Accommodating Thick Ankles

Ankles are seldom mentioned in fashion magazines, yet they are pivotal elements of how our calves meet our high heels! A clever turning of your foot—started by your lovely ankle—for instance, gives poise and elegance! Furthermore, the size of our ankles can affect how our calves look.

It can be a bit frustrating, therefore, when they rank among one of our dislikes! Often, our ankles are wider than we would like or our calves aren’t large enough to balance our bone size. While this certainly shouldn’t rank too high in your list of concerns, there are definitely some techniques available for minimizing the appearance of your ankles….and I don’t mean wearing snow boots!

Flattering Choices:

Wear heels with pointed toes as rounded or squared toes stop the continuity of your leg abruptly, making it appear stumpy!

Heels...enough said!  Mules and slingbacks are great options!

Pair dark, opaque hose with the same color heels; the dark color has a slimming effect while the continuity of color draws attention away from the shape, shifting the eyes to other parts of your appearance that are more appealing.

If you're not wearing hose or tights, opt for heels that match the tone of your leg!  Once again, continuity will slim them!


Less Flattering Choices:

The ever-so-fun shoe shopping 'No-No' list:

* No flats or birkenstocks

* No flipflips or loafers

* Keep away from gladiators or lace up platforms

* Clogs and ugs will look horrible...on any woman!

* White tennis shoes or white heels will draw too much attention.

* Sneakers and even kitten heels can detract from your appearance.

* Also, refrain from wearing heels that greatly contrast with your skin color!

Thick Calves...Lucky You!

Our calf muscle can be quite the alluring object if handled correctly. It is for this reason that many were shocked in the early 1920s as women began showing their calves. Contrary to common knowledge, any scholar can attest to the fact that the flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties came to the knee.

They weren’t these mini-skirt numbers you see creep out for Halloween parties amongst the wilder in our society. Add a bolero over those bare arms and a bra, and the flapper dress would hardly be recognized.

The key, however, is how sexy a calf or a nicely-turned ankle can be. If you notice, most flapper skirts had fringe on the bottom hem. Why? Because such adornment drew the eyes to the woman’s legs for closer admiration!

This being said, you already have gorgeous, full calves or you wouldn’t be reading this page! The key, however, is—once again—balancing the calf with the rest of your body to give a balanced—if somewhat curvaceous—appearance.

To this end, I hope the following tips get you started in the right direction!
Flattering Choices:

Solid colored pumps are best; having too much ornamentation can make your legs look a bit too chunky with items!

Solid color A-line skirts add width to the area just above your calves, adding balance.

Very cute and chic:  black hose (preferably opaque) with dark colored heels to lengthen the leg and slim it!

High heel boots work well as long as they aren't tight enough to cause 'muffin leg'!

Maxi dresses or shorter skirts in darker colors like black, brown, or navy are slimming should you have fluff higher up!


Less Flattering Choices:

Ankle strap heels are a mistake as they often appear to be cutting into your ankles!  Only wear these if you small ankles.

Gladiators are never good; neither are those that lace up your ankle!

Bright colored hose or those with busy designs draw too much attention as does pasty white skin so get some sun!

Steer clear of ugs or furry boots; they don't flatter any woman, unfortunately!

Final 'no-no's: leggings that end at the ankle or fishnet that will accentuate very large calves.  I know putting leggings under your skirt for outdoor activities is common but for dressier events, please refrain no matter what your size!

Slender Legs: Tweaking an Old Favorite

Having slender legs can really be an asset if dressed correctly! They make you look taller and, of course, slim and elegant! The problem usually occurs when the knee shows. No matter how slender the leg, it can look great a pair of heels with patterned tights…unless that bulky, unattractive knee is stealing the show!

Also, wearing clogs or large flip-flops or flats can really look odd with a pair of thin legs. I avoid them entirely for fear of looking like a duck! The point is, your body is fragile and slender; your shoes and even skirt styles need to mirror that.

Remember, it’s about balance!

Flattering Choices:

Pantyhose or tights with designs add interest to your legs, making their size less noticeable.

Skirts at least an inch below your knee are important; any higher and the bulk of your knee will make your legs look even thinner or misshapen.

Boots with built-in calves are great as long as they aren't too wide at the top!

Maxi skirts with cute sandals are always a plus--particularly with heels!

Heels actually make the calf ball up a bit so wear them whenever you wear those knee-length skirts!


Less Flattering Choices:

White, pasty legs look ill when your legs are slender; get some sun and you'll look much better!  They also have spray on tans and vitamins to help if you're not a fake-baker!

Stay away from dark or black hose as they slim; white--if it works with your outfit--or flesh colored is best!

Skirts at mid-calf or mid-ankle are murder for any size or shape of leg; showing the skinny ankle without the pretty calf isn't very attractive.  Opt for skirts just below your knee or at the base of your ankle!

Avoid heavy fabrics that will contrast with your size too much!

Dressing the Monster Hiney

As one of my best friends often quips, it’s hard to match the furniture when the seat cushion you carry outweighs the front verandah….or something nonsensical like that! Yes, it’s true. Some of us are blessed—maybe overly blessed—with a large back porch!

That certainly shouldn’t be the most of our worries though; there are many classy ways to dress for your body type, taking full advantage of your great curves while still remaining modest!

Flattering Choices:

Floral tops draw attention upward, balancing your top and bottom halves.  Just make certain the skirt is solid!

Empire waists provide more symmetry.

Dark skirts that are a-line work great!  They swish when you walk which is pretty flirtatious!

Try loose shift dresses or flared skirts; the flared hem will balance with the derriere!

Tunics and long cardigans that reach mid-thigh can give more continuity but make certain they are tapered so you don't look like a big box or a triangle!  Also, make certain your should width matches your hips or add shoulder pads to achieve the look!

Less Flattering Choices:

No light colored skirts should be worn as light colors make you appear larger.

Satin will draw attention with its shine.  Silk will cling to your booty so it's not a great choice either.  Thick fabric adds bulk so steer clear!

Leather--particularly black--is a bit on the cheap side so be cautious!

Big, bold print on your hiney will draw attention to its size!

Fluffy, ruffled, tiered, or even mermaid skirts can add girth and curve where it is not needed.  Be cautious where those ruffles and tiers are situated!

Tiny Hiney Syndrome

No Backside?

No Problem!




I've seen so many articles, books, and ads that offer help for a large derriere, but what about a tiny one?

We're women. There are some curves we want, right?

The problem with having a very small backside is that it can make you seem unbalanced. Remember, the key in packaging is balance.

Never fear though! Here are some great tips to try:

Flattering Choices:

A-line or full skirts add shape!

Jackets and shirts should come to your mid-hip for best results.  Longer or shorter is a recipe for disaster!

Shirts with gathers around the waist that fan out over the hips are super cute!

Ruffled and tiered skirts add the illusion of fullness!  Go for it!

Structured dresses--think 1950's--work really well in creating a figure as long as they are not too tight!


Less Flattering Choices:

Tight pencil skirts highlight your lack of curves unless your jacket comes to mid-hip!

Long jackets past your hips can make you look like a waif because you don't have enough bump back there to show!

Heavy fabric on skirts pulls them close against your backside, revealing your size, so opt for lighter fabrics.

Waist-length jackets without the aid of a fluffy skirt will really make you look curveless; if you're dying to wear one, pair it with an a'line or full skirt!

Balancing Wider Hips and Thighs

One feature that is most associated with a woman’s figure is the hips. In light of this, I’ve often wondered why women with hips complain. Of course, that could be because I didn’t have any for years!

If you would still like some tips on how to dress with wide hips though, here we go! Essentially, men love curves so you don’ t want to completely mask your figure! Instead, finding balance is key!

It is usually best for your shoulders to match your hips in width; it will make your waist appear even smaller and, of course, the first rule of attractiveness is symmetry.

Anyway, gorgeous, have a go at these tips!


Flattering Choices:

Animal print tops draw attention upward; refrain from continuing the print on the skirt, however!

Cropped jackets that stop just as the hip begins help mellow the transition from waist to hip.

Wrap dresses are beautiful as long as you have large enough shoulders--or shoulder pads--to match your hip width.  These will give an hourglass illusion!

Short jackets (not swing jackets) and boleros also balance as do other sorts of layering on the top which adds bulk to match the width of the hip!  Just don't forget to pull in that waist with a belt!

Straight skirts (not too tight) in dark colors will slim your hips.



Less Flattering Choices:

Refrain from wide belts or using scarves as belts as they continue the large color block routine!

Any wrapped sweaters or tops that tie around the hips draw attention to their width!  Watch out!

Hip belts are a definite 'no-no'!  And, jackets and tops ending at the mid-thigh draw attention to the size as do cargo pockets!

Steer clear of peasant skirts or skirts with tiers or ruffles which add weight.

Super tight skirts will show every dimple you have so beware!  Keep them fairly loose but not necessarily a-line!