Episode Summary: HER Style Podcast | Episode 252 – July Q&A
Title: Adding Sophisticated Fun to Your Outfits, the Best Online Shopping Search Terms to Find What You Want, and More!
Host: Heather Riggs, Certified Image Consultant & Color Specialist
Release Date: July 3, 2025
In Episode 252 of the HER Style Podcast, host Heather Riggs delves into a dynamic Q&A session, addressing six diverse listener questions that revolve around enhancing personal style, optimizing online shopping experiences, and overcoming wardrobe challenges. This episode is a treasure trove for ambitious women seeking to build a confident and functional wardrobe without the overwhelm of endless shopping and stylistic confusion.
1. Adding Fun to Everyday Outfits Without Feeling Juvenile
Listener: Jeannie from Minnesota
Question: How to incorporate elements of fun into her outfits without appearing immature.
Heather's Response: Heather emphasizes the importance of defining what "fun" means personally. She suggests focusing on [00:02:15]:
- Color: Incorporate bold or unexpected hues into classic silhouettes.
- Patterns & Textures: Introduce playful patterns or unique textures subtly.
- Accessories: Use statement pieces like vibrant jewelry or distinctive shoes to add flair.
She recommends starting with one playful element at a time to maintain a balance between sophistication and fun. Additionally, Heather suggests exploring style inspirations from fashion icons such as Olympia Gayo (Creative Director for J. Crew), Ami Song, Tamu McPherson, and Grease Ghanim to ignite creativity without mimicking trends.
Notable Quote:
“As you incorporate fun, think about balancing it with sophistication—like using bold colors in classic silhouettes to maintain elegance.” [00:01:40]
2. Finding a Versatile Little Black Dress for a Balanced Figure
Listener: Tanya from Finland
Question: Seeking a versatile dress that flatters her slim, small-chested figure with narrower shoulders and wider hips.
Heather's Response: Heather recommends opting for dresses that define the waist and balance proportions:
- Fit and Flare Dresses: Structures that highlight the waist while accommodating wider hips.
- Wrap Dresses or Shirt Dresses: Styles that offer adjustable waist definitions.
- Necklines: Choices like puffed sleeves, off-the-shoulder, or boat necklines to broaden shoulder appearance and add sophistication.
She also suggests exploring colors beyond black, such as navy or charcoal gray, to enhance personal color palettes while maintaining versatility.
Notable Quote:
“A fit and flare dress with structured seams can be timeless and versatile, perfect for dressing up or down.” [00:03:40]
3. Choosing Between Face Self-Tanner and Tinted Moisturizer
Listener: Allison from the HER Style Facebook Community
Question: Seeking advice on whether to use a face self-tanner or a tinted moisturizer for a natural summer look.
Heather's Response: While acknowledging her limited expertise in makeup, Heather shares practical advice:
- Combination Approach: Use a self-tanner once a week combined with a sheer tinted SPF for daily even-toned glow.
- Self-Tanning Face Drops: Highly customizable and blend seamlessly with tinted moisturizers, allowing for adjustable bronzing levels.
She recommends products like Luxe Unfiltered's Bronzing Face Drops and Isle of Paradise's Self Tan Face Drops for their positive reviews and ease of use.
Notable Quote:
“Self-tanning face drops are completely customizable—you can add as few or as many drops as you need to achieve your desired level of bronzing.” [00:05:40]
4. Optimizing Pinterest Search Criteria for Specific Accessories
Listener: Annette from the HER Style Collective
Question: How to effectively search for specific items, such as a hair scarf in coral, cream, and green with abstract or floral prints.
Heather's Response: Heather advises using clear and strategic search terms:
- Keyword Combinations: Start with specific terms like “coral, cream, green hair scarf” and adjust based on results.
- Platform Utilization: While Pinterest is great for inspiration, she recommends using Google for actual shopping to ensure availability.
- Brand Exploration: Browse directly on websites of stores like Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Revolve, Urban Outfitters, and Etsy and use their filtering options to narrow down choices.
Heather also emphasizes the importance of checking product descriptions for specifics like color and print prominence, and encourages joining the HER Style Collective for collaborative searching.
Notable Quote:
“When searching online, being crystal clear on your terms like ‘coral, cream hair scarf’ can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.” [00:07:20]
5. Finding Comfortable, Low to Mid-Rise Cotton Jean Shorts
Listener: Alana
Question: Struggling to find mid to low-rise cotton jean shorts that fit a tall frame and offer comfort without a high waist.
Heather's Response: Heather acknowledges the scarcity of mid to low-rise options and suggests:
- Brands to Explore: Levi's, Abercrombie, Agolde, J. Crew, Gap, and Wrangler often offer mid-rise shorts.
- Search Strategies: Use specific keywords like “mid rise 100% cotton shorts women” on Google.
- Product Verification: Always check rise measurements in product descriptions and customer reviews to ensure proper fit.
She also recommends reaching out directly to retailers for detailed product information if descriptions are lacking and utilizing HER Style Collective for additional support.
Notable Quote:
“Low rise is sometimes the new mid rise, so don’t shy away from exploring under the low rise umbrella.” [00:09:10]
6. Balancing a Braless Look with Professional Appearance
Listener: Melissa
Question: Seeking ways to forego bras without compromising professional appearance in a client-facing finance career.
Heather's Response: Heather offers practical solutions to maintain a professional look while feeling comfortable:
- Alternative Support Options: Explore brands like Nudie (N U u D I I) for in-between options that offer support without traditional bras.
- Layering Techniques: Use camisoles with built-in support paired with structured blazers.
- Strategic Garments: Opt for blouses with draping, texture, or looser fits to obscure the lack of a bra.
- Undergarment Hacks: Utilize reusable nipple covers or no-show concealers for a seamless look.
She emphasizes that confidence is key and encourages Melissa to find a balance that feels both comfortable and professional.
Notable Quote:
“Your confidence speaks volumes, so find the perfect balance that makes you feel both comfortable and confident in front of your clients.” [00:11:30]
Conclusion:
In this episode, Heather Riggs skillfully addresses each question with tailored advice, practical tips, and actionable steps that listeners can implement immediately. From defining personal style elements to mastering online shopping searches and balancing comfort with professionalism, Heather provides a comprehensive guide for women striving to enhance their wardrobes and boost their confidence.
Additional Resources:
- Take the Free 5-Minute Personal Style Quiz: herstylellc.com/quiz
- Submit a Question for Q&A Thursday: herstylellc.com/podcast
- Join HER Style Collective: herstylellc.com/collective
- Visit the Website: herstylellc.com
- Email Support: support@herstylellc.com
Engage with Heather:
- Instagram: @eatherriggstyle
Final Thoughts: Heather wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast, and to engage with her on Instagram for personalized support. She reinforces the podcast’s mission to help women build their dream wardrobes and show up with confidence every day.
Final Quote:
“If you've enjoyed our time together, please be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to HER Style Podcast so you never miss an episode.” [00:17:00]
This episode is a must-listen for women seeking expert advice on refining their personal style, making informed shopping decisions, and overcoming common fashion hurdles with confidence and grace.