fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen // eighteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Shorter length and high-waisted shorts draw attention to one of your assets–your great legs. Anything cut low at the waist may create a “muffin top” that negatively accentuates your middle section. Pick a cut that nips at the waistline making it slimmer and more defined. Focusing on your legs will help add more balance to your look. Wear pants with back pockets. This will create definition to enhance your flatter bottom and will balance out your waist. Wear pants that are denim or those that include some “stretch” in a trouser cut or boot cut style. Darker colors in jeans are best.  AVOID: Pants that have a lot of zippers in the front will draw more attention to your middle and super skinny styles will make your upper body appear more round.
  1. SKIRTS: Try wearing a skirt that has a bias cut or an A-line; or consider a full circle skirt. You can also wear a trumpet skirt or those with a hanky hem. AVOID: Skirts that are tight around the waist or those which fall at your                                                         natural waist are not flattering.
  1. DRESSES: A-line dresses or those that have an empire waist are fabulous. Consider a shirtdress that has a tie that will ultimately add more definition to your figure. Another strategy is to find dresses with a continuous pattern on it or those with color blocking. AVOID: Dresses with a built in waistline, as it will add unnecessary bulk to the waist.
  1. TOPS: Wear shirts that flow under your bust, or peplum styles that expand at the waist. Wear V-necks and plunging necklines as they can lengthen your body. Strapless, scoop or tops with narrow bodices draw the eye to your bust and elongate the upper body. Tops should fall lower than your hipbone. AVOID: Avoid high necklines and off the shoulder tops that can make your shoulders appear broader. Boxy, baggy or formless tops are not recommended as they make you look larger.Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.25.51 PM
  1. JACKETS/OUTWEAR: The right jacket can help camouflage your heavier midriff. You should wear a jacket that is single-breasted and doesn’t have too many details. Wearing a structured jacket or coat will create curves in your chest and hips and will minimize your waist. AVOID: Double breasted coats or jackets/cardigans that finish at your fullest points.
  1. FOOTWEAR: High heels are a great way to elongate your legs. Or partner nude sandals with shorts to create even more length. Wear platform, wedges, calf-length boots, ballet flats, clogs, and strappy sandals. AVOID: Heavy boots, kitten heels, UGGS or any shoes that make your legs look smaller and draw more attention to the waist.
  1. BAUBLES: Pendant style necklaces help draw the eye from top to bottom creating a leaner overall look. Consider adding a lightweight scarf to add a pop of color on top but nothing too bulky. AVOID: No need to wear elaborate necklaces as you already have a great bust that Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.45.54 PMdoesn’t need more adornment.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Dark colored wide belts are great. Shape- wear, especially “waist clinchers” will do the trick in an instant to define the waist. AVOID: Oversized clutches and shoulder bags are not recommended as they add unwanted fullness to the look.
  1. SWIMWEAR: A halter neck is suggested for swimwear, as it’s able to support a fuller bust. Wear underwired cups and thick straps to help with bust support. Try a tankini or vest zip top that covers the middle and isn’t too figure-hugging. For more coverage, use a sarong. Details on the shoulders draw the eye towards your face. AVOID: Low cut bikini tops aren’t recommended because they accentuate the waist, which isn’t the best feature for apples.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

Trends at Any Age: Pantone Color of the Year

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The Pantone Color for 2016 actually includes two lovely shades: Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. According to Pantone, the warmer rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue combine to reflect a sense of soothing order and peace. These two colors perfectly compliment each other when combined in an outfit evoking a sense of calm and restfulness.

In today’s post, I put together 4 outfits that are age appropriate and easy to style with several wardrobe essentials including white jeans, wedges, dark denim jeans, and fun accessories. And fabulous news– these colors are flattering for any age with any body type.

I often hear the common phrase, “Pastels don’t work for my skin tone.” Combining the right top that breaks up the solid pastel shade {like the oversized buffalo plaid shirt combining white and pale blue}often does the trick.  Then there is always good ole self-tanner {my favorite} to bronze your skin if you are pale like me!

30s: Dress // Earrings // Cuff // Shoes // Clutch

40s: Shirt // Jeans // Shoes // Earrings // Purse

50s: Shirt // Jeans // Shoes // Necklace // Purse

60s: Dress // Shoes // Watch // Nail Polish // Earrings // Clutch

We’d love to hear how you are styling the pantone colors of the year. Share more in the comments section below. This post is part two of our “Trends at Any Age” series. Check out part 1– Trends at Any Age: Tie Dye if you missed out on all the fun.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a String Bean Body

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We continue our body types series focusing on the String Bean shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling for a Pear body type here.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A STRING BEAN: A string bean (also known as a rectangle, ruler, or banana) has an undefined waist and little to no curves; your hips and shoulders tend to be the same width. Given your more “boyish/athletic frame”, your bust tends to be small and your bottom flat. As a rectangle you, will want to create more curves and a more balanced silhouette by strategically defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top by adding volume with added fabric or other details. Or opt for the straight look and surrender the waistline altogether.

Perhaps the string bean frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Opt for styles that fit 
snugly at your middle but flare out at the 
bottom (whether it’s a skirt or pants) to create curves. Low or mid-rise pants are usually best. Consider styles with details and pockets on the hips and the body to add bulk. For shorts, consider a 4-6 inseam for length and cuffed styles. Cargo and boyfriend styles are fabulous. AVOID: Too wide of a flared pant that could create disproportion.
  1. SKIRTS: Most skirts will look great on this body shape, from A-line to tulip, pencil or ruffle. You can also wear a tight skirt {hugging the thighs or hips} to highlight the curves that you 
do have. If you like a waistless look, you can opt for straight or pencil skirts. AVOID: Extra fluffy or full skirts with intense pleating as they may create disproportion compared to the upper part of your body on your narrow frame.
  1. DRESSES: Consider a wrap style that pulls the fabric into the skinniest part of your waist. You can also wear straight styles such as tunic dresses as long as you add some interest to the top with a statement necklace and then on with bottom with a fun pair of shoes. Dresses made of two parts {bodice and skirt} or high waisted skirts with a top tucked in will be absolutely perfect for this figure.
  1. TOPS: Use strong blocks of color to help define your body. Medium to high necklines usually work well especially if you have a small bust and a long neck. If you want to create the illusion of bigger breasts, choose tops with pockets, ruches, other pleasing front details. Halters will also give the appearance of a bigger bust and show off your back. Blouses look great if they are tucked in.
  1. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Play up your shoulders to make them appear broader by adding embellishments or light shoulder padding to your jackets{and no I am not talking about the shoulder pads from the 80’s!}. Choose a coat that is tailored at the waist. Vests are also great for this shape to add movement and slim your mid section. AVOID: Boxy jackets or coats that are double breasted or with boxy pleats.
  1. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. You choices are varied for your shape. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well as ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure. AVOID: If you are really thin, stay away from really high heels, as you will look like a “bean” pole. Stay clear of square toed options that can emphasize your more rectangular shape.
  1. BAUBLES: Statement necklaces and earrings will draw the eye to your upper body.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Wear dark/wide belts around the narrowest part of your waist. This will act as a focal point of your entire outfit. Printed and bright colored scarves are a great way to add pizazz around your face. AVOID: Waist length bags that draw the attention to your straight framed body as well as overly large square shaped clutches and bags.
  1. SWIMWEAR: Look for swimsuits that have a form fitting waist and a soft cup bra. Two pieces make rectangle body shapes appear a little curvier. For a bikini, choose top and bottom styles that add volume with ruffles, padding, ruching, draped styles, pleating, blouson styles and embellishments. For your bottoms, make sure waistbands are cut straight across from hip to hip. Choose solid, bold colors and plunging necklines to make the bust and bottom stand out. Diagonal lines can do the same. Other great looks are tank-style suits or tankinis. These will accent the mid line, drawing attention to the smallest part of the body.

Do you have any tips you have found helpful to dress your string bean shape? We would love to hear about your success stories in the comments section below.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

The LBD: The Little Black Dress

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Cocktail: Earrings // Black Dress // Clutch // Shoes // Necklace

Everyday: Earrings // Black Dress // Scarf // Blue Jean Jacket // Sneakers // Tote

Business: Necklace // Black Dress // Blazer // Bangles // Flats // Satchel

The classic LBD {a.k.a. Little Black Dress} is considered a staple for every woman’s wardrobe. When I work with my clients, I always encourage individuals to invest in signature pieces like this that can be styled in multiple ways and easily transitioned from day to night. A sheath style option {as shown above} looks great on every body type minding the fabric and construction.

Switching up shoes and adding different accessories is the key to transition each outfit concept from a casual everyday look, to a posh professional alternative or fabulous after-five option.  For busy moms and gals on-the-go, top with a denim jacket, add a tote bag to throw everything into partnered with a comfortable pair of sneakers and scarf. For a woman in the workplace, add a blazer with a fun pair of d’orsay, lace up, or traditional ballet flats that will be comfortable all day long! For a cocktail attire, add a strappy high heel with a statement necklace, simple stud earring, and a fun clutch.

Here is a hint: I actually have a “fashion emergency kit” that I keep in my car that includes a pair of colorful high heels, a seasonal scarf, pair of flats or vintage sneakers, a statement necklace & earrings, and a clutch so I can change up my look without missing a beat if an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

Shop more little black dresses here:

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

Trends At Any Age: Tie Dye

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AT EVERY AGE TIE DYEHey Sophisticated Ladies!

Sometimes understanding how to incorporate runway trends into your everyday lifestyle is a bit tricky. This new blog series, “Trends at Every Age,” will help you understand how to add a pop of something voguish into your wardrobe that is age appropriate yet super stylish. This month’s trend is tie dye, and as you can see, be it a fun accessory or printed dress/top, this fun pattern can be easily translated into your everyday style!

We’d love to know how you incorporated this trend into your wardrobe. Tell us about your ensemble in the comments section.

Shop Tie Dye Trends:

30s: Shirt // Pants // Necklace  // Purse // Shoes

40s: Shirt // Skirt // Scarf // Shoes // Clutch

50s: Blazer // Dress // Shoes // Purse // Necklace // Bracelet

60s: Shirt // Pants // Earrings // Shoes // Purse

Shop Additonal Tie Dye Trends:

cheers to a stylish you!

jen young

Holiday Style Tips and Incentives Just for You

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Forever Styled Family and Friends,

2015 has been an amazing year of new beginnings and encouraging style worth flaunting! I am so thankful to those of you who were an important part of my success. Your support through your referrals and purchases has been vital to growing my business and surpassing my goals.

To say thank you as the holidays quickly approach, I wanted to relay 5 quick style tips to keep your wardrobes bright. Enjoy the special promotions below as well!

Holiday Style Tips

1.} Tights are NOT pants: Let’s remember when you are out {that is, in public my friends} doing your holiday shopping or traveling in the airports that your yoga/spandex pants are reserved for just that…YOGA. For some reason, there is an epidemic sweeping the nation that has subtlety inferred that tights or athletic pants can be worn in lieu of a traditional skinny jean. Let’s just say—if you get the urge…at least cover up your rear with a tunic style top or sweatshirt.

2.} The Power of a Statement Necklace and a Fur Vest: The easiest way to jazz up a basic collared shirt {on trend: plaid, denim, or polka dot} is to add a colorful and/or metallic statement necklace, or cluster of pearls around the collar. Top with a fur vest partnered with a straight leg dark denim jean with a rolled cuff and ankle bootie to complete the look.

3.} Happy Hands Make for Happy Style: Make sure your nails are manicured over the holidays. A fun nail color like OPI’s Muir Muir on the Wall can serve as the perfect accessory for any great outfit!

4.} RSVP and Dress Accordingly: If you receive a holiday party invitation {either printed or electronically}, make sure to RSVP promptly to reflect good etiquette. Also, pay attention to what the dress code may entail. Email me if you have questions about what qualifies Cocktail Attire, Business Casual, Texas Chic and the like: jen@foreverstyled.com

5.} Inspiration from Edith Head: “Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady.”

Need a last minute stocking stuffer that is way better than a pajama gram?

Give the gift of Style this holiday season. Contact me to purchase gift cards in amounts of $100 or more: jen@foreverstyled.com; 678-772-9975

{Check out Style Packages and Services for more information.}

Special Holiday Promotion:
Purchase the Seasonal Closet Nip and Tuck and receive and additional hour of personal shopping or closet overhauling for FREE! {$495, a $150 savings} Offer valid through December 31th.

May you all have a blessed and peace-filled holiday season from my family to yours!

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Austin Fashion Week 2015 Mash Up Teams Unite!

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Austin’s annual fashion week 2015 is nearly here {occurring the week of April 10-18th, 2015}!  A unique extension of the events is the annual Fashion X Austin Mash Up Team Competition.

This last week has been incredibly energizing preparing to enter this collaborative challenge as our creative style team effortlessly captured a memorable image for submittal.

Our Incredible Fashion X-Mash Up: Team Revival

The really cool part of the story is that this host of ridiculously gifted ladies entered this project having never met one another. It slays me that our vision came together literally through a series of emails and inspiring Pinterest posts over the last two months.

Team Revival

Team Revival

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Bryttannee Eaton and yours truly primp model, Jennifer Johnston

Many thanks to Bryttannee Eaton {of Bryttannee Eaton Beauty and Forever Styled Brand Collaborator} who served as our fearless team leader and makeup artist. Ashley Christian provided key insights from Nordstrom of Austin as we pulled clothes to set the stage for our photography love fest. Thank you to Revival of Austin for providing such an amazing place to shoot !

Succulent image by Laura Morsman

Succulent image by Laura Morsman

Joining forces with the stunning, Laura Morsman {Laura Morsman Photography} was the smartest choice we could have made to capture our kodak moment. Kellie Campos {Rock Gorgeous Hair} jetted in from the Cayman Islands to offer her amazing hair fairy services. She even made the Garden of Eden inspired orchid laced head-dress with her own crafty hands.

Jennifer is having a little too much fun striking a pose!

Jennifer is having a little too much fun striking a pose!

Of course, a picture cannot speak unless the model behind the clothes confidently brings her game. Jennifer Johnston graced us with self-guided professionalism and grace throughout our two hour shoot. She has no personality at all {wink}.

How to possibly narrow things down?

Laura took over 700 photos in less than two hours and managed to narrow the images to her Top 9–literally the afternoon of our due date. After casting our own votes as a team over the course of a few hours—THE WINNER EMERGED:

Our Fashion X "Mash Up Team Revival" submission

Our Fashion X “Mash Up Team Revival” submission

Outfit Details: c/o Nordstrom: Gladiator Sandal {Steve Madden} // Floral Shorts {Glamorous} // Kimono {Mimi Chica} // T-back Bra {Free People} // Lacy Top {Free People} // Chloe and Isabel Necklace

Style Peace,

Jen and the fierce Team Revival