Style Your Body Shape

I’m often asked what’s the basic wardrobe that every women should have. I’ve seen a number of different wardrobe lists but the one I like best is from Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That’s Right for Your Body by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London. Check it out below and see if your wardrobe measures up.

Essential wardrobe for every women:

• A black pantsuit
• A softer neutral suit with pants or skirt (gray, brown, khaki or navy)
• 3 pairs of neutral trousers
• 3 winter-weight skirts (1 should be tweed)
• 3 summer-weight skirts (1 should be tweed)
• 3 cotton button-front shirts
• 3 blouses
• 2 sparkly tops
• Leather jacket
• Denim jacket
• Trench coat
• 3 pairs of jeans (all hemmed to different lengths for flats, heels and sandals)
• Black dress
• Solid-color dress
• Print or embellished dress
• 6 sweaters (3 neutral, 3 color, and vary necklines: crew, v-neck and cardigan)
• 3 blazers (1 summer weight, 1 three-season weight, 1 winter weight)
• 3/4 length wool coat
• Watch with two bands (leather and link)
• Black bag
• Brown bag
• Color or print bag
• Black heels
• Brown heels
• Color or print or embellished heels
• Black boots
• Brown boots
• Black flats

The only thing there that I really disagree with is the varying necklines of the sweaters: I know that no matter what I cannot pull off a crew neck, or at least not without looking like I’ve swallowed a couple melons. A trench coat is another item I lament over. I think they’re fabulous but when I wear one I look like a snowman – you know, three balls lumped one on top of each other. So obviously the above list needs to be altered to fit each person’s particular shape.

This is a comprehensive list though and from a wardrobe of this size it will be possible to put together a huge variety of different outfits. So get checking to see if you have the “essentials”. I know I don’t. Well damn, I’ll just have to go shopping. What a shame.

LISA

What is style and who has it? This is a pretty tough one to answer. No one seems to agree with what actually defines ’style’, or for that matter who has it and who doesn’t. Well in terms of fashion anyway. One fashionista’s style queen is another’s badly dressed baboon. If there’s a magic formula for style no one seems to know what it is.

That said there are four basic categories of style that most people will fit mostly into, regardless of whether you’re someone who puts lots of effort into your wardrobe or you’re mostly indifferent to fashion. Knowing what ’style’ you are will allow you to align your clothes with your personal and professional goals so your clothes can work harder for you.

CLASSIC STYLE

Think Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Rene Zellweger, Nicole Kidman or Gwyneth Paltrow. A classic look is all about understated elegance and feminine beauty. Lots of two piece suits and ladylike slip dresses. Colors are usually neutrals like black, white, gray or feminine pastels. Maybe a splash of red in the right circumstances. Prints would be used discriminantly and be classics like tweed or herringbone, maybe a slender pinstripe. Accessories are small and not particularly flashy.

When you see someone dressed in a classical style you immediately think ‘classy’.

SEXY STYLE

Think Sofie Loren, Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Aniston. This is all about simple, comfortable yet sexy clothes. Lots of simple dresses with very little in the way of embelishments. Separates in an easy figure hugging style that looks sexy and approachable. This style is all about show casing the body within so fit is extra important. It will be mostly basic colors, all shades of brown, black, navy blue, kahki and cream white and not much in the way of pastels and prints. Accessories will most likely be very simple or not there at all.

Someone who’s nailed the sexy style will look gorgeous yet still approachable and touchable.

CREATIVE STYLE

Think Madonna, Kirsten Dunst, Sarah Jessica Parker or Cate Blanchett. This is for women who love to mix things up and that may mean prints, textures, styles and colors all blended together to make either an outstanding statement or a hideous mess, depending on which critic you listen to. There are no particular rules for someone with a creative style, and if there were you’d break them anyway in your quest for a great look. Expect lots of vintage items mixed in with trendy and classic stuff.

A creative dresser will turn heads every time, not always in admiration true, but every time.

ULTRA GLAM

Think Halle Berry, Beth Ditto and Beyonce. We talking beading, any sort of design feature, feathers, fur, a little bit of bling and a lot of attitude. Alright maybe a lot of bling. Metallic colors will rule along with bright eye catching accessories and killer shoes. All those extra little bits that make an outfit scream look-at-me! Fabric plays a big part, along with labels, and, of course, lots of bling.

An ultra-glam lady is one you look at and go, Wow!

CHAMELEON STYLE

There’s a fifth style which is really someone who does regularly change their look. A chameleon makes use of each of the four other styles interchangeable. They are noted for their HUGE wardrobes. Dita Von Tesse is a good example of a chameleon as shes always classy, sexy, glamorous and her signature style is vintage theme mixed up with modern.

So what style are you? What style would you like to be?

If you were to go to your closet right now, fish around in there, as you do, could you find something that you’ve never worn? Or maybe worn once or twice, even though it’s been sitting there for a couple of years. Or how about something that you just adore, cause it’s gorgeous, but you never wear it. It’s for going out and to be honest if you ever actually do leave the house it’s probably because it’s on fire. Or maybe that’s just me.

The point being buying stuff that we never wear is it’s just a massive waste of time and money. Particularly as we then tend to keep it around because well, we spent a bloody fortune on that and it’s practically brand new and, I might wear it one day. Plus it bulks up our wardrobe and disguises the fact that we do in fact wear the same three outfits over and over again. With the same shoes.

Here are 5 things to remember to avoid those costly mistakes when shopping:

1. Know your body shape and what doesn’t work for you: Well of course I’m going to put this first; that’s the whole point of the website! It’s important though. Don’t waste time or energy – physical or emotional – trying to pull off something that’s just not going to suit you, ever. I go into a shop, pick up whatever and look at the shape of it, the detailing, the cut. I know that for my particular shape I need to avoid any sort of added anything on the top, empire lines, and boxy cuts. If the item has any of those things I move on. That’s before I even look to see if they have it in my size. Size is unimportant. Fit is everything.

What shape of clothes flatters what body types is not going to change, regardless of your size. For instance a surplice top will look great on anyone with big boobs whether you’re a size 4 or a size 18 or anywhere in between.

Its good to know what shapes and styles will work, but I find it more helpful to have a list of what categorically WON’T work. It’s a smaller list and gives you a wider range of choices.

2. Know your style: Defining style is something I’ll be talking about more later, but for the moment consider your lifestyle. How do you spend your days? Do you work? Are you a homemaker? Are you someone who’s really active? Or maybe your idea of a good time is a cappuccino at a swanky cafe. Do you live in a temperate climate or the seventh circle of hell?

Your wardrobe is about dressing you with confidence to meet your individual lifestyle. And maybe that sequined top is not the best idea if your day is going to consist of nappy changes and walks in the park. It sounds simple, and obvious and everyone is probably thinking, well duh! but that doesn’t explain why I have a tweed suit when I live in the tropics.

3. Know what you’re looking for in advance: It’s much easier to find a ‘white fitted shirt’ than ’something to wear to work’ – go figure. This is also a good way of saving time. Walk in, say I want [insert garment name here] and let the attendants do all the work. Alright!

If you don’t know exactly what you want then break it down into dress or top or bottom or accessories. Then if, say accessories, jewellry or shoes or handbags. Then for what particular occasion? Work? Going out? Staying in? Putting in a little thought before hand will save you time and money in the looking and you’re less likely to end up with that impulse buy you’ve never worn.

I’m all for discipline but I’m also a bargain hunter so no matter what I’m looking for I always keep my eye out for a good deal or a great pair of shoes. I consider this a bonus and no matter what anyone says if I buy a pair of shoes it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have bought what I was looking for in the first place.

4. Know what you’ve already got: There’s an old joke about a depressed woman shopping with her husband. She tries on a fabulous dress and manages a wan smile before urging her husband to buy it for her. “Honey” he says, “a dress alone is not going to make you happy,” which she dutifully considers. “You’re right” she replies “I’ll have the bag and shoes as well.”

Whilst this sounds like a lot of fun you’ll save a lot more money by buying things that will work with your current wardrobe. The idea is to build up a collection of items that you can mix and match to create a stunning array of individually creative outfits. That said, the sequined top is probably not going to work with the ugh boots unless you’re 15 or possibly Pamela Anderson. Neither is it likely to fit with three piece black suits and sensible pumps.

I avoid adding something totally different to the mix unless I have an idea for an outfit. If it doesn’t work at least I gave it a shot and now I know.

5. Dress Well When You Shop: Its a sad fact of life that the best dressed women will likely get the best service as well. Its unfair maybe, but it is what it is. Work with it. The other reason to dress well is comparison. If you go out dressed in a way that makes you feel sexy and beautiful whatever you try on should look as good as or better than what you’re currently wearing. If it doesn’t why consider buying it? You already look better. Don’t loose heart. If you managed to find one fantastic outfit, you can do it again. And again. And again…

If you keep these things in mind then you’ll be less likely to end up with stuff you never wear.

Just in closing remember that shopping is fun! Ok, for some of us shopping has been a nightmare of exposing what really ought not to be exposed and an unhappy exercise in lacerating vulnerable and tender feelings. Or again, possibly, that’s just me. I used to have a kamikaze attitude to shopping. Streak in, grab a bunch of whatever was in my size, try it on, feel horrible at how bad I look and then buy the least offensive of the lot. It was stressful, really unpleasant and left me with a bad taste in my mouth and a whole lot more ammunition for my inner critic. It didn’t do much for my wardrobe either.

Researching and writing this website has put me back in touch with how much fun shopping can be. It’s like a giant treasure hunt and finding that treasure is an amazing feeling. I love getting dressed and looking great. Not like a model or celebrity or any of the women who feature in the magazines maybe, but like me, only hot. Who’d have thunk it!

Good shopping everybody, and thanks for reading.

LISA

Unless you get the foundations right the entire structure is going to be shaky. We all know this, so it’s astonishing the number of women who ignore the foundations when putting together outfits. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans or a designer outfit if you don’t have the right underwear your foundation is going to be shaky, or rather, saggy and baggy.

Instantly go down one dress size

I used to buy the cheapest underwear I could find, because, well I’ve been known to be cheap, but also because I felt so fat that I didn’t deserve nice underwear. Besides, it’s not like anyone was ever likely to see it. All that changed one chilly winters day when I was trolling the clearance bins at my local department store. I happened to find a bra that looked about right; I didn’t have the vaguest idea of my size so went completely on guess work. I tried it on and holy cow it looked fabulous! For the first time in my life I had proper support and shape from my bra. It was great. Then, as it was cold I put my shirt back on over top and found that it was suddenly baggy. Oh my god, it actually made me look slimmer; quite a spiritual moment for me at that particular time in my life.

From that moment on I was hooked. I think nothing now of paying $100 for a good, well fitting bra that does exactly what I need it to do, and for a bargin hunter like me that’s huge. I cannot recommend enough the necessity of having excellent underwear. You can bluff a lot of other things in your wardrobe but if the basic building blocks are not right then you’re just going to look frumpy.

Get The Fit Right

It’s estimated that upwards of 80% of women are not wearing the right size bra which is just a crime. Apart from the bonus of looking better under your clothes, well fitting underwear is comfortable and at the end of the day that’s what I focus on – being physically comfortable cause my clothes fit and emotionally comfortable because I know I’ve done the best with who I am.

How do you know if a bra fits? There are two main parts to worry about – the band and the cup size. One common mistake a lot of women make is thinking that because they’re larger, or smaller, their bra should be larger or smaller in comparison. If you’re larger it doesn’t correspond that you’re larger around. In fact most women carry excess weight in their breasts which means that you need a larger cup size, not a larger bra. The same with smaller breasted women. Just because your breasts are small doesn’t mean you don’t need a wider band to accommodate your back. Just like with clothes, disregard the number on the label and focus on the fit.

I found this excellent fitting guide that shows some of the common mistakes we make with our bras. Take the time to have a look and see if your bra is fitting properly and if it isn’t, take the time to find out your size.

Underwear And Your Body Shape

Just like with clothes the shape of your body will determine the type of underwear you need. I’ll be going into more detail about particular shapes and styles later but in the mean time here is an outline of what you need to be looking for.

PEAR SHAPED

• For you the focus is on lifting your boobs up to offset your lower half; basically all eyes on your breasts.
• Opt for a push-up style bra. You need maximum support and boost.
• Bras with straps wide apart will broaden your upper body.
• In briefs look for a high-cut thigh-slimming leg which still has enough support to lift your butt.
• If you don’t like high-cut then look for a low leg that sits under your bottom.
• Opt for briefs that have lace at the bottom rather than elastic that cuts into the flesh.
• A strapless bra is perfect for broadening your upper half.

SLIM AND PETITE

• Proportion is key. You can get away with a half cup plunge bra and it will boost your boobs.
• Cups cut at an angle with make your breasts look larger.
• Opt for lighter colors and small patterns. It will make your breasts look bigger.
• A padded push up bra will give you lots of va-va-voom. Keep your eye on proportion though cause you don’t want to look like you’re wearing your mothers bra packed with tissues.
• Chicken fillets are a good option.
• A brief cut high on the thigh will make your leg look longer and you look taller.
• Avoid high waisted briefs or any sort of substantial underwear. These are meant for your larger sisters and will swamp your small frame.
• A thong is ideal.

CURVY & BIG BREASTED

• For you the focus is good support which will make your breasts seem bigger and wider which will make your waist smaller and really create that hourglass shape.
• A full cup balcony bra is ideal as it will lift your breasts right up. In fact always choose a bra with underwiring if you are over a B cup.
• Look for shapes that separate your breasts to avoid getting a mono-boob look.
• To disguise a bigger tummy lift your breasts high – again look for a balcony bra.
• For a sexy alternative go for a full cup bra with the top half sheer or lacy. It will still give you the support but also lots of feminine ooph.
• Avoid a push up bra – it’s overkill.
• Match your bra with sexy, but substantial pants.
• A brief that cuts across your stomach is perfect to disguise a fuller belly.
• Avoid high waisted briefs if you have a large tummy, unless they are support garments, to avoid unsightly bagging.
• Avoid low waisted briefs if you have a large tummy to avoid muffin-top look.
• A higher cut on the thigh will lengthen the leg.
• Opt for substantial but sexy briefs for the support. A flossy little thing will just disappear and that’s a disturbing visual.
• Consider a corset. They come in comfortable shapes and materials and will give you extra support and extra special sexiness.

Conclusion

Underwear should never be an afterthought. It’s the beginning of everything you ever put on and the last thing to come off, so if it looks good, feels comfortable and flatters you, well all the better. Style is all about confidence and knowing your foundations are strong will boost your’s.

Thanks for reading,

LISA

I bought a gorgeous little top the other day – a chiffon top with an empire waist and awesome drape perfect for concealing a big stomach. I fell in love when I saw it, tried it on and it looked fabulous. Just like that a wonderful relationship began. But, sadly it was not to be. The first, and only time, I wore it, the entire day I felt really uncomfortable. By the end of the day I’d worked out that the problem was that it just revealed more than I was comfortable with, which is pretty confusing given that the neckline wasn’t particularly low cut or sheer and did in fact cover more of my chest that I would usually go for. What it did do was draw attention to my breasts, which hey, usually I’m happy with cause then it means they’re not looking at my butt or worse my stomach, but in this particular case I felt over exposed. I felt like my breasts were the only thing anyone saw of me that day and I hate when people have conversations with my breasts. They’re not overly talkative as a rule.

What parts of our body that we choose to reveal and conceal is a deeply personal issue and it rarely has anything to do with shape. For instance you might find two pear-shaped ladies of approximately the same size and one hates her butt with a passion bordering on psychotic and the other loves her generous feminine curves. Its simply a matter of personal choice.

Dressing to flatter your particular body shape is all about misdirection – directing eyes away from flaws and to parts of your body that you find more attractive. Much of what I’ve already shared with you is about creating a more even silhouette and it assumes if you have a big ass then you’re going to be comfortable showing off your breasts in order to balance things out. But, as for me, that may not be the case. Each person needs to decide for themselves what parts of their body they want to reveal and what they want to conceal.

No, concealing the whole lot is not an option! Every stylish outfit has one point of interest. If you have a beautiful top with a bright pattern, or lovely beading then it will be the focus of the outfit and it should be paired with a more understated bottom half, like fabulous jeans or a plain well-cut skirt. If you show lots of leg then your top half needs to be more conservative, or vice versa for a low cut top. It’s all about balance. One of the things I’ve been guilty of in the past is wearing clothes that are all neutral which pretty much makes me slide into the background. Instead now I pair the plain jeans and sweater with a big piece of jewellery, or fantastic shoes or handbag to bring some interest.

My lesson with my gorgeous blouse, my very expensive gorgeous blouse that I only ever wore once before gifting to my delighted daughter, is that I need to pay particular attention to what I put on top and whether it reveals more than I’m comfortable with. What works for you? . I’ll be focusing on particular clothes in the future and the way to use them to reveal or conceal particular parts of your body, so get to know what your personal preferences.

Good shopping

LISA