Reader Question – I’m an o-shape and I find that jeans just never stay up or if I belt them really tight, they hurt. I find it impossible – any tips? All of us have different shapes, sizes and styles so finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a massive task with an overwhelming number…
My daughter and her friends were chatting with they were saying low rise jeans were coming back into fashion. They were adamant that they were never going to wear lower rise jeans. When I was their age, back in the 80s, high-rise jeans were the trend. I could never imagine wearing low-rise jeans. To my…
Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium. When we talk about dressing for your body shape and body proportions, what we are trying to do create visual balance. There are 4 main principles of co-ordination that influences how you achieve balance with your outfits. These are: Levels of Refinement Principle of Volume Related Shapes Related Lines When…
In a recent Facebook Live, a reader asked if I could advise the best styles to wear to highlight athletic curves as many clothes don’t fit properly to accommodate a small waist with strong glutes and finding tops to fit over shoulders and back muscles as they tend to have no shape around the waist…
In This Video 0.14 – How to look good on video conference – not corporate, but not sloppy! How to look technically competent and feminine but not too overdressed. 4.38 I’m an O shape and find jeans never stay up and they hurt when you belt them – any tips? 6.56 Can you tell me…
Active wear design is something that you may not have thought a lot about whether or not it’s something that is going to create harmony with your body or not. So what should you consider when choosing your active wear tops? There are some fairly common colour blocking options that you’ll find on a lot…
As an O Shape how can I feel slim in a summer dress when your body is more exposed?
Best styles for a high shelf hip? Is this the same as a short waist?
What are the best fabrics to flatter an O shape?
Do you have some jeans (or other pants) that slide down, the waist is either a little too large, or you have a straight body shape (like my H shape) and they just slide down as you wear them? You’re not alone! I have this exact issue. Normal belts are OK, but I find they…
Hi Imogen, I’d love to learn more about altering store-bought clothes for different body types. What are the alterations you may need to do based on your body shape? Firstly, it’s great to know what your body shape, body proportions and body variations are, so you can figure out which tips are most useful for…
by Catherine Scholze Flattering a curvy frame requires a combination of structured garments that support the shape of the body and good fitting lines that provide the correct amount of space for the curvy areas of the body. The structure of a garment refers to its ability to give the body a certain shape, and…
As I discussed here when I explained how lines work, body shape tells us: Where to put the verticals Where to put the horizontals to balance, broaden or highlight Where to place detail Where to keep boring/dull/plain/no detail That’s it! So let’s look at the O Shape (commonly called the apple or oval shape) I…
So when I’m talking pants here I’m not talking about your underpants (panties or knickers, whatever you call them). I’m talking the best shape of trousers for your body shape! Best Shape of Trousers for Your Body Shape I shape You are straight and may describe your shape as boyish, so create some curves with…
I often get asked about the best shape garments for each body shape. So I thought I’d create this infographic for you to give you a simple set of guidelines. When thinking about shapes for each body shape, we are usually wanting to create the hourglass shape or the idea of two triangles stacked on…
I have a question about using the column of colour to look taller (as a curvy petite H shape ) – should I only wear darker tops, avoiding white or cream tops ? There are two major ways to wear a column of colour, on the outside, or on the inside. The version on the…
How to Choose the Right Length Necklace to Flatter Your Body The other day I was reading something that said that if you wear a longer pendant that ends under your bust, then you will draw attention to the narrowest point on your rib cage and this is flattering for all. Sadly this is not…
Choosing Collars and Lapels O/A shape – broader collars to balance hips I, V shape or petite – narrower/smaller collars not to further broaden shoulders or overwhelm your frame H, X, 8 shape – medium collars – higher will make you look taller, lower will draw attention to bust and make larger Large bust –…
Hi! I have made great strides in gathering mixable business/relaxed business wear but over time have just really lost touch with relaxation (!) and find myself without much to wear on the weekends. I stay at home often but also go to shops, farmers’ markets’, the movies, etc. and don’t really have anything to wear…
Sleeves please – I’m a H/O shape, and always wonder if I should have my sleeves shortened as a full sleeve makes me look bigger. The shape of the sleeve that you wear can make you look larger or smaller, depending on where it ends (watch this video for tips on that topic) and also…
Recently I was asked what is the best place to end sleeves. When you think about a sleeve hem, it’s a horizontal line. Here in this short video I talk about where to end sleeves to flatter your figure.
The air has become nippy these past few days and it made me think about winter coats. They are a more expensive item in your wardrobe, so if this year is a year you’re planning on updating your winter coat wardrobe here are a few tips to help you choose a flattering style. Here are…
It’s summer in the Northern hemisphere and if it’s actually hot (sadly summer isn’t always so hot everywhere), but if you need a new swimsuit and want some tips to flatter your body shape, as they are the most unforgiving of garments, then read on. Swimwear to Flatter Your Body Shape I shape – horizontal…
