Top Style Tips: Dressing right for your body type

Most celebrities manage to always look so perfect whether they’ve been spotted by paparazzi running in to a grocery store, or seen on TV strutting their stuff on the red carpet. It’s easy to imagine what you’re thinking, and the answer is no: they weren’t born that way. What sets these celebs apart from the rest of us is their stylists, talented individuals who provide them with top fashion tips that enable them to appear effortlessly chic, no matter where they are. Besides the fact that most of us can’t afford stylists, I think it’s always more fun to take your own creativity and individualism into your own hands and be your own stylist. Here are some of my pointers for looking your best, even if it’s just another cold (and snowy!) winter’s day at uni that you’re getting dressed for!

[Miranda Kerr: image sourced from justjared.com]

Follow trends—to a certain extent

Of course you don’t want to turn up at a party in bell-bottom jeans and over-sized shoulder pads, but there’s no reason to adopt the latest trends if those clothes aren’t age-appropriate or figure-flattering for you. Keep up with the latest styles, but make sure they suit not only your figure, but your individual personality too.

Create the ideal body shape

Everybody has a different shape. While some of us are curvy and voluptuous, the others may be petite and slender. Dress right for your body type: If you have wide hips, give the impression of a smaller waist by finding a dress or top that accentuates where you are the slimmest. There’s no harm in trying out many different styles and sizes to find that perfect outfit that flatters your body type at all angles. Bear in mind that clothes shouldn’t pull or cling to you; instead, they should skim your body.

[Jennifer Lopez: image sourced from stylebistro.com]

Don’t accentuate your flaws

Most girls have bits and bobs of their body that they aren't too proud of. If you aren’t crazy about your waistline don’t draw attention to it by wearing short tops and fitted dresses. To minimize a tummy bulge, look for clothes with a wide band at the waist. If it’s your wobbly thighs that need concealing, avoid wearing light-coloured pants or jeans (as pale colours and prints will immediately attract unwanted attention to that area of your body).

Another big no-no: As superfluous as this may sound, many women end up buying clothes that are just too big (in hopes that their flaws will be hidden). The truth behind it is, loose-fitting clothing actually makes women appear larger, not smaller, because it deprives them of any sort of body shape.

[Kim Kardashian: image sourced from iamkimkardashian.com]

Getting the under layers right

When trying on an underwire long leg bodysuit or a girdle, take the time to find pieces that work with your body and your budget. Remember that if something feels a little too tight in the changing room, rest assured that it will unbearably tight after many hours mingling at a cocktail evening. Choose wisely; as much as you want to create a smoothing effect under your dress, make sure it provides you with maximum comfort too.

[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: image sourced from dailyrecord.com]

Spend generously when it really counts

Don’t go for a cheap knock-off buy when it comes to the solid foundations of any wardrobe, whether it is a black pencil skirt for work or a white blouse to match with a funky neck-piece. Remember that these core elements of your closet can be styled to look great for so many different occasions, so make sure they fit perfectly and you get your money’s worth!

Find that perfect pair of heels

The higher the heel, the slimmer you’ll look, as it elongates your legs and forces you to throw your shoulders back—creating the perfect posture as you walk. My advice to those who wish to opt out of those oh-so-painful stilettos: How about comfort heels with a platform? Such shoe types hold your arch at a gentle angle, whilst also providing more support at the balls of your feet.

Sales and stocking up on basics

Trends will always come and go. Disregard what will be the “in look” next fall. You will always need your basic T-shirts and inexpensive skinny’s for layering. Even though Boxing Day sales are over, the January sales and seasonal discounts are still on! Keep an eye out for woollen pants, sweaters and outerwear on sale too.

Best accessory finds in the most unexpected locations

For fun, trendy items—like scarves or chunky jewellery, I often find that the best places are street stalls and little crafts stores. Behold a range of stylish accessories, ranging from ribbon tie necklaces to pearly headbands. The greatest discoveries are often in the places you least expect to find it!

-S

This article was originally sourced from: http://lsesufashionsociety.wordpress.com/tag/sheshaya-surtani/