There is No Age Limit in Fashion

John Slattery is proves that age is no excuse to not be stylish.  His definitive self expression displays that age and style can be a collaborative mix with a youthful attitude and a preservation of sexy.  He looks amazing during his shoot for GQ

MEN: Finding the Right Suit for You...

The infamous suit; this is a staple in every man’s wardrobe.  You have had a job interview, a business function, a date, and event, etc. in your suits.  Some have even considered their suits “lucky”.  Are your suits really right for you though?  I have seen so many men wearing suits that are completely out of style, fitting in all of the wrong areas, leaving me wanting to grab them by the tie and drag them to a suit store. Women are drawn to a “debonair” man.  It may not be every woman’s type, but you can’t say we didn’t check you out.

 Now it’s time for you to be completely honest with yourself.  What is your true body type?  Are you short, tall, heavier set, or athletic?  I tip my imaginary hat to all you men who illustrate the up most confidence.  For example, shorter men, often times have personalities of men standing 7 feet tall.  Heavier set men carry themselves like you could wash your clothes on their rock hard abs.  I truly admire those qualities most men portray, however, if you are dressing improperly, you do not look as attractive as you think.  

My simple styling guide will help you on your next suit purchase, so there is no excuse why you “can’t” look refined.

The Short Man

·         Be honest with yourself, buy shorter suits.  Buying a longer pant and coat combination only leaves you looking like your shopped in someone else’ closet.

WHAT TO SHOP FOR:

·         A pant leg with very little break will help you look taller.

·         Show some cuff to lengthen the look of your arms.

·         A peak lapel helps elongate your physique.

·         A lower button stance creates long lines, and that essentially stretches you out.

FAUX PAS:

·         Don’t wear a longer suit jacket. It just makes your legs look shorter.

·         Don’t wear fat ties and wide lapels; keep it slim.

ACCESSORISE:

In your case, less is more.  Essentially, the more pared-down you are, the taller you will appear. 

·         Go belt less: If your suit fits you like it should, your pants will stay right where they should be.

·         Wear a slender style shoe.  You don’t want to look like you have weights around your ankles.

The Tall Man

·         Your height draws attention enough.  Because of this, it is superlative to why you should have the appropriate suit for your body type.

WHAT TO SHOP FOR:

·      Lighter colors: this adds width to a narrow frame.

·         A two-button suit: this style works great on tall men.  Please note that this type of suit has to have relatively high-cut lapels in order to look right.

·         Just because you’re tall doesn’t mean you need an extra-long suit size. Try on a long first.

·         Keep the amount of cuff you show to a minimum.

·         Ask for a decent amount of break in your trousers, so your long legs don’t look too long.

FAUX PAS:

·         Over sized suits, with padded shoulders are a big “no-no”.  This will create the illusion that you are frailer than you really are.  You want to wear your suit, not have the suit wear you.

·         Stay away from those ultra-slim ties.  You need ties with width to complement your body type.  Not elongate your torso.

ACCESSORISE:

·         Buy shoes with a rounder toe.  It will keep your foot size in check.  Pointy, slim style shoes will make your feet look like skis.

·         When tying your tie, make sure you do not have length left to reach the back loop.  Tailor your ties if they are too long.

·         Belts, quarter-folded pocket squares, and horizontally striped ties help accomplish a proportional body type and play down your height a bit.

THE LARGE MAN

·         Just because you are a heavier set man, does not mean you cannot look as good as a fit and trim man.  It’s all about how you carry your weight, especially in your suit choices.

WHAT TO SHOP FOR:

·         Pocket Squares are essential for your suits; bringing the focus to your chest, not your stomach.

·         A Jacket you can button, at all times, especially when sitting down.

·         Simple, tasteful shirts, avoid plaids and checks.

·         Flat front pants, put those pleated pants away please.  Flat front pants are engineered to be comfortable, even without pleats.

·         Ties with width to them.  Proportion to your torso is imperative.

FAUX PAS

·         Super skinny ties will actually make you look larger than you are.

·         Pleated pants.  Enough said.

·         Larger jackets.  Keep your clothes, especially your jackets tailored to fit you.

·         UN-tucked shirts.  If you do this on a regular basis in a suit, we have a bigger problem.

ASSECCORISE:

·         Braces; also known as suspenders are you and your suits best friend.  Stop trying to figure out if your pants will be worn above or below your belly.  Your pants should float your waist. 

·         Buy shoes with a substantial sole.  You need something comfortable and solid to anchor your weight.

THE ATHLETIC MAN

·        You either naturally have an athletic build, or you work very hard on your physique.  You should take the same precautions when choosing the perfect suit for you.

WHAT TO SHOP FOR:

·         Buy a suit that fits. A solid build doesn’t mean your suit should be a size too large.

·         Two-button jackets harmonize with the V shape of your torso.

·         Low-collar shirts work well with a thicker neck.

·         Tailor your jackets; they will most likely need to be taken in at the sides.

·         Narrow cut trousers.  Yes, you can wear them, your chest needs more room, not your ankles.

·         Thicker thighs? Go for a classic style pant.  Flat front pants will look nice as long as they leave your athletic legs enough room to move.

·         Shirts that say “Slim” or “Athletic”.  You don’t need excess fabric hanging off that toned midsection of yours.

FAUX PAS:

·         Peak Lapels. Your chest and shoulders are broad enough, no need to accentuate them.

·         Pocket Squares.  It’s unnecessary to draw more attention to your already proud chest.

ACCESSORISE:

·         Go for a solid shoe.  You don’t want anything clunky on your feet, but you don’t want to look like you are wearing ballet flats.

Now that you have the essentials for finding a suit for your body type; it’s time to step it up.  We women are constantly keeping up with fashion, finding new ways to embellish our beautiful genetics.  Collectively trying to feel like we are constantly putting our best and most stylish foot forward, we also like to attract and retain your attention.  It should go both ways.  Don’t worry guys; if you take pride in your appearance and keep up with the latest trends, no one will be knocking on your door ready take your “man card”. You might get “ribbed” by your closest buddies, but it’s only a matter of time before they start following your stylish footsteps.  Trust me.  You are allowed to enjoy fashion. Do it, and live it.  It’s contagious.

Need extra help? Hire me for full style evaluation which includes a body assessment.  Once you retain the knowledge of your true body type and styling suggestions, shopping will be a breeze.

As always, thank you for reading.  Share with others, and never hesitate to leave comments, questions or concerns.

Fruit of your Loins..

Have you ever found yourself stumbling upon an article in a fashion or fitness magazine comparing your body to fruit?  Are you shaped like an Apple, Pear, Strawberry, etc.?  If you are anything like me, I completely loose interest in what “body type” I am.  I just find myself all of a sudden hungry for fruit.  I will break this down a little easier for you so you stop comparing your body to food.  They say “you are what you eat” but I am not here to preach about your diet.  I am talking about your genetics.  As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, it is essential to really observe the clothing that you choose; Lines, fabric, and material, etc.  If chosen improperly, clothes can make you look heavier, shorter, and oddly shaped; ultimately accentuating areas that you really wished your wardrobe wouldn’t.  When you appropriately dress for your body, you have built the ultimate foundation of what it takes to make you look like a million dollar stylista. 

Whether you are a trend-setter or a religious follower of all things stylish, you have to know and understand that all fashions are not made for everyone.  Knowing and truly accepting your body shape, and type, will lead to more fulfilling shopping experiences. 

The Long Columnist

BODY TYPE:

·         Short legs, long torso

STYLE GOAL:

·         Create an illusion of longer legs.

What to Shop For:

TOPS:

·         Layering tops (tanks, tees, sweaters)

·         Tighter, more tailored fitting tops (oxfords, tailored blazers)

·         Lighter colors (pastels, neutrals)

·         Blouses to tuck in or tie (try a new spin on a blouse and tie at the bottom)

·         Bow Tie or Tie Neck blouses (blouses that create interest at the neck and shoulders)

BOTTOMS:

·         High-waist pencil skirts, dress pants or shorts (higher rise style sitting at the navel or above)

·         Straight, boot or straight leg jeans, Pants (mid-rise pants)

·         Pant hems to the ground (no crops or “high waters” please)

·         Mid to High Heels (nude heels in a dress, or skirt will make legs look longer)

·         Pant, sock and shoe color the same (this will create a leggier look)

ACCESSORIES:

·         Bold necklaces, scarves and garment designs that draw attention towards your shoulders and face

·         Medium-Wide Belts

Faux Pas:

·         Long tops, blouses (especially if you are on the shorter side)

·         Low-rise jeans, pants, or shorts (this will make you look shorter)

·         Tight or tapered skirts

·         Tight or tapered pants

·         Cropped pants

The Balanced Body:

BODY TYPE

·         Leg and Torso length similar.

·         Congratulations, you are part of the 2% that is proportional. Typically you are a medium to smaller body scale.

Style Goal:

·         To elongate your mid torso

What to shop for:

TOPS:

·         Medium-long tops

·         Un-tucked tops

·         Tops and bottoms in the same color (color block different shades.)

·         Tops and dresses that flow through the waist

·         Skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistband

·         Peplum style jackets or dresses

BOTTOMS:

·         Straight or flared skirts

·         Low-rise or hipster pants

·         Straight or flared pants

·         Skinny belts

ACCESSORIES:

·         Jewelry, scarves, and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face

·         Examples:

o    Infinity scarves and wraps

o    Bow Tie Blouses (garment design)

o    Short style fashion necklaces

Faux Pas:

·         Short tops (bra-let, cropped, or short yoke blouses)

·         Empire line tops and dresses

·         Wide belts

·         Pants or skirts with a high waistband

She’s Got Legs:

BODY TYPE

•    Long Legs, Shorter torso

Style Goal:

• To create the illusion of a longer torso.

What to shop for:

TOPS: (all tops should be a longer style.)

·         Layering Tops (tees, tanks, sweaters)

·         Blouses and Tunics

·         Fitted or Boyfriend Style Blazers

·         Fitted knee length dresses

BOTTOMS:

·         Mid to Low Rise Pants, Jeans or skirts

·         Flared, Boot Cut, or Straight leg jeans or pants

·         Knee Length skirts

·         Cropped Pants (roll up the bottoms of your pants or jeans for a different look)

·         Bermuda Style Shorts

ACCESSORIES

·         Long Scarves

·         Long Strand Necklaces

Faux Pas

·         Short or Cropped shirts, blouses, and tanks

·         High-waist pants, shorts and skirts

·         Cropped Jackets and blazers

·         Empire waist tops or dresses

GO FIGURES

THE HOURGLASS:

This is known as the perfect body shape. You have an hourglass figure if...

·         Your full hip-line and your full bust-line are the same width and your waist is well defined

·         You most likely have a balanced body vertical body shape

THE INVERTED TRIANGLE:

This is the second best female shape. You have an inverted triangle body shape if...

·         You have a proportionally large bust, or you have broad shoulders, or both

·         You have narrow hips with a well-defined waist

·         You most likely are a long legged vertical body shape with proportionally slim legs

·         You may also have a flat bottom

THE TRIANGLE:

The triangle body type is often also referred to as pear-shaped.

·         Your full bust-line is proportionally narrower than your full hip-line

·         You have a well-defined waist

·         You typically have narrow shoulders

·         You most likely have a balanced body or short legged vertical body shape

·         Your thighs are typically full

·         You may also have a full rounded bottom

THE RECTANGLE:

You have a rectangle body if:

·         Your full bust-line and full hip-line are about the same width

·         You have little waist definition

·         Your legs and arms will typically be proportionally slender

·         You have a small to medium bust

·         You most likely have a balanced body or long legged vertical body shape

·         You may also have a flat bottom

·         You may have had an hourglass figure when you were younger or slimmer

·         You may look shorter and heavier than you really are

THE OVAL:

This body shape is also often referred to as an apple shape. You have an oval horizontal body if...

·         You have the overall appearance of being round especially around the waist-line

·         Your waistline is undefined

·         Larger, lower set stomach

·         You may have "love handles"

·         Hips are wider set

·         Upper thighs are full

·         Full bottom or a flat bottom

THE DIAMOND:

This body shape is similar to the Oval body type.

·         Your waist is undefined

·         You have a larger to high stomach

·         You may have "love handles"

·         You may also have a full bottom or a flat bottom

So there you have it; a little more insight on how to identify your true body type. Go ahead, have your cake and eat it too.  There is no point in depriving yourself the foods you love to fit into a current trend.  If it’s not made for your body shape, it won’t look good anyway.  Embrace your gorgeous genetics and quit cursing the handles we are intended to love.  Dressing is all about creating an illusion; a masterpiece of style. How nice is it to know that you could be wearing something from TJ Maxx next to someone in Versace, and look better than they do?!  Have fun with it.  Educate yourself on your body type, you might find yourself actually loving the experience of shopping!

Need more help? Schedule a full body assessment with me.  I will tell you your body type and shape and make further suggestions on how to properly shop for yourself. 

As always, thank you for reading.  Be sure to share with others.  It’s not fair to keep your “how to look fab in everything you wear”, to yourself.  Fashion is contagious and Image is everything.