Fit to flatter
Take a moment to picture something you’ve worn that makes you feel fantastic: Perhaps it’s a particular dress, suit, or shirt. What is it about that piece of clothing that works so well for you? Is it the cut, the color, the fit—or perhaps all three?
Taking time to discover what looks good on you will help you dress your best, says Misty Almero, image stylist and owner of Növel, an image enhancement firm that helps people develop their personal style. “With the right fit, style and color of clothes, you’ll look your best, feel great, save time and money, and make getting dressed in the morning an exciting experience.”
What you wear is also an opportunity to express yourself. Are you artsy, romantic, fun-loving, down-to-business…? Clothing is a subtle but effective way to share your story. “A wardrobe is our personal image,” says Almero. “It says so much about us, that’s why it’s so important to take the time to make our image say what we want it to say.”
Building a wardrobe that works is a process that takes time, but saves more time—as well as money—in the long run. “It may take two years to refine a current wardrobe that spans the seasons and lasts a lifetime,” says Almero, who has plenty of tips and techniques to make the process fun and affordable. “By taking the time to figure out what looks best on you and what pieces you need, shopping is no longer frustrating. Instead, it’s a fun and rewarding experience. One of my clients says I saved her thousands of dollars because now she knows what she’s shopping for.”
Think about shopping for clothes like grocery shopping. First, take stock of what you have. Then decide what you need, and make a list. “Instead of letting the store control you, let your wardrobe be your guide,” says Almero. “Have a plan and shop with purpose.”
Here are her tips for developing your personal plan.
Look at your lifestyle. How do you spend your time? Determine the percentage of your wardrobe that’s needed for business and social occasions. Consider particular events: Where are you going, what do you plan to do, who do you spend time with, and what image do you want to project? Do you want to be viewed as a leader or supporter? Do you want to stand out or blend in? “Visualizing yourself in different situations will help you discover your personal style,” says Almero.
Find your colors. Discover which colors love you (not which colors you love). Plan a fun outing by going shopping with a friend or family member; look in a mirror or stand by a window and observe how clothes in different colors look on you. “The right colors will make your skin glow, eyes sparkle and hair shine,” says Almero. “The wrong colors will make you look old and drab.” Build your wardrobe around three of your best colors. When you see “your” colors in stores, be sure to buy what you need (and know you’ll wear)—those particular colors may not be in stores again for another few years.
Focus on a flattering fit. Looking great happens through the art of allusion. You can create an impressive allusion by choosing clothes that provide balance.
Overall balance. Observe the effect of clothes on your body. If you feel or look awkward, something is probably out of balance. Check the length of your skirt compared to the length of your top and/or jacket. Check the height of your heels. Try various combinations until the outfit looks and feels right.
Width of pant leg. This is determined by the size of your hips. Bigger hips can be balanced by wearing wider pant legs.
Fit across the hips. Experiment to see which skirts, pants and dresses fit well without pulling or bunching.
Length of tops. The hem of tops should fall just above the curve of your rear end.
Neckline: V-necks and scoop necks are the most flattering.
Be a savvy shopper. Try on a variety of styles and cuts to see how you look and feel. “At first, you may need to try on 35 pairs of jeans to understand the style and cut that looks best,” says Almero. “As you try on each pair, make note of the features you like and dislike so you’ll know what to look for in the next pair. Soon, you’ll be able to narrow your choices and the next time you go shopping, you may only need to try on 7-8 pairs of jeans.”
Less is more. Fewer clothes mean more options. When you have too many clothes, it’s difficult see them all, which makes it difficult to think of ways the pieces might work together. Misty’s sister calls this “clothes dyslexia”.
Have fun with it. At home, when you’re not in a rush, try on different outfits for the fun of it. Take time to “play” with clothes, which will make getting dressed a creative process instead of a chore. To change things up, start with shoes or an accessory, like a belt or scarf, and pull an outfit together from a new perspective. Asking for advice can also bring inspiration: Friends can often think of combinations you didn’t know you had; and working with a personal image stylist can create the image you’ve dreamed of.
You can look fabulous, no matter what your shape, or what shape you’re in. When shopping for clothes, judge the clothes, not yourself. Focus on features, not the size on the tag. “Once you see what works, what doesn’t, and why, you’ll know how to accentuate the positive and you’ll feel much better about your body,” says Almero. “I don’t wear halters because they don’t flatter me. So what? Instead of getting down about it, I realize that other cuts look fantastic on me and I focus on that.”
For more information about Növel’s personal image styling services and classes, visit www.stylebynovel.com.
Karen Giles-Smith, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and freelance writer based in Mason, Michigan. Visit her Web site and blog at www.TheWellnessWriter.com
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Tom Cruise have dyslexia and yet he is still a very successful actor.**’