Dressing to suit your body shape

[Adrian]

The following text was extracted from a compilation made by Sandi Horn
which can be viewed in its entirity at
http://jadephoenix.org/lvtgw/Info_htm/HowTo/cloths01.htm

Body Variations:

BROAD SHOULDERS

recommended:

1). raglan sleeves,
2). dolman sleeves,
3). V-neck.
4). drop shoulders.

discouraged:

1). padded shoulders,
2). boat necks,
3). puff sleeves.

NARROW SHOULDERS

recommended:

1). halter tops
2). small collars,
3). padded shoulders,
4). diagonal lines from shoulder to waist.

discouraged:

1). turtlenecks,
2). bulky fabrics

LONG WAISTED

recommended:

1). high-waisted slacks,
2). skirt lengths just below the knee,
3). wide belts,
4). layered look.

discouraged:

1). hip-hugger pants,
2). low-slung belts

SHORT WAISTED

recommended:

1). pants which ride low on waistline,
2). low-slung belts,
3). overblouses falling to inseam.

discouraged:

1). wide belts,
2). short jackets or blouses,
3). belted overblouses.

THICK WAIST

recommended:

1). vests,
2). loose waistlines,
3). hip-slung belts
4). dolman sleeves,
5). chemise dresses,
6). long tunic over skirt.

discouraged:

1). wide belts,
2) pleated or gathered skirts.

SMALL WAIST

recommended:

1). belts – any kind/style,
2). waist accents

discouraged:

1). unbelted dresses.

FULL BUST

recommended:

1). loose fitting tops,
2). long-sleeved blouses,
3). chocker necklaces,
4). V-necks,
5). open necks.

discouraged:

1). tube tops,
2). tight ribbed knits,
3). patch pockets on shirts,
4). puffy sleeves.

SMALL BUST

recommended:

1). flowing blouses,
2). brightly colored blouses,
3). horizontal yokes,
4). padded shoulders.

discouraged:

1). tight shirts.

SHORT NECK

recommended:

1). V-necks,
2). open collars,
3). scoop necks,
4). hanging pendants.

discouraged:

1). turtlenecks,
2). cowl necks,
3). layered look.

LONG NECK

recommended:

1). turtlenecks,
2). cowl necks,
3). layered look,
4). boat neck,
5). scarves and jewelry at neck,
6). one-shouldered dresses.

discouraged:

1). peter pan collars,
2). scoop necks.

SMALL BODY

recommended:

1). simple linear designs,
2). pleated skirts (linear lines),
3). slacks,
4). one color head-to-toe,
5). long sleeves,
6). medium width belts,
7). vertical stripes.

discouraged:

1). large, busy patterns,
2). horizontal stripes,
3). pegged pants,
4). bulky fabrics,
5). many colors at one time.

SHORT LEGS

recommended:

1). vertical stripes,
2). solid colors,
3). mid-calf length skirts and dresses,
4). high-heeled shoes.

discouraged:

1). pegged pants,
2). hip hugging pants,
3). busy prints or plaids

HEAVY LEGS

recommended:

1). straight-leg slacks,
2). boots,
3). just below the knee skirts and dresses,
4). high-heel shoes,
5). dark colored shoes and stockings.

discouraged:

1). short skirts,
2). tight pants,
3). shoes with straps.

SMALL HIPS

recommended:

1). pleated, gathered skirts,
2). chimise dresses,
3). overblouses.

discouraged:

1). tight skirts,
2). hip-hugging pants,

LARGE HIPS/THIGHS

recommended:

1). dark colored skirts and dresses,
2). dark colored hose/shoes,
3). single colored outfits,
4). long tunic over skirt.

discouraged:

1). large, busy patterns on skirts/pants,
2). horizontal stripes on skirts/pants,
3). brightly colored or plaid skirts or pants,
4). gathered skirts,
5). pants with back pockets.

Remember, as you scrutinize this chart that these are GUIDELINES ONLY. What
may not be listed here for your body type may be perfect for the type of
look you want to achieve. As you experiment, you’ll become more confident.
And, most importantly, confidence is the real key to any successful fashion
look.