International designer Juby McDonald gives her styling tips for the season
Outfit
We will be seeing a lot of minimalistic fashion in 2016. Jewel tones and sequins are also popular this season. Wave goodbye to colour blocking and heavy prints – single tone outfits with sharp and unusual neck and hemlines are in vogue. Hues like mustard yellow, emerald green, tangerine, gold, turquoise and white are the colours to opt for. Let black take a back seat for now (store your LBDs for another rainy day; this is the time to shine and be noticed).
Fabrics
Silk drapes well to contour the body, use little pleats to hide unwanted lumps and bumps that we are critical about (it’s amazing how a few diagonal pleats across the stomach will immediately make you look slimmer) and we are good to go. Sequins are another way to add glamour – they will never go out of fashion. Keep it subtle in dark jewel tones and white and gold sequins to bring out the goddess in you.
Makeup
Kiss goodbye to heavy makeup and contouring this season. Natural makeup, smoky eyes and light lips go well with jewel toned outfits. Keep your lip colour close to your natural skin tone; dark plum lips also scream sophistication. Stay away from false eye lashes and coloured lenses; it keeps you from the natural magic. Apply a light dab of blush and shimmer to your face for a dewy look.
Hair
Avoid using too much hair product. A light wave or dead straight hair is sexy and will go well for day or night carpet events.
Accessories
Keep jewellery to a minimum as you want all the attention on your gorgeous outfit. A diamond or gold cuff, a pair of dangling earrings, an unusual cocktail ring (my favourite is a skull with diamantes – it’s always a talking point to break the ice at parties. Make sure it’s large enough for people to notice) and a simple clutch will add great dimension to your general look.
Common pitfalls
As mentioned earlier, try and avoid black unless it’s quirky; a heavily made up face or hair and chunky shoes. Smile like you own the world and that’s the best advice I can give anyone. Pull yourself together with great confidence.
