3 figure flattering tips for your next shopping trip

With the the hot, hot heat we have had this summer, it's easy to get excited about the new school year, football season and cooler temperatures!

 Before you head out to shop for Fall clothing, here a few tips to consider: 

1. Fit

Fit is the most important factor when purchasing an item of clothing.Body –skimming looks are the most flattering on every shape or size.  Fit the part on your body that is the widest and you can always have it tailored down. Focus on the shoulders and bust for tops, and hips and thighs for bottoms.  Remember, not all garments are going to fit perfectly right off the rack! We tend to forget about making alterations to our clothes and are eager to purchase a ready-made look right off the rack.  Alterations are a minimal expense that will create a custom fit garment for all.  There are several tailors in town that can assist in creating a custom fit. Many of the department stores at Westfield Old Orchard; such as Nordstrom have in-store alterations services that can work with you as well.

Gentleman, you can benefit from properly tailored clothing, too!  I often see professional men wearing a suit, dress shirt or pants that are too large on them. If the items were slightly tailored, it would give a much more becoming and polished look.

Clothing that is too tight is unflattering no matter your shape or size. When in the dressing room, if a garment pulls in the bust or if pants whisker in the front, it is not a proper fit. Do not stress about the number printed on the size label. Every designer and apparel company makes their clothing a bit differently so sizes will fluctuate. The most important detail is to purchase the size that fits your body best.

2. Fabric

The right fabric can really compliment your shape. Look for structured materials like cotton or wool. They create a smooth look and are more forgiving of your shape and areas you may want to conceal.

Be careful with clingy materials (For example: high percentage of spandex, chiffon, lightweight silk). They can often highlight areas you want to hide as the material creates more movement as it is lightweight.

3. Color & Pattern

Colors and patterns can enhance your features if styled strategically.

Bright hues and patterns can really play up your shape, while dark hues can help areas appear to be slimmer.

The scale of a print is really important to pay attention to. If you are petite, a large print would not compliment your body as much as a smaller print would.  A large print would be overwhelming on a small frame. A larger print would be more complimentary on tall or fuller figure individual.

Keep these three tips in mind during your next shopping trip or visit in your closet. It is important to think about the fit, fabric and color or pattern. Remember, an item can almost always be altered to create a custom fit garment. Do not worry about garment quantity while shopping, I suggest to seek out quality garments that meet your everyday lifestyle and budget.  Seek out the right pieces that flatter your body, make you feel good about yourself, and meet the needs of your daily life!

To learn more about me and available services with Style for Hire, visit:
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