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!

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!

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!

Tummy Troubles? Not Any More!

Tummy? What tummy? Who? Where?
That’s what the response should be next time you’re complaining to a girlfriend about your diet! The fact is, that kind of anonymity for your stomach is not that far away. In fact, it’s probably hiding in your closet right now!

It’s time to wake up a smell the roses. None of us are perfect, and often—sometimes after childbirth but sometimes just because—we women put on a little pouch. But so what? With all we go through, I think we’re entitled to a little bit, don’t you?

The point is, a tummy is no reason to hide yourself in tent-like clothing. There is no need to become a hermit and go into hiding! Simply develop an awareness of what styles of clothing flatter you and disguise the little things you dislike about yourself. Here are a few quick tips to get you started!

Flattering Choices:

A-line swing jackets are a must!  They are gorgeous, trendy, and hide flaws without even trying!

Blazers or boyfriend jackets with shoulder pads that read to mid-thigh smooth the transitions of your abdomen and give width to your shoulders to balance it out!

Structured dresses with higher waistlines or even dresses with empire waistlines can look great and pull you in where you are small!

A pencil skirt underneath the swing jacket, blazer, or even a classy trench coat can accentuate your smaller, shapely legs!  Super cute and sexy!


Less Flattering Choices:

Refrain from wide belts.  The big block of color over your widest section emphasizes it!

Fitted t-shirts are not a good choice for obvious reasons!

No high-waisted skirts or tucking in your shirt.  This once again draws attention to your middle section!

Heavy layering can be as detrimental as tight clothing if it occurs at your mid-section.

Light colors, white, and elastic are all big 'no-no's!

Finally, say 'No' to shapeless clothes!  Accentuate what you have and mask what you dislike!  If you have great legs and calves, try the swing jacket and pencil skirt to get some looks!

Masking an Ample Back

Depending on the snugness of our bra straps, most of us suffer from a little break in the continuity of our backs. A little roll might show here and there.

While we would be correct in saying that it is a common problem and nothing out of the ordinary, that doesn’t mean we couldn’t look better, right?

If the lumps on your back are detracting from the YOU that you would like people to see, try these simple tips:

Flattering Choices:

A-shape, flowing tops are a must if this is really a problem!

Try a blouson!  It is loose around the abdomen but cinches at the hips; it's very trendy, cute, and the perfect cover for extra lumps!

A crisp tunic that falls straight from the shoulders to the hip makes your abdomen a solid and masks lumps.  You may need to add shoulder pads to make your shoulder width match your hips!

Prints and florals can draw the eye away from lumps as long as the prints and flowers are not too large.

An empire waistline works wonders!



Less Flattering Choices:

Tight shirts that show where each curve begins and ends as well as where your bra buckles are is not only indecent--it's unattractive!

Short jackets or boleros!  You need length for a smooth, continuous look for opt for longer jackets!!!

Sheer, layered dresses aren't a good idea; neither are silk and satin!  You don't want anything that clings or shines because it will highlight the cruves you are trying to mask.

Horizontal stripes are a huge 'no-no' for most body types!!

Baggy clothes hide your femininity.  There are definitely some flattering choices for you so don't hide yourself!

Loving Your Love Handles!

Seamless lines are what sexy is all about! Our world seems to think that sexy is measured by how much skin you show but the fact is, beauty, mystery, and allure are more in line with what you don’t show! In fact, some women show parts of their body—trying to be alluring—that are better left to the bedroom!

Now, I hardly have to tell our women this, but while we would never think of going topless, for example, sometimes the things we wear reveal about as much as if we did. This isn’t godly at any size, shape, or age. If you have a muffin top or love handles, it can not only be ungodly, but is also a bit unattractive.

You need to make up in your mind that you are going to be the best YOU that you can be! That means masking imperfections and emphasizing key features!

One bodily characteristic that most women would agree is a flaw is that extra poundage we all seem to get around our middle section. For centuries, women with tight, little waists have been viewed as more attractive and desirable. However, having a mid-section collection doesn’t mean you can’t be attractive and alluring!

Remember, it’s all about the packaging!

Flattering Choices:

Scoop and cowl necklines draw attention upward away from your middle section!

Longer, non-tapered tops and jackets (to mid thigh) keep the color over your middle section solid, thus giving the perception of more continuity.

Loose jersey shirts that overlap your waistline by at least 5-6 inches with an attractive tie belt are very flattering.

Dresses or tops with empire waistlines are very flattering!

Tunics?  Go for it!

Keep tops and bottoms the same tone!



Less Flattering Choices:

Absolutely run from tight t-shirts!

The waistband on your skirt should sit atop your hips--not dig into your skin!  This is what causes a muffin top to begin with!  NOT attractive!  Don't sag your waistline!  This even gives skinny girls a muffin top because our hips are softer and can be indented!!!

Never tuck your shirt in and never wear a shirt that ends at the waistline.  Keep shirts longer so your curves flow!

No multiple color blocks!  The more levels (horizontally) of different colors you have, the shorter and wider you look.  It's as bad as wearing horizontal stripes!  Yipe!