With the New Year comes new beginnings, fresh starts, and a new you! For those of you looking to step it up a notch with your style, here are three things that will help you shine for years to come:

1. Learn what colours compliment you: Whether you have a professional colour analysis done with a style coach like myself, or try and find out on your own, knowing what colours compliment your skin tone is vital for chic style! Hold different shades and variations of colours up to your face. Colours that compliment you will brighten your eyes and teeth, smooth out your skin colouring, give you a healthy glow, and actually lift the look of your face! You’ll have an instant, “wow” factor. These colours can not only be used for clothing, but will also give you knowledge of your best makeup and hair colouring too – a huge time and money saver!

2. Own your body type: Enough of comparing ourselves to models and celebrities in the magazines (who are airbrushed anyway) – it’s time to love ourselves! Own your body type and style it in a way that compliments it (you can always have a style coach help you if you need it). You’ll look and feel fabulous! Most women say they look 10lbs lighter when I show them how to dress for their body, which will not only affect the way you carry yourself, but will have a ripple effect in all other areas of your life as well. Ask yourself what letter your body looks like, i.e. A, V, H, X, O, and then find garments that look the same way to compliment you.

3.Let who you are shine: Everyone has their own signature style – a combination of their personality, body type, lifestyle and fashions. Do what works for you! Although trends are fabulous, remember: fashion is a business (and a big one at that). Not all the trends will work for you, and you may not like them all anyway. Start simple with altering your style and take classic pieces that you can dress up with fun accessories, i.e. scarves, bold necklaces, cocktail rings, chic pumps or colourful flats. Take an afternoon and mix and match pieces in your wardrobe that you wouldn’t normally put together to create stylish new outfits. Again, an image consultant like myself can always help you if you need extra help. Shopping without the price tag!

The bottom line: work what you have with confidence, flair, fun and optimism – the rest will follow!

Content provided by Christie Ressel, Image Consultant and style coach – Personal Power Image Consulting™©
personalpowerimage.com, @ChristieRessel, facebook.com/PersonalPowerImageConsulting