A collar that appears to have a notch cut out of it and has no upper button, allowing the collar to lay flat and open against the upper chest. A universally flattering collar when in a medium width. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Avoid contrasting and overly large collars.
Named for the ability to be worn open or closed. Most convertible collars have an extra piece of fabric between the collar and the shirt called a collar stand. A stand allows the collar to sit higher in order to accommodate a necktie. - Stands visibly decrease the length of a neck. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Collars that point in a triangle out toward the shoulder line. The larger the triangle the more width it adds to the shoulderline. CLASSIFICATION: Business and Smart Casual.
Select styles with small to medium collars only.
A collar made in the form of a band, commonly with a back closure. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
Best if the band is set low on the garment as in the photo.
A collar that is closed at the top by ties, which are attached to the collar. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A collar that forms the shape of a shawl or scarf. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
A collar that consists of a hood that when not on the head falls in a 'V' or 'U' across the upper back. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
A high, close fitting collar that rises up the neck more than 5 centimetres. Most commonly found on knitted sweaters. Some turtleneck collars are higher than others. Any turtleneck high enough that it causes your chin to rest on the roll should be considered too high for you.
The most dressy and appropriate turtleneck for business is one that has a collar that sits close to the neck. CLASSIFICATION: Business and Smart Casual in a fine gauge, Relaxed Casual in a medium to heavy gauge.
To slim your upper torso look for styles that have vertical detailing e.g., ribbing or design features (as in our illustration) or add a vertical accessory or open garment e.g., a pendant, oblong scarf or open vest.
Inspired by eastern cultures, this collar rises up the neck. Other styles in this category include the Mao and Neru collar. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
Look for centre front interest, e.g. contrasting buttons.
This neckline is halfway in length between a crew neck and a turtleneck. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
To slim your upper torso look for styles that have vertical detailing e.g., ribbing or design features or add a vertical accessory or open garment e.g., a pendant, oblong scarf or open vest.
An open front, country style shirt that has a round neck with a narrow to medium neckband. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Shirt collars that are raised up to create a touch of visual drama. Short hair or an updo is required to wear this collar to full effect. Standing collars make shoulders appear squarer and the wearer appears taller. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
Yokes are panels placed in the front and/or back or shirts and jackets. In most cases, there will be no seam at the top of the shoulder. The yoke may be shaped e.g., western style. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Select style that either has minimal or no gathering where the yoke meets the shirt front. Gathering will make you bust appear larger if excessive.
A feminine style of collar that is soft and rolls over to leave a bare shoulderline. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A large collar that extends around the neck and from each shoulder. An excellent style for visually broadening the shoulders. Ensure the collar size suits your 'scale' requirements - see 'Scale' in Accessories section. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
A collar that has a ruffle that extends down the front of the blouse. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Select styles that have small, soft, drapy ruffles only.
Triangular collars have their widest side over or above the bustline, enlarging and highlighting the area. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
Best in soft, fluid fabrics.
This style is most commonly seen in sweaters and men's 'T' shirts. CLASSIFICATION: Smart, Sporty and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if worn with vertical detailing or accessory e.g., ribbed fabric, a pendant or scarf etc.
A cowl neckline has a piece of fabric that is attached to the neck edge which drapes in soft folds onto the chest. The weight and texture of fabric used will determine the ease of wear. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy in a fine gauge knit, Smart Casual in a medium gauge knit and Relaxed Casual in large gauge knits.
Good only if the cowl is made of a light-weight fluid fabrics and falls into a 'V' shape in the front. Avoid large, bulky and heavy-weight cowls.
Named after the fairytale character Peter Pan, this collar first became popular in the 1920s. It is a collar most appreciated by women who love all things feminine. Tends to make faces appear rounder making them not suitable for photographs. A collar stereotyped with the elderly and the very young. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only in garments with centre front opening.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
A lapel that consists of two pieces which when joined appears to have a notch cut out of it. A universally flattering lapel when in a medium width. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Avoid contrasting and overly large collars.
May also be seen as a collar on a blouse. Named after its resemblance to a cloverleaf. Any rounded design feature will render the garment and wearer more feminine in appearance. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A feminine style of collar or lapel that is soft and rolls over onto the blouse or jacket front. Team only with a collarless top or a collar that climbs the neck e.g., fine gauge turtleneck. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Dressy.
Avoid long thin rolled collars unless you wear a top underneath or have long hair worn down.
Do not choose extra wide rolled collars or lapels.
These lapels have the bottom lapel pointing diagonally upwards. This strong diagonal design has masculine overtones, visually broadens the shoulders and adds authority and the illusion of height to the wearer. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A round neckline broken in the front by a split opening. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
A neckline that is no deeper than 13 cms under the notch of the neck, these necklines and collars suit almost everyone. The classic 'V' is never out of style. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual.
A strong neckline that is in the shape of a square. The wider the square the larger the bustline will appear and the broader the shoulders will appear. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
Look for narrow designs that are not too deeply cut.
A neckline that ends at the base of the neck. A difficult and sometimes, uncomfortable neckline to wear. As we age, our neck shortens and we carry a more head-forward posture. This may cause this style to feel constricting at the front and stand away from the back of the neck over time. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Wear with a medium length necklace or oblong silk scarf.
This neckline starts just below the notch in your neck it is commonly found on female T-shirts. When you want to look your slimmest opt for a 'V' or split neckline. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Wear with a medium length chain or oblong scarf to elongate your neck. Split and 'V' necklines as well as open neck shirts will be a better choice for you.
A 'V' neckline that sits wide across the shoulders and extends down into a medium to deep 'V'. This neckline adds visual width to the shoulders. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual - Wear a camisole underneath if wearing the top to work. Exposing cleavage is not considered professional.
A 'V' neckline that sits well away from the neck and is shallow in depth. Both elements combine to visually widen the upper body. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
Any blouse or top that closes by folding one side over the other across the bust line. - This style must be well fitted to prevent gaping. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A deeply scooped neckline. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
Select styles that are not too deeply cut (no deeper than illustrated).
A combination of a jewel neckline and cut-in shoulderline. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual.
A neckline that wraps around the body including the arms, shoulders back. A shrug belongs in this category. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual to Formal.
A feminine neckline worn most commonly in dresses and tops. It has the ability when full and rounded to visually enlarge the bust line. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if in angular versions to minimise your bustline. Do not select low cut styles.
A round neckline with ruffles down the front. Not an effective style to wear in a professional capacity. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if the ruffles are small, made of a soft drapy fabric.
A neckline with a teardrop or keyhole opening in the front. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if you wear shoulder pads.
A straight shoulder to shoulder neckline that is the same depth front and back. This style has been popular since the early 1920's. Also known as a bateau neckline. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if worn with a medium length necklace, pendant or oblong scarf.
A neckline where the centre front buttons are covered with a band (placket). Also within this category is any neckline with centre front design lines, e.g. Pin tucks or motifs. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
Good only if the jacket or top is made from fabric that is textured, patterned or of substantial texture.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Shoulder Type, Bust Size, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Shoulder Type
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Weight
Short sleeves end at the bust line. If the colour of the sleeve is brighter, darker or lighter than the intensity of your skin it will attract attention to your bustline. Short sleeves also create a strong horizontal line from one side of the body to the other making the bustline appear larger. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
If you adjust the sleeve length to end at the same level as the fullest part of your bust, your bust will appear larger. Ribbed and cuffed, short sleeve styles will also increase your visible bust size.
Ensure the sleeve hem does not end at the same level as the fullest part of your bustline. Instead lengthen or shorten the hem by 1.5cms (3/4in) to break the strong horizontal line.
A classic medium width sleeve that is pleated or gathered at the wrist and is finished with a cuff. Pushing or rolling up the sleeve of a jacket visually lifts the body, resulting in a more slimming line. Be sure to roll your jacket sleeve up at least twice to ensure a look that appears purposeful anything less will appear like an insincere effort to hide a sleeve that is too long for you. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A long sleeve that opens out into a bell shape from the elbow. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A garment without sleeves. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual, Dressy. For the most professional image possible wear a garment that covers your upper arms as a minimum.
A feminine circular sleeve that gracefully drapes over the shoulder and upper arm. Perfect for romantic encounters. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
You may need to wear a small shoulder pad to add a little lift to the edge of your shoulders. Look for shoulder pads that add height not width.
Keep the hemline of the sleeve above the fullest part of your bustline.
Short sleeves that have a hemline that is angled. The strong diagonal causes an inverted triangle shape to the upper body which visually widens and strengthens the shoulderline. The greater the degree of angle the smaller the bust line will appear. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
This sleeve has no gathers or pleats at the wrist edge. Its shape gradually narrows as it tapers down the arm toward the wrist ending either with a split edge and button loop, or no opening at all. Pushing or rolling up the sleeve of a jacket visually lifts the body resulting in a taller slimmer appearance. Be sure to roll up the sleeve of a jacket sleeve at least twice to ensure a look that appears purposeful, anything less will appear as an insincere effort to hide a sleeve that is too long for you. CLASSIFICATION: Suits All Occasions.
A sleeve that is tapered and ends half way up the forearm. A tapered three-quarter sleeve is more slimming than a rolled-up sleeve. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
As with the three-quarter sleeve, this sleeve ends slightly below the elbow but is wide at the hemline. This width makes the body appear wider in the mid-torso area. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A half to full length sleeve that is close fitting to the upper arm and then balloons out, and ends with either a gathered hemline or banded cuff. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
For the best appearance combine a medium to narrow balloon sleeve with a garment that has a semi-fitted to very fitted silhouette as indicated in the Basic Garment Silhouette section of this program.
A half length sleeve that is close fitting to the upper and then balloons out into a small bellow at, or just below, the elbow and ends in a gathered hemline or narrow band. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
For the best appearance combine a lantern sleeve with a garment that has a semi-fitted to very fitted silhouette as indicated in the Basic Garment Silhouette section of this program.
A sleeve that falls below the elbow is full at the base and gathered at the wrist. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A sleeve which originates from the Philippines and is shaped like the bud of a flower. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A sleeve that ends at the elbow. A good length for hiding large, very thin or aged upper arms. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Long sleeves that are wide throughout their length. Similar in style to the kimono. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the garment that has some waist shaping. Avoid extra wide sleeves if the fabric is semi to very stiff.
Similar to the Batwing, the 'T' sleeve has an armhole that is not as low as the Batwing style. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Good only as a long sleeve.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A classic sleeve style where the sleeve shoulder seam is at the natural shoulder line. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
The shoulder sleeve seam is dropped over the shoulder edge. The best dropped sleeves drop no further than 5 cms or 2 inches over your shoulder edge. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if worn with raglan shoulder pads.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
A cuff that is approximately 5.6 cms (2 1/3ins) wide. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A cuff that is narrower than 5 cms (2 in). CLASSIFICATION: Business, Dressy.
A large cuff that is designed to fold over on itself. A style that can attract attention to the lower torso. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Dressy.
Great for attracting attention away from your bustline.
A sleeve that is gathered at the wrist and then flares and falls over the upper hand. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
Classic men's cuff that adds a level of dressiness to a garment. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business and Smart Casual
A sleeve that is gathered at or just above the elbow and then flares and falls down the upper forearm. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smarty Casual.
Good only if the garment has some waist shaping and sleeves are not too wide.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
Pockets that are placed within the seam line of a garment and are not visible. Ensure pockets do not pull open. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A pocket flap that has a small welt edge sewn at the point where the pocket attaches to the jacket front. This pocket can often be tucked in, whereby it will reveal a matching welt sewn at the top of the pocket mouth. When the flap is inserted into the pocket the style changes to a jet/besom pocket, which will be more flattering over a large hipline or tummy. Lift the pocket flap out before sending to the dry cleaners. If pressed with the flap inside you may find the shape has been embossed onto the surface. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business and Smart Casual
A pocket with a flap of fabric placed over the mouth of the pocket. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A pocket with an angled flap that sits over the pocket opening. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Pockets that are placed horizonatally the hip area in pants. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Large square pockets placed on the exterior of the garment in the region of the hips or thighs, usually seen on jackets, skirts and jeans. Not flattering for women who are larger below the waistline. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Pockets that have a small to medium-sized lip and are usually placed in either a horizontal or vertical position below the waist, and horizontal or diagonal above the waist. Pocket-handkerchiefs worn in a high welt pocket will draw attention away from low-figure challenges. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Pockets that are round in shape. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
Pockets that are placed diagonally over the hip area in pants. However, unless they fit well they can pull and draw attention to the hips and thighs. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Large square pockets that have either a centre front inverted pleat, side pleats, or both. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Sporty Casual.
Good only if jacket has two sets of pockets that are equal in size. This will help in balancing the upper and lower halves of your body.
A loose and slightly bulging pocket that resembles pouch. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the pockets are not over your bust.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
A skirt shape that is slightly wider at the hemline than the hipline - subtly resembles the letter 'A'. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Relaxed Casual.
A skirt shape that is wider at the hemline than the hipline - resembles the letter 'A'. The wider the and longer the hemline, the shorter and full the figure will appear. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Relaxed Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Weight
Full skirts that have the fabric gathered into the waistband. They add bulk to the waist and hips. It is best to select dirndls in soft, fluid fabrics. As a rule, the more full the skirt, the shorter tops and jackets need to be to look in proportion. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Old-world style skirts that are wide due to the addition of under layers or petticoats. - The base of the skirt has either an attached layer that is gathered, or is short enough to expose an (often decorative) petticoat. Full skirts are best accompanied by high heeled shoes that are delicate and tapered at the toe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
A multiple layered skirt that has the layers gathered into the seams. Best accompanied by high heeled shoes that are delicate and tapered at the toe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
A triangular shaped skirt. The design allows for the fabric to lie flat over the stomach and flare outward to the hemline. 'A' line skirts can be subtle or extreme depending on the fabric. The longer and narrower the 'A' line skirt is the more slimming their overall effect. Accessorise with shoes that balance the overall look, i.e., the lighter the fabric and/or the colour of the skirt the lighter the shoe style needs to be for visual balance. Short summer 'A' line skirts require delicate shoes with a medium to high heel, classic or Louis or kitten heel and a tapered toe. Winter 'A' line skirts work well with knee length boots and a mid calf skirt needs a substantial looking shoe for balance. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Made from one or two pieces of circular fabric, this skirt is very full at the hemline. These skirts are often chosen for ballroom dancing gowns. They were popular during the rock and roll era and were accompanied by layers of petticoats. Best accompanied by high heeled shoes that are delicate and tapered at the toe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A straight or A-line skirt that has a centre front inverted pleat. Best accompanied with shoes that have a medium heel, classic or stacked heel and a tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Look for styles that are open from the waistband or stitched right down to form a kick pleat.
Yokes may be 'V', round or straight are attached to a gathered, pleated or straight skirt. Best accompanied with shoes that have a medium heel, classic or stacked heel and a tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
A straight skirt falls vertically to the hemline. Considered a classic and suitable to all occasions, locations and times. Short straight skirts are better business styles than those that are long. May be accompanied by any style or height of shoe or sandal. If in doubt choose medium height heels, thin soles and a tapered toe. Long straight winter skirts require substantial looking shoes with a classic to stacked heel and a round, square or tapered toe as well as boots provided that the top of the boot is covered when you sit. Keep the visual weight of the shoe in balance with the colour and fabric of the skirt e.g., light colours and/or fabrics call for lighter looking shoes and vice versa. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Select only straight skirts. To avoid appearing too thin, look for interesting textures and patterns. Never wear vertical stripes below your waist.
This skirt is flattering and easy to wear for most women. It does not have as much gathered fabric around the waist as the true dirndl making it more slimming and less bulky. Best in soft, fluid fabrics. Finish off the look with shoes that have a medium to high heel, classic or Louis or kitten heel and a tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A box pleat skirt that has the pleats sewn down to the thigh. Avoid wearing tops or jackets that end lower than the stitching line, as they will make you appear heavier. Best accompanied with shoes that have a medium heel, classic or stacked heel and a tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A skirt with pleats that originate at or very near the waist and are not stitched down causing the pleats to fall open toward the hem. Often results in a subtle 'A' line. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Box pleats are wide reverse pleats that continue all around the skirt and are not sewn down. The pleats must fall closed and straight. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A skirt styled to resemble to a tulip. Their rounded design adds visual weight to the wearer's hips, stomach and thighs. Best accompanied by shoes or sandals with medium height heels, thin soles and a round to tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Sexy.
Makes a great cover-up garment over swimwear.
Sarongs wrap around the body, tie at the waist and taper in towards the legs. Sarongs may be long or short. Best paired with shoes or sandals with medium height heels, thin soles and a round to tapered toe. Keep the visual weight of the shoe in balance with the colour and fabric of the skirt e.g., light colours and/or fabrics call for lighter looking shoes and vice versa. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Relaxed Casual.
A full skirt that has a hem that is folded under and joined to lining to create an inverted, full rose bud shape. Best worn only when in fashion, and with a hemline above the knees. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual. Not business wear unless you are in fashion.
A gored skirt that has four gores or panels. The wide centre panel will add width to the centre of the body. Best accompanied by shoes with a medium heel, classic or Louis or kitten heel and a tapered toe. The lighter the fabric and/or the colour of the skirt the lighter the shoe style needs to be for visual balance. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the fabric allows the skirt to fall in an A-line.
A skirt that has triangular inserts of fabric (godets) sewn into the lower part of the skirt. These godets give width to the base of the skirt and attract attention to the legs especially if the godets are in a different colour to the rest of the skirt. Best in soft, fluid fabrics. Finish off with shoes that have a medium to high heel, classic or Louis or kitten heel and a tapered toe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual to Dressy.
Good only if the skirt falls straight and does not kick out at the bottom and the godet is not in a different colour or pattern.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A hemline that is straight. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A straight or tapered skirt with a slight flare at the hemline giving a bell-like appearance. In short skirts this shape adds balance to full hips and thighs and an extra dash of femininity. Flattering to most women. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions. Wear at knee length for business wear.
An unusual skirt hem that rises up in the front to expose more of the legs. These styles in most cases will become a focal point of the outfit attracting attention to your legs. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
A zig zag hemline composed of deep 'V' points. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if balanced with an above bustline focal point to attract attention upward.
Gathered fabric attached to the hemline. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual. Subtle variations may be appropriate for Business wear.
Good only if worn with a focal point placed above the bustline to attract attention upward.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A dress with slight waist shaping. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A dress that is shaped like a triangle, being wider at the base than the top. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Relaxed Casual. Not recommended for business wear.
A dress that is wider above the waist than below. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A dress that has a definite waist and is wider above and below to reveal an hourglass-like shape. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A dress shape that hangs straight from the shoulders to the hemline. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Relaxed Casual. Not recommended for business wear.
Good only if in soft, flowing fabrics that do not cling to your body.
A straight-line dress that has the skirt attached anywhere from 7.5 cms (3 inches) below the navel to mid-thigh. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
The double-breasted dress, styled after a coat. Also known as a Coatdress. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
Two or four buttoned styles are better than those with many buttons.
A dress that wraps over the body and is secured at the waistline. One drawback is the tendency of the wrap front to fall open when seated. Look for false wrap fronts or deep under wraps for convenience, appropriateness and modesty. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
A dress with a bodice seam above the natural waistline. When not overly fitted through the mid torso it is a good style for hiding the early stages of pregnancy or midriff rolls. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Relaxed Casual.
A dress that consists of a loose blousy top that is gathered and joined to the skirt below the waist. If you have a protruding tummy be sure to only blouse the top as far as your stomach protrudes. If bloused too far it looks sloppy; not far enough and your stomach will appear even larger. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
A semi to fitted dress with darts that run from just under the full bust line to the hip line. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A close-fitting dress that has princess seaming to the hip line and ends with a diagonal pocket. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A waisted dress shaped by darts. Waistless shifts will also be flattering on you. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual and Dressy if waisted, Smart to Relaxed Casual if waistless.
A pinafore is a sleeveless dress that is designed to be worn with a blouse, shirt or fine gauge sweater. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A classic unstructured dress that falls straight from the shoulder, has no darts, little or no side contouring, and is designed not to be worn with a belt. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Good only if in soft flowing fabrics.
Your best styles are patterned, light or bright coloured.
A dress that has full length seams that follow the contours of the body. May be straight or flared, long or short, with or without a centre front seam. Avoid if you wear 2 or more sizes larger on your lower half than your top half. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the dress is light or bright coloured, is patterned or textured ,or the surface has sheen or shine.
Deriving its style from a shirt, this figure-flattering dress can be made in many different fabrics. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Good only when teamed with a narrow belt or tie.
Named for its strong A-line appearance, this dress flares out from the armhole edge and has no waistline seam or darts. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the dress has sleeves and shoulder pads.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Relaxed Casual.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Best accompanied by a medium-high heeled shoe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Relaxed Casual.
CLASSIFICATION: Formal
CLASSIFICATION: Formal
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
This is your most versatile jacket, over-blouse, top and sweater length. As long as the fit and shape is correct for your needs and the fabric and colour work well together the length will work for any outfit combination. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Best worn when wearing matching colours for top and bottom.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Good only if you follow the recommendations in the Guidelines for Wearing Longer Jacket Lengths Chart.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Good only if in a tunic jacket (not pictured in this edition). A tunic jacket has two forms: 1. A jacket that sits over a dress and is almost or as long as the hem of the dress. Together the length should be considered a hem length. 2. A long commonly sleeveless jacket worn over pants - must be long enough to end below the fullest part of your calf.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
A double breasted jacket that has two low placed buttons. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
A double-breasted jacket with four buttons. Two are purely decorative and two close through buttonholes. The position of these buttons focus attention on the stomach. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A double breasted jacket that has two high placed buttons, and is closed via two buttons. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
Good only if in your longer lengths - see Top, Sweater and Jacket length section.
A double breasted jacket that has more than eight buttons. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
Good only if the jacket fits well over your bustline. In many cases this may result only when custom made.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A single breasted jacket that has one high placed button. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
This lower cut allows more opportunity to wear a top or blouse that will add visual interest, or create more noticeable colour contrast, if you need to have extra visual impact. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
The addition of an accessory worn high on the jacket, such as a brooch, will create the illusion of extra height.
CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: Business, Dressy.
Good only if the jacket fits perfectly between your shoulders and waist. The lapels should lie flat against your chest.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A classic blazer may be single or double breasted and traditionally it is worn to the top of the thigh. Today women wear blazers with almost everything, for most occasions and at any time of the day. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
A waist to low hip length denim jacket. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Keep to your correct jacket lengths.
A knitted jacket with an open front. Hand knits are inappropriate as part of a corporate wardrobe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual when machine knitted and in a fine to medium gauge, Relaxed Casual in a large/bulky knit.
Layering is a good way for you to gain visible weight.
Any soft jacket that wraps across the front of the body and is secured with a sash or belt. They may be belted, have a separate sash, be secured by a brooch or have an attached sash that ties at the side. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
Do not belt or tie tightly.
Softly constructed belted jackets should at least hip length. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
Use narrow belts in non-contrasting colours.
Do not belt tightly.
Designed originally as an African hunting jacket. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A jacket with a waist bodice. Gauge the most appropriate width for you, by checking the width of your belts recommendations in the accessory section. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A classic, the lapel-less jacket is one of the most versatile jackets. Its lapel-less style allows it to be worn with any collar or neckline. When accompanied by some fitting e.g., darts, it is a flattering and versatile jacket for all ages and walks of life. It is one of the most slimming jackets for women who are large busted. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business, Smart Casual.
Wear in medium to heavy weight fabrics and choose prints and texture over smooth or solid coloured fabrics.
A soft knit jacket with no ribbing at the base. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Your best styles have texture, bulk and/or pattern.
A casual waist length (or slightly longer) jacket styled after jackets worn by the British Royal Airforce during WW11. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Wear open.
A very short cropped jacket with Spanish origins. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if worn over long evening gowns.
A short (waistline to low hip length) jacket with a fitted Basque. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business.
Good only if the basque/band sits low hip or below.
A jacket that resembles a short cape. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
Good only if worn at your correct length.
A jacket that closes edge to edge, through the use of hooks and eyes. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Smart Casual.
Good only if the jacket is in a medium to thick fabric, patterned, textured or has a surface that has sheen or shine.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Horizontal Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Best worn open.
Stay within your jacket length guidelines. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
Wear open.
Good only if the garment worn under the vest is semi to very fitted (as recommended) and worn out to at least low hip length. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if worn with a blouse, sweater or top underneath.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
Reverse pleats fold towards the outside of the body and attract attention away from the stomach. Pleats that fold towards the centre of the body can call attention to the stomach. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business and Smart Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
Straight leg pants or trousers that fall straight from the thigh to the hemline. Best worn with medium to high heeled shoes, a thin-sole and pointed toe. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Good only in medium to heavy weight fabrics.
Pants or trousers that are either flared and wide, or straight and wide. Whenever a wide leg pant is worn, the overall body height and leg length will be visually reduced. As such, tall, long-legged women best wear wide leg styles. Best worn with medium high heels that are classic or stacked and a round or square toe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy
Good only in fabrics that fall straight. Best teamed with high heels.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
Also known as low-cut and low riders. They usually sit at least 8 centimetres (3 inches) lower than the belly button. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed casual.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Hipsters are pants that sit on or below the hips - approx 5 to 7.5 centimetres (2-3 inches) below the belly button. Hipsters have revolved around the fashion carousel since the 1960s. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to relaxed casual.
Elastic waist pants. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A pant with front buttons adopted from the style of pants worn by sailors. True sailor pants also have flared legs. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual. Not recommended as business wear.
A pant that is fitted from the thigh to the calf and then flares slightly to the hem. Originally designed to be worn with a boot. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Pants that have a yoke in the front. The best styles attach to the yoke by pleats rather than gathers. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Styled after the sailor's pant. Today's bell-bottoms tend to be fitted through the thigh and flared below the knee. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
A modern classic, they were first designed in America in the 1850s. However, it was not till the 1940s that Marlon Brando and James Dean made them a hot fashion item. Recent advances in fibre technology have seen the jean become easier to wash and iron, and many companies have endeavoured to fit the many different female forms with new cuts and stretch denims. These advances have made the jean an indispensable part of almost every woman's wardrobe. Jeans are characterised by flat-feld double stitched seams, metal zips, round front pockets, a fly front and belt loops. Best worn with medium heeled shoes or boots, or slight heeled sandals. Do not wear with pumps/court shoes. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Do not select body hugging, stretch jeans.
Cargo pants are medium to loose leg casual pants that have multiple pockets sewn on the outer leg. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Capri pants were first worn in the 1950s, and were named after the popular holiday resort, The Isle of Capri. The length of Capri's can be any where between the lower calf to just above the ankle bone. The more tapered the leg the better a shoe or sandal with a slight heel with suit the look. Capri pants are longer and generally slimmer in the leg than Cropped pants. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
Casual pants that end just below the calf. They are also known as pedal pushers and beachcomber pants. They made be tapered or wide legged. The wider the leg, the less slimming they will be, as they visually shorten leg length and your overall height. Best worn with sandals that have a flat to slight heel. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Pants with a wide elastic waistband. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the waist bands starts well below the waist (hipster style).
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
Shorts that end on the knee. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Shorts that end mid thigh. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Best worn with flat shoes.
Shorts that end just above the knee. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Shorts that end just below the knee. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
Select medium width styles for the best overall appearance.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
Probably the easiest of all the short lengths and styles to wear. Can be any length from 5 cms (2 ins) to 15 cms (4 ins) above the knee. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Light weight, loose shorts, usually in breathable fabrics. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual.
Loose leg, non-tailored shorts. May be anywhere from Jamaica to Bermuda length. Most women will look better in a tailored style of short. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A short version of the classic tailored trouser. Considered a 'classic'. Wear with a hemline long enough to cover the fullest part of your thigh. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Bermudas are the longest, fullest style of shorts. Sometimes referred to as city or walking shorts. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A classic coat that has a narrow silhouette, shaped waist, torso princess seaming and a slight flare towards the hemline. May be double or single breast. Best worn with skirts and dresses. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
Single breasted styles only.
Easily the most versatile of all the overcoats, they include the polo, the box, the Ulster, the ranch and the bench warmer coat. All are boxy in shape and are relatively easy for most women to wear. Single-breasted styles are considered 'classic' and give the slimmest silhouette. May be worn with skirts, dresses or pants. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
Single breasted styles only.
Styles in this category include the A-line and the trapeze. Swing coats have an A-line silhouette and flare out toward the hemline. Best worn with straight skirts and tapered pants. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
A classic Australian coat. Made from sheepskin. The woollen side is worn on the inside and the seams often protrude wool. This coat requires a great deal of care as they get dirty easily. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A coat with a band collar. The collar is often closed using a buckle. May be belted or non belted in style. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
An essential coat for very cold conditions. The padded sections allow for greater warmth retention. Necessity over rides any style consideration. CLASSIFICATION: Essential
A three quarter length coat that originates from a seaman's coat. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
A classic old world coat that was originally worn by coachmen and then adopted by women to wear over their clothes while horse riding. Suitable today for day or evening wear and has full length princess seaming, is close fitting, and flares outward in an A-line. Best worn over dresses, the chesterfield may be single or double-breasted. As an investment coat, choose styles that are uncomplicated without excessive embellishment or being overly flared. The Redingote is another style of coat in this category. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Any coat that has no buttons and requires wrapping across the body and belting. Although it is one of the most versatile coats, it has a tendency to accentuate weight, a large stomach, bottom or bust line. A classic coat and depending on the fabric will move easily from day to evening. May have a shawl or notched lapel. Ensure the fabric is not to stiff and does not appear bulky when wrapped and tied. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
Do not select styles with large or embellished collars. Best in lightweight fabrics and loosely tied.
The original cape was used as an evening gown cover and was an evening coat most commonly seen in velvet and often with a hood. First designed in the 1600s to cover ball gowns. Best avoided by short and petite women as the shape will be overwhelming. Today cape coats are seen in all sorts of modern variations. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual to Dressy.
A classic coat. Originally the idea of Thomas Burberry, this coat was designed specifically for British army officers during World War II. Made to cope with the rigours of the trenches, it was lighter and easier to move in than the rubber mackintosh. After the war it became integrated into civilian life, but even today retains the image of espionage and mystery. The trench coat contains features such as buttoned down epaulets, rain yokes, a cloth belt (designed to be worn tied not bucked), buckled cuffs (to keep the wind out) and even a detachable inner wool lining. Best worn with pants, skirts or dresses. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A waisted quilted coat or jacket. Often rain resistant. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Look for styles where the waist is set a little lower to visually elongate your torso.
A waistless quilted coat or jacket. Often rain resistant. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Shoulder Type, Bust Size, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Bust Size, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
A swimsuit top with a neckline cut into the shape of a 'V' and extends no lower than between the breasts. CLASSIFICATION: Active Clausal.
A swimsuit top that combines the comfort and coverage of a tank top. Teamed with a traditional bikini bottom. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit top that has the bra cups covered by gathered fabric. Gives can give the appearance of fuller, larger breasts. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual.
A swimsuit top with a scooped neckline. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual.
A swimsuit that wraps across the bust from the shoulder to the opposite side seam. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Weight
Straps that are wider than 5cms (2 inches) CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Shoulder Type, Bust Size, Weight
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual
A swimsuit back that ends in a straight line across the back. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit that has a back that is cut away to reveal the wearers shoulder blades. Also called muscle back. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
A swimsuit bottom that resembles a skirt. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A boy short is a panty or swim suit bottom that resembles a short. It has a full to medium cut leg holes and lower riding waistline. The design covers the bottom in a very flattering way, while being comfortable and sexy at the same time. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual as swim wear.
Hipsters are pants that sit on or below the hips - approx 5 to 7.5 centimetres (2-3 inches) below the belly button. CLASSIFICATION: Active Casual.
A swimsuit bottom with a front edge that dips into a 'V' shape, effectively elongating the torso. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit bottom that sits on the waist and has full bottom coverage and a low leg line. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit bottom with a straight top edge. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A swimsuit leg cut that sits at high on the thigh. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit leg cut that sits at high at the junction of the leg and lower torso. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit leg cut that has a low leg line. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
A swimsuit leg cut that extends down to the upper thigh. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed and Active Casual
Good only in light, medium or bright colours.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
Prints that sit between palm and finger tip size, in the repeat. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
A swimsuit with a shiny or sparkly surface. This type of surface reflect a lot of light and will make the body appear larger than reality.
Good only if stripes are horizontal.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Weight
A piece of fabric or knitted or crocheted material worn around the shoulders. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual
A simple garment, made from a rectangular piece of fabric, with a slit in the middle for the head. Adapted from the Chilean poncho. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to relaxed Casual.
A cloak that is wrapped around the body horizontally. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual.
A short oblong scarf that is wrapped around the neck and falls approximately bust length. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual.
A short oblong or square scarf tied around the neck. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual.
A long oblong scarf that is draped around the neck and allowed to fall vertically. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if made of a medium to thick fabric.
An oblong scarf that is wrapped around the neck and allowed to fall vertically. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual.
Good only if in fuller styles, avoid thin front ties.
A choker is perhaps the most classic and yet versatile of all the single strand lengths. A simple choker can go with virtually any outfit from casual to fancy evening wear, and just about any neckline imaginable. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual.
The princess length necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also complements low plunging necklines. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Longer than the choker, and just a bit shorter than an opera length, the matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business dressing. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
The opera necklace is the queen of all the lengths. When worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two strand choker. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Good only if you have shoulder length or longer hair and you wear it down.
Dripping with elegance and sensuously sexy, the pearl rope was a favourite of Coco Chanel. If your rope necklace has clasps placed in strategic locations around the necklace will enable you to break it down into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Good only if you have shoulder length or longer hair and you wear it down.
A bag approximately 26cms (10 1/2 inches) long by 8 cms (3 1/4 inches) wide and 20 cms (8 inches high). CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
Be wary of using bags with large magnetic fastening. These can play havoc with credit cards, or any sort of plastic smart card, making them unreadable.
Due to your hourglass horizontal figure type you can carry hand bags at any place on your body (underarm, waist, hipline or in your hand).
Your best hand bags are small in size. Approximately, 26cms (10.5in) long, by 8cms (3.25in) wide, by 20cms (8in) high. A large bag will make you appear smaller, as it will act as a contrast to your small scale.
When purchasing hosiery, look for brands that contain Lycra. Lycra has wonderful retention qualities and will not sag at the ankles or knees. Lycra is also less likely to snag and ladder. Spandex is another name for Lycra. Microfibre in the mix creates hosiery that is soft, silky and smooth. To elongate the appearance of your leg match the tone of your hose to your shoes. Your hose should always be lighter than your shoes. When matching hose to brightly coloured shoes opt for a flesh colour. The perfect flesh colour for you is slightly darker than you skin. Flesh (nude) coloured hose should give you the appearance of being slightly tanned, not yellow, grey or orange. Sheer hose is dressier than opaque and should be teamed with delicate shoes. Team opaque hose with boots and sporty clothes. Textured, patterned or shiny hose works best on skinny or shapely legs with the exception of some fine vertical patterns that may elongate the leg. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Business.
Avoid all patterned and textured hosiery.
Shoulder pads when not in fashion can be perceived ridiculous items especially when compared to any stage of history when oversized pads were worn. In fact, if you have narrow or sloped shoulders or a triangular horizontal body type they can be the perfect accessory to make your body appear more perfectly proportioned. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of shoulder pads. They vary in type according to the garment they are to be used in and the body characteristic they are assisting. If shoulder pads are recommended for you, be open minded and try the different styles on. I promise you will see the positive difference they make. Most importantly, the correct shoulder pad is one that corrects the balance of your body while being totally invisible to the public. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Shoulder pads are a necessity for you to balance your hipline and square off your sloping shoulderline. Wear small shoulder pads in garments that have no collar, and medium to large shoulder pads in collared garments.
Wear a shoulder pad with just enough height to eliminate the drag caused by a large bustline.
Accessories made from any material and worn either separately or in multiples any where on the arm. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Bracelets and rings are an excellent way to attract attention away from your bustline.
Best worn on your shoulder to visually broaden your shoulderline. Do not wear at centre front unless you are wearing shoulder pads.
A belt that hangs in a low semi circle. Usually made of chain. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A belt made from fabric. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual.
A belt worn on the hips.
A medium width belt with an understated or classic buckle that sits on the waist. Business belts are smooth and polished while those more casual will be matt, rough or plaid. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Good only if your belt is narrow. Either match belt to colour of pants or top.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
A belt less than 2.5 centimetres (1inch) in width.
A belt 2.5 - 5 centimetres (1-2 inches) in width.
Good only if you wear your belt on the hip.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
A ball shape earring e.g., pearl. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Wear in a size large enough to be noticed. Studs are only good for keeping the hole in pierced ears open.
Flat round earrings. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Wear only if your ears sit flat against your head. Avoid if your ears protrude.
Any small to medium sized earring that drops no more than 1cm under the earlobe and ends in a round or oval shape. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Wear drops no longer than approx 1.5 cms and ensure the drop has width at the base e.g. small pearl drops.
A triangular earring that sits on or just below the ear. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Square shaped earrings that sit on the ear. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Rectangular earrings that sit on the ear. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Oval shaped earring that sits on the ear. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A small hoop of medium thickness. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A long multi-tiered earring that adds width to the face. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if the earring is wide and no longer than 2cms.
Any earring that falls longer 1.5 cms under the earlobe. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
Good only if you have long hair and it is worn down.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A hat with a crown that is crushed or concertinaed down. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy
A small round hat worn on the back of the head and made famous by Jacqueline Kennedy. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy
A Scottish cap. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual
A variation on the Tammy. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual
A cow boy hat is the general term given for a variety of wide-brimmed hats worn with a variety of crowns. The name comes from the hats that became popular with Cowboys in the American West. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual
A hat with a high crown and wide brim. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual
A hat with a turned up brim which can give the illusion that the wearer is of greater height. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual
A soft cotton hat with a wide and downwards sloping brim. Usually made from heavy-duty cotton fabrics such as denim, or canvas. Two metal eyelets are commonly placed on each side of the hat so that it is cool to wear on hot days. Also known as a Dixie or Fishing hat. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
The style, very similar to a beret. Was popular in Europe and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries among both boys and adult men. As the name suggests, it is now associated with newspaper boys, and wealthy golfers. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual
A cap styles after those worn by US military. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual
A cap that fits the head closely, usually knitted from wool. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual
Good only in full styles that add fullness to the face.
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
There is no comment for this style.
Good only if your eyebrows are curved, not straight.
Good only if your eyebrows are straight not curved.
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
This style does not suit you due to your: Face Shape
The vamp is the mouth of the shoe. The more foot you expose the longer and slimmer your legs will appear, especially when wearing skirts and dresses. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Most of the foot is covered e.g. a boot or high mule. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
A thin sole makes the foot and shoe appear lighter. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A good all purpose heel. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual, Dressy.
This height is best worn with narrow pants. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual.
Worn with knee-length skirts flats can make you look dowdy. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
This heel shape is comfortable to wear and stylish. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
Low delicate heels that adds grace and femininity to your appearance. Flattering when worn with cropped pants. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
A high fashion heel that resembles an inverted cone and dates quickly. CLASSIFICATION: High Fashion, Dressy.
A shoe that has a heel in the shape of a wedge. The sole and heel are joined into one. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual.
A classic toe shape that is always flattering and appropriate. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
A popular toe shape that frequently returns into the fashion scene. This shape flatters many legs as long as the end is not too wide. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
High-heel shoes place a lot of weight on the ball of your foot so you should wear them for only a short time, or when the benefit of a long lean, shapely looking leg out weights the discomfort. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Dressy.
A great shaped toe, comfortable yet sharp looking. Great for professional wear. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A popular toe shape that frequently returns into the fashion scene. This shape flatters many legs as long as the end is not too blunt. The one pictured is quite blunt. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
The toe that most shortens the leg, give a mature appearance when not in fashion and is the most comfortable. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Best worn by the young and fashion conscious. Platform shoes also fit into this category. CLASSIFICATION: Business Casual, Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual.
Good only if the shoe is a platform, is light coloured or black patent leather. Avoid heavy looking or chunky styles.
The most flattering stacked heel is one where the heel has width when viewed from the back and narrow when viewed from the side. A heel of approx 5cms often works best. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
Good only if the heel is not low or heavy looking. Best worn with pants.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A shoe that has a strap that crosses the foot at the foot and ankle crease. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy Also good for Professional wear, however a close toe may also be required.
CLASSIFICATION: Business and Smart Casual in a medium to high heel, Relaxed Casual in low to flat heels.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
The most classic of all shoe styles when accompanied by a 3-4 cm heel. Complements most dress, skirt and trouser styles. When worn with pants and trousers look for high vamp styles or wear hosiery that blends in colour with the shoe e.g., barley black hosiery with black shoes. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual, Dressy.
A shoe which has a hole cut of the toe. When also in a high heel shoe, there is a that the toes may be pushed down through the peep toe causing discomfort after a short period of time standing. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Inspired from men's shoes. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual.
Keep the heels to this shoe in perfect condition as the sling draws attention the heel. Sling backs look best when they have an open or pointed toe and a sexy heel e.g., kitten. Avoid sling backs if you have cracked or unattractive heels. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
A slip on shoe where only the front of the foot is covered. May have any height heel. The higher the heel the easier it will be to keep the shoe on while walking, especially when you are wearing hosiery. Non-slip inserts can also be purchased. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
A low heeled shoe with a rope edged sole. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A shoe designed to be safe and comfortable when driving. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Best worn with pants. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual.
Originally inspired by shoes worn by Native Americans. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual when the leather at the sides is not gathered, Relaxed Casual when the leather is gathered.
A low slip-on inspired from the ballet slipper. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy.
A flat to low heeled slip-on shoe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual.
Inspired from ancient Roman footwear. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
Open shoes that may be flat or high heeled. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual when medium to high heeled, Smart Casual, Relaxed Casual when low heeled.
An open shoe with a single strap held down on the shoe by a post. The post is positioned between the big toe and second toe. CLASSIFICATION: Smart to Relaxed Casual.
A shoe where the big toe is held in place by a toe ring in the shoe. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A soft shoe for relaxing in. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A shoe designed for active sports. CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
A shoe that has a strap that circles the ankle. The strap will draw attention to the ankle, visually shortening the leg. The higher the heel and more pointed the toe the sexier the shoe's image will become. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Sexy (when high and pointed), Business in lower less pointy versions.
CLASSIFICATION: Smart Casual, Dressy.
CLASSIFICATION: Relaxed Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A shaped lace-up with it's origins in Victorian fashion. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy. lace-up in last program
A boot that ends at mid calf. CLASSIFICATION: Business under pants, Smart Casual with skirts and dresses.
If fully exposed by a knee length skirt the boots will need to hug the calf. Boots that are loose around the calf have the potential to look like gumboots. The most flattering boots are tapered at the ankle and fit well through the calf and hip the top of your leg.
A boot that ends above the calf. CLASSIFICATION: Business under pants, Smart Casual with skirts and pants, Relaxed Casual (with low heels).
A mid thigh or higher boot. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Sexy.
A boot style that ends just above the ankle bone. Must hug the ankle to ensure your leg looks as long slender as possible. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart Casual (worn with pants) or Relaxed Casual (with a low stacked heel).
Bras that have a special wire used for supporting the cups of a bra along the bottom curve of the breast and to frame from centre front to side seam. Some are made of stamped sheet metal, some of heavy gauge wire, some of plastic. Underwire bras provide better shape, lift and support and are especially good for the fuller figure. Most women love underwire bras and others find them very uncomfortable. The only way to determine if this is a style of bra that will work for you is to give one a try.
A lightweight specialized bra designed to provide extra support and hold for the active woman. Designed to breathe and eliminate bounce and rubbing (as much as possible) for activities that involve a lot of movement. The cotton-lined cups are high at the front and sides for support, and they have a comfort underband with non-curl elastic to stop it from riding up. They may also have a non-slip Velcro fastening strap. Many sports bras are described as having no hardware at all and being slip-on, step-in, or pullover rather than having to use any sort of closure. Some offer non-chafe seams, which means extra care has supposedly been used in manufacturing a soft feeling to the seams in some way. Most sports bra makers will indicate the activity level that their bras are best suited for The Sport Top is a similar idea.
- Choose sports bra style that suits your body type. The compressed style works by strapping the breast close to the body. This style is ideal for the A and B cup woman. The natural shape style is more comfortable for a larger breasted woman. And the under wire can be added to the natural shaped style for an even fuller busted woman.
- Fabric is important to consider when buying a sports bra. Chose of fabric will depend on your physical activity level and how sensitive your breast skin is. Different fabrics provide different levels of softness, moisture management and fit. Read the label and ask your retail assistant for help in deciding.
- And finally, there are an increasing number of styles to choose from in sports bras. Differences include different back styles, a range of closures, pullovers, and styles that can be worn as outerwear.
- Sports bras that are used 3 - 4 times a week tend to wear out within 6 and 12 months. Hand washing will help extend the life of your bra. When your sport bra starts to loose it's fit, throw it out.
Reveals more of the bust for a sexy look and to cater for low front tops.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size, Weight
Panties that end just below the waist.
Hipsters are panties that sit on or below the hips - approx 5 to 7.5 centimetres (2-3 inches) below the belly button.
Designed after the swim wear, the bikini is small and cute. Be careful to buy a size large enough not to show panty lines.
Panties that end on the waist.
A leg that sits below the buttocks and horizontally across the top of the legs.
A leg that sits slightly higher than a boy leg.
A leg that sits high on the hip as well as being very cut-in at the front of the body.
Great for visually elongating the leg. Firm outer thighs are needed as the high side cut exposes where most women carry extra weight.
A leg that sits low on the hip as well as being cut-in at the front of the body.
A boy short is a panty bottom that resembles a short. It has a full to medium cut leg holes and lower riding waistline. The design covers the bottom in a very flattering way, while being comfortable and sexy at the same time.
Designed after the swim wear, the bikini is small and cute. Be careful to buy a size large enough not to show panty lines.
Pants that come to the waist and go down to the top of the thigh. They are the best choice for women who battle with ugly underwear lines showing through their clothes.
These pants are triangles of fabric attached to a waistband. They may fully cover the bottom or a have G-string.
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
A dress, jacket, shirt or top that is gently shaped to the body. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A dress, jacket, shirt or top that falls straight in a soft, drapy manner from the shoulder. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Horizontal Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Sexy
A fabric surface that reflects no light e.g., cotton, linen, wool etc. Matt fabrics are the most slimming. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Your best matt dresses are either medium to light in colour and/or have some degree of texture or pattern.
A fabric surface that reflects a light e.g., silk, jersey, Lycra etc.. Fabrics with sheen add a little perceived weight to the body and this increases as garments are more closely fitted to the body. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy and Smart Casual
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Your best matt tops and jackets are either medium to light in colour and/or have some degree of texture or pattern.
CLASSIFICATION: Dressy to Sexy
CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Your best matt pant and trousers are either medium to light in colour and/or have some degree of texture or pattern.
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
Fabrics that are medium in thickness. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Fabrics that are thick. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Fabrics that are medium in thickness. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Fabrics that are thick. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Fabrics that are thin e.g. fine wool, cotton, chiffon etc. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Fabrics that are thick. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Fabrics that are thin e.g. fine wool, cotton, chiffon etc. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Fabrics that are medium in thickness. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
Fabrics that are thin e.g. fine wool, cotton, chiffon etc. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
A focal point between the bust and shoulders. Attracts attention upward toward the head. Can make a body appear taller and/or slimmer. CLASSIFICATION: All Occasions.
A focal point between the bust line and crotch. Attracts attention to the middle of the body. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
A focal point at the top and bottom of a garment. Each attracts attention leading the eye in both directions. Neither makes a body appear taller or shorter. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
Medium colours neither advance or recede and make no perceived difference to the apparent size or bulk of an area. Medium colours also have a perceived medium weight. Many medium value colours are seen to be appropriate for many occasions however, the psychological effect of any hue and value needs to be evaluated before being worn for an occasion. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Dark colours recede, and diminish the apparent size and/or bulk of the area to which they have been applied. Dark colours are perceived to weight more than light colours. Dark colours are also perceived as more formal and authoritative. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Best if the dress consists of multiple layers, or the fabric is textured, patterned, or has a surface that is sheen or shine.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Good only if the pant/skirt either consists of multiple layers, or the fabric is textured or patterned.
CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Good only if the dress either consists of multiple layers, or the fabric is textured or patterned.
This style does not suit you due to your: Horizontal Type, Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
This style does not suit you due to your: Bust Size
The most slimming way to dress, especially if the colour is medium dark to dark. Add texture and accessories for interest. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
Flowing one colour up the inside of the silhouette e.g. a dark skirt and dark top teamed with a light sweater (left open). CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Smart and Relaxed Casual.
Flowing one colour up the outside of the silhouette e.g. a dark skirt and dark jacket (left open) and teamed with a light top. CLASSIFICATION: All occasions.
A pattern that is between the size of your palm and your fingertips in the repeat.. CLASSIFICATION: Smart and Relaxed Casual depending on the fabric.
A pattern that is smaller than the centre of your palm in the repeat. CLASSIFICATION: Dressy, Business and Smart Casual
A pattern of any size that has a low colour contrast between the colours - little light and dark value. CLASSIFICATION: Business and Smart Casual depending on the fabric.
Draws attention upward making the overall body appear taller. The apparent size of the upper body will depend on the size and contrast of the pattern and the fabric's surface. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual depending on the fabric.
Draws attention downward making the overall body appear shorter. The apparent size of the lower body will depend on the size and contrast of the pattern, the fabric's surface and the shape of the garment. CLASSIFICATION: Business, Smart Casual and Relaxed Casual depending on the fabric.
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type
This style does not suit you due to your: Vertical Type, Weight
This style does not suit you due to your: Weight
OBLONG
The aim is to visually shorten the face and add width.
Hairstyles:
- Styles need to have volume at the top of the head and width at the sides, (in the area of the cheekbones).
- The width should taper in, from the cheek line to the nape of the neck.
- The sides should be off your face.
- Styles need to have softness and be natural looking. This may be created by curls or layers.
- Hair is best at mid-length.
- Long hair needs to be full at the neck or shoulderline.
- Avoid; height only, long straight hair, centre parts, very short styles and hair that flicks around from the back of your neck.
Make-up:
- Apply a dark shade of foundation at the hairline around the forehead and just under and over the chin.
- Apply blush high on the cheekbones at the outer third of the eye and blend toward the temples.
- Apply a small amount of blush to the centre of the chin and blend.
Great hair is also the result of using hair products that suit the needs of your hair. When searching the rows of hair care products look for products that use the words you know meet the needs of your hair. Look for descriptions such as 'body-building', volumizing', 'moisturizing', 'frizz-free', 'straightening', deep conditioning' etc, instead of 'oily', 'dry' or 'normal'. Every few weeks wash the build-up of product from your hair with a 'Cleansing Shampoo' to stop it from becoming weighted down and dull. A cleansing shampoo just before having your hair coloured will help the colour take faster and stronger. Washing your hair the night before also makes your hair easier to style than just washed hair.
If you're supersensitive about the size of your nose or any other part of your face, you can de-emphasise these features with fullness in the hair. Straight hair parted in the middle makes a prominent nose seem even more so - as does a long, heavy fringe - but a fuller style takes off the emphasis and balances out large features. Soft, subtle highlights can also help by drawing the eye away from the face and toward the hair.
Long hair is difficult for older women to wear because it tends to draw the facial features downward. A general rule for women 'of a certain age' is to keep hair shoulder-length or shorter. Short hair also exposes the neck (which has lost some length over time) making it look longer and short hair slims the upper torso. It is also easier to keep short hair in good condition (as we age, hair becomes drier.) On the other hand, if you're over 40 and your long hair makes you look fantastic and feel comfortable and confident, go ahead and break the rules. Consider a long, layered cut that keeps your hair modern and updated. And always remember to trim the ends every four to six weeks. As we age short hair is much more flattering and youthful as it counteracts the downward drag that comes with every line.
The texture of your hair is a key factor in choosing a suitable style - some cuts just won't work properly with straight, fine hair, for instance, while others won't do for thick, curly hair. Consider, too, your hair's natural tendencies: how it falls, how it grows, where it parts. Though styling tools and products can help you get the look you're after, think about how much time and effort it will take to attempt to defy what nature intended.
To properly keep up a good haircut, stylists recommend a trim every six weeks. The reason is simple: on average, hair grows half an inch per month. By cutting at least a quarter of an inch every six weeks, you eliminate the frizz and split ends that play havoc with good hair health and maintain your clean, stylish look.
Women of every age want to find and wear a fashionable hairstyle, but it's especially important to make sure the cut you select is appropriate for your time of life. Let's face it, certain styles are suitable for the young, and others are better tailored to more mature women.
Your face shape is just one element in determining the hair styles that will suit you. The type of hair you have (thickness and texture) as well as your personality, lifestyle and the time you have to style your hair each morning will all need to be taken into consideration if the end result is to be successful. Be sure to discuss your lifestyle and time constraints with your stylist before making a decision.