I usually advise these ladies to play up what they feel are their best features and play down those features they’d rather not draw attention to. I’ve found the easiest way to start is to consult a basic chart of body variations with suggestions on how to enhance or downplay each.

The chart you’ll find later in this article is really a bare-bones chart, leaving lots of room for experimentation. As a starting point, it serves to give suggestions for elaborating on and applying different tricks to a particular look. Look at what describes your body most closely. Look at the suggestions, combine them and then translate them to +your+ fashion look, It can be helpful and fun at the same time

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.

• Recommendeds:
  1. halter tops,
  2. small collars,
  3. padded shoulders,
  4. diagonal lines from shoulder to waist.
• Discouraged:
  1. turtlenecks,
  2. bulky fabrics.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Recommended:
  1. belts -any kind/style,
  2. waist accents.
• Discouraged:
  1. unbelted dresses.

• 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.

• Recommended:
  1. flowing blouses,
  2. brightly colored blouses,
  3. horizontal yokes,
  4. padded shoulders.
• Discouraged:
  1. tight shirts.

• Recommended:
  1. V-necks,
  2. open collars,
  3. scoop necks,
  4. hanging pendants.
• Discouraged:
  1. turtlenecks,
  2. cowl necks,
  3. layered look.

• 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. coop necks

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Recommended:
  1. pleated,gathered skirts,
  2. chimise dresses,
  3. overblouses.
• Discouraged:
  1. tight skirts,
  2. hip-hugging pants,

• 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 skids/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.

Gender Blender Jun/Aug 98