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!

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!

Slender Arms? Mmmm, Graceful!

Slender arms are normally a beautiful feature when accentuated by graceful motions. If you’re not so much on the graceful side, study women walking the catwalk and learn how to make those beautiful arms work for you!

Clearly, slender arms are rarely a problem unless they are so slender that your elbows and hands appear much larger than the rest of the arm. Then, you might be concerned. But, not to worry! It’s all part of that feminine mystique that men can’t get enough of—our feminine fragility!

There are certainly ways you can enhance your appearance if your arms are this small, however. And, as we know, it’s all about the packaging! Try a few of these tips!
Flattering Choices:

Boyfriend blazers and sweaters add a bit of weight to small arms!

Sleeves need not be to the wrist but keeping them around the elbow will hide the small biceps and allow a more natural shape to flow from elbow to wrist!

Black may not be the color you want to wear but you sure can adorn yourself in brighter, even lighter shades of color for a fantastic flare.  Why?  Black slims!


Less Flattering Choices:

Big bell sleeves are a definite 'no-no' as they only draw a contrast between their wide belts of fabric and your tiny arm!

Likewise, beware of tight sleeves that cling to the shape of your arms.  Go for a happy medium!

Sleeves shorter than just above the elbow may make your arm appear misshapen!

Refrain from wearing large-banded or large-faced watches as they once again draw attention to your tiny arms.  Go for something delicate, thin, even chain-like for an elegant touch!

Narrow Shoulders? No Problem!

Having narrow shoulders myself, I must restrain myself from saying this characteristic is a curse! Having smaller shoulders that are not as wide as your hips (a good balance) or that are not thick enough to denote which is your front and which is your back can be trying at times!

Although I’ve often broken the rules for this category, wearing fitted t-shirts without shoulder pads or wide V-necks, I have to say that I never feel as attractive when I do! If you must wear a tight, thinner material, cover it with a tank or maxi dress with spaghetti straps that make your shoulders appear a bit wider! Being petite in build is not a bad thing; in fact, that is what endears us to men. We appear fragile and in need of protection. And everyone said, “Aaaaaw” altogether now!

The fact is, however, that if you enjoy articles of clothing that don’t flatter your narrow shoulders, at least know when and when not to wear them! If it’s a big outing or a date, stick to the rules! Working around the house? Eh, who’s gonna know?
Flattering Choices:

Boyfriend jackets and suit coats are a great coice, especially if they have small shoulder pads to balance your shoulders with your hips!

Shirts and jackets with collars are key to adding meat to the back of your neck when your shoulders are thin since thin shoulders often reveal when our posture is not up to par!

Layering vests, bolero jackets, or dresses that cut off right at the shoulder, adding a little oomph, are great with shirts underneath!  It adds depth and interest...not to mention the girth of the fabric!


Less Flattering Choices:

Scarves are yes and no.  If a scarf is balanced with a jacket...great!  You just don't want your neck to seem the same width as your shoulders!

However, don't attempt a scarf about your neck with a shirt that is tight on your tiny shoulders!  You'll look like you have a linebacker's neck and string beans for arms!

While regular V-necked tops are fine, extremely wide v-necks will make you seem like you don't have shoulders at all....hmm, how awkward!  They will simply widen the flat part of your upper chest and hide what shoulders you do have!