I recently read a quote from photographer and blogger, Tamu McPherson, that when choosing clothes she looks firstly at the silhouette, and after that fabric, print and colour. I admit I’m probably more of a colour person first, after all isn’t that what usually grabs our attention?

So, what is it about a silhouette that’s more alluring than colour? Well, for one thing the silhouette accentuates the shape of your body. The silhouette will either make a look appear flattering, or flat. No matter what the colour is, if the silhouette isn’t right you won’t look as good as you could.

Top picks for chic silhouettes –

– buy the right size. You want fitted, but you don’t want to look like you’ve been cling-wrapped or have worn a size too small;

– check the dress length. Short skirts are fine on longer legs; a little extra dress length will help give the illusion of height. A higher heel, a pump rather than an ankle strap or ankle boots, will also help deliver a longer silhouette;

– wear a belt. It will help to emphasise the waist. A wide belt will help connect a colour blocked top/bottom combo or meld together body-con separates;

– let the design do the work for you. Clever designs and use of colour will create an effortless silhouette that can help to sculpt your body shape. I’m loving Stella McCartney’s white and black colourblock jersey dress;

– another clever design is the peplum which is getting plenty of press lately. It may take a bit of convincing but the peplum accentuates the waist while showing off a shapely curve from the waist through to hip. I think a peplum top, dress or jacket will be more versatile than a peplum skirt (best worn knee length or just below the knee). Peplum tops will also work well with trousers.

I think the challenge is not to get carried away with what styles are fashionable when it really doesn’t flatter you – stylish is always in!