The key to finding flattering business formal clothes for petites is to choose pieces that elongate your silhouette. You want to look as tall as you can, especially in a business setting, and you can do this by making your legs look as long as possible.
Jackets with a Low Stance
Petite Wool Pinstripe Jacket ($99.99) and Petite Audrey Wool Pinstripe Pants ($79.99) at Ann Taylor
The notch lapel is classic, and the low stance (the point where the two sides of the jacket cross in front) creates a nice vertical line that makes you look taller. Single button closures are best for creating this vertical line.
Simple Fitted Tops
Cotton Ruffle Front Top | $58 at Ann Taylor
When you’re petite, fitted garments tend to look better than oversized ones. We’re loving this cotton voile ruffle top. The delicate cotton voile fabric is lightweight (great for summer), and it complements the decidedly feminine ruffle and pintuck details.
Fluid, Drapey Fabrics
Petite Silk Sleeveless Shell | $29.99 (sale) at Ann Taylor
Add some shine to your wardrobe with a silk shell. Fluid, drapey fabrics look great on petites, and in small doses, they complement business formal outfits. Add a scarf for extra sophistication.
Wide Leg Trousers
Petite Martin Cuffed Wide Leg Pant | $89 at Banana Republic
This wide leg pant is a great counterbalance to a fitted top, and the fact that it sits just below the natural waist helps to visually elongate your legs.
High Waisted Skirts
High Waisted Pencil Skirt | $89 at Banana Republic
High waisted skirts and pants make your legs look as long as possible–and in turn make you look as tall as possible. If you don’t like thin, tailored skirts, you can also try (nearly universally flattering) a-line skirts. How long should your skirt be? Knee length skirts are not only the most flattering, but they’re also safe for work.
Shift Dresses
Belted Textured Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Shift dresses are as slimming as they are work appropriate. They’re
fitted without being too revealing, and they elongate your figure, especially when they feature a knee-length skirt.
Finish off your business formal outfit with medium height shoes (you’re petite, and you’re not fooling anyone with sky high heels, so just be comfortable), a reasonably sized work bag (no gigantic bags for you, since they’ll overwhelm you), and minimal accessories (since you don’t want to clutter your clean outfit).
Have a great tip about business formal for petites? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 10th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
Everybody loves sunglasses. Here’s a primer on how to find the right pair for you:
To find the right sunglasses for you, start with the shape of your face. Everyone’s face is unique, but there are a few general shapes into which faces can be categorized. The basic idea is to get a pair of sunglasses that balances out your face shape; that is, a pair that exemplifies the opposite of your face shape. Moreover, the edges of the glasses should “frame†your face exactly. If the outer edge of the lens’ frame is wider or narrower than your face, the glasses don’t fit. Oh, and always make sure you try on the pair in person before buying them.
Round Face
Jack Spade Chad Sunglasses | $275 at Marqsmen
If you have full cheeks and a curved jawline, get a pair that contrasts this roundness. To balance out your face, you’ll want a pair of sunglasses in a boxier shape. For best results, make sure the edges of the sunglasses are rounded, not pointy or sharp. I love this pair by Jack Spade.
Oval Face
Oliver Goldsmith Mistinguett Sunglasses | $290 (approx) at Adam Simmonds
If your face is long and lean (think Adrian Brody), you’ll want sunglasses that make your face appear wider. A lot of people will say an oval shaped face will look good with any pair of sunglasses, but in my opinion, the ones that widen the face look the very best. Look for lenses that are basically wide rectangles, like this pair by Oliver Goldsmith.
Triangular Face
Prada Aviator Sunglasses | $275 at Saks Fifth Avenue
If you have a broad forehead and a narrower chin, you’ll want a pair that complements that shape. That means you want a pair that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Aviators are ideal here. I like this sleek pair by Prada.
Bonus Sunglasses Style Tips:
(1) The best sunglasses offer both UVA and UVB protection and are polarized. Polarized sunglasses also distort natural colors the least. If you spend a lot of time on the water, these features are a must; the sunlight reflecting off the water is poison for your eyes.
(2) Often, like with the classic Wayfarer (probably the most timeless pair out there), you can put in regular lenses and wear your sunglasses as a stylish pair of regular glasses. Go to your optometrist for more information.
Ray Ban Wayfarer | $110 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Have a great tip about how to choose the right pair of sunglasses? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 9th, 2008 in How To, Men, Men's, Shopping Guide |
Q: I have to go buy my first maternity clothes this weekend. What advice can you give to keep me looking chic? Styles, colors, fabrics…
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Trying to be chic while pregnant can be challenging as your body changes, but the good news is that there are so many choices for chic maternity wear today.
For looks that are fresh and chic , I would choose natural fabrics such as cottons and silks. Simple silhouettes are best–and my favorite looks tend to be in solid colors with few, if any, embellishments.
My philosophy is that when you’re pregnant, the simpler your style, the better you look. Figure flattery is still important, but when you’re pregnant, you have the opportunity to show off your growing tummy (instead of trying to hide it). So–embrace your body and showcase your belly with chic, simple styles like wrap tops, empire waist dresses, button-down tops, and wide leg pants.
Keep in mind that you will only need maternity clothes for about three to seven months [Updated 7/8/08] –so you don’t need to buy nine months worth of maternity wear. Depending on the time of year and the climate in which you live, you may need to base your purchases on seasonality–and note that seasons will change during your pregnancy. Regardless of where you live and time of year, you’ll need casual clothes for weekends, a number of work-appropriate separates if you’re working, one very good dress (I love Veronique Delachaux), and a comfortable everyday shoe.
As you craft your maternity wardrobe, think also about whether you plan to have another child. If you plan to be pregnant again, you may want to invest in better quality maternity clothes. If, however, you don’t plan to have any other children, you don’t need to spend as much on maternity fashion.
Here’s a few maternity stores to check out:
Old Navy - $20-$40 for dresses
Ann Taylor Loft - $40-$70 for dresses
Gap - $50-$70 for dresses
Japanese Weekend - $70-$120 for dresses
A Pea in the Pod - $150+ for dresses
Good luck with this wonderful, happy time of life and best wishes for your new baby!
Pictured: Maternity Smocked Yoke Button Front Shirt | $44 at Ann Taylor Loft and Maternity Smocked Empire Waist Dress | $24.50 at Old Navy.
Have a great tip about how to be chic while pregnant? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 8th, 2008 in Q&A, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear a Vest?
You said: 60% of you say Yes to Vests.
Style tip? For men, vests are a great way to gain statesman-like style points. For women, vests are one of our favorite pieces for the menswear-as-womenswear trend. Our favorite way to wear the vest? Wear it with a feminine piece, like a ruffled skirt.
Next question: Big shoulders were on display on the runway, along with other menswear-as-womenswear favorites (including the vest). But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear tops or jackets with big shoulders? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Anabelle Vest | $17.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on July 7th, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
How do you best dress to flatter your bustline? Elongate your upper body, both your torso and your neck, while subtly showing your curves. You can help balance a large bustline by wearing wide trousers or skirts that flare at the hem. To tastefully show off your curves while elongating your torso, look for open neck tops, soft styles that drape over your curves, and tops with subtle vertical lines. Here’s what to look for to flatter your bustline:
Jackets & Coats
Single breasted styles
Semifitted styles
Styles that button right under the bustline
Jackets without pocket detailing
Single breasted boxy jackets
The boxiness of this single breasted blazer adds to the tailored feel, while the low stance complements a large bust.
Pictured: Single Button Jacket | $42.99 (sale) at Gap.
Tops
Styles that subtly reveal cleavage
Simple styles without much embellishment
Open-neck tops, such as v-necklines and scoop necklines, and sweetheart necklines.
Wrap styles
Long sleeves that flare below the elbow
Long, vertical, and narrow collars
This tunic features an open neckline, vertical detailing, and sleeves–all flattering for women with a large bust.
Pictured: Slub Cotton Tunic Top | $50 at J Crew.
Skirts & Dresses
Semifitted styles with open necklines
Wrap dresses
Shirtdresses
Dropped waist dresses
Narrow skirts that flare at the hem
The open neckline subtly shows off your curves, while the silk drapes over your body. The flared skirt helps to counterbalance your upper body.
Pictured: Silk Wrap Dress | $130 at Banana Republic.
Posted by Trisha on July 3rd, 2008 in Features, Figure Flattery Guide, Figure Flattery Guide, Women |
Not all of us have 5% body fat. That’s fine. What you want to do is slim your silhouette and draw attention away from your midsection. Here are 15 tips how to slim your silhouette:
(1) Button your jacket unless you are sitting down. As Tom Ford says, “It takes 20 pounds off your silhouette.â€
(2) Avoid bold patterns. Simple, solid colors are your friend.
(3) Dark colors make you look slimmer.
(4) Don’t buy clothes that are too tight.
(5) You want to draw attention to your chest, not your stomach. Wearing a pocket square and a jacket that does not have sloped shoulder (but slightly squared shoulders instead) can help do this.
(6) Minimize the stuff you put in your pockets. If you have a fat wallet, invest in a cardholder and carry folded cash in your front pockets.
(7) Don’t wear cargo pants.
(8) Pleats attract attention to you midsection and they make your thighs look bigger. Wear flat front pants without cuffs.
(9) Wear pants with a longer hem. This creates the illusion of longer, slimmer legs.
(10) Not wearing a belt will help do this too.
(11) Don’t wear chunky sweaters or bulky blazers (this one’s true no matter your build).
(12) If your wear stripes, they should be subtle and vertical.
(13) Your jacket length is key. If it’s too short or too long, it will look awkward.
(14) If you can, wear suspenders with your slacks. This will float your pants and you won’t have to choose between buttoning your pants above or below your waist.
(15) Keep clean. Keep your hair (and your beard, if you must have one) short.
Picture courtesy of The Sartorialist.
Have a great tip about how to dress to flatter a heavy build?
Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 2nd, 2008 in Men |
Q: I love retro style like Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly. How can I modernize these styles into today’s fashion?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Katharine Hepburn all embody timeless American style. Audrey is famous for her elegant black sheath dress, capri pants, ballet flats, and large dark sunglasses. Her style is perfectly suited to her body type and personality - thin, graceful and gamine. (She was also fortunate to have Hubert Givenchy to dress her.) Grace Kelly is famous for her cinched waists, full skirts, fitted tops, pearls, and her classic Kelly bag. And Katharine Hepburn, exuding professional style, made menswear her signature look.
What do Audrey, Grace, and Katharine have in common? Each was an icon of their own personal style. So to modernize this looks, do as these style icons did:
Wear clothing that suits your figure. Not your style icon’s figure, not your best friend’s figure–your figure. Be honest with yourself about what works and what doesn’t–and choose your silhouettes accordingly.
Create, don’t Copy. Instead of copying Audrey, Katharine, or Grace’s style directly, create your own signature style. Sure, it can be based on that of your style icon, but make it your own. Katharine Hepburn made trousers her signature piece. What will your signature piece be?
Create your signature style around classic, clean lines. Your clothes won’t overwhelm you, and maintaining a clean silhouette allows you to play with accessories, hairstyles, and makeup.
Pictured: Katharine Hepburn (courtesy of Fashion Me Fabulous), Audrey Hepburn (courtesy of AudreyHepburn.com), and Grace Kelly (courtesy of GraceKellyOnline).
Have a great tip about how to be a modern day style icon? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on July 1st, 2008 in How To, Q&A, Women, Women's, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear The Color White?
You said: Yes! 87%, an overwhelming majority is all for White.
Style tip? How do you keep your whites fresh–and stain free? One word: Scotchgard. Use Scotchgard Fabric Protector to prevent stains on both natural and synthetic fabrics. Just test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Next question: Vests are a key piece in the tailored, menswear-as-womenswear movement. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a vest? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Sash Waist Tunic Dress | $58 at Gap.
Posted by Trisha on June 30th, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
How do you best dress to flatter your tummy? Direct attention away from your middle, and create the illusion of a long vertical line. To create that long vertical line, look for drapey fabrics, open (especially v-neck) necklines, vertical detailing, and monochromatic and tonal outfits, and stay away from clingy fabrics and fabrics that are excessively stiff. To direct attention away from your middle, avoid highly defined waistlines, cinched waists, and belts. Here’s what to look for to flatter your tummy:
Jackets & Coats
Single breasted styles
Semi-fitted styles
Straight-cut styles
Jackets that reach below the derriere
Deep V-necklines
Tailored styles
Subtle A-line styles
High armholes and natural shoulders for a leaner look
Biker jackets
Look at the tailored shape, the single breasted style with a deep v-neckline, and the the high armholes.
Pictured: Pinstripe Two Button Jacket | $198 at Ann Taylor.
Tops
Long tops
Empire-waist styles
V-necklines
Tunics
Cardigans
Untucked shirts
The empire waist style, the v-neckline, and the flowy nature of this long top are going to flatter your tummy.
Pictured: Solid Jessie Blouse | $78 at J Crew.
Pants & Jeans
Pants without waistbands are preferable
If you wear a waistband, wear one 1" wide or smaller
Pants that sit slightly lower than your natural waist
Flat-front or side zip bottoms
Pants without pockets
These pants are soft, drapey, and their flat-front silhouette is especially flattering for those of us with a tummy.
Pictured: City Fit Buttery Twill Trouser | $69.50 at J Crew.
Skirts & Dresses
Styles without waistbands (or narrow waistbands)
Flat front skirts
Dresses that obscure the waistline
Coat dresses
Subtle A-line shapes
Empire-waist styles
Semifitted shift dresses
This patterned dress not only obscures your tummy, but the fitted bodice and the a-line shape is incredibly flattering.
Pictured: Brushstroke Print Sydney Dress | $165 at J Crew.
Posted by Trisha on June 27th, 2008 in Figure Flattery Guide, Women |
Q: I was wondering how do I wear sneakers in a more feminine way? I’m 16 and I have been flats and sandals for the last year or so, but I do miss the sneakers. But I’ve found out that they clash with my more girly blouses.
A: Sneakers are inherently casual, and they’re also kind of tomboyish. To help combat the tomboyish feel of sneakers, choose sneakers that are inherently more feminine, either in color or detailing. Here’s three ways to wear your sneakers for a more feminine look:
Tip 1: Go Daytime Glamorous with a Dress
Proudly wear a casual dress with your sneakers, and accessorize your outfit with bold jewelry and an elegant handbag. Be bold! Don’t you love the gorgeous black and white zebra print?
Tip 2: Balance Masculine and Feminine
You can embrace the tomboyish feel of the sneakers by balancing a feminine piece of clothing with a masculine one. Here, the feminine airy yellow tank top is counterbalanced by a masculine military-inspired blazer. Added bonus? Grey (instead of blue) jeans.
Tip 3: Embrace the Casual
Sneakers are casual, so go with the flow and create a casual outfit around them. Wear shorts instead of pants, and slip on a breezy chic feminine top.
Have a great tip about how to wear sneakers? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on June 26th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
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