Style Guide Presented by Australian Style Institute

STYLE GUIDE

A TOOL TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE STYLE, SHOP SMARTER & BUILD THE ULTIMATE WARDROBE

"Style is more than the clothes we wear and there's nothing superficial about it. Clients transform in front of our eyes. To help someone feel confident for life's most important moments is incredible."

Lauren Di Bartolo Founder, Australian Style Institute

Our studies would show most people wear approximately 20-30% of their wardrobe, most of the time.

WELCOME

Have you ever felt as though you have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear? Perhaps you’re in a style rut and not even sure where to begin? You’re not alone

Welcome to the journey of discovering and refining your personal style - a voyage that transcends mere fashion trends and into personal style

In this style guide, we embark on a back-to-basics look at fashion, designed to inspire you to infuse your unique personality into every outfit. Whether you're building your wardrobe from the ground up or seeking to elevate your style, this guide will help point you towards a style that is authentically yours

Our guide is grounded in the philosophy that personal style is not just about the clothes you wear but the story they tell about you It’s about striking a balance between timeless classics and personal taste, quality over quantity, and a sustainable approach to fashion.

From understanding the importance of high-quality staples and the power of a well-tailored outfit to mastering the art of accessory selection we cover the essential elements that constitute a wardrobe transcending time and trends.

This guide is not just about adopting a universally accepted style template but about encouraging you to write your own style narrative one that resonates with your individuality while embracing the principles of timeless elegance

As you turn these pages, remember that discovering your personal style is a journey, an ongoing process of exploration which you may choose to explore further with an Australian Style Institute accredited Stylist

Let this guide be your trusted ally as you find inspiration and confidence to express your unique identity through the timeless art of personal style.

To your style success,

The Australian Style Institute team

Yourstyle

We’vecompiledthe7mostimportantconsiderations whenupdatingyourstyle.

1. Understand Your Lifestyle and Personality

Start by considering your lifestyle, daily activities, and personality. Your personal style should reflect who you are and complement your daily life. How do you like to spend your time? Your wardrobe should not only match your personality but also your practical needs.

2. Find Your Style Inspirations

Our style is often best created when we look to people who possess a sense of style that we’re attracted to. So it’s important to gather inspiration from various sources such as fashion magazines, style icons, blogs, social media platforms, and even art or nature Identify common themes or elements that resonate with you This could be a specific era, a colour palette, or a type of fabric Pay attention to what draws you in and why This process will help you to understand your aesthetic preferences better and serve as a foundation for building your unique style

3. Audit Your Current Wardrobe

Take a critical look at your existing wardrobe Remove items that no longer fit, you haven’t worn in over a year, or don’t align with your desired style direction This step is crucial for making room for new pieces that truly reflect your authentic self This audit will help streamline your style and make future shopping more focused and intentional

4. Understand Your Body Shape and What Flatters It

Knowing your body shape and what garments flatter it the most is key to looking and feeling your best Different styles and cuts can highlight your best features Experiment with various silhouettes, lengths, and fits to find what makes you feel confident and comfortable Remember, the goal is not to fit into a specific size or trend but to find clothes that enhance your unique shape and make you feel great

5. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

Build your wardrobe with a focus on quality over quantity Invest in timeless pieces that will last for years, both in terms of durability and style These staple items can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks While it might mean spending more upfront, quality pieces often offer better value in the long run because they last longer and can become the backbone of your personal style

6. Avoid buying into trends

Creating a strong foundational wardrobe is priority, once you have the essentials to mix and match then consider introducing feature pieces These may or may not be trend Classic items not only last longer, they can be styled in a contemporary way, something a professional stylist can help you achieve

7. Gain the advice of a professional.

If it’s been some time since you’ve shopped, or perhaps it’s time to bring a skilled eye to your wardrobe then a professional stylist is one of the most valuable investments you can make Not only will they save you time and money, they will make careful recommendations that you may have never tried

Timelessstyle

Creatingatimelessstyle

Creating a timeless style involves focusing on elements that transcend current fashion trends and remain elegant and relevant through the years. It’s also more than just a list of clothing items; it's a considered approach to your wardrobe that sees your items worn for more than one season and provides options for almost any occasion Taking the following tips into account can also help create a sense of self, something which a stylist can help you achieve What’s more is it can assist you in establishing a narrative with your style that is both personal and universally appealing, blending classic elements with your own unique take

Quality Over Quantity

Invest in high-quality pieces that are well-made and durable. Quality fabrics and craftsmanship not only last longer but also tend to look better over time and become items you have in your wardrobe for years.

Tailoring

Clothes that fit impeccably always look classic and sophisticated. Investing in tailoring ensures that each piece of clothing suits your body perfectly, enhancing your silhouette and ensuring you look polished at all times. This attention to fit is paramount in creating a timeless wardrobe.

Classic Cuts and Silhouettes

Choose clothing with classic lines and shapes that flatter your body type. Timeless silhouettes like the little black dress, a tailored suit, or a trench coat have stood the test of time because they work well for a variety of body shapes and occasions.

Minimalistic Approach

A minimalist aesthetic often characterises timeless style. Avoid overly embellished items, loud prints, or trendy details that may quickly become dated Instead, opt for simplicity in design, which allows pieces to be more adaptable and enduring

Neutral Colours:

Creating a base palette of neutral colours like black, white, grey, navy, and beige can establish a more versatile, easy to mix and match wardrobe Fashion history would show us that they’re also less likely to go out of style compared to trendy, seasonal colours Neutral pieces can serve as the foundation of your wardrobe, allowing for longevity and flexibility

WardrobeEssentials

Womenswear

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:

QUALITY BASICS

It sounds simple but well fitting basics are key to creating a versatile capsule wardrobe Think tees and tanks in neutral colours to begin with. A stylist will help determine the neckline that suits you best.

STYLISH SNEAKERS

Shoes should not only bring practicality and comfort, but style Footwear has become more casual over recent years, so it’s safe to say that a curated wardrobe benefits from a neutral sneaker

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:Womenswear

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET

A denim jacket or a shirt jacket is a great trans-seasonal piece that can finish off an outfit Layer in winter or pop over your shoulders in summer.

Tip: Light denim will achieve a more casual look

TIMELESS JEWELLERY

The reality of our busy lives today, often means that accessories are an afterthought, when really they can add personalisation and polish to our outfits. Start with a simple gold or silver chain.

CLASSIC JEANS

A mid-rise, straight leg jean is considered the ‘universal fit’, but in personal styling, it’s all about sourcing what works best for your individual body shape and preferences.

A BLAZER

A blazer has the power to elevate a casual look and to dress down a more traditional suit The key is to look for the right fit across the shoulder, through the body and the sleeve Avoid anything too restrictive

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:Womenswear

LOOSE FIT PANTS

Fitted trousers and jeans will always have a place but the loose fit pant has made a comeback and it makes sense They can be paired with every other item in your capsule wardrobe

MIDI SKIRT

No matter your personal style, a midi skirt can be incorporated into your wardrobe and worn all year round. Stylists can help find the perfect length, cut and material to suit your body shape.

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:

LIGHTWEIGHT SHIRT

Button up shirts are such versatile pieces that can be used for both formal occasions and everyday outfits. Go for a neutral colour that suits your personality as it's easier to mix and match.

A STAPLE DRESS

Most dresses provide trans-seasonal appeal as they can be layered on top of, or underneath. With almost endless dress styles available, a stylist can determine what the right fits are for a client.

WardrobeEssentials

Menswear

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:Menswear

QUALITY BASICS

It sounds simple but well fitting basics are key to creating a versatile capsule wardrobe. Think tees, Henley's and long sleeve tees in neutral colours to begin with A stylist will help determine the neckline that suits you best

STYLISH SHOES

Shoes should not only bring practicality and comfort, but style Footwear has become more casual over recent years, so it’s safe to say that a curated wardrobe benefits from a mix of options

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:Menswear

CLASSIC JEANS

A mid-rise, straight leg jean is considered the ‘universal fit’, but in personal styling, it’s all about sourcing what works best for your individual body shape and preferences. Darker denim is easier to dress up when compared to lighter washes.

A BLAZER

A blazer has the power to elevate a casual look and to dress down a more traditional suit.

The key is to look for the right fit across the shoulder, through the body and the sleeve Avoid anything too restrictive

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:

A SUIT

While the corporate workforce may not be required to wear a suit daily, having a go to suit that fits well is something you can call upon when the occasion arises Opt for a charcoal or navy to start

BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS

Button down shirts are such versatile pieces that can be used for both formal occasions and everyday outfits. Go for a neutral colour that suits your personality as it's easier to mix and match. Tip: Have a mix of casual and dress shirts so you have options for any occasion For casual shirts, play with colour and prints and for dress shirts, keep them plain

WARDROBEESSENTIALS:Menswear

CHINO’S & TROUSERS

While jeans will always have a place, there are other pant options that will create multiple looks just as easily Consider how they can elevate or dress down a look depending on the outfit

KNITWEAR

No matter your personal style, knitwear can be incorporated into your wardrobe and worn all year round. Stylists can help find the perfect style and material to suit your body shape.

ALTERNATE JACKETS

A denim, leather or bomber jacket is a great trans-seasonal piece that can finish off an outfit. Layer in winter with knitwear to finish off a look.

Tip: The fabric choice will impact how dressed up the jacket can be

TIMELESS ACCESSORIES

The reality of our busy lives today, often means that accessories are an afterthought, when really they can add personalisation and polish to our outfits Start with a simple belt and watch Other accessories may include sunglasses, pocket squares and ties.

Thepowerofcolour

Colour plays an important role in our style and wardro Often when we aren’t sure how to integrate colour in together, however understanding basic colour princip incorporate colour effectively.

Colour is a powerful tool that, when executed well, w stylish and harmonious looks

Some of the benefits of incorporating colour in the wa Expressing Personality: Colourful clothing allow personality and showcase creativity It can be a f communicate aspects of one's identity and intere

1 Boosting Mood: Wearing bright and vibrant colo improved mood and increased energy levels Co evoke emotions, and choosing uplifting hues can overall mindset

3.

2. Making a Statement: Bold colours can help you statement. Whether it's a pop of colour in an acce draws attention and can be a powerful way to ma

When it comes to our style, we often stick to what we breaking away from a wardrobe routine can be challe to the idea of incorporating more colour into their dail balance that aligns with individual preferences and lif

Working with an Australian Style Institute certified sty They can assist you to determine which colours will s

1.

2

Determine your best dark colours

Determine your best light colours

4

3. Look for prints and patterns that contain at lea colours you integrate into your wardrobe.

Identify 2-3 clear or muted colours you enjoy w

Thecolourwheel

The colour wheel is a tool that organises colours in a circle based on their relationships It consists of:

Primary Colours: Red, Blue and Yellow

Secondary Colours: These are the colours made from equal mixture of two primary colours.

Tertiary Colours: These are are the colours formed by mixing a primary and secondary colours. Often these are colours we see more regularly in fashion.

TERTIARY

SECONDARY

PRIMARY SECONDARY

PRIMARY

PRIMARY

SECONDARY

TERTIARY

STYLIST TIP:

Selecting colours opposite on the colour wheel create bright, impactful looks

Pairing tertiary colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel create tonal and harmonious looks

Colour is one of the most effective ways to add character, sometimes all you need is one colour against a black or white core outfit to create interest.

Impactfulwaystowearcolour

TONAL DRESSING

Tonal dressing is wearing different shades and tones of a single colour or colour family in an outfit. Consider using variations in lightness and darkness rather than contrasting colours. Tonal dressing can result in a sophisticated and cohesive appearance, providing a subtle and refined style

COLOUR BLOCKING

Colour blocking relies on distinct and bold sections of colour to create a visually striking look. Typically, it involves using two or more solid hues that are adjacent on the colour wheel This technique is known for its modern, vibrant, and bold aesthetic, often resulting in outfits that stand out rather than blend in.

MONOCHROMATIC DRESSING

Monochromatic dressing is known for its simplicity, elegance, and the visual impact it creates. While the term can refer to a dress combination that uses only the colours black and white, you can play with various shades and hues, avoid contrasting colours and stick to clothing and accessories in a single colour

We believe that anyone can wear any colour, it just depends where it is placed on the body.

Incorporatecolourin wardrobe

When creating a colour palette in the wardrobe there consider before you start incorporating all the colours

Do you have enough neutral colours in the wardr

Where are you placing colour on the body?

How will the colours you select work for your lifes What colours are currently on trend and available

The goal is to choose a few key colours that you enjo together. Start with versatile shades that can be easi

When working with print and pattern, select those tha you wear or want to incorporate so they can easily wo the wardrobe

Neutrals like white, black, grey, and beige can serve adding one or two accent colours can bring vibrancy This approach makes it easier to create cohesive out

On the following pages, we’ve provided examples on colour effectively.

STYLIST TIP:

If you're new to incorporating colour, start by introduc favourite colours rather than diving into bold, vibrant, Begin with accessories like scarves, jewellery, or sho This allows you to experiment without feeling overwh

Howtoincorporatecolour:

WardrobeEssentials:

Colouroptions:

Howtoincorporatecolour:

WardrobeEssentials:

Colouroptions:

GarmentCare

Caringforyour garments

Caring for your clothes is not only about keeping them fresh and looking their best for a long time – not following garment care label instructions can mean a garment won’t last the distance and the wrong garment care could destroy them completely in one wash. Our guide will help you get the most out of your clothes, for as long as possible.

CLOTHES HANGERS

Using quality hangers, and the right hanger for the right garment can extend the lifespan of a garment Below are some examples of hangers to have in your wardrobe

WIDE SHOULDER HANGERS

These are great for heavier weight garments or garments that need support to keep the garment construction in tact such as suits, blazers and coats

TOP HANGERS

Standard hangers for most items Flocked or velvet hangers are great for silky and delicate fabrics as the coating will prevent garments slipping off or catching on the hanger.

PANT AND SKIRT HANGERS

Clip hangers are great for skirts pr trousers that crush when folded over a hanger The pant hanger is great for pants that won’t crease when folded and to save vertical hanging space

SPACE SAVING TIP:

While wooden hangers can look great in the wardrobe, they do take up a significant amount of space So if your limited with wardrobe space, flocked or velvet hangers will be your best option NEVER use wire hangers

GarmentCareLabels:

Belowwe’vedecipheredsomeofthemostcommongarmentcarelabelsymbols,tomakecaringforyourclotheseasier, andsoyoucanlovethemforlonger.

WASH TUB SYMBOL

Indicates if a garment is suitable for washing

The recommended washing temperature is shown by the number inside the washtub

The amount of agitation is specified by bars underneath.

No bar will use the maximum action with a normal spin.

A single bar indicates a mild washing process

Double bars (two bars) indicates a very mild washing process and spin

If the symbol has a cross through it - do not wash

For a hand symbol, hand wash only as your clothes are too delicate to machine wash

BLEACHING SYMBOLS

A clear triangle means that any type of bleach can be used on the fabric.

A triangle with two slanted lines means use a non-chlorine or oxygen-based bleach

Alternatively, the label may state "No Chlorine Bleach"

An X over the triangle means Do Not Bleach

Not all garments will carry a bleach symbol. As a rule of thumb, you should never use bleach on wool, silk, or leather garments.

DRY CLEANING SYMBOLS

A circle means the item can be dry cleaned

Letters inside the circle (e g A, P, F) tell the dry cleaner which chemical and method to use

An X or cross over the circle indicates the garment should not be dry cleaned

A diagonal line at the bottom left of the circle denotes short cycle.

A diagonal line at the bottom right of the circle denotes low heat.

STYLIST TIP: Dry cleaning is something to do sporadically Over dry cleaning your garments can cause damage to the fabric Make sure you remove garments from the plastic bag when you get them home to air out the chemicals.

AIR DRYING SYMBOLS

A drooping line inside the square means you can hang your clothes outside to dry.

Three vertical lines inside the square means drip dry indoors on a clothes horse or rack

One horizontal line indicates you should lay the garment flat to keep its shape while it dries.

STYLISTTIP: Avoid hanging it as it will stretch the weave and shape of the garment. Always lay knitwear flat to dry.

IRONING SYMBOLS

One dot: low temperature (woollens, silk and other delicate fabrics)

Two dots: medium temperature (synthetics).

Three dots: high temperature (linen and cotton).

No dots: iron at any temperature

An X or cross through the iron means the garment cannot be ironed

An iron with two or three lines at the bottom and an X or cross over it means dry iron only –no steam ironing.

Therightfit

Anotefromtheauthor

AtAustralianStyleInstitute,wedeliverstylingeductationthat empowersourstudentswitheverythingtheyneedtobecome successfulprofessionalstylists,frompersonalstylingtoeditorial, redcarpetandsomuchmore.

Since2010we’vewelcomedstudentsfromacrosstheworldinto ourcoursestoexperienceengaging,industry-leadingeducation thatgivesthemaprofessionaledge,nomattertheirageor experience

Ourcoursesseestudentsgarnerthehumanbehaviourand practicaltoolstosucceed,togetherwithstylingframeworks, resources,mentoringandindustryconnections Theythenchoose whethertheywanttoworkinpersonalstyling,TVandwardrobe, editorial,commercialorcorporatestyling.Or,alloftheabove.

Butwe'remorethanjustacourse. Acrossour5starreviews,youwillseeourstudentsdescribethe ASIexperienceasonethatistransformational Classesare designedtonotonlyempoweryouwithknowledge,buttheskills andconfidencetoapplyit,accompaniedbythesupportofmentors andalike-mindedcommunity.

Learningwithuswillhaveyougaincomprehensiveskillsthatwon't justenhanceyourclient'slives,butyourstoo It'sourcommitment toprovideyouwiththetoolstohelpyouigniteyourpassionand createnewandexcitingopportunities.Whetherit'stakingastep intoanewcareer,orlaunchingabusinessyou'vealwaysdreamed of-we'llteachyouhow

WelcometoAustralianStyleInstitute.

Lauren Di Bartolo Founder&Stylist

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