Are you ever amazed at how a simple change of outfit can spur a slew of nice comments about how great you look? Of course, looking great is often dependent on diet and exercise, but the right clothing pieces can add a slimming and elongating effect and make you look better. True, as many experts will point out, there is no one solution that fits everyone. However, there are a few essentials that can improve any look. Below are our favorites.
The right fitting bra
Bra is an essential part of your apparel and it can totally transform a sad outfit. No matter what size or shape you are, the right fitting bra will make a huge difference. It's about the right measurements, the fabric and the necessary support. Lori Randoll, Mrs. Oklahoma 2002 and author of Accessorize To Slim-A-Size says "undergarments are absolutely the most important and effective elements... If you only change this one part of your wardrobe, you will see a remarkable difference. Your clothes will fit better, you will look not only slimmer but younger, and your self-confidence will soar." Lori is not just talking about the bra, but also several foundation pieces, such as bodysuits, waist cinchers, camisoles. She offers advice for every body shape with a handy guide of the right undergarments and accessories for each type. In one example, a woman adds a supportive bra, a thigh-length, high-top body shaper, removes the belt and adds an eye-catching necklace. A few simple changes completely transform this person. There are many resources that will teach you to measure for the right bra size. I would recommend going over to a local department store and double-checking your results with someone in the underwear section. Remember, the right fitting bra is the best way to make your clothes look flattering.
Black Well-Tailored Dress Pants
Michelle Wood, founder of CoolMamaStyle.com, reaffirms my hunch that "an essential item for a woman’s closet is a well fitting pair of black dress pants." She explains that "this is a garment that should last for a long time so you should expect to take time finding the right pair and possibly spending a little more money than you more normally pay for a piece of clothing. The key for great fitting pants is to fit to the largest part of your body and then tailor or alter the other areas of the pants for a custom fit. For example, if you tend to be more of a pear shape, do not go on the fit of the waist. Instead, fit the pants to your hips so that the pant leg falls nicely down the remainder of your leg. If the waist is too large, take them to your favorite alteration shop and have the waist taken in. It doesn’t matter if you are a size 6 or a size 16, many times you will need alterations made to pants to create the perfect fit and a polished look." So make friends with your tailor (or dry cleaner in my case) and alter your pants (or any piece of clothing for that matter) until it's the right fit for you. Unless the pants are made specifically for you, it's rare that the pair off the rack will fit perfectly.
Dark & Flared Jeans
Lisa McLatchie, founder of practicalfashionista.com says the most universally flattering and lengthening jean for most body types and shapes is a slightly flared leg combined with a lower-rise waist. "Fitted around the derriere; this style enhances the length of the legs while the flare helps balance the width of the thigh", she says. Darker wash is going to add a slimming effect, as well as make this a more formal jean going easily from office to dinner.
Marc Flashberg, founder and designer of Marc Allison Jeans (www.marcallisonjeans.com) and for more than 30 years the go-to guy for many top premium denim labels, is a great example of how a jean fabric can flatter your body. His premium denim line is made using a completely new fabric - a new four-way stretch denim infused with Supima cotton that offers a stunningly flattering fit, extraordinary movement and comfort with great recovery so it won't stretch out...making them perfect for fashion-forward women with active lifestyles. The line has a modern classic style, flattering and sophisticated fit and comes in the newest fashion forward washes and designs that naturally complement every woman's individuality and sense of style.
The Wrap Dress
First, this dress is ultra-feminine which is flattering to most women. But it is the simple silhouette created by Diane von Furstenberg that women love. "Known as the dress that every body type looks good in, the wrap dress is a miracle worker thanks to its amazing curve loving construction and design", says Lisa McLatchie. Often made out of jersey - a very forgiving fabric, this dress is a staple season after season. However, you can make variations in the neckline, length, fabric, belt and other accessories. While it's a very recognized outfit, there are certainly plenty of ways to transform it into something original. The easy draping around the curve makes it one of our top flattering styles.
A-line Dress
A dress that's been on the runways and at the office for a number of decades now - the A-line dress, which is fitted at the top and then flaring slightly wider toward the bottom, is a long lasting staple in the flattering apparel closet. According to Michelle Wood from CoolMamaStyle.com, it is "one of the most flattering and timeless pieces of clothing that should be in every woman’s closet". "This style is universally flattering on all women", she says, "because it creates the appearance of a small waist and disguises a wider hip.& It's not surprising that A-line dress is a frequent pick for wedding dresses, since this silhouette looks good on virtually every shape, frame and height. It's also a nice option to attract more attention to your face (and accessories), as the line sweeps down making the top more open.
The Little Black Dress
There is nothing like the little black dress to make you feel polished, sexy and confident. It doesn't have to be a tight dress, but you can definitely find one that is the right fit and style for you. Sought-after celebrity stylist Colin Megaro (www.colinmegaro.com), founder of Planet Style Concierge and creator of Shop Your Closet, recommends the LBD, perfect for any season and most events and flattering for all shapes, sizes and skin tones. Here are his reasons why every Hot Mama needs a LBD:
1. Black is flattering for all sizes, shapes and skin tones. No matter who you are there is a LBD out there for you! Take the time to find one that makes you feel great and fits you properly.
2. You can wear black any time, during any season and to most events. The LBD is chic, classic and sexy all rolled into one. It’s the perfect dress to be worn for a night out on the town or as a cover up at the beach.
3. You can wear this dress a dozen different ways. Jazz it up for evening with a beautiful beaded bolero or tone it down with flats and a wrist full of bangles. If you would like to wear it to work layer a cardigan sweater or blazer for a more refined look.
4. Last but not least: one of these dresses is never enough. Have a few versions on hand that can work with the rest of your wardrobe.
Peasant Blouse
The openness and shape of the neckline brings a feminine touch to the outfit. Softening the lines is one of the best ways to make a piece of clothing look more flattering on your body. Plus, peasant blouses are often done in florals, which attract attention to your face. This item is often more fluid giving more room to cover any figure flaws without looking either baggy or tight. This figure-forgiving item is both flattering and feminine and can be a great staple spring into fall.
Pencil Skirt
This skirt is a hot style for Spring/Summer 2010. Yet, it is a timeless classic that is a must have for every woman no matter the shape. Lisa McLatchie explains: "Not to be confused with a skintight tapered skirt, a pencil skirt is fitted but not skintight on the hips. For an athletic body type, this tailored skirt is great for adding curves. Because of its curve enhancing abilities, for the top heavy woman, it also helps to balance out the body. And for those who carry their weight on the bottom, it helps create a smooth, long and lean line from the waist to the knees."
My mom lived to be over 95-years-old. Did she exercise everyday? Not really. Although we did live in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment, so some days she did get a workout on the stairs. Did she live a healthy lifestyle? No. We put chicken fat on our bread, had meat at least five times a week and ate mostly canned, not fresh, vegetables. In addition, my Mom smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. Did she have a great sense of humor? Yes. And I’m convinced it kept her going all those years. For example, Every time she went to the doctor, she hired a van service to take her there and back. One late afternoon, when she was in the doctor’s office, her ride didn't show up to take her home. Since the doctor had to close the office, the receptionist suggested that my Mom wait for the van in the pizza parlor downstairs. After waiting a long time, the van still didn't show up. So my Mom went up to the guy behind the counter and asked, "Do you deliver?" The man replied, "Of course, lady, we’re a pizza place!" "Great," my Mom said, "I’d like a pepperoni pizza and I’d like to go with it."
PS- Mom is gone but her humor lives on. She inspired me teach others about the therapeutic value of humor in both my books and my keynote speeches.
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What inspires you as a parent? Can you think of something your child, your mom friend, your mom, or any other parent did that made you want to be a better person?
