F ASHION APPEARANCE Do’s and Don’ts of the fashion world

Q UESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF What do I like to wear? What do I feel comfortable/ good in? What fits me? What’s my style? Am I announcing myself of disguising myself? What am I saying silently to others by the way I dress? Do I have good posture? (You can look up to 10 lbs. lighter when you have good posture.)

S IZE DOES NOT M ATTER Everyone should feel good about themselves in what they wear, everyday. Clothes talk when we don’t. Make sure you and your clothes speak the same language. Size doesn’t matter!!! Get over it. Every vendor fits differently. Each designer uses different models. Each designer has a different way of cutting fabric. Each designer has a different way of sizing. Don’t get discouraged!!!!

D RESS C ODES : Don’t wear hose with open toe shoes! Hem length on all jeans can hit no higher than where the sole meets the shoe, in back, (on heel.) Remember longer pants = longer legs! Belt color and shoe color must match! Brown shoes=brown belt Denim combos should match, same color and type. Underwear showing is not attractive. Tighter is not always better, find things that fit your figure.

B ODY T YPES When you know your “body type”, you can dress for your shape. You can hide your insecurities, and learn how to make the most of your natural assets.

T HE P EAR The pear has wider hips than shoulders. She usually has a small top-half with an enviable flat stomach, but her lower half overcompensates with sizeable hips and a couple of saddlebags. When she gains weight, she has a tendency to gain it below the waist.

T HE PEAR The pear shape should never wear jackets that end at your behind or hips. A slightly lower rise pant makes your behind look smaller. High-waisted pants make your behind look longer, and bigger. Never wear skirts or dresses “cut on the bias” A-line skirts look great on pears! Never wear tapered, or drainpipe pants or jeans Always wear a bootcut or flared pant or jean. This will balance out the fullness in the behind, hips, or thighs.

T HE APPLE The apple is frequently bigger on top than on the bottom. On the plus side, an Apple has the slim hips a Pear would die for. On the other side, she might have a big belly and a flat behind. When Apples gain weight, they have a tendency to gain it above the waist.

T HE APPLE Apples should never wear high round necks Never wear cable knit sweaters If you have bigger arms, don’t wear cap sleeve tops or tops that are too tight in the arms, it only accentuates your arms. Small prints cover a multitude on top. Never wear big patterns or prints on top. Never wear baggy, tent looking tops V-necks make your waist look smaller Thick belts around the hips make the waist appear smaller.

C ONT …. Never wear anything double- breasted Tailored coats left undone create the appearance of a waist Never wear low-waisted pants Make sure clothes skim rather than cling Empire line dresses and tops are good Don’t wear belts too tight.

T HE RULER The Ruler is a rare shape, indeed. Without a great difference between the waist and hips, a Ruler is waif-like and slim. If she gains weight, she will probably gain it in the stomach and behind, while her arms and legs stay thin.

T HE RULER - I F YOU HAVE SHORT LEGS : Never wear cropped pants or capris. They will only accentuate your lack of leg. Never wear tight pants- they will only draw attention to where your behind ends, and your legs begin. Always wear your hem to the ground when wearing pants with any kind of heeled shoe. Never wear a skirt that has a second dropped waistband- your already short legs will halve again in size. Keep the color flowing- same on shoe, sock and pant. You want to make the legs flowing in one straight, long line to the ground.

T HE RULER - I F YOU HAVE THICK ANKLES AND CALVES Don’t wear kitten heels (1.5 inch or less of heels) Never encircle the ankle- no shoes with straps around the ankles Clingy skirts only emphasize the width above the foot. Wear long skirts to the floor. Never wear three- quarter length dresses or skirts. Never wear cropped pants or capris.