Style Your Body Shape

I saw this gorgeous dress on one of the style blogs I subscribe to. Truly this is a beautiful dress but since the post was entitled “must buy for autumn” or words to that effect I just had to laugh because this dress is actually not going to flatter a lot of shapes.

Avoid this dress, or another like it if:

• You have big breasts – the turtle-neck will smother your boobs and make them look bigger.
• If you’re bigger on top – the same with big breasts. You need the open cleavage to de-emphasize.
• If you have a little extra in the middle – again it’s just going to emphasize everything.
• If you’re bigger on the bottom – this style is going to cling everywhere and emphasize the difference. Clingy on top is ok, but opt for a flared skirt to offset.
• If you’re a rectangular or brick shape – this dress highlights the waist and if there’s no waist then that is highlighted as well.
• If you’re extra curvy – this is going to show every single curve and roll and imperfection. It’ also going to emphasize what’s there so unless you’re very comfortable with your curve this is one to miss. If you’re curves are kick ass then break out the spanex and go for it.
• If you’re not curvy – you need more structure in your clothes. Something that clings like this is going to highlight that there’s not much to cling too.

Try this dress, or another like it if:

• You’re an hourglass and you don’t have any of the issues mentioned above. It will look sensational.

Despite that this dress is actually sold out.

There is no such thing as a must-have in clothes. We just come in far to many different shapes. Don’t get sucked in to buying something just because its what the shops are selling this season. Sometimes its better to go without than jump on a trend.

Good shopping,

LISA

If you’re an hourglass then you have a classically elegant shape that is the very essence of femininity. You are lush and curvaceous and just all round sexy. Lucky you! For making the most of your curves remember:

• Don’t cover up! Accept you’re a red hot sexy woman and work with it. To cover up is to look frumpy and bigger.
• Forget clingy clothes as well. For you there’s a fine line between awesomely hot and tragically trashy. Fit is everything – you clothes should skim your shape showing your amazing silhouette.
• Accent your waist. Lift up your bust, slim down your belly and hips and keep all eyes on your waist.
• Opt for open necklines and low necklines. V-necks, scoop necks or sweetheart necklines are great – really anything that shows your collarbones will work.
• A-line dresses with fitted tops and waists will look fabulous.
• Stay away from stretchy jersey dresses as they’ll show far too many lumps and bumps.
• Wear a dress with a belt at your waist to highlight your waist.
• A wrap dress is great because it can be adjusted to fit your proportions.Avoid any pencil shape skirts or dresses that narrow at the knees – they will over emphasize your hips.
• A-line skirts with fitted waists are a good option.
• Shorts and skirts should finish at your knee line to show your sexy calves.
• When looking for tops think fitted – anything that fits below your chest. Wrap tops are particularly good, as is anything in a corset shape.
• Open neckline always. Anything high necked like a polo shirt will make you look like frumpy and bigger.
• Avoid loose, square-cut knits as they will mask your waist. For the same reason think twice before buying an empire line top.
• Belts will work great to accent your waist, BUT, be careful if you are bigger. They can make you look like a loaf of bread that’s been squished in the middle.
• Opt for high waisted, wide legged trousers. This will skim hips, hiding any unsightly bumps and lumps but emphasizing your waist.
• Avoid cropped pants – they make your legs look shorter and wider.
• Straight leg or parallel cut trousers will suit you, as will a men’s cut, but remember, fit is everything.
• Jeans should be plain and dark. Any detailing on the front will make your hips and thighs look bigger.
• Classic straight cut jeans are your best option. Aim for the waistband fitting just below your belly button to avoid ‘muffin top’.
• Jackets should be short and fitted to flatter your waist and make your legs look longer.
• Look for jackets with vertical princess seams to really flatter and make you look thinner.
  
• Avoid double breasted jackets or those that button up to the neck. Open is always better.
  
• Wear pants and jeans a little longer over your shoes so you can boost height with a heel.
• Avoid round toes ballet pumps. They will make your legs look shorter and wider. Instead opt for a pointed toe with a kitten heel. Or heels; heels will always suit your classically elegant shape.