Fall is the time of year when the streets become a virtual runway of fashion. The next time you are out and about, instead of window shopping – people watch. It is amazing how quickly you can tell so much about a woman just by looking at the way she dresses. There are women who show their individuality by wearing clothes that are unique, women who appear to love fashion with their totally put together trendy outfits and then there are others whose clothing says very little about them. How many times have you noticed these types of women who look like they just do not “fit the style?” From New York to Hong Kong, so many women get confused by what to wear. Some women have given up and stopped trying to put themselves together while others get so caught up with fashion hype that they lose sight of what clothing styles work for them. Thereby, wearing styles that are…
“In” fashion but looking totally “Out” of touch with themselves.
With the multitude of clothing styles thrown at women each season it is easy to get lost and confused when deciding what to shop for and what to wear. It is hard not to be “Out” of touch with what styles work for you since the majority of women have very few places to get personalized fashion advice. If women want to learn about the next fashion trends or know what the new rage is in Europe they have hundreds of places to find this information. However, if they want to know what they should not wear and what clothes make them look unattractive, where do they turn?
As a fashion designer on Seventh Avenue for over twenty years, I believe the most important aspect to looking and feeling great is dressing for YOUR UNIQUE BODY TYPE and lifestyle needs. There are specific styles that enhance a particular body shape and specific styles that detract from a woman’s appearance. The trick to building a successful wardrobe is knowing which styles work for you. I have found that in most cases a woman can wear ONLY 6-8 styles that will enhance the look of her body type. In my self-help fashion book, “Secrets of a Fashion Designer: How to Be Your Own Fashion Consultant©,” at my fashion events “A Closet Full of Clothes With Nothing to Wear™” and through my consultations with private clients I teach the secrets of how to determine what styles are appropriate for a particular body type and how to determine what to wear no matter what is “IN” style.
Most women feel shopping for the right style of clothing is extremely difficult and can’t imagine anyone else having a harder time. However, many women have problems of not only determining what styles work for them but finding clothes that fit once they do. The fashion industry has an antiquated sizing system for what we know as ready-to-wear. This system was created at the end of the 1800’s and has not changed with the times. The standard sizing for the fashion industry does not take into consideration every woman’s measurements making it extremely difficult for some women to find clothes that fit them correctly. To make things worse, many clothing companies have adopted their own sizing system which makes it even more confusing when shopping. A woman can be a size 6 in one manufacturer and an 8 in another.
Today most retailers still do not acknowledge several categories of body types leaving some women lost when finding clothes. In the past decade many of the major stores have opened departments for petite and full-figured women. However, there are still no tall women’s departments in the major retail stores. Also, for the women who do not have typical petite proportions and who are not considered a misses size there is no specific department for them to shop. These women wind up having to go to the junior department to find clothes that fit. Therefore, shopping for clothing is not easy for most people and almost impossible for others. Finding what styles work for your body type is foremost in building a successful wardrobe no matter what size you are. Here are some general fashion tips for the more difficult body types to help you start thinking about what styles work for you.
GENERAL FASHION TIPS FOR THE MORE DIFFICULT BODY TYPES
It is important to note that the height measurements for what constitutes a particular body type may vary as does size measurements for each manufacture. The size measurements mentioned here are considered within the range of what is standard within the fashion industry.
Petite Women: Height 5’4” and under
If you are a petite woman, the most important thing to remember is that less is more. It is easy to get swept away with wanting to wear all of the latest fashion styles but important to remember your limitations and body type requirements.
- Long skirts and dresses will make you appear shorter, overpower your short frame and in most cases make you look like you are drowning in fabric.
- Long jackets that fall several inches below your hip do not work for your body type. Even if you are a full figured sized petite woman, too much clothing will not enhance your appearance.
- When accessorizing keep all pieces small to medium size.
Tall Women: Height 5’7” & Up
Women who are tall look good in a variety of styles. That is why they are chosen for the runways and fashion magazines. However, clothing manufactures do not take into consideration the measurement requirements for tall women. Rather, they cut clothing for women who fall into the other various “ready-to-wear” categories. There are only a few stores specifically for tall women. Most tall women have a hard time finding pants that fit in length and in the crotch area. Also garments that have long sleeves usually are too short for tall women since their arm lengths are longer than most ready-to-wear garments. Here are some secrets for tall women when they go shopping.
- Avoid short cropped jackets that go above your waist since they only emphasize your long torso and make you appear taller.
- Do not wear vertical stripes as they will only add length to your tall frame.
- Short length skirts and dresses that are several inches above the knee will make you appear awkward. Wearing short lengths can make you look like you have outgrown the garment.
FULL-FIGURED WOMEN: Sizes 16 & Up
Today many retail stores have departments for full-figured women. However, many of the styles are the same as the smaller sizes without any regard for the difference in the needs of this body type. In contrast there are many styles offered that have little style and appear shapeless which leave many large sized women frustrated. Here are some simple shopping secrets.
- It is best to stay away from highly fitted styles. Fitted styles will draw attention to your body type and full frame.
- Light colors tend to emphasize your proportions. If you want to wear light colors remember to wear separates in the same color. If you wear separates and select a light color to wear with a dark color, this will only draw attention to any disproportionate sizing you may have.
- For women who have an average height (5’4” to 5’7”) or are tall (5’ 7” & up) wear jackets that go below the hip. This will give you a lean appearance. Wearing jackets that are cut right below the waist will only make your hip and bottom appear fuller.
We all want to look like runway models, but the truth is very few of us ever will! So embrace yourself and start saying the next time you look at that fabulous style in the latest fashion magazine, If this is “IN” it is definitely “OUT” for me! By doing so, you will make shopping less stressful, save time and money, and build a successful wardrobe. In the end you will be more in touch with who you are, look attractive and feel a renewed sense of confidence.
If you would like to contact Andrea Rose email her at andrea@stylefitter.com