Posts filed under 'Figure Flattery Guide'
Flaunt the curves you have, while suggesting the appearance of more volume.
Look for…
- Push-up bras.
- Drapey fabrics.
- Fitted tops.
- Styles with horizontal lines.
- Styles with embellishments at the bustline.
- Fitted styles.
- Straight, tailored cuts.
- Wide lapels and collars.
- Flattering details on top, such as breast pockets, seaming, and/or draping.
- Lower necklines.
- High armholes.
- Biker jackets.
- Bomber jackets.
- Boxy jackets.
- Fitted styles.
- Styles with breast pockets.
- Empire-waist styles.
- Halter tops.
- Keyhole tops.
- Narrow V-necks.
- Wide lapels and collars.
- Flared, short sleeves.
- Tabbed sleeves.
- Empire waist styles.
- Wrap dresses.
- Coat dresses.
- A-line styles.
- Semifitted sheath dresses.
- Chemise dresses.
- Shirtdresses.
- Low V-necklines.
- Fullness at bust through embellishment.
- Soft styles.
- String bikinis.
- Bra-top styles.
- Slight padding.
- Bright colors at the bustline.
- Embellishment for volume at the bustline.
- Lower necklines.
Run from…
- Dropped-sleeve styles.
- Loose fitting styles.
- Loose fitting tops.
- Overly structured tops that you can’t fill out.
- Raglan, kimono, or dolman sleeves.
- Voluminous tops.
- Voluminous shapes.
- Dresses that you can’t fill out.
- Overly structured suits.
- Excessive padding in the bust area.
May 10th, 2005
Elongate your upper body, both torso and neck, while subtly showing your curves.
Look for…
- Garments that drape nicely over your curves.
- Dark colored tops and light colored bottoms.
- Garments that add vertical lines above the waist.
- Long, vertical, and narrow collars.
- Styles that button right under the bustline.
- Jean jackets without pocket detailing.
- Biker jackets without detailing.
- Single breasted boxy jackets.
- Simple styles without much embellishment.
- Quiet vertical detailing.
- Styles that subtly reveal cleavage.
- Open-neck tops.
- Wrap styles.
- Deep vertical lines.
- Styles with bust darts.
- Long sleeves that flare below the elbow.
- Semifitted styles with open necklines.
- Shirtdresses.
- Sheath dresses.
- Dropped waistlines.
- Wrap dresses.
- Vertical V-necklines.
- Sweetheart necklines.
- Spaghetti straps.
- Vertical seaming.
- Hem detailing.
- Dresses that are darker on top than on the bottom.
- Narrow skirts with flare at hem.
- Soft, drapey fabrics.
- Vertical detailing.
- Suits with built in support.
- Wider straps.
- Halter suits.
- Ruffles, shirring, and draping below the chest.
- Dark, solid colors on top, and light fabrics on the bottom.
- Dark, slimming side panels.
- Lower necklines.
Run from…
- Prominent detailing at the bustline.
- Garments that add bulk around the neck.
- Wide belts.
- Double breasted styles.
- Breast pockets on jackets and coats.
- Wide lapels on collars.
- High necklines.
- Patch pockets.
- Loose fitting styles.
- Belted styles.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Oversized tops.
- Chunky knits.
- Tops with large patterns.
- Double breasted styles.
- Wide waistbands.
- Short flared sleeves.
- Big lapels and collars.
- Large prints.
- Stiff fabrics.
- Sleeves with a baggy fit.
- Raglan, dolman, and kimono sleeves.
- Tabbed sleeves.
- High necklines.
- Boatnecks.
- A-line dresses.
- Tunics.
- Wide belts.
- Stiff fabrics.
- Suits without adequate support.
May 9th, 2005
Visually slim and elongate your arms and torso.
Look for…
- Three-quarter sleeves.
- Handkerchief sleeves.
- Raglan, dolman, or kimono sleeves (all provide extra room in the armhole).
- Cape sleeves.
- Long sleeves that flare below the elbow.
- Tops with subtle vertical lines—such as seamlines or lapels.
- Tops with a small puff at the shoulder.
Run from…
- Tight or clingy fitted sleeves.
- Elastic or tabbed sleeves.
- Short, flared sleeves.
- Tight cuffs.
- No sleeves.
- One-shoulder styles.
- Strapless styles.
- Off-the-shoulder styles.
- Stiff fabrics.
- Sleeveless tops.
- Tops with very short sleeves.
May 5th, 2005
Visually broaden your shoulders. Create a visual balance between your shoulders and hips.
Look for…
- Shoulder pads.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
- Wide neck openings.
- Set in, puffed, or gathered sleeves: especially those that are placed slightly outside the shoulder bone.
- Horizontal piping or stripes.
- Structured, tailored styles.
- Boxy Chanel-style jackets.
- Double breasted styles.
- Epaulettes.
- Collared shirts.
- Tops with breast pockets.
- Tops with lapels.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
- Boatnecked tops.
- Square necked tops.
- V-Necklines.
- Sweetheart necklines.
- Puffy, gathered sleeves.
- Yokes.
- Wide collars.
- Sailor collars.
- Peaked lapels.
- Wrap tops.
Run from…
- Set-in sleeves that do not extend beyond shoulder bones.
- Dropped sleeves.
- Deep armholes.
- Raglan sleeves.
- Unstructured styles.
- Halter tops.
- Camisoles.
- Raglan, dolman, or kimono sleeves.
- Capped sleeves.
- Gathered necklines.
- Off the shoulder styles.
May 4th, 2005
Downplay the width of your shoulders by softening them.
Look for…
- Set-in sleeves that do not extend beyond shoulder bones.
- Dark colored tops.
- V-necklines.
- Vertical seaming.
- Balance narrow hips with pockets at the hipline.
- Longer styles.
- Loose, unstructured jackets.
- Deep armholes.
- Raglan sleeves.
- Kimono sleeves.
- Dropped sleeves.
- Small lapels.
- Small, narrow collars.
- Single breasted styles.
- Notch or shawl collars.
- Vertical seaming.
- Deep V-neck tops.
- Raglan sleeves.
- Deep, narrow v-neck tops.
- Narrow collars and lapels.
- Cuffed sleeves.
Swimsuits
- Straps that hit at mid-shoulder.
- Wider straps.
- V-necks.
- Scoop necklines.
- Vertical details.
- Diagonal lines.
Run from…
- Anything that will draw extra attention to the shoulder area.
- Shoulder pads.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
- Colorblocking on shoulders.
- High, closed necklines.
- Double breasted styles.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Fitted styles.
- Wide lapels on collars.
- Short, rolled lapels.
- Yokes.
- Breast pockets.
- Puffed or gathered sleeves.
- Epaulettes.
- Asymmetrical closures.
- High, closed, round necks.
- Tops made of shiny fabrics.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder, or anywhere above the bustline.
- Shoulder detailing.
- Boat necked tops.
- Square necked tops.
- Wrap-style tops.
- Wide collars.
- Puffy sleeves.
- One-shoulder necklines.
- Wide necklines.
- Halter tops.
- Racerback suits.
- Halter necklines.
May 3rd, 2005
Visually elongate your neck!
Look for…
- V-necked styles.
- Deep V-necklines are especially flattering.
- Tops with open necklines (e.g. square necklines, sweetheart necklines, camisoles, etc).
- Drapey, long necklaces.
Run from…
- Garments that add bulk around the neck.
- Turtlenecks.
- Scarves.
- Tops with high collars.
- Mandarin collars.
- Choker necklaces.
May 2nd, 2005
Elongate your silhouette and enhance specific focal points.
Look for…
- When choosing an outfit, pick a focal point and play it up: neck and shoulders, back, cleavage, forearms, legs, etc.
- Monochromatic and tonal outfits.
- Items with drape and stretch.
- Garments with soft texture, vertical patterns, and prints.
- Straight cuts.
- Mid-hip lengths or longer.
- Single breasted styles.
- Tailored styles.
- Subtle A-line styles.
- High armholes and natural shoulders for a leaner look.
- Biker jackets.
- Boxy jackets.
- Semifitted styles that can be tucked in.
- Wrap styles.
- Off-the-shoulder necklines.
- Styles with bust darts.
- Deep V-necks.
- Flat-front straight leg trousers with no pockets.
- Waistbands 1†or smaller.
- Jean styles that sit slightly below your natural waist.
- Dresses with all-over patterns to keep the eyes moving.
- Dark colors and flat textures.
- Waistbands 1†or smaller.
- Styles without waistbands.
- A-line styles.
- Flat front skirts.
- Play up cleavage or legs as your focal point.
- Vertical detailing.
- Semifitted styles.
- Simple styles.
- Diagonal lines.
- Chevron patterns.
- Verticals: necklines, piping, patterns, seams.
- Lower necklines.
- Side shirring.
- Dark side panels.
- High Lycra content.
Run from…
- Clingy or tight fitting items.
- Oversized clothing.
- Ill-fitting clothing.
- Stiff fabrics.
- Bulky pockets.
- Double breasted styles.
- Belted styles.
- Bulky flap or patch pockets.
- Hems that end at the widest part of your hips.
- Overembellishment.
- Anything too tight.
- Pants tapered at the ankle.
- Baggy pants.
- Pants with pleated waists.
- Peg top pants with elastic waists.
- Bulky, gathered styles.
- Boxy shapes.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Bias cuts.
- Wrap styles.
- Front darts.
- Pleats.
- Front pockets.
- Anything too tight.
- Complicated cuts.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Anything that creates a horizontal line.
- Two piece suits that dig into your body.
April 28th, 2005
Soften your silhouette by adding the appearance of curves.
Look for…
- Fitted styles.
- Styles with embellishments at the bustline (e.g. ruching, pleating).
- Fitted styles.
- Straight styles.
- Jackets with nipped in waists.
- Belted styles.
- Styles that end at mid-hip.
- Double breasted styles.
- Jackets in heavier fabrics and textures.
- Pocket detailing, especially breast pockets.
- Peplum jackets.
- Biker jackets.
- Bomber jackets.
- Straight, boxy jackets.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Tops with nipped in waists.
- Halter Tops.
- Tops with embellishments at the bustline: shirring or gathers.
- Shrunken versions of men’s shirts.
- Empire-waist styles.
- Narrow V-necks.
- Flared short sleeves.
- Tabbed sleeves.
- Breast pockets.
- Wide collars and lapels.
- Flat-front, straight-leg trousers.
- Slight flare at hem.
- Pleats will help create curves.
- Wide waistbands and a lower rise pant will visually add curves.
- Low rise styles.
- Low-rise, straight leg jean styles work best.
- Jeans with a fitted derrière create instant curves.
- Almost any style works.
- For broad shoulders, avoid very full skirts.
- Sarong skirts.
- Bias cut skirts.
- A-line skirts.
- Pleating.
- Slanted pockets for added hip shape.
- Gathers.
- Patch pockets.
- Belts.
- Thicker waistbands.
- Shirtdresses.
- Wrap dresses.
- Horizontal detailing.
- Contrast color at bustline.
- Waist detailing.
Run from…
- Garments that are cut straight up and down with no waist definition.
- Anything with built in curves.
- Shoulder pads.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
- Raglan, dolman, or kimono sleeves.
- Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
- Raglan, dolman, or kimono sleeves.
- Stiff fabrics.
- Voluminous, structured tops that you don’t fill out.
- Fitted capris and clamdiggers.
April 27th, 2005
Elongate your figure while featuring your waist.
Showcase your curves.
- Garments that drape nicely over your curves.
- Styles with simple lines.
- Semi-fitted styles that just cover your derrière.
- Closure (button or otherwise) just below the bustline.
- Vertical lines through seams and/or lapels.
- Snug fit, high collared biker jacket.
- Single breasted boxy styles.
Tops
- Semifitted styles that end below the belt and can be tucked in.
- Tops that subtly reveal cleavage.
- Classic flat-front straight-leg pants that rest at your natural waistline.
- Side or back zip pants (invisible zipper) reduce bulk and can be more flattering.
- Subtle flare at ankle is flattering on taller women.
- Wide pants can be tapered slightly at calf-height on heavy women.
- Stretch jeans are perfect for showcasing curves.
- For a look that’s less form-fitting, try straight-leg jeans one size up.
- Slitted skirts and dresses that showcase your legs.
- Bottoms that narrow at your knees.
- Flat front styles with side or back zipper.
- For a thin waistline, show your waist with a belt or prominent waistline.
- For a thicker waistline, look for dropped-waist styles.
- Medium-weight knits and drapey fabrics are flattering.
- Fitted jackets and skirts.
Run From…
- Oversized clothes.
- Overly tight clothing.
- Clothes that are cut straight up and down, without regards to curves.
- Horizontal lines at the fullest part of your hips.
- Jackets without waist definition (e.g. those that are loosely buttoned at the waistline).
- Styles that end at the fullest part of your hips.
- Jean jacket with pocket detailing.
- Styles that end at the fullest part of your hips.
- Suits without enough support.
April 26th, 2005
Elongate your silhouette by making your legs look longer.
Look for…
- Items in the petites department: they’re proportioned for a shorter woman.
- Monochromatic ensembles.
- Narrow silhouettes.
- Drapey, fluid fabrics.
- Vertical lines and detailing: seams, closures, embellishment, etc.
- Princess and/or center seams.
- Small prints.
- Skirts are better than pants because they conceal the point where your legs begin, allowing you to create the illusion of longer legs by raising the waistline.
- Cropped styles.
- Styles with simple lines.
- One or two button closures.
- Narrow lapels that end above the natural waistline.
- Coats should be no longer than one inch above the knee.
- Empire-waist styles.
- Belts, if any, should be placed above the natural waistline.
- High necklines create the illusion of height.
- Simple, fitted styles.
- High-waisted tops.
- Empire line tops.
- Cropped tops and sweaters.
- Tops in fluid, drapey fabrics.
- Straight leg pants with front creases.
- Longer cut styles work best; wear these with heels for a longer line.
- Classic 5-pocket jean styles.
- Natural waist styles to visually lengthen leg.
- Above-the-knee and knee-length skirts and dresses.
- Tapered straight skirts.
- A-line skirts.
- Button-front skirts.
- Wraparound skirts.
- Slim dress silhouettes.
- High-waisted dresses.
- Empire line dresses.
- Wrap dresses.
- Semifitted to fitted sheath dresses.
- Off center slit to elongate legs.
- Vertical detailing: buttons, seamlines, trimmings, etc.
- Higher neckline for a taller look.
- Minimal accessories.
- Medium height shoes.
- Pointed toe shoes to elongate foot and leg.
- Shoes with a low vamp (toe opening is long and narrow) for a longer line for your foot and leg.
Run from…
- Stiff, tailored clothing.
- Baggy clothing.
- Big horizontal lines.
- Large prints.
- Excess detailing.
- Double breasted styles.
- Long coats.
- Voluminous styles.
- Styles with wide lapels.
- Tops that hit at your natural waistline.
- Baggy tops.
- Highly embellished tops.
- Tops made of stiff fabrics.
- Pleated pants.
- Cropped pants.
- Low rise pants.
- Cuffed pants.
- Wide-leg pants.
- Flared pants.
- Skirts that hit at mid-calf.
- Long, ankle length skirts.
- Hem detailing.
- Overly girly styles.
- Overembellishment.
- Extremely full skirts (think Cinderella).
- Very High Heels.
- Overembellished styles.
- Styles that disproportionately large for your frame.
April 25th, 2005
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