Styles that Flatter

When you begin to focus on the positives the negatives seem to melts away. Enhancement of your strongest qualities will happen automatically when you dress your body type accordingly. No matter what your body frame is the secret to looking and feeling fantastic is finding styles that flatter you!

1. Shirts & Sweaters:

- Shirts should not pull across the bust. If the buttons seem like they are ready to pop off or you have an urge to find a safety pin, put it back on the rack or go a size up.
- Pay attention to where the shoulder lay. If they are around your biceps again put it back on the rack.
- If a t-shirt is exposing the infamous back ripple, opt for a larger size.
- Necklines are such a simple element but the right one can make such a grand statement.
- V-necks are attention-grabbing. The sexy neckline help draw attention upwards.
- In dark colors, they can also make a larger busted woman look less so.
- In contrast a wide scoop neck enhances the bust.
- Boatneck broaden the shoulders, emphasize a swan neck and shows off the collarbones. Who doesn't have fabulous collarbones!!
- Turtlenecks are in a class by themselves! They are face-framing (how could anyone forget the picture of Princess Diana and her two young sons – she was exquisite wearing the black turtleneck). Turtlenecks also add definition to the jaw line and look great on most women.

2. Skirts:

- You can not go wrong with an A-line shirt. A-line shirts are a solution to a multitude of problems and makes your waist appears smaller.
- It floats away from the body and worn with a pair of heels, extend the leg line.
- It does need to fit the hips smoothly and flow gently over the derrière.
- The pencil shirt is an all time favorite. You do not have to be pencil thin to wear it. However, you do have to get the right fit!
- Fabrics: A-line skirts think cotton, suede or velvet. Fuller skirts require more fluidity so look for chiffon, silk or a blend.
- Start with basic solid colors and build from there. Skirts are a great way to infuse pattern and prints into our wardrobe.
- The most elegant hemline lands just below the knee.

3. Pants/Trousers:

- GOODBYE TO PLEATS – they add pounds especially with a tapered leg.
- Flat fronts minimize instantly and make you appear taller and slimmer.
- Every woman needs at least one amazing pair of black pants, the kind that fit to perfection and make you look slim and shapely in all the right places.
- A well-fitted jean is a must. The darker wash is the most classic, versatile & slimming. Be very weary of any type of fading!
- Fuller pant legs can balance out a large torso and conceal an ample derrière and thigh area.
- Slightly flared boot-cut pants trim wider hips.
- Try pants on with the shoes you'll be wearing them with. The hem should graze the top of your instep.

4. Jackets:

- A jacket is an excellent alternative to the sweater but with structure.
- A blazer is a must preferable in a light wool blend that skims the hips. You never want to go past the hips, it will only add bulk.
- For a larger bust: a three button will minimize and hold the bosom in properly.
- For tummy control a 1-2 button blazer that nips at the waist and creates an immediate hourglass figure.
- Jacket with snugger sleeves are slimming.
- If you want to appear thinner and taller avoid big collars and shoulder pads.
- Jackets should not ripple along the shoulders or down the back.

5. Shoes:

- Everyone should start out with five basic pairs:
- Comfortable flats – my favorite is the ballet flat;
- Pump or sling backs with a 2-inch princess heel;
- Pump or higher heel;
- A pair of boots;
- An evening shoe or sandal in black or metallic.
- Metallic shoes may be worn for evening or day.
- Shoes go on last to complete the outfit not compete with it.
- A colored shoe will engage the eye and accent the fabulous, while drawing attention to your legs and hemline.
- A lower cut shoe will lengthen the leg and a shoe similar to your skin tone does the exact same thing.
- Do buy the most comfortable and the best you can afford because the feet are not very forgiving.

6. The kimono dress for a basis piece is brilliant. It accentuates all the right areas:

- Example empire waist highlights the smallest part of your torso.
- Loose sleeves provide coverage if that is a concern.
- V-neck brings the focus upward.
- You can wear it as a dress in the evening or over jeans during the day.

#1 Rule: Life is not a dress rehearsal so take center stage!

KD CONSULTING
Catherine T. Delnero
Wardrobe Consultant
Contact: 917-951-6246

www.kdcstyle.com