The Fit Guide - References at Your Shapely Finger Tips!

In thinking about designing a "fit guide" reference piece, the May 2013 issue of MORE magazine provides the perfect guide for keeping on hand while shopping!!! Run out and buy it asap.   The piece is called, "Your Figure-Flattery Handbook".   The article overviews the best clothing for the tummy, a straight figure, full hips and thighs, large bust, basic lessons for everyone and sizing up specialty sizes.

The Forever Chic Style mavens know that women have four different shapes - the hourglass, the pear, the string bean and the apple. Of course, all require specific clothing options to flaunt the womanly and feminine silhouette.

The Sophisticated Silhouettes

 

    

The Hourglass, The Pear, The String Bean & The Apple

I.  The Memorable Hourglass:   Jessica Chastain, Sophia Vergara, Nicole Kidman, Scarlett Johansson have curves around the bust and hips with a smaller waist. It is all about elongating the figure and bringing the focus to the upper half and the small waist, while flaunting the curves.   Think tailored apparel.

• Wear tailored dark hued clothing on the bottom:  black jeans or pants with a boot cut or slight flare, dark pencil skirt etc. highlighting the waist
• Add a belt and a fitted top to accentuate the waist
• Jackets are a must with interesting details drawing the eye upwards

II.  Luscious Pear: The most popular shape is the pear - Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce - all have shapely breasts, defined small waists, curvy hips and larger bottoms.
A pear can be short, tall, heavy, skinny and still a delectable pair shape.  A recent article in The Daily Mail, May 13, 2013 stated that women with a pear shape will live 10 years longer than the apple.  Why? The organs are not encased in extra fat around the waist, which increases blood pressure, cholesterol and increased blood sugar levels leading to strokes and heart attacks and other health issues.Create balance by flaunting the upper half of the body and minimizing the lower half.

• Dark hued pants with stretch
• Thicker waistbands
• Tops that are full rather than fitted and tight
• Dresses that are fitted at the bust line with a fuller skirt. A-line

III.  Boyish String Bean Effect:  Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Keira Knightly with small breasts, undefined waists and narrow hips.  Basically, a boyish figure with little to no curves. The goal is to create the illusion of curves with apparel.   Think of apparel that is full and flowing.

• Turtlenecks and other high necked tops give the illusion of a larger bust line
• Jackets and coats with curves create a feminine silhouette
• Choose pants and skirts in materials that flow and move
• Jeans - select skinny jeans and leggings. And, always choose low rise jeans and not mid or high waist jeans.  

IV .  Glorious Apple Shape: Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie and Queen Latifia . The apple shape consists of larger breasts, fuller in the middle, wider arms, broad shoulders and thin legs.Flaunt  the body with angular lines and blunt the roundness and softness. 

• Wrap tops, V-neck's
• Straight leg pants and jeans -not skinny's or leggings
• Higher waist pants 

Listed are several tips from the Forever Chic Style site for fashionistas.  Remember - a trusty salesperson or personal shopper are the ultimate source for acquiring appropriate apparel.  Forever Chic Style priority is to collate, collect and provide tips for success in purchasing quality clothing that lasts over time and is not trendy.

Keeping it Fabulous Forever Chic Style Rules for all Shapes:

• Darker apparel is slimming especially in pants or jeans.
• Bright colors always attract and highlight the part of the body wearing the hue.
• Patterns and floral designs are seen first rather than the entire ensemble.
• Accessorize any outfit with jewelry, scarves and a perfect handbag.
• Jewelry: long drop earrings with no necklace;  an intricate necklace with diamond studs earrings; bracelets for fun though never for an interview.   Interview jewelry - diamond studs.
• Always have a hint of lipstick.  Of course, red is picture perfect.
• Make sure boots and pumps are polished and shined each season.
• If wearing a fitted top - pair with trousers or boot cut jeans but not skinny jeans or pants unless a string bean shape - remember to add a belt for waist definition.
• If wearing a full blouse - pair with fitted pants, skinny or cigarette jeans.
• A suit is imperative for a wardrobe - pants, skirt and jacket.
• Have clean and polished finger nails.
• In the Spring and Summer - keep toenails painted.  Red is always classic.
• Never dress in all leopard or all flowers or geometrical designs.
• Always spritz on perfume.  Always.
• Never wear old pajamas - ever. 
• Haircuts and clean skin is so imperative.
• Manners are essential. Learn and impress.

Each day is a gift, and each day is an opportunity to dress the part in a marvelous play - called your life.  Think like a director or a costume designer of a film and plan accordingly.  Clothing is fun, expressive and yes, memorable.  Of course, intelligence, fine grooming and strong character qualities are the final and most important aspect of a woman's daily attire.  Without these fundamental basic ingredients - clothing is passe' and oh so dull.

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”  
-Coco Chanel

“I love new clothes. If everyone could just wear new clothes everyday, I reckon depression wouldn’t exist anymore.”  

- Sophie Kinsella, Confessions of a Shopaholic