What is the number one fashion tip that all women, whether fashionista or fashion fledgling, ought to follow? It’s really quite simple: Dress for your body.
This instruction may be nothing new, but it still seems to go unheeded every day. Of course we’d all like to wear the trends of the moment, but not all trends work on every body. And no matter how “in” a piece of clothing may be, it’s not going to work on you if it’s designed for a different body. The ubiquitous skinny jeans, for example, are terribly unforgiving to curvy girls, string bikinis are hardly made for an ample bosom, and maxi dresses are not particularly flattering on you Skinny Minis out there.
This, however, is not to say that curvy girls must wear wide-leg trousers every day, and skinny chicks must avoid voluminous dresses. But instead of dressing purely for what the latest trend is, think about what part of your body you want to show off or highlight most, then dress to enhance it. I personally struggled for years with having an unusually big set of knockers paired with a small waist. After trying button-up shirts that popped open in the center at the slightest movement, and having bikini shopping meltdowns when even the largest size triangles couldn’t reign me in, I finally realized it wasn’t my body that was the problem: It was the clothes I was selecting. Now I go for wrap tops instead of buttons, and swimsuits with a wide band under the bustline instead of string. And a good push-up bra has become my best friend. I may not be wearing the trend of the moment all the time, but I know I still look good. And knowing that is half the battle—once you know you look good, you’ll automatically exhude more confidence and will draw people in.
If you still want to stick to trends, though, there are ways to achieve a similar look without squishing yourself into unflattering shapes or drowning yourself in yards of fabric. Returning to those skinny jeans again, in my experience most pairs don’t have much in the way of built-in hips. So even thin girls who still have a bit of curve can end up with a too-big waist and too-tight thighs. Instead of skintight, go for narrow boot cut or simply straight leg. If you still want the tapered look, consider getting a pair of straight leg jeans (that fit) tailored to be slightly tighter as they move down the leg. You’ll still achieve the sleek look without the pants creating phantom muffin tops.
And as for the girls out there who are super thin, I know it can be just as hard for you to follow trends as well. The maxi dresses that are so present this season can really do a number on your figure. Instead of going for yards and yards of fabric, stick with dresses whose top fits close to your torso, with an A-line skirt that starts to flare out at your natural waist. If you’ve got a small chest, go for a feminine sweetheart neckline. And be sure to avoid large patterns. Combine all this, plus the right length, and you’ll have a comfy, flattering look that can actually make you appear taller and more curvy.
There are, of course, multitudes of other clothing items that could use some discussion, but for now, the best thing to remember is that it should be you who wears the clothes, not the clothes that wear you. Choose styles that flatter your shape and your assets, and you’ll never go wrong.
