In the August edition of our fashion advice column “Ask Megan,” Style Coach Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Megan LaRussa tackles readers’ questions about skincare, shopping in the midst of a weight loss journey, upcoming fall trends and how to shop for the best bra. Read on for this month’s fashion scoop …
Style Coach Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Megan LaRussa
I love following you on Instagram, and I have noticed that you share skincare tips in your style videos. I am looking to revamp my skincare regimen and would love your recommendations for a routine and products. I am in my 40s, so anti-aging is something I care about.
You are very wise to focus on a skincare revamp! I often work with my clients to help them come up with a skincare regimen that suits their age, skin type and budget. We’re never too young or too old to invest in our skin.
There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to great, healthy, glowing skin. As we age, our skin cells don’t turn over as quickly, so they need a little help. This is where exfoliation comes into play. I highly recommend you use a regular exfoliation product to slough off dead skin cells, thus allowing the new, youthful looking skin to shine through. One of my personal favorite forms of exfoliation is dermaplaning. You can have this non-invasive process done at most spas and dermatologist offices. I’d recommend dermaplaning your face and neck once a month for incredible results.
Once your skin is exfoliated, then it can fully absorb your skincare products, too! I often see women investing in expensive skincare products, but without regular exfoliation, the products are not going to work to their full potential. Once you are in your 40s, it’s smart to begin implementing (if you haven’t already!) various serums and lotions. You must select the types of serums and moisturizers for your skincare needs. And never forget to apply an under eye cream morning and night.
In my recent blog post, I share my specific skincare routine, as well as more information on dermaplaning. To take your skincare routine to the next level the right way, check out my tips here.
SKIN&CO Truffle Therapy Toner deeply cleanses and purifies.
FRESH Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner is alcohol-free to keep from drying skin.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex can be used morning and evening to prevent signs of aging.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex reduces the look of aging and brightens eyes.
I am in the process of losing weight, but I also want to look fresh and current and update my wardrobe. Since I do have weight loss goals, I don’t want to invest in new clothes that, hopefully, won’t fit for long. I feel stuck on whether I should shop now or wait until I reach my desired weight and size. What tips can you give for looking stylish as you lose weight?
Please know you are not alone, as I have helped countless clients with this exact same dilemma! It is a great problem to have, but of course one that calls for being more purposeful in your shopping.
Something I always discuss with my clients when they are on a weight loss journey is that you need to dress the body you have now — in every stage. Part of fully accepting your changing body is dressing it in a flattering way and wearing the right size garments. It’s very easy as you lose weight to keep dressing your silhouette in a more oversized or all-black look, but take baby steps now to evolve your wardrobe as your body changes. That might mean buying one size down in your favorite pants or trying out a bolder color top. If you take gradual wardrobe steps as you lose your desired amount of weight, it won’t feel quite so overwhelming shopping or getting dressed once you’ve reached your weight loss goal.
In the meantime, I invite you to be mindful and purposeful in your shopping and alterations, and have fun with accessories. A few examples to get your wheels spinning:
- Replace your pants and jeans when they become saggy, or if you can, simply have the seamstress nip in the waist.
- When that go-to dress gets too boxy, have a seamstress taper it in on the sides.
- Invest in items that are stretchy and can shrink with you or on items that can easily be altered at the waist to take you through your weight loss process.
- Have fun with a great shoe in a fun color or print or perhaps a gorgeous scarf. These simple items are quite powerful right now as they can change up your look when your wardrobe gets pared down — or too big for you!
- Start to show off that new shape now. Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to wear something more tailored that may be out of your comfort zone. Your mind needs to catch up with your body, and that takes time.
A wrap dress is a great option that can shrink with you. Image: J.Crew
A peplum blouse in a subtle print will accentuate your waist. Image: LOFT
A pump in an animal print pairs surprisingly well with more than you’d expect! Image: DSW
RELATED: 5 Essential Shoes For Late Summer and Early Fall
A silk necktie is a hot accessory this summer – invest in a piece like this one that you can tie around your neck, in your hair or on your handbag to elevate any look. Image: Bloomingdale’s
I have seen a lot of metallics in magazines and blogs. How can I incorporate these colors into my wardrobe during this transition period between summer and fall?
It’s hard to believe summer is almost over, and fall is on the horizon! I personally am ecstatic as fall is my favorite season. With fall comes a whole new host of trends and colors that will be flooding the stores. I always remind my clients that not every trend is right for every body type or every personal style. It’s important to clearly understand your personal style so that you know which trends you’d like to try in every season.
Fall 2018 is all about rich, bold colors! From metallics to fuchsia to ruby red, these hues look incredible paired in a tonal way together or alone as accent colors.
Metallics are perfect for transitional weather as they are the ultimate neutral. Wear a metallic striped short-sleeve tee with white jeans and a denim jacket, a metallic sandal with an olive green shirtdress, or a metallic A-line skirt with a silk blouse and stacked heel sandals. Any of these looks are appropriate for transitional weather as they are lightweight yet incorporate fall tones and trends.
Again, you have to understand your personal style to best know how to incorporate these colors into your wardrobe. If you are more classic, then perhaps you would enjoy opting for a metallic ballet flat or loafer. But if you are trendier, then you might try a metallic leather jacket.
Despite your personal style, I encourage you to experiment and have fun with the fall trends. The only way to grow, evolve and have more effortlessly chic style is to try out new looks. I love helping my clients do just that in a way that also flatters their body type. For more style tips tricks, follow along on Instagram for daily, stylish posts.
Try a metallic slide to incorporate this fall trend. Image: Gap
A slight sheen in a crewneck tee will bring a little taste of this season’s metallic trend into your wardrobe. Image: Banana Republic
RELATED: The Top 7 Fall Fashion Trends for 2018
For the bold style mavens who aren’t afraid to try a trend, a metallic faux leather jacket is a great place to start. Image: Bloomingdale’s
I struggle with my bra always showing through shirts, especially t-shirts, because they make them so thin these days! I am looking for something comfy and supportive that won’t show through the tee. Any ideas on what kind of bra to buy?
One of the biggest mishaps I see with my style-coaching clients is not investing in the right bras for the clothes in their closet. It’s really incredible when they get in a proper fitting bra how much more balanced and flattering they look and how much better their clothes fit them.
The thin t-shirt or blouse is definitely one of those items that can go downhill fast without the right bra. In a demi-cup or even lace bra, it’s easy for your thinner shirt to appear lumpy or pulled at the bust. That’s why having a true t-shirt bra, meaning one that is a smooth and full cup, is so important. I recommend having both a nude and a black one, and bonus points if it’s also a convertible bra!
I recently created a shoppable guide just for my Style Yourself Chic Society members on this exact topic, and I know you’d enjoy shopping it too. In this guide, I have exactly the type of bra you need to wear with every garment, from a t-shirt to a halter neck top to a low-back dress and even a thinner swimsuit! To access this guide and join the SYC Society, click here.
A universal favorite, this Natori Rose Dream Custom Coverage Bra (left) is great for everyday wear. In the center, the Chantelle C Magnifique Minimizing Spacer Bra minimizes and smooths without adding extra bulk. And for pesky underarm bulge, the Olga No Side Effects Contour Bra (right) has a sleek look under clothing.
Have fashion questions? Ask Megan! Submit your own fashion-related questions for possible inclusion in this monthly column by emailing [email protected].
To learn more about Megan LaRussa, or to view style coaching options, book an appointment or sign up for the Style Yourself Chic Society, visit meganlarussa.com.
*********
For more on Southern style, visit our Fashion & Shopping section or download our FREE SB App.
