Women | 6 Simple Style Rules
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
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Regardless of your shape, there are some rules of style that are universal and timeless. No, they do not include leggings and knee high boots as shown above.
Here are 6 fool proof style tips for every body type.
1. Show some skin
Covering up yourself from head to toe is not as flattering as it sounds, as large expanses of cloth can actually give the appearance of a larger body.
Wear V-necks, 3/4 sleeves, knee length skirts (or shorter depending on age) or expose your back.
Just remember that a little skin goes a long way. Focus on one area to be exposed and cover the rest, i.e. no exposed back, cleavage AND legs – tacky.
Exfoliate your body regularly (1-2 times a week) to rid it of dead skin cells and reveal fresh, glowing, sexy skin.
2. Wear heels
Up the ante and dress factor of a casual jeans by pairing with heels for instant sex appeal.
Pumps and other more classic styles are more ‘come hither’ than chunky heeled shoes or espadrilles for example.
Wedge heeled shoes also tend to lean to the more casual side of things than classic stiletto heels.
3. Wear knee length skirts
Knee length skirts are definitely the most flattering.
Skirts (or pants for that matter) that cut between the knee and the ankle cut you off abruptly and messes with your proportions.
Wearing skirts that are too short will have you run the risk of looking trampy. Also if your legs are not in tip top shape, why draw unnecessary attention to an area that is not your best feature?
4. Pair slim with volume
Pairing volume on top and volume below, for example a floaty, billowy blouse and a flared skirt, can make you look… well, voluminous.
Likewise slipping into a getup that looks painted on from head to toe just highlights any thing on your body that doesn’t look just right.
Strike a happy balance by keeping fabric close to the skin in areas of the body that are fuller, and pairing with pieces that are more voluminous in areas of the body that are slimmer.
For example in the typical pear shape (small chest, wide hips) pair a well fitted knee length pencil skirt with a flirtatious blouse with a extra fabric details around the neckline or chest area. Just ensure that your waist is emphasized, despite all this volumizing, to avoid looking like a solid block.
If you carry more of your weight on your upper body, consider choosing well fitted pieces for the top area, and pair with voluminous knee-length skirts for your bottom half.
5. Expose your neck
The sweetheart neckline is thought to be the single most flattering neckline that exists, as it elongates the neck and enhances the curves of those who have, and gives the appearence of curves to those who do not.
This type of neckline also exposes the collar-bone – very, very sexy.
Other necklines have limitations, with boat-necks and turtlenecks having the most I believe.
6. When in doubt choose black
Regardless of what trends may say, black is always in style, and is slimming in the right fit.
Add a pop of colour around your face area – earrings, a necklace, bold red or nude lips for example, to brighten up your face and break the monotony, especially if you wear your hair colour dark.
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Keep it simple. A classic, streamlined, well put together, simple look will always trump a busy, fussy look. Once you are over a certain age, the latter look can also tend to age you.
Great skin is your best accessory.
As far as possible, work your life around a healthy diet and follow a skin care routine that works for your skin type and condition(s).
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