Dress for Successful Employment Nancy Arnett, Extension Educator Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development Adair County

The “Suit” Should compliment your body style Should fit (not too small, not too big) Choose neutral colors (black, navy, grey) NEVER WEAR RED!!!! Jacket – not too low cut Skirt – not too short

Other Suits Some Good Examples:

Bad Choices Examples:

Accessories Don’t overdo it Should wear a ring (wedding ring on your left hand) and a flat type of ring on the right hand and nothing more. Simple necklace (if needed), may want to use a scarf Simple earrings No bracelets

Bad Choices in Accessories AVOID:

Shoes No sandals Should be pumps Should have a 1 ½ inch to 2 ½ inch heel Should be worn with panty hose Should be comfortable Should match the suit

Bad Choices in Shoes AVOID these choices:

7 Handy Tips for Buying Used Clothing Shop on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. The choices are better on these days. Tip 2 Ask yourself why the clothing is here. Is something wrong with it? Look at it carefully.

Tips Continued Tip 3 Does the clothing need repair? Look for—rips, holes, worm, buttons, ripped hems. Do zippers, snaps and buttons work? Check knees, elbows, collars, and cuffs for spots. Are balls of fuzz on the clothing. They make clothing look worn. Do you have the time and skill to fix the clothing? If not, do not buy it.

Tips continued Tip 4 Is the clothing clean? Look for spots and stains. Can you get the stains out? Can the clothing be washed or bleached? Tip 5 How do you clean the clothing? Can it be washed? Does it need to be ironed? Does it need to be dry cleaned? Read the care label.

Tips continued Tip 6 Would you really wear the clothing? If not, do not buy it. Ask yourself – Is the clothing in fashion? Does it fit? Do you feel good in it? Do the styles and colors make you look good? Where would you wear it?

Tips continued Tip 7 Make sure the clothing fits Try it on. Wear light weight clothing. Try on used clothing over your clothing where there is no dressing room. Take clothing that fits with you. Put it up to used clothing and measure against it. Take a tape measure with you. Measure clothing where it fits the body.

Final Tip Plan ahead. Do used clothes go with other clothes you have? Know your size. Buy clothing you will wear. Enjoy your new outfit.

Proportional Dressing To lengthen and slim silhouette To shorten and widen silhouette To shorten or widen a neckline To lengthen or slim neckline To lengthen waist To shorten waist To minimize waistline To add width to waistline To slim a heavy lower torso To widen lower torso To lengthen leg line To shorten leg line To minimize top heaviness To broaden & add bulk to your upper torso To emphasize slim lower torso

To lengthen and slim silhouette Vertical lines Horizontal line higher from floor Long diagonals – asymmetrical lines Small paisleys, patterns, plaids, prints Monochromatic dressing Soft lightweight fabrics Duller matte fabrics Narrow gores Accessories and belts in matching colors Match hosiery and shoes to outfit Blouse with no cuffs Jacket hems that don’t fall at widest part of hips Skirt hems above or below widest part of calves Gently fitted, non-bulky clothing No cuffs on slacks or shorts Short or upswept hairstyles Long, slim jackets

To shorten and widen silhouette Horizontal lines Horizontal line close to floor Short diagonals Large paisleys, patterns, plaids and prints Shirt fabrics Bright color contrasts Heavy and bulky fabrics Wide gores Accessories and belts contrasting with outfit Contrast hosiery and shoes Jacket hems at widest part of hips Skirt hems at widest part of calves Fuller pleated skirts Blouses with full sleeves and cuffs Slacks or shorts with cuffs Shoulder length hairstyles Short wide jackets

To shorten or widen a neckline Hairline ending just below ears. High necklines and collars such as: turtlenecks, jewel, mandarin, rolled. Wide necklines: boat-neck. Wide collars Scarves or bows at neck. Choker-style necklaces Collars turned up or buttoned.

To lengthen or slim neckline Hairstyle upswept or with neck showing Vertical necklines: V neck, scoop Narrow collars Long necklaces Scarves tied low Open collars

To lengthen waist Princess lines, unbelted chemise dresses Long jackets, vests, and tunics Narrow belt or no belt at waist Dropped or pointed waist

To shorten waist Bloused bodice; midriff; shoulder or hip yokes Bomber jackets Short vests Wide, contrasting belt or cumberbund Peplum

To minimize waistline Accent at neck Single breasted closing Narrow, vertical panels or gores One-piece outfits Over-blouses Minimal bulk at waistband One-piece bathing suits Dark values, dull colors

To add width to waistline Accent at waistline Double breasted closing Wide gores or pleats Bikinis Light values, bright colors Large scale, bold pattern Full gathers at waistband

To slim a heavy lower torso Shoulder width, neck intense No full gathers at waist Vertical draping, slightly bloused bodice Semi-fitted style with minimum bulk Gently-fitted A-line, circle, or narrowly gored skirts. No trim, accent or horizontal repetition at hips Muted, dark colors Smooth textures

To widen lower torso Over-blouses or vests ending at hips Tightly fitted blouses Hip wraps Drop waist, peplum Full skirts, wide hemlines Shirring, smocking or bulk at hip area Heavy, stiff, or shiny fabrics Bright or light colors Large pattern at hips Extreme bagginess or fullness

To lengthen leg line No hip accent No pockets below waist No cropped pants Slim trouser leg with no cuffs Long skirts or pants No ankle straps on shoes Sleeky styled shoes Vertical pant or skirt stripes Medium to firm textures

To shorten leg line Full jackets or coats ending at hip or midhigh Full or tiered skirts Short skirts, knickers Pant cuffs Chucky shoes, ankle straps Horizontal pant or skirt pattern Extremely bulky, stiff textures Light values, bright intensities Short hemlines

To minimize top heaviness Small shoulder pads Simple, loose-fitting lines Minimal bulk or gathers Dark or muted colors No pockets No ruffles or tucking Raglan or dolman sleeves Long jackets Softly bloused tops Over-blouses and tunic tops Small patterns of solids

To broaden & add bulk to your upper torso Shoulder pads Boat-neck Horizontal stripes Dolman sleeves Patch pockets Ruffles, tucks, gathers Bulky fabrics Simple, loose-fitting lines Light colors Large patterns

To emphasize slim lower torso Softly bloused tops Straight skirts Slim pants Hip wraps No pockets No full skirts

References Dress for Successful Employment; Brenda Miller & Edwina Douglas – Extension Educators