Style Advice for all body Types #4

Lesson #4 - Diagonal Lines Make It All Better

Ever wonder why every woman has at least one wrap dress in her wardrobe that seems to come out when ever everything else "makes her look fat"?

 

Thank diagonals and their slimming—and curve-creating—superpowers!

The area where you place that downward-sloping angle is going to appear narrower.

 

The secret: The eye wants to folllow lines, so diagnol lines create the illusion of an hourglass shape.

 

These lines can also be found in design details like bias-cut seams, well placed chevron prints, asymmetrical necklines and hemlines, diagnol color blocking and many other clever forms of slanted lines.

 

So next time you are having one of "those days"...look for a garment that has a strategically placed diagnol line that cuts accross that problem area!

 

 

Style Advise for all Body Types #3

Lesson # 3 - Structure Is Forgiving

Think of tailored garments (pieces with seams, peplums, structured shoulders, waistlines) as your body shapers.

 

If you pour a pitcher of water into a bag with no structure it is shapeless, but if you pour that water into a vase, it takes on the sexy shape of that vase.

 

So clothe your body in pieces that have the shape you desire already:

Try a sharp-shouldered blazer to make your waist look smaller or a fit-and-flare peplum silhouette to manufacture va-va-voom hips. Seams down the sides give yor midsection structure, while darts and pleats on a pant or skirt can creat a flattering shape for your back view!

 

Darts and seaming can provide definition wherever you need it.

urban purple

urban purple by biancastarkfalcone featuring a deep purple shirt

American Vintage deep purple shirt
$51 - the-dressingroom.com

IRO jacket
farfetch.com

Emilio Pucci pants
yoox.com

Snake boots
$40 - newlook.com

Mulberry handbag
$1,925 - johnlewis.com

IaM by Ileana Makri gold pendant
mytheresa.com

House of Harlow 1960 ring
piperlime.gap.com

Style Advise for all Body Types #2

Lesson #2 - Color Can Trick the Eye

The Simple rule is Darks receed and Lights project.  Darks hide what they are put over, so wear them where you'd like to hide things, and choose lights or brights, which call attention to the eye, where you want to show things off.

Remember that Black is not the only Dark out there, so if you are tired of balck, or just don't wear it, pick another shade of dark.  Any deep shade; gray, navy, brown, burgandy, forest green or plum will all do the trick.

Wearing different tones of the same color can also help hide flaws and create a leaner look. If you are top heavy, try and darker shade on top and a lighter shade on the bottom to balance out your proportions.

You can also use color monochromatically, by dressing in one color from head to toe, even in light colors this will help create a long lean, verticle line.  Who doesn't want a little help looking a little taller and leaner?

 

 

Style Advice for All Body Types #1

These Tips for flattering one's figure work for all shapes and sizes.

Lesson # 1 - Proportion Is All About Balance

Voluminous pieces can be a fat-day wish-come-true; provided you know which silhouettes work for you and how to wear them.

The formula is always pair something oversize with something fitted. If you choose a loose tunic to cover your tummy, wear it with cigarette pants. Hiding lower-body issues with a full skirt? Great, but team it with a fitted top or a tucked-in shirt. A belt to creat structure is usually a great addition too.  Never go volume with volume or you’ll end up in tent territory.

It’s also important to even out your frame: If you’re wider in the shoulder or bust, try a some volume below. Offset a large bust with bootcuts, or broad shoulders with an A-line.   The same does with a wider hip; it needs to balaned on top with a wide collar or a volumus blouse.

Look out for my next blog instilation for more tips!