Classics
Dos
* Pearls. Need we say anything more?
* A chambray shirt under a blazer.
* The perfect little black dress. Every closet should have one.
* Twin-sweater-sets that do double duty in your wardrobe.
* Opaque hose with Lycra spandex are a girl's best friend.
Don'ts
* Anything that's obviously left over from days of yore-
-especially if it's polyester with topstitching.
* Linen in winter.
* Skirts so narrow that you can't walk.
* Jogging suits when you have no intention of jogging.
* Too many patterns at one time.
The All-Time, Best-Ever, Never-Fail, A-Number-One Figure Do:
Learn to love your body, flaws and all.
Figure It Out
Do...
* Buy elastic-waist pants and skirts--they're more comfortable.
* Emphasize your best feature: Great legs? Wear short skirts.
* Create balance by wearing shoulder pads--they can make your hips look smaller.
* Wear loose, comfortable clothes in soft, drapey fabrics. They're forever forgiving.
* Road test bodyshaper pantyhose before you wear them.
* Buy a supportive bra--everything will fit better.
* Wear dark opaque hose or tights with short skirts.
* Match hose to shoes for a slimming silhouette.
* Choose belts that match your pants for an unbroken line.
* Opt for pinstripes rather than wide vertical stripes.
Do...
Make sure your hemline suits your legs:
* If you love your legs, anywhere above the knee is fine. (Above midthigh is pushing
it, though, no matter what your legs look like.)
* For heavy legs, go below the bottom of the calf.
* If you have heavy ankles, stick to longer lengths, but don't try to cover them since you
only trip on your hem. Slip on a pair of matching opaque hose instead.
* Treat yourself to a new outfit when you lose a few pounds.
* Opt for jackets with soft, body-skimming lines.
* Take advantage of cover-it-all tunic tops.
* Wear layers of streamlined knits, not bulky ones. They're universally flattering.
* Make sure you have one outfit that you know you'll feel good in--even on "fat" days.
Don't...
* Wear a skimpy dress unless you're sure that you look good in it--absolutely sure.
* Fall victim to the whims of fashion and wear ultrawide-leg pants--especially if
you're petite.
* Reveal too much when you wear leggings. Even if your rear end is supertoned,
always wear a top that covers it.
* Buy pants or skirts without checking out your rear view. And when you try on
pants, always sit down in them.
Figure Fantasy vs. Figure Fact
Big, bulky clothes will hide my figure.
They'll also add pounds to it.
Prints will make me look bigger.
No, as long as the print is small.
Buying something a size too small will inspire me to lose weight.
Maybe, but it's much more likely that you'll never wear it.
Battling the Bustline
If you're large-busted, skip...
wide belts, long necklaces, big pins
And go for...
Blouses that minimize:
* softly draped (but not oversized) styles in silk or polyester.
* simple V necklines without pockets.
Dark colors on top, light ones on bottom.
A bright jacket over a dark top.
Taming the Tummy
If your stomach is not as flat as you would like it to be, skip...
tucked-in blouses, cropped tops, belted jackets
And go for... tunic tops ... loose jackets ... softly pleated pants
Slimming the Bottom Half
If your hips and thighs are less than svelte, skip...
leggings, big patterns below the belt, narrow trousers
And go for... * loose-fitting trousers * long jackets * long flowing skirts