Fashion Advice for Every Woman

Laura Yoder of 24-7 Style had this to say: “In regards to dressing to compliment any size, it’s important to remember to create a perfect silhouette.  For instance, when choosing to wear skinny jeans or leggings (and yes, this can be pulled off in plus sizes –”skinny” only refers to leg hole opening), pair with tops that just cover the hips and finish the look with heels to instantly slim yourself by a few inches!” Proving the point, Lane Bryant creates the look with their Slim Leg Jeans.

Over and over, one recurring message from so many fashion experts is the importance of a good fit. Oriana Khatso, owner of the small contemporary boutique Terra in Washington, DC., emphasized that “Fit is what makes or breaks a piece, so find a good tailor. Tailoring is the best way to extend the life of your purchase and maximize its impact. A good fit is more slimming than any label and ensures you will look your best. Do not let size influence how you feel about yourself. Focus on finding the right fit.” Oriana added “Shoes, jewelry, handbags, and eyewear are all part of how you create a finished look. Place importance on these items and coordinate them back to your outfit.”

Adding on to Oriana’s advice, Katy Goshtasbi of Puris Image & Style declares “NO matter what your size, you must accept your body and size (not love it!) and dress what you’ve got to look and feel your best.  Your overall image, confidence and interactions with people are completely affected by how you feel in your clothing.”

Michelle Poteet, who owns the professional organizing business Reclaim Order had this to say:  “Spend the larger part of your budget on classic pieces that will continue to be in style season after season. Look for trendy pieces on sale or at less expensive stores (ie. Target). This allows you to add some personality to your wardrobe without breaking the budget, especially since the trendier pieces tend to go out of style quickly.” (For hints on more timeless pieces, read 5 Essential Elements of Every Wardrobe.)

Stylist and personal shopper Indra A. Books of Your Own Entourage suggests creating a budget before you go out to buy, and avoiding impulse purchases. She also offered this important advice: “If you are trying to be stylish within your means, know your body type, your skin color and buy what works for you not what you see on the run way so that you don’t make costly mistakes.”

Self-proclaimed “minor fashion guru” Sally McGraw of Already Pretty points out that “Wearing the same color from head to toe is incredibly flattering, as your outfit provides no easy stopping point for the eye. You look tall, slender, powerful, and awesome.  Sure, cooking up a truly monotone look may require you to go out and buy some teal, pink, or navy shoes to add a splash of color, but is that really such a burden?” A great start is a simple black dress, and you can almost never go wrong with one like this black wrap dress from Fashion Bug.

And let’s not forget that great style begins with the first things you put on — your undergarments. “The best advice I have for women of all sizes is to wear a good bra.  A bra that positions you girls where they belong for a youthful and healthy appearance will make every outfit you have (whether it was $5 or $500) look its best.  Without a good fitting bra, a $500 outfit can look like something you would not want to spend $5 on!” This great truism comes from Rachel Perlmutter, owner of The Greater LA Woman. (For more about finding the right fit, read Taking Care of “the Girls”.)

Ultimately, you need to find the style that works for you, but hopefully these tips can help you make the most of any wardrobe.