DRESS SMART FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE
Whether your going to work, an office party or just want to look polished and classic, dressing smart is also knowing how to flatter your figure. We often struggle with what goes with what and when to wear what. The biggest question is, does this look good on me? does this make me fat? Is it too revealing? It can be challenging for everyone, no matter where they are going or if they are skinny, short, tall or have broad shoulders. There are always issues that we are concerned with.
Don’t let this be the reason for distress, there are many ways to conquer these
problems. For starters, you have to be honest with yourself and then accepting who you are. Allow Clothes to be your ally and not your enemy. With a little bit of consideration and strategy, you can dress smart for your body shape and flatter your figure for casual work attire and off work attire. Knowing your shape and what flatters it is essential and smart.
What to consider when learning to dress smart for your body shape:
- Look in the mirror and make and honest assessment for your body. Embrace your shape and body.
- Know your assets, whether it’s well sculpted arms, a long neck, a skinny waist and dress to enhance those features.
- Accept the parts you are less than thrilled with and dress to de-emphasize them, instead of accentuating them.
- Consider the pieces you feel most comfortable in. Whether it’s dresses, pants, sweaters or skirts, then focus on finding the best cuts for you.
- Always be open to experimenting with new silhouettes. Pieces that you may have ignored could end up being the most flattering. Never say never.
CURVY
Feminine clothes will always enhance a curvy, hourglass figure. A-line shapes will always down play your lower half. Choose structured pieces that isn’t too dramatic. whatever you wear on top, make sure it’s slim and cut close to the body to best balance a fuller-cut lower half.
- Your waist should always be defined. A cinched-in the midriff area never fails to flatter; it highlights your figure. Wear a belt or choose pieces with details like ruching at the waist.
- Show skin on top or bottom, never both at once. Be tactical about where your ski is revealed. A slit on a gown or skirt can be sexy and slimming, while showing leg offers long, lean look. A V-neck looks great without being provocative. But don’t do all of it at once!
- Select Solid Shades or color blocking. A tonal look proves to be a winning smart choice for a curvy figure. Black is always flattering, but that doesn’t mean color should be avoided. Add bits of color to the right places, mix and match and avoid loud patterns. Simple shades of browns, blacks and navy look the best.
FULLER FIGURED
For a smart look, fuller figured women should consider simplicity, subtle sexiness and a little structure. choose close to the body cuts. Caftans or boxy shapes will only add pounds to you. Look for tailored pieces like fitted button-ups, straight skirts and trousers, and wrap dresses that skim the body and give the waist definition.
- Your clothes should be sleek, frill free and not overly adorned. Think flat skirts and trousers. Heavy pleats add too much volume. Pick tops that are simple without layers of ruffles and embellishments.
- Drapey fabrics can be your best friend. While a structured look alway looks good. Pliable fabrics like jersey can be your best friend. You can wrap, twist and gather a soft, stretchy fabric around your body so it highlights some parts and hides others.
- Pick a basic palette. solid hues in lights or darks will serve you well.But don’t avoid bright colors all together. A rich red is always striking as well as jewel tone colors. Big prints aren’t always good, so go monochromatic to create the slimmest line, or wear simple, contrasting shades like black and white.
PETITE
If you have a petite figure, it’s always good to elongate and enhance a small 
frame. It’s very important to pay attention to hemlines. A leggy look is sure to give you the appearance of a long, lean figure. Keep your short hemline in prosepective. Just above the knee is perfect and smart casual for work. Anything higher if for a younger person or after 5 PM. A longer skirt may make you look shorter and stumpy.
- Stay solid, keep your look sleek and chic, and avoid busy prints. Your small frame may get lost in the pattern. Mixing solid colors works, and subtle details add personality.
- Try lots of texture. Plush fabrics like brocade, velvet, silk, lace and chiffon can add character and fullness in the right places, and combining different fabrics will increase the richness of your look. Stay away from too many layers because they may make you look loaded down. Whenever in doubt or feel short, wear 3 inch heels.
UNIVERSALLY FLATTERING PIECES
Some items of clothing look great on all shapes and sizes. Here are a few pieces to consider when dressing smart for your body shape.
- WRAP DRESSES- A fuller figured woman or a very thin figured woman can benefit from a wrap dress. Make sure it’s a soft jersey fabric because it works with all body types. The wrap dresses have the ability to emphasize a waist and enhances the silhouette.
- BLACK SUIT- First of all it’s black, so it’s appealing on everyone. Second, it’s chic and sleek and you can mix and match the pieces and get several outfits from it. A well made sturdy fitted jacket retains it’s shape, and covers common problem areas like the arms, stomach, hips and bottom.
- TRENCH COAT- A trench coat looks good on everyone.The tailored structured coat just isn’t an iconic classic but it hides flaws and just looks good on everyone. The best part is, it looks great with everything from jeans, to a formal gown and always looks chic. The best colors are tan and black.
