A Personal Shopper's Guide To Dressing Up For The Festive Season

When we arrive at Robinsons The Heeren, Top 40 hits were blaring from the department store speakers. It all changes the moment we’re whisked away into the personal shopper’s lounge tucked away on the third level of Robinsons The Heeren. The stylish, luxe décor makes the room feel light and bright. It almost feels like we’ve just stepped into the Kardashians’ home. Plus, we can’t even hear traces of the Calvin Harris track from outside.

Ysabel Tao, 35, who has pulled together some looks for us according to our requests: to put together an outfit that's in line with the latest trends, an ensemble for a special occasion, and one to prove that black is not boring.

It’s all about the pop of colour for the Autumn/Winter season. “Greenery is very big this year, and it stands out [even more] with this skirt. Paired with the printed mules with fur pom poms, it’s a very cute look," says Ysabel. Now you know how to stand out from the crowd. And remember, buy clothes that fit you. It may sound like we’re stating the obvious, but that's one of the most common style mistakes that Ysabel has observed: “People usually wear clothes that are too loose whenever they have concern areas, they don’t wear fitted clothes. Usually, for women, it’s the bottom. They buy one size bigger, not knowing that it makes them look bigger.”

Jigsaw turtleneck top, price unavailable; Whistles satin pleated skirt, $289; E8 by Miista Poppy mules (bordo embroidery), $179

“Feathers are very big this season. This look is fun and flirty at the same time.” But don’t go overboard with too many details, she cautions. Tone things down with a simpler pair of shoes, like this pair of strappy heels with a touch of detail. Heels may be the most obvious way for petite women to get a little boost, but here’s another tip from Ysabel: “Women want to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. For someone petite, go for vertical or diagonal lines to elongate the silhouette.”

Three Floor dress, $610; Senso Ophelia ebony heels, $239

“For all-black outfits, play with details to make it interesting and different so that it’s not just a one solid colour throughout. This combination is more classic, but fashionable at the same time. There are a lot of details like in the sleeves and the see-through leopard print and the flare skirt is very flattering as well.

"A general rule of thumb is to go for smaller prints at the area that you want to look tone down or look narrower. Never go for big prints at an area that’s wider. If you have wider hips, go for darker colours at the bottom. You can even explore stripes, but go for thinner stripes at the hips.”

Samsøe &Samsøe sheer top, $349; Tara Jarmon skirt, $469; Mellow Yellow Calinougare loafers, $159

All items available at Robinsons. The Personal Shopper Service is available at Robinsons The Heeren and Robinsons Raffles City. For more info, go to www.robinsons.com.sg.