Showing posts with label high heels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label high heels. Show all posts

Women's Body Types and How to Dress Them

Are you an "A", "T", "H" or "X"?

How to determine your body shape and what types of fashions that will help you make the most of that body type!

Thanks to Eveology for this body shape diagnosis approach.

Contents at a Glance

  1. The "A"
  2. The "T"
  3. The "H"
  4. The "X"
  5. Some Style book recommendations
  6. What about Men's Body Types?
More

The "A"

This is otherwise known as a pear or triangle and weight is carried in the hip area.

How to determine if you are an "A"
The hip measurement will be the largest, with narrow shoulders and defined waist. If in doubt, take the shoulder measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum hip measurement to be considered an A.
If you are an A
  • What to do: Distract attention from hips. Divert attention to shoulder/chest area
  • What to wear: Fur collars, scarves draped horizontal will help to balance out hips. Close fitting necklace, punchy earrings
  • What to avoid: Anything that creates a horizontal line across hips - low slung belt, tops that end at the widest part, pants with pockets that create this horizontal line
  • Some suggestions:
    -Jackets with strong shoulders or large lapels help to balance out hips
    -Boot cut pants will slenderize hips
    -Dark on the bottom always diminishes
    -Jackets should end above or below the widest part of hip
    -Use your accessories to give some flash to your upper body
    -Horizontal lines on a vest add width to shoulders
    -Flare leg balances out hips
    -A-line skirt will balance out hips
    -Graphic details on a top keep the attention on the upper half
    -Light on top, dark on the bottom is a quick and easy way to divert attention to the upper half. The eye will always go to the lighter colour.
    -Add an accessory at the neck as a double whammy to keep focus on top

  • The photo
    This is an example of applying the light on top/dark on bottom approach, and adding a colourful accessory near the neck (the scarf). These garments are part of the Optionelle (now Eveology) spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Eveology lens. And of course a link to the latest fashions on the main Eveology site!

    The "T"

    Broad and sometimes busty, this wedge shaped (or inverted triangle) woman carries their weight in their upper body

    How to Determine if you are a "T"
    The shoulder or bust measurement will be the largest. If in doubt, take the hip measurement and add 5%. This will give you the minimum shoulder measurement to be considered a T.
    If you are a T
  • What to do: Distract attention from shoulders. Divert attention to slender hips
  • What to wear:Create the illusion of v neckline or slimming vertical line with longer necklaces. Bangles or chunky bracelets divert attention to your wrist, which is naturally close to hip area. Belts slung across hips are an instant way to balance slim hips with wide shoulders. Stand out shoe will divert attention
  • What to avoid: Avoid large lapels, shoulder pads or sleeve gathers that will emphasize your broad upper half. Horizontal lines across shoulders or bust area
  • Some suggestions:
    -Create the V-neckline by unbuttoning the top two buttons of shirt - it will slim
    down shoulders
    -Stripes will hold your attention at the lower part of body
    -Double whammy by adding longer necklace to slim upper half
    -Light on the bottom, dark on top will keep attention southward
    -V-necklines, turtlenecks or a deep scoop slim down broad shoulders
    -Halters or straps that are closer to the neck will slim shoulders. Halter draws eye to
    focus on collar bone rather than shoulders
    -Head to toe colour always creates a streamline silhouette
    -Choose pants that flare at the bottom to balance hips
    -Bottoms that have a detail like buttons, a print or embellishment divert attention to
    lower half
    -Jackets that cinch in at the waist and then flare at hips create the illusion of needed
    volume in the hips
    -Slim skirt makes hips look wider to balance shoulders

  • The photo
    This is an example of creating a V neckline, using stripes or other detail on the bottom to divert attention, and adding a longer necklace to slim the upper half. These garments are part of the Optionelle (now Eveology) spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Eveology lens. And of course a link to the latest fashions on the main Eveology site!

    The "H"

    Anyone who craves a waistline is considered an H. They may have been diagnosed as an I, an O or a rectangle in the past. They carry their weight in their middle.

    How to Determine if you are an "H"
    Hip and shoulder measurements will be the same (or very close) and the waist will be very similar or larger than the hip or shoulder measurement. Take the hip or the shoulder measurement (remember that these will practically be the same) and subtract 25%. This will give you the minimum waist measurement to be considered an H.
    If you are an H
  • What to do: Distract from waist. Create curves. Divert attention to upper and lower body
  • What to wear: Belts - if slim or average with long torso, can use at waist to pull the eye inward and create waist, otherwise avoid in this area. A low slung belt can add volume to the hips and make waist smaller by comparison. Attention begging footwear will help to emphasize your slender legs
  • What to avoid: Boxy cut, gathered pants that will hide your slender lower half. Detail at your middle
  • Some suggestions:
    -Swirly print instantly creates curves and adds softness to silhouette
    -Empire cut and roomy fit hides tummy
    -Flare pant leg creates curves
    -Loose fit top hides sins
    -Create shape with a tailored jacket - a nip and flare at waist fakes a curvy figure. Pair with a flare cut pant and voila! Instant va voom!

  • The photo
    This is an example of an empire cut top with a print to add softness and hide the tummy, and the use of flare pants to create curves. These garments are part of the Optionelle (now Eveology) spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Eveology lens. And of course a link to the latest fashions on the main Eveology site!

    The "X"

    The curvy gal! Their shoulders and hips are balanced and they have a small defined waist. Also known as the hourglass, they are well proportioned.

    How to Determine if you are an "X"
    Shoulder and hips should be within 5% of each other. Take the hip (or shoulder) measurement and subtract 10 (assuming that you're working in inches). This will give you the approximate waist measurement for this person to be considered an X (within a couple of inches).
    If you are an X
  • What to do: Keep hips and shoulders balanced. Show off smaller waist and va va voom shape
  • What to wear: Belts - always wear at waist to show it off. If busty - choose necklace that sits above bust line on chest
  • What to avoid: Boxy cuts that hide your shape. All over horizontal stripes which will visually add bulk to your silhouette
  • Some suggestions:
    -Fitted tee hugs in the right places. Horizontal pattern emphasizes curvy shape
    -Pencil skirt shows off curves
    -Large collar and shiny shoes keep the upper and lower body in check. Belt
    highlights waist
    -Criss-cross under bust emphasizes shape
    -Accent your curves with a well fitted jacket and pant
    -Balance neckline with glossy shoes
    -Head to toe dressing will accent your silhouette

  • The photo
    This is an example of a fitted tee with horizontal patterning (in this case, writing) to emphasize upper body curves, and a pencil skirt to emphasize the lower body ones. These garments are part of the Optionelle (now Eveology) spring/summer 2009 fashion collection, further information on which you can find in my Eveology lens. And of course a link to the latest fashions on the main Eveology site!

    Buy earrings, How to Buy the Best Earrings

    Buy earrings, How to Buy the Best EarringsBuy earrings, Earrings allow you to beautify yourself in a great way. These small items of jewelry have a great impact on the onlookers. Not only do they make you look attractive but also increase the beauty of your outfit. There are scores of choices that you can find in earrings. In the present times, in particular, the world of earrings has become truly infinite. Earnings are considered extremely important jewelry because they have a very prominent placement.

    As your face is what everyone notices first earrings naturally get a lot of attention than other jewelry that you put on. This is why you need to select earrings with much care. Here are few things that you need to bear in mind while selecting earrings.

    Size. The size of the earrings is an important aspect to consider while buying them for yourself. You can find scores of different sizes in earrings. Some are very big while others are very small. The choice of the size of earrings depends on your liking as well as the size of your own face. If your face is small, you should not earrings that are too big. In the same way, those who have larger faces can go for small or big earrings.

    Material. The material of the earrings is something that deserves a lot of attention as well.

    There are several materials that you can choose from. These include gold, silver, plastic, bronze, diamonds etc. You can get earrings in any materials that you like. However, you should remember that the material that you select should suit the occasion on which you wish to wear your earrings. Gold and diamond earrings are mostly suitable for formal occasions such as weddings, business meetings and parties etc. On the other hand, silver makes ideal earrings for regular or casual wear.

    Price. Also, it is essential to consider the price of the earrings. You need to know how much you can spare to get these jewelries so that you can explore the collections that are that you can actually afford to buy. Gold and diamond earrings are very costly while earrings in other materials such as plastic and silver are more affordable. So have an idea about your own pocket so that you can buy the best earrings within your budget.


    How To Walk in High Heels

    Though many of us love high heels, others don't wear them very often. Some are intimidated by high heels, while others have just never had the occasion to wear high heels.

    Either way, when a "high heel occasion" rears its ugly head, many will stay home with their trusted friend, the sneaker. If fear is keeping you out of the high heels you covet, set your phobias aside! Walking in high heels is not that difficult, and with a bit of practice, you'll stepping out in high heels in no time.

    Here's How:

    1. First practice just standing in high heels. In front of a full length mirror, stand for a while, then turn slightly to each side. Not only will you be able to check your posture and profile, but the act of merely standing in high heels will help remove some of your apprehension, and let you get accustomed to the added height of the heel.

    2. Take a few steps in your high heels. If possible, do this at first on a hard floor (not too slick), or in a room with low carpeting, as really thick or padded carpeting can throw off your balance.

    3. As you walk in high heels, remember to keep your legs straight and as close together as possible. With each step, point your feet as straight in front of you as you can. Start off with slow, determined steps at first, being extra conscientious of each step. As you build confidence and experience walking in high heels, it will become much more natural.

    4. Continue walking back and forth across the room, turning different directions, and stopping without wobbling on your high heels. Once you're comfortable with this, try the same thing on different floor surfaces, and remember to start off slowly with each one.

    5. When it comes to actually walking comfortably, practice, practice, practice. If you haven't ever worn high heels, or you are already comfortable in high heels, this sounds silly. But trust me, the first time you put them on, you'll see what I mean. Wearing high heels is a totally different walking experience, and if you take it for granted, you'll not only end up with sore feet, but possibly an injury. And, if you have a bad experience first time out, you'll be doomed to flats forever.

    6. As you grow more confident in your abilities to walk, turn, and do all the other things you might need to do in high heels, you can move up to the height of shoe you'll be wearing on the day or night of your event - but remember to start slowly with each bit of added height. Jumping from two inch heels to four inch heels probably will not be quite as disorienting as your first step in any high heels, but it still will require patience and practice.

    7. When wearing high heels on a staircase, always use the rail if it is available, or at least be close enough to a rail that you can reach it if you need to. When climbing steps, your entire shoe heel and sole should land firmly at once on each step.

    8. If you know you'll be slow dancing in your high heels, you should practice side-to-side stepping, as well as turning slowing in your high heels before actually hitting the dance floor.