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For tips and trends this week I wanted to discuss a figure...opportunity. I don't want to call it a figure flaw because who wants to think of her body as flawed?! So we'll call it an opportunity to embrace our bodies and dress them the best we can. And let's be honest- we want to highlight the parts we like best and dress to flatter (notice I didn't say conceal) the parts we're not so crazy about. I often talk about styles that hide a tummy because I consider that my problem area. But I wanted to get beyond that this week and discuss a few tips on dressing curvy hips and thighs. First a couple of ground rules:
- Avoid wearing overly baggy clothing. I think this is often our biggest mistake. When we try to hide certain parts of our body, we tend to wear large pieces of clothing over them, and guess what happens? We look large! That's precisely why I didn't use the word "conceal," earlier. Oftentimes, dressing to flatter a figure opportunity means highlighting something else to draw the eye away from it.
- Avoid wearing dark colors from head to toe. Another common mistake is to hide our bodies by wearing all black. While I agree that oftentimes wearing dark colors does make lumps and bumps less noticeable, I think it can also have the unintended effect of making YOU less noticeable as well. If you love the color black I won't argue with that, but most of us wear it as camouflage. Besides being the antithesis of looking our best, it also could make us appear insecure, which usually isn't the goal. We want to look (and BE) confident.
And now for some specifics (please note, many of the items aren't "tall" items but I carefully compared lengths and shapes and chose pieces that could very well work with a tall frame):
- Try flat front straight leg trousers with room in the hip and thigh. If I was writing this a few years ago, I would have suggested wide legged trousers. I still think those are a flattering option but trends have changed and it's all about straight and skinny these days. Wearing straight leg trousers is not only flattering on ample hips and thighs but also current and fashionable. Try layering the trousers with a long vest, cardigan, or blazer for a streamlined look (see Eddie Bauer number above).
Kline Pants. True Straight Pants.
- Wear a full skirt with a defined waist. The fullness of the skirt is flattering on most body types but looks particularly good over a curvy silhouette. Ok, I know I said I wasn't using the word "conceal," but a full skirt does just that. Try wearing the skirt with a simple fitted shirt or a structured sleek shirt. A solid shirt with a printed skirt works well.
Gondola Striped Woven Silk Skirt. Sheer Panel Pleated Skirt
Simple Full Skirt with Paper Bag Waist (also in navy). Hot Pink and Mustard Silk Organza Full Skirt (I am IN LOVE with this skirt and it so perfectly encapsulates the look I'm envisioning. It's certainly pricey but so beautiful).
- Try a well fitted dress with volume or detail at the straps or sleeves. This will balance your curves better than wearing a spaghetti strap. Choose a material with a bit of stretch but also some structure. Dark colors work well but don't be afraid of a non black but highly saturated color like the jewel toned blue dress below.
Formals and Functions Dress. Purr Se Dress. Occasion by Me Dress in Pink
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Have a great week! Ciao for now.
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