Out With the Old and in With the New How to Find the Right Clothes and Still Look Like YOU! Part Deux

Let's finish talking about the commandments from Bradley Bayou on how to dress ourselves properly.

Choose skinny fabrics and cuts- Did you even know there are certain kinds of fabrics that add or subtract weight? Well there is. Now matter what your body shape, some fabrics and cuts will make you look heavier, and some will help you look thinner. Here's some that add weight where you want it: Heavy, stiff fabrics like wool, leather, denim, and suede; textured fabrics like velvet, tweed, and tterry cloth; shiny fabrics like taffeta, raw silk, charmeuse; light colored or brightly-colored fabrics like white, hot pink, yellow

So lesson from that, if you don't want weight in certain areas, then don't put those fabrics that add weight there.

Some fabrics that subtract weight from where you don't want it are mid weight fabrics like matte jersey, fine gauge knits, georgettes, crepes, soft cottons, polyester/spandex blends; dark colored fabrics like black, blue, and monochromatic outfits(that will create the tallest look)

There are certain cuts also that can add or subtract weight so lets, learn the ones to avoid the ones that add weight; Gathering of fabric- pleating, ruching, wrap-around skirts; details- pockets, angles, and appliques.

Some cuts and styles that subtract weight; straight draping fabric, and vertical details like princess seams, and pressed seams.

So now we know what to look for:

Ignore clothing tags, the FIT is the thing- the number on the little tag on the back of your pants or jacket is not important. Ignore it! Who even size what your wearing? What people notice is how your clothes fit.

He goes on to define the ideal fit: clothing that traces your natural silhouette very closely without clinging, such that the fabric remains taut and unwrinkled.

The synonym that we can all understand: clothes that make other people look at you and say "Wow, you look great! Have you lost weight?"

the antonym that everyone has experienced: Big, baggy clothes that could be swapped for a burlap sack without noticing much difference; also, stretchy clothes that fit so tight, your body looks like sausage meat.

Never underestimate the power of accessories. why you ask? well I'll give you 5 reasons

1. They can change an outfit from formal to casual or vice versa in a matter of seconds.

2. They're more affordable than clothes.

3. They can play up your sexiest assets.

4. They're a great diversion from your flaws.

5. They can add a trendy touch to you neutral basics.

Next rule of thumb: The prints and accessories must be in scale with the body. Here's an example. If you're a short small woman, and you wear a large floral print, your body will seem shrunken by the print. If you're a tall plus size woman, and you wear a dainty small polka dot, your body will seem disproportionately large. Not only prints on clothing should be in scale with your body but the accessories you choose should also be in proportion with your body.

the last but not least rule for all: If at first you don't succeed, try on a v shape neck. it looks good on every woman. Why? Because a v-neck will draw attention to the center of your body and away from your trouble spots and create a slimming effect. By angling toward your waist from your shoulders and meeting at a point in the middle of your chest, it mimics your torso. This creates the illusion of a slimmer, skinnier waist!!

Don't these rules make it easier to understand what will look good on you? It does for me. Now let's learn what are body types are.

Step 1: MEASURE YOURSELF- Don't guess, mirrors can be deceiving, get out a measuring tape and a good friend to help you as it's hard to measure your shoulders by yourself.

Measure these 4 parts of your body:

Your shoulders- make sure your measuring the widest point on your shoulders.

Your bust- stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of you chest.

Your waist- your NATURAL waist at the thinnest point should lie flat on your back and stop just above your belly button.

Your hips- keep the tape flat and start at your hip and go around the largest part of your booty. DON'T CHEAT! you'll feel better about your measurements when you look awesome without having to go on a diet.

Tomorrow come back to figure out your silhouetted body shape!