Contour by Color

It's amazing how much emphasis we place on the shape of our bodies as women. Whether it's Hollywood, BodyWorks gym, or even our brothers and sisters, it seems that we are constantly on the old medieval stretching rack trying to be formed into some better person's shape just so that we can feel acceptable.

When I was younger, my mother always told me to enjoy being super thin...about size 0 thin! I hated not having curves and it always seemed that the clothes we purchased were made for someone else even if they were the correct size. Designers apparently are only acquainted with people with hourglass shapes!

Since having our sweet boy, I'm a bit fluffier and now may have a bit too much curve...unfortunately, it still isn't hourglass by any measure!

Funny story, one of our youth mentioned the other day that I dance and bounce around a bit more while I'm singing since I've had Ethan. I had to admit that I didn't bounce more...I just have more fluff to bounce when I'm trying to keep time with the music. I thought it was quite funny although it could have been disastrous if I weren't happy just being me!

So, how do you cope with not being contoured the way you want to be? There are many tools in the arsenal I call my closet but one of the most, shall we say, deceptive or effective is color! Color can create the illusion of a shape even when it isn't there or even when there's a bit too much of it.

That's why women who want to appear slimmer do not wear horizontal stripes as they make one look wider. Those with less than a sleek, svelt shape might shy away from even vertical stripes too. Imagine someone taking out a pencil and making squiggly lines on every imperfection you have! Yeah, that's how I feel about it too! No thanks!

However, color can make you appear smaller in certain areas and fuller in others. For instance, I still have a bit of a ballet dancer's figure despite the extra poundage. With small shoulders, narrow hips, and a waist that's not too small thanks to a recent pregnancy, I might look more like a box if I wore a solid colored top. The beauty of the black sweater I'm wearing today, however, is that the very open top and buttoned bottom give a triangular shape that gives that extra bit of curve. Pair that with the knee-length, A-line skirt that swishes when I walk, and you have a feminine, curvy-looking outfit that is modest while also appearing attractive.

Here are some tips for using color to define your shape:

• Dark colors make things seem smaller
• Tans or nudes blend with skin and give a seamless look
• Extremely tight clothing can highlight flaws as can stripes 
• Extremely loose clothing can make you look like a tent
• Take a moment to notice the shapes created by the layering of your clothes

Take a chance! Play with the placement of colors this week to play up your assets in a modest, tasteful way! Why not use your clothing as a tool to make you feel better about yourself and dress for success!

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!