science universe

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Shoes

In This Chapter

▶ Discovering your proper shoe size

▶ Shopping for shoes

▶ Examining shoe styles, from pumps to boots

Your obsession with shoes may have begun when you were 2 years old and you stepped into a pair of your mother’s high heels.

Eventually you grew up enough to shop for your own. How much fun! Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City took shoe shopping to a whole new level. Whether you live in a big city, in the suburbs, or on a farm, every woman should strut in style!

The great thing about new shoes is that they can reinvent any outfit in your closet. That little black dress you already own, for example, will look so much better with a fabulous new pair of strappy sandals. Buying a new pair of shoes also gives you that extra boost of confidence and makes you feel sexier with every step. This chapter shows you how to shop for comfortable, stylish shoes without breaking the bank.

Crash Course in Shoe Shopping

When you’re heading out the door to go shoe shopping (lucky you!), first make sure you know what you’re looking for. If warmer weather is coming and you don’t have any sandals to go with your dresses, for example, then plan to buy a great pair of strappy shoes. Or if you have a garment you’d love to wear but don’t have the right shoes to go with it, keep an eye out for just the right shoe. I once had a fabulous dress in fuchsia, but didn’t have the right shoes to wear with it until I found the perfect pair of gold high-heel sandals.

My point? Have a goal when heading into a shoe store. Taking this approach makes your shopping excursion both practical and fun. Without a plan, shoe shopping is going to hurt your wallet, not your feet.

First steps: Getting ready

Just as with clothing, do your research and prepare before you go shoe shopping:

✓ Look through some fashion magazines to see what’s in style. Are chunkier heels or stilettos in style? Are toes pointy or more rounded? What height are the boots? Are flats in? With an idea of what you’re looking for, you’re better prepared to hit the stores without all the choices overwhelming you.

Some of the trendier designs probably won’t be in style for very long. If you decide to go with something very trendy, try to find an inexpensive version. That way, when the trends change in the coming season, you haven’t wasted a ton of money on shoes you don’t want to wear anymore.

✓ Make sure you have the right hose or socks when you go to try on shoes. If you’re looking for sneakers, you need the kinds of socks you’d wear with the sneakers. If you’re buying pumps or boots, you need a thin sock or stocking — whatever you plan to wear underneath. (Most shoe stores provide stocking-like disposable peds you can use when you try on shoes.) Because sandals are worn with bare feet, you’ll be fine when trying those on.

If you know you’ll be shopping for shoes, make sure the footwear you have on comes off easily, especially if you’re visiting more than one store. Who wants to waste time tying laces when you could be looking for more potential buys!

Paying attention to fit

I love the look of high heels. I think many outfits look better and sexier when heels are worn. With that said, I am a huge fan of flats, too. Regardless of whether you’re wearing heels or flats, neither will be comfortable if it doesn’t fit properly. That’s why in this section I begin with the basics: how to find the right shoe size for you.

Measuring your feet — both of them

Taking an accurate foot measurement requires more than just slipping your foot into one of those foot measurement devices. To get the right measurement, follow these suggestions:

✓ Make sure to get both feet measured at a shoe store. Your feet may not be the same size. It’s not uncommon for one foot to be bigger than the other. A slight difference between one foot and the other may not matter, but if the difference is as much as half a size, it does. If one foot is bigger than the other, buy footwear that fits the bigger foot.

✓ Stand on the foot measurement device, rather than put your foot on it while sitting. Your foot gets wider when you stand.

✓ Get your feet measured toward the end of the day. Feet tend to swell as the day goes along. At the end of the day, they’re at their fullest.

✓ Get your feet re-measured every so often. As you age, your foot size may change.

Taking shoe shape into consideration

Just because you know the size of your feet doesn’t necessarily mean that every shoe of that size fits you comfortably. The basic shape of the shoe is called the last (see Figure 16-1). Variations in the last can mean that, while one size 8 shoe fits you like a glove, another size 8 shoe could be too big or too small.

When you try on shoes, pay attention to how they feel. While the level of comfort a shoe provides should be apparent, here are a few specific things to look for:

✓ The toe box: This is the part of the shoe where your toes go. You want the toe box to be big enough to accommodate all five of your toes comfortably. If it’s too big, your foot will slide around and you’ll end up with blisters. And if it’s too small (your toes will be a little cramped when you try them on), you’ll wish you never bought them after only a few hours wearing them.

✓ The vamp: This part of the shoe covers the top of the foot. Depending on how high the arch of your foot is, a shoe vamp may or may not fit comfortably. Different brands cut differently, so find one that fits you correctly.

✓ Sole: One part that you’re probably very familiar with, the sole is the bottom of the shoe. The soles of sneakers have ridges and are made of rubber to provide traction, while leather soles are thinner and more fashionable. Dancing, anyone? The thicker the sole, the more comfort- able walking is, because the thickness protects your feet from the hard ground below.

✓ Counter: The counter is the back part of the shoe. If there’s too much space between the back of your foot and the counter, your foot moves too much, and all that rubbing will cause a blister. As long as the shoe fits your foot properly in every other way, try the next shoe size down for a better fit — or if you’re between sizes, try a shoe pad.

✓ Heel: The heel supports the back of your foot, determines the height of the shoe, and contributes to the shoe’s style. The heel height can vary from half an inch to 5 inches.

Just as with clothing, each shoe manufacturer produces a slightly different fit, even if the sizes are all 8s. Some lines are narrower, some wider, and so on. When you find a shoe you like and that fits, check out the entire collection from that designer, which more than likely will fit you correctly and comfort- ably. Knowing which lines of shoes fit comfortably and which don’t gives you a head start when you’re shoe shopping in person or online.

If at all possible, try on shoes before you buy. If you purchase your shoes online, you may have to send the shoes back if they don’t fit. Although returning merchandise can be a pain, it’s a lot less painful than wearing shoes that don’t fit!

Some people are under the impression that all shoes have to be broken in — not true! An uncomfortable pair of shoes may become a little more comfort- able over time, and the use of a shoe stretcher can help. Still, don’t count on this when buying new shoes. Your best bet is to find shoes that fit you comfortably in the store; more than likely, they’ll be comfortable the first time you wear them, too.

Don’t assume the shoes inside a box are new just because a salesman brings them from the storeroom. Take a good look at the shoes before you try them on. Especially look at the bottom: If the shoes have been returned, you can easily see signs of wear and tear on the sole. A returned shoe isn’t necessarily one you shouldn’t buy; just make sure the shoes are comfortable and have nothing wrong with them. Sometimes you can ask for a discount if the wear is noticeable.

It’s a shoe-in! Shoe care tips

To maintain your shoes so they last and look great for as long as possible, follow these suggestions:

✓ Shine them. Shining shoes not only improves their appearance but protects them as well. It doesn’t have to be an onerous chore: Just keep some polish and a few rags near where you watch TV. Waxes and liquid polish add gloss to a shoe but don’t offer as much protection as creams and paste, which penetrate and moisturize the leather. So if you’re out in bad weather, you scuff your shoe, or you just notice that they’re looking dull, break out the polish.

✓ Have them resoled and repaired when necessary. The soles and heels get more wear and tear than the uppers. Having your shoes resoled when they’re worn down is great way to extend the life of your shoes, as long as the uppers are in good shape. And even if the uppers need a little fixing too, a reputable shoe repair place should be able to make them as good as new.

Have your favorite shoes (the ones you wear all the time because you love them) professionally cleaned and maintained at the end of the season, before you store them away for next year. (Don’t bother doing this with trendy shoes that you aren’t going to wear again next year.)

Shoe psych 101

Most women have a strong attraction to shoes. Some of the cutest pictures my mother has of me show me strutting around the house in her high heels. Wearing high heels signifies coming of age. Another attraction to shoes is that, in any shopping expedition, you can almost always find a pair of shoes that fits. Many women get

frustrated when shopping for clothing because finding something that looks perfect is often difficult. But because body type doesn’t necessarily determine what type of shoe looks good on you, two very differently shaped women can buy the same pair and both feel like a million bucks.

Shoe Styles

Certain styles of shoes are appropriate for certain situations. A pump, for example, is appropriate for the office. A flip-flop is appropriate for the beach. Knowing what style works where narrows your choices when shopping for that certain occasion.

Pumps

Pumps, a variety of which are shown in Figure 16-2, are shoes that cover the toe box, have anywhere from a low to high heel, and are usually slipped on without any fastening. They’re accepted as the traditional business shoe for women. Pumps can range from conservative, basic, low-heel, black leather, and nondescript to high heel, pointy toe, and sexy in any range of fabrics and colors.

Figure 16-2: From left: Classic black pump, peep-toe pump, kitten heel pump.

Current pump styles change with the trends. Straps across the top of the foot turn a simple pump into a Mary Jane pump. Another variation is the T-strap pump, in which a circle of leather surrounds your ankle and a strap descends down toward the toe box of the shoe. A peep-toe pump has the toe area cut out to expose the tips of your toes.

Mules

Take the back off your pumps and what have you got? A mule (see Figure 16-3). You can wear mules when you go shopping, when you go to work, or when you head out for the night. The key is the shoe. Mules come in a variety of styles, from pumps to sandals. (Any backless shoe is considered a mule.)

Don’t wear pantyhose or tights with mules. Because a mule has no ankle sup- port, your foot will slip. Plus it looks ridiculous!

Figure 16-3: From left: A classic mule and a wedge mule.

Flats and sandals

Don’t let anyone tell you that flats aren’t sexy! They’re not only very sensible shoes, but they can be very stylish, too. They’re super comfortable (as long as the fit is right) and can take you from day to night. In fact, most women welcome the current trend of wearing flats (I’m in flats of some sort 75 per- cent of the time) because comfort is key. In addition, designers are making both beautiful dressy and casual flats, giving women more choices when put- ting an outfit together. Everything from ballet flats (see Figure 16-4) to dressy sandal flats are available.

Because soles of flats are just that — flat — you may be more comfortable if you get a pair that have a cushioned insole. When shopping for flats, bring an insole with you if you think you may want to add it. That way, you can make sure the fit is correct when trying them on.

By definition, sandals replace the top of the shoe with different combinations of straps so that most of the foot is left bare. Here’s a look at the two types of sandals:

✓ Casual sandals: These are a great way to change up your wardrobe for the summer months. Casual sandals can range from flip-flops to strappy flats to ribbon-tie wedges. While rubber flip-flops are most appropriate for the beach, you can find plenty of open-toe sandals for summer that are suitable for the office or a casual dinner. Casual sandals look great with everything from jeans to sundresses.

✓ Dressier sandals: These are considered appropriate for formal occasions. Strappy sandals with high heels can be very dressy. Some are made of leather and others satin, and some have embellishments. Metallic sandals, such as gold or silver (see Figure 16-4), are very popular with evening wear because they’re neutral but give you a little more flair than basic black. Don’t be afraid to dress up your jeans with high- heel strappy sandals for a night on the town!

Figure 16-4: Ballet slippers (left) and dressier gold sandals (right).

I feel compelled to say this, even though I’m sure you already know it: Don’t wear sandals if your feet aren’t ready for them. If you don’t have time to get a pedicure, just take off your polish and make sure your toes look neat. Nothing is worse than a fab pair of sandals with a not-so-fabulous pair of feet!

Sneakers and sport shoes

Sneakers come in a wide variety of styles (see Figure 16-5) and you’ll defi- nitely be able to find a pair that suits your needs both in comfort and style. Just remember that while sneakers can be a style statement, especially if your style is on the sporty side, they don’t complement every outfit. There are definitely times when sneakers (like Converse) can make an outfit really adorable. But for the most part, sneakers are for the gym and days when you’re just lounging or running the kids around.

Figure 16-5: Different styles of sneakers.

Boots

I’m a big fan of boots. I love everything from casual UGGs (sheepskin boots) to high, black leather boots. I just love whipping mine out when fall comes around. As much as I love boots, though, I believe they have a time and a place. Wear boots during the cooler months and store them away during warmer ones. Why? First, it makes old things seem new again: If you store your boots for the summer, you can look forward to wearing them again in the fall and they’ll feel like new. Second, boots are too warm to wear during the summer and much of the spring. Some people do it, but I think it’s fun to vary up your look and give everything in your wardrobe a shot!

You can choose from a variety of boot styles, depending on your look and your body type. Your choices include ankle boots, knee-high boots, and above-the-knee boots. Boots also come in a variety of heel heights (flat to low-heel to high-heel) and heel styles (chunky, wedge, or stiletto). The boot itself can be pull up, zipper, or lace-up. And did I mention the toe shape? The toe can be pointy, square, or round. Figure 16-6 shows a few boot styles. As you can see, you have a lot of options!

Any type of boot can look sexy. My ex-boyfriend loved when I wore a fitted hoodie sweatshirt with leggings and UGG Boots. As long as you pair your favorite boots with the right outfit, you can turn your look from drab to fab instantly!

Figure 16-6: From left: Knee-high stiletto boots, low-heel riding boots, and high-heel ankle boots.

Because boots are more noticeable than shoes (after all, they can come half- way up your leg), you want them to have the appearance of high quality and style, which means you have to spend a little more. I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo boots four seasons ago, and although they were very expensive, they are still standing strong. Classic boots are worth spending on. A great pair of leather knee-high boots (with a heel or flat) is a great investment. When searching for that great pair of boots, take into account the clothing in your closet, the occasions you plan to wear them, and how much you can spend on them.

Boots are great with jeans. Try these looks; either option gives you the fashionable look of wearing boots and the confidence that comes with that:

✓ Tuck a pair of skinny jeans into knee-high boots. This is a great look if you want to show off your legs.

✓ Pair ankle boots with boot-cut or flared jeans. Wear the jeans over the boots.

Cowboy boots are in a category unto themselves. They come in and out of style as a fashion statement. If the occasion or location fits, or if you are a true cowgirl, these boots are great. Otherwise, better to invest in a pair of fashion boots that better suit the needs of your wardrobe.

Finally, many women have taken to wearing high rubber boots in an assortment of wild colors and designs (see Figure 16-7). These boots are perfect for a rainy or snowy season. They protect your clothing, keep your feet dry, and make a fashion statement at the same time. They come in basic neutral colors and in a variety of brights. Just make sure that if you decide to go for a fun pair in a bright color, the rest of your outfit is neutral. Rain boots are meant to be fun and brighten up a dreary day. If you know how to make them work into your wardrobe, go for it. If not, stick with the neutrals.

 

Figure 16-7: There’s a way to make rain boots look fashionable.

Honing In on Heel Heights

Nothing says sexy like a high heel. Your legs look better when wearing high heels because your calf muscles are flexed, shortened, and more defined. High heels also elongate the appearance of your legs, making you look longer and leaner (see Figure 16-8).

 

Two things affect heel height:

✓ The size of the shoe: The larger the shoe, the higher the heel. If you get a size 6 shoe with a 1-inch heel, you get a 1-inch heel height. But order that same shoe in a size 11 and the heel height is 11⁄2 inches. The heel height has to be in proportion to the size of the shoe. Because a size 11 shoe is obviously bigger than a size 6 shoe, the heel height is greater, too. Sometimes women with size 11 shoes don’t want that added height, so they adjust the heel height downward.

✓ Where the heel height is measured from: The heel height can be measured from the center of the heel or from the back. Measuring from the back results in a higher measurement. This consideration may be important when you want everyone wearing the same heel height, like in a bridal party. (By the way, the wedding industry measures shoes from the inside of the heel.) If you’re only choosing for yourself, be aware that different shoes with the same heel height printed on the box may have noticeable differences in the actual height. The likely culprit for this discrepancy is the location of the measurement; center, back, or front of the heel.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Shoes

In This Chapter

▶ Discovering your proper shoe size

▶ Shopping for shoes

▶ Examining shoe styles, from pumps to boots

Your obsession with shoes may have begun when you were 2 years old and you stepped into a pair of your mother’s high heels.

Eventually you grew up enough to shop for your own. How much fun! Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City took shoe shopping to a whole new level. Whether you live in a big city, in the suburbs, or on a farm, every woman should strut in style!

The great thing about new shoes is that they can reinvent any outfit in your closet. That little black dress you already own, for example, will look so much better with a fabulous new pair of strappy sandals. Buying a new pair of shoes also gives you that extra boost of confidence and makes you feel sexier with every step. This chapter shows you how to shop for comfortable, stylish shoes without breaking the bank.

Crash Course in Shoe Shopping

When you’re heading out the door to go shoe shopping (lucky you!), first make sure you know what you’re looking for. If warmer weather is coming and you don’t have any sandals to go with your dresses, for example, then plan to buy a great pair of strappy shoes. Or if you have a garment you’d love to wear but don’t have the right shoes to go with it, keep an eye out for just the right shoe. I once had a fabulous dress in fuchsia, but didn’t have the right shoes to wear with it until I found the perfect pair of gold high-heel sandals.

My point? Have a goal when heading into a shoe store. Taking this approach makes your shopping excursion both practical and fun. Without a plan, shoe shopping is going to hurt your wallet, not your feet.

First steps: Getting ready

Just as with clothing, do your research and prepare before you go shoe shopping:

✓ Look through some fashion magazines to see what’s in style. Are chunkier heels or stilettos in style? Are toes pointy or more rounded? What height are the boots? Are flats in? With an idea of what you’re looking for, you’re better prepared to hit the stores without all the choices overwhelming you.

Some of the trendier designs probably won’t be in style for very long. If you decide to go with something very trendy, try to find an inexpensive version. That way, when the trends change in the coming season, you haven’t wasted a ton of money on shoes you don’t want to wear anymore.

✓ Make sure you have the right hose or socks when you go to try on shoes. If you’re looking for sneakers, you need the kinds of socks you’d wear with the sneakers. If you’re buying pumps or boots, you need a thin sock or stocking — whatever you plan to wear underneath. (Most shoe stores provide stocking-like disposable peds you can use when you try on shoes.) Because sandals are worn with bare feet, you’ll be fine when trying those on.

If you know you’ll be shopping for shoes, make sure the footwear you have on comes off easily, especially if you’re visiting more than one store. Who wants to waste time tying laces when you could be looking for more potential buys!

Paying attention to fit

I love the look of high heels. I think many outfits look better and sexier when heels are worn. With that said, I am a huge fan of flats, too. Regardless of whether you’re wearing heels or flats, neither will be comfortable if it doesn’t fit properly. That’s why in this section I begin with the basics: how to find the right shoe size for you.

Measuring your feet — both of them

Taking an accurate foot measurement requires more than just slipping your foot into one of those foot measurement devices. To get the right measurement, follow these suggestions:

✓ Make sure to get both feet measured at a shoe store. Your feet may not be the same size. It’s not uncommon for one foot to be bigger than the other. A slight difference between one foot and the other may not matter, but if the difference is as much as half a size, it does. If one foot is bigger than the other, buy footwear that fits the bigger foot.

✓ Stand on the foot measurement device, rather than put your foot on it while sitting. Your foot gets wider when you stand.

✓ Get your feet measured toward the end of the day. Feet tend to swell as the day goes along. At the end of the day, they’re at their fullest.

✓ Get your feet re-measured every so often. As you age, your foot size may change.

Taking shoe shape into consideration

Just because you know the size of your feet doesn’t necessarily mean that every shoe of that size fits you comfortably. The basic shape of the shoe is called the last (see Figure 16-1). Variations in the last can mean that, while one size 8 shoe fits you like a glove, another size 8 shoe could be too big or too small.

When you try on shoes, pay attention to how they feel. While the level of comfort a shoe provides should be apparent, here are a few specific things to look for:

✓ The toe box: This is the part of the shoe where your toes go. You want the toe box to be big enough to accommodate all five of your toes comfortably. If it’s too big, your foot will slide around and you’ll end up with blisters. And if it’s too small (your toes will be a little cramped when you try them on), you’ll wish you never bought them after only a few hours wearing them.

✓ The vamp: This part of the shoe covers the top of the foot. Depending on how high the arch of your foot is, a shoe vamp may or may not fit comfortably. Different brands cut differently, so find one that fits you correctly.

✓ Sole: One part that you’re probably very familiar with, the sole is the bottom of the shoe. The soles of sneakers have ridges and are made of rubber to provide traction, while leather soles are thinner and more fashionable. Dancing, anyone? The thicker the sole, the more comfort- able walking is, because the thickness protects your feet from the hard ground below.

✓ Counter: The counter is the back part of the shoe. If there’s too much space between the back of your foot and the counter, your foot moves too much, and all that rubbing will cause a blister. As long as the shoe fits your foot properly in every other way, try the next shoe size down for a better fit — or if you’re between sizes, try a shoe pad.

✓ Heel: The heel supports the back of your foot, determines the height of the shoe, and contributes to the shoe’s style. The heel height can vary from half an inch to 5 inches.

Just as with clothing, each shoe manufacturer produces a slightly different fit, even if the sizes are all 8s. Some lines are narrower, some wider, and so on. When you find a shoe you like and that fits, check out the entire collection from that designer, which more than likely will fit you correctly and comfort- ably. Knowing which lines of shoes fit comfortably and which don’t gives you a head start when you’re shoe shopping in person or online.

If at all possible, try on shoes before you buy. If you purchase your shoes online, you may have to send the shoes back if they don’t fit. Although returning merchandise can be a pain, it’s a lot less painful than wearing shoes that don’t fit!

Some people are under the impression that all shoes have to be broken in — not true! An uncomfortable pair of shoes may become a little more comfort- able over time, and the use of a shoe stretcher can help. Still, don’t count on this when buying new shoes. Your best bet is to find shoes that fit you comfortably in the store; more than likely, they’ll be comfortable the first time you wear them, too.

Don’t assume the shoes inside a box are new just because a salesman brings them from the storeroom. Take a good look at the shoes before you try them on. Especially look at the bottom: If the shoes have been returned, you can easily see signs of wear and tear on the sole. A returned shoe isn’t necessarily one you shouldn’t buy; just make sure the shoes are comfortable and have nothing wrong with them. Sometimes you can ask for a discount if the wear is noticeable.

It’s a shoe-in! Shoe care tips

To maintain your shoes so they last and look great for as long as possible, follow these suggestions:

✓ Shine them. Shining shoes not only improves their appearance but protects them as well. It doesn’t have to be an onerous chore: Just keep some polish and a few rags near where you watch TV. Waxes and liquid polish add gloss to a shoe but don’t offer as much protection as creams and paste, which penetrate and moisturize the leather. So if you’re out in bad weather, you scuff your shoe, or you just notice that they’re looking dull, break out the polish.

✓ Have them resoled and repaired when necessary. The soles and heels get more wear and tear than the uppers. Having your shoes resoled when they’re worn down is great way to extend the life of your shoes, as long as the uppers are in good shape. And even if the uppers need a little fixing too, a reputable shoe repair place should be able to make them as good as new.

Have your favorite shoes (the ones you wear all the time because you love them) professionally cleaned and maintained at the end of the season, before you store them away for next year. (Don’t bother doing this with trendy shoes that you aren’t going to wear again next year.)

Shoe psych 101

Most women have a strong attraction to shoes. Some of the cutest pictures my mother has of me show me strutting around the house in her high heels. Wearing high heels signifies coming of age. Another attraction to shoes is that, in any shopping expedition, you can almost always find a pair of shoes that fits. Many women get

frustrated when shopping for clothing because finding something that looks perfect is often difficult. But because body type doesn’t necessarily determine what type of shoe looks good on you, two very differently shaped women can buy the same pair and both feel like a million bucks.

Shoe Styles

Certain styles of shoes are appropriate for certain situations. A pump, for example, is appropriate for the office. A flip-flop is appropriate for the beach. Knowing what style works where narrows your choices when shopping for that certain occasion.

Pumps

Pumps, a variety of which are shown in Figure 16-2, are shoes that cover the toe box, have anywhere from a low to high heel, and are usually slipped on without any fastening. They’re accepted as the traditional business shoe for women. Pumps can range from conservative, basic, low-heel, black leather, and nondescript to high heel, pointy toe, and sexy in any range of fabrics and colors.

Figure 16-2: From left: Classic black pump, peep-toe pump, kitten heel pump.

Current pump styles change with the trends. Straps across the top of the foot turn a simple pump into a Mary Jane pump. Another variation is the T-strap pump, in which a circle of leather surrounds your ankle and a strap descends down toward the toe box of the shoe. A peep-toe pump has the toe area cut out to expose the tips of your toes.

Mules

Take the back off your pumps and what have you got? A mule (see Figure 16-3). You can wear mules when you go shopping, when you go to work, or when you head out for the night. The key is the shoe. Mules come in a variety of styles, from pumps to sandals. (Any backless shoe is considered a mule.)

Don’t wear pantyhose or tights with mules. Because a mule has no ankle sup- port, your foot will slip. Plus it looks ridiculous!

Figure 16-3: From left: A classic mule and a wedge mule.

Flats and sandals

Don’t let anyone tell you that flats aren’t sexy! They’re not only very sensible shoes, but they can be very stylish, too. They’re super comfortable (as long as the fit is right) and can take you from day to night. In fact, most women welcome the current trend of wearing flats (I’m in flats of some sort 75 per- cent of the time) because comfort is key. In addition, designers are making both beautiful dressy and casual flats, giving women more choices when put- ting an outfit together. Everything from ballet flats (see Figure 16-4) to dressy sandal flats are available.

Because soles of flats are just that — flat — you may be more comfortable if you get a pair that have a cushioned insole. When shopping for flats, bring an insole with you if you think you may want to add it. That way, you can make sure the fit is correct when trying them on.

By definition, sandals replace the top of the shoe with different combinations of straps so that most of the foot is left bare. Here’s a look at the two types of sandals:

✓ Casual sandals: These are a great way to change up your wardrobe for the summer months. Casual sandals can range from flip-flops to strappy flats to ribbon-tie wedges. While rubber flip-flops are most appropriate for the beach, you can find plenty of open-toe sandals for summer that are suitable for the office or a casual dinner. Casual sandals look great with everything from jeans to sundresses.

✓ Dressier sandals: These are considered appropriate for formal occasions. Strappy sandals with high heels can be very dressy. Some are made of leather and others satin, and some have embellishments. Metallic sandals, such as gold or silver (see Figure 16-4), are very popular with evening wear because they’re neutral but give you a little more flair than basic black. Don’t be afraid to dress up your jeans with high- heel strappy sandals for a night on the town!

Figure 16-4: Ballet slippers (left) and dressier gold sandals (right).

I feel compelled to say this, even though I’m sure you already know it: Don’t wear sandals if your feet aren’t ready for them. If you don’t have time to get a pedicure, just take off your polish and make sure your toes look neat. Nothing is worse than a fab pair of sandals with a not-so-fabulous pair of feet!

Sneakers and sport shoes

Sneakers come in a wide variety of styles (see Figure 16-5) and you’ll defi- nitely be able to find a pair that suits your needs both in comfort and style. Just remember that while sneakers can be a style statement, especially if your style is on the sporty side, they don’t complement every outfit. There are definitely times when sneakers (like Converse) can make an outfit really adorable. But for the most part, sneakers are for the gym and days when you’re just lounging or running the kids around.

Figure 16-5: Different styles of sneakers.

Boots

I’m a big fan of boots. I love everything from casual UGGs (sheepskin boots) to high, black leather boots. I just love whipping mine out when fall comes around. As much as I love boots, though, I believe they have a time and a place. Wear boots during the cooler months and store them away during warmer ones. Why? First, it makes old things seem new again: If you store your boots for the summer, you can look forward to wearing them again in the fall and they’ll feel like new. Second, boots are too warm to wear during the summer and much of the spring. Some people do it, but I think it’s fun to vary up your look and give everything in your wardrobe a shot!

You can choose from a variety of boot styles, depending on your look and your body type. Your choices include ankle boots, knee-high boots, and above-the-knee boots. Boots also come in a variety of heel heights (flat to low-heel to high-heel) and heel styles (chunky, wedge, or stiletto). The boot itself can be pull up, zipper, or lace-up. And did I mention the toe shape? The toe can be pointy, square, or round. Figure 16-6 shows a few boot styles. As you can see, you have a lot of options!

Any type of boot can look sexy. My ex-boyfriend loved when I wore a fitted hoodie sweatshirt with leggings and UGG Boots. As long as you pair your favorite boots with the right outfit, you can turn your look from drab to fab instantly!

Figure 16-6: From left: Knee-high stiletto boots, low-heel riding boots, and high-heel ankle boots.

Because boots are more noticeable than shoes (after all, they can come half- way up your leg), you want them to have the appearance of high quality and style, which means you have to spend a little more. I bought a pair of Jimmy Choo boots four seasons ago, and although they were very expensive, they are still standing strong. Classic boots are worth spending on. A great pair of leather knee-high boots (with a heel or flat) is a great investment. When searching for that great pair of boots, take into account the clothing in your closet, the occasions you plan to wear them, and how much you can spend on them.

Boots are great with jeans. Try these looks; either option gives you the fashionable look of wearing boots and the confidence that comes with that:

✓ Tuck a pair of skinny jeans into knee-high boots. This is a great look if you want to show off your legs.

✓ Pair ankle boots with boot-cut or flared jeans. Wear the jeans over the boots.

Cowboy boots are in a category unto themselves. They come in and out of style as a fashion statement. If the occasion or location fits, or if you are a true cowgirl, these boots are great. Otherwise, better to invest in a pair of fashion boots that better suit the needs of your wardrobe.

Finally, many women have taken to wearing high rubber boots in an assortment of wild colors and designs (see Figure 16-7). These boots are perfect for a rainy or snowy season. They protect your clothing, keep your feet dry, and make a fashion statement at the same time. They come in basic neutral colors and in a variety of brights. Just make sure that if you decide to go for a fun pair in a bright color, the rest of your outfit is neutral. Rain boots are meant to be fun and brighten up a dreary day. If you know how to make them work into your wardrobe, go for it. If not, stick with the neutrals.

 

Figure 16-7: There’s a way to make rain boots look fashionable.

Honing In on Heel Heights

Nothing says sexy like a high heel. Your legs look better when wearing high heels because your calf muscles are flexed, shortened, and more defined. High heels also elongate the appearance of your legs, making you look longer and leaner (see Figure 16-8).

 

Two things affect heel height:

✓ The size of the shoe: The larger the shoe, the higher the heel. If you get a size 6 shoe with a 1-inch heel, you get a 1-inch heel height. But order that same shoe in a size 11 and the heel height is 11⁄2 inches. The heel height has to be in proportion to the size of the shoe. Because a size 11 shoe is obviously bigger than a size 6 shoe, the heel height is greater, too. Sometimes women with size 11 shoes don’t want that added height, so they adjust the heel height downward.

✓ Where the heel height is measured from: The heel height can be measured from the center of the heel or from the back. Measuring from the back results in a higher measurement. This consideration may be important when you want everyone wearing the same heel height, like in a bridal party. (By the way, the wedding industry measures shoes from the inside of the heel.) If you’re only choosing for yourself, be aware that different shoes with the same heel height printed on the box may have noticeable differences in the actual height. The likely culprit for this discrepancy is the location of the measurement; center, back, or front of the heel.

Accessories

In This Chapter

▶ Expanding your wardrobe with statement pieces

▶ Incorporating jewelry into your style

▶ Updating your look with scarves

▶ Choosing the right bag

I have this fabulous pair of gold earrings (see the back cover picture). Without fail, every time I wear them, somebody stops me. The earrings cost under a hundred dollars, and I definitely got my money’s worth. I wear them with jeans and a T-shirt or a simple black dress. But no matter what I wear them with, they’re always a showstopper. Everyone needs a few accessories like that — pieces that can take an outfit from good to great.

This chapter shows you how to use accessories to take your wardrobe from simple to sizzling in a flash.

Scarves and Shawls

Unless you’re a big celebrity or have an unlimited bank account, it’s unlikely that you have a big enough ward- robe to wear a new outfit everyday (would be nice, right?).

You can make your outfits look different every time you wear them, though. It’s all about one word — accessories.

Here’s an item you probably have in the back of your closet: a printed scarf. Scarves have the power to expand your wardrobe by making each outfit look different, especially if you tend to wear monochromatic tops. Because the focus of the outfit is the scarf, no one will notice that you’re wearing the same white top you wore last week. Solid scarves can also make an outfit pop. If you wear a multi-colored top, you can add a solid-colored scarf for a little extra flair.

Scarves, particularly ones made of silk, take up very little room and don’t require much care. (Unless you get them dirty, you rarely need to dry clean them.) What’s also great is that they’re available in all price ranges. You can get a great one for $20 or splurge on a designer scarf and spend hundreds. With a scarf, you can get away with spending a little less because the price doesn’t affect how the scarf fits you.

Winter scarves

Winter scarves are those you wear when you cozy up in front of the fire! Even though many of us are all bundled up in the winter, you can still look chic. Use your winter scarf to make a statement (see Figure 15-1). Here are some tips:

✓ Have a couple different scarves to match your winter coats. Because you may wear your winter scarves almost every day in cold weather, go with solids or classic weaves like plaid, houndstooth, or herringbone.

✓ Feel your winter scarves before buying. Some wool can be scratchy. (If you’re buying online or through a catalogue, make sure to check the return policy.)

✓ If you can, choose natural fibers. Cashmere is a great option if you can afford to splurge on your scarf. Pashmina (a type of cashmere woven in Kashmir from goats that live high in the Himalayas) scarves are also very popular. Scarves made from man-made fibers generally aren’t as cozy and luxurious as those made from natural fibers.

Figure 15-1: Stay bundled up and still look chic.

Summer scarves

Ah, summertime! Now I know the last thing you want to do when it gets really nice out is bundle up, but you can wear scarves even when it’s warm to make an outfit complete. How? Use your scarf as an accessory to bring an outfit together. In the summer, I like to wear a white T-shirt with white jeans and tie a bright scarf around my neck. I also like to use my scarf as a belt, as in Figure 15-2. You probably didn’t realize your scarf had so many uses!

Figure 15-2: A new way to wear your favorite scarf.

Using a brooch to keep your scarf closed is another option. (I love using my grandmother’s old pins to make a statement.)

Tying a scarf: A quick how-to

Did you know your scarf can go from being a shirt to a purse in seconds? Turning a scarf into unexpected items is so much fun to do — always a show- stopper. Figure 15-3 shows the different ways to tie a scarf.

Figure 15-3: Different ways to use a scarf.

Around the neck

Tying a scarf around your neck is certainly the classic way to wear it, and it keeps you looking chic without making you too warm. Wearing a scarf like this can make an otherwise plain suit pop. If you wear one in the summer with a T-shirt, your outfit is more complete. Remember, when you wear a scarf this way, it’s part of your outfit and you’ll want to keep it on, even when you’re indoors.

To tie a scarf around your neck, as shown in Figure 15-3, follow these steps:

1. Fold the scarf into a triangle.

2. Starting with the point, fold inward until the scarf is one long line.

3. Tie it around your neck in either of the following ways:

• If the scarf is long: Start with it in the front of the neck and wrap it around the back and then back to the front. Tie a knot in the front.

• If the scarf is short: Place it around your neck and tie a knot in the front.

You can wear the knot either on the side or in the middle.

Around the waist

I love this look. Instead of using a conventional belt, try looping your scarf and threading it through the loops of your pants. This makes any outfit more fun (and is especially great with jeans). To turn a scarf into a belt (refer to Figure 15-2), follow these steps:

1. Fold the scarf into a triangle.

2. Starting with the point, fold inward until the scarf is one long line.

3. Put it through the loops of jeans or slacks and tie a knot in the front.

Or you can just tie it like a sarong over your jeans, as in Figure 15-3. Here’s how:

1. Fold scarf into a triangle.

2. Wrap around your waist and tie the two ends at one hip.

As a halter top

To tie a scarf like a halter top (see Figure 15-3), use a large square scarf (one that’s at least 36 inches square) and then follow these steps:

1. Place the scarf on a flat surface with the dull side facing up.

2. In the middle of the scarf, tie a tight small knot.

3. Take the two points directly across from each other and tie them around your neck.

4. Tie the remaining two corners around your waist and tie a knot around your back.

As a pocketbook

Yes! Another one of my favorites. Your scarf can be transformed into a pocketbook (refer to Figure 15-3). Use a 36-inch square scarf and follow these steps:

1. Place your scarf on a flat surface with the dull side facing up.

2. Take the two points diagonal from each other and tie a tight knot in the middle of the scarf.

3. Take the remaining two points and tie another knot (only 4 inches from the top). This becomes the handle of your new, fabulous pocketbook.

Jewelry

Your jewelry collection comprises the most personal and special pieces you own. You collect it over a lifetime, and you generally don’t replace those items every season or even every few years. Often you get jewelry as a gift for special occasions or you inherit pieces from your mother or grandmother. Whether they’re pieces you were given or bought yourself, real or fake, fine or costume, all can have sentimental value and make you feel special when you wear them. Knowing how to incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe is important because they can really express your personality and style.

Fine jewelry

Knowing what to splurge on and what to save on is really important. You shouldn’t spend a lot on some things (like trendy tops). Other items, though, are worth investing in. Two pieces are a must in every jewelry chest: diamond stud earrings and a pearl necklace.

If you don’t have the money right now to buy major jewelry pieces for your wardrobe, don’t feel that these pieces are a must right now. I just want you to know what pieces to concentrate on when and if the occasion arises when you can spend money on jewelry.

You don’t need to splurge on certain items. I wear faux jewelry all the time.

I bought the necklace in Figure 15-4 at my favorite store, Jennifer Miller (www. jennifermillerjewelry.com). The one on the left is real and costs thou- sands of dollars. The one on the right (which is mine) costs under $100. Crazy, right? (No way can you tell the difference!) Getting the same look as expensive jewelry without breaking the bank is possible.

©Jennifer Miller

Figure 15-4: Real diamonds (left) versus fake diamonds (right).

Birthstones

Although the idea of certain stones being associated with certain months dates back to the Old Testament, it wasn’t until the 18th century in Poland that the concept really took hold. Twelve birthstones exist, one for each month, and the list goes like this:

January — Garnet (deep red)

February — Amethyst (purple)

March — Aquamarine (pale blue)

April — Diamond (clear)

May — Emerald (green)

June — Pearl (white)

July — Ruby (red)

August — Peridot (pale green)

September — Sapphire (deep blue)

October — Opal (muilti-color)

November — Yellow Topaz (yellow)

December — Topaz (blue)

Some people become very attached to their birthstone and it becomes their signature stone. (Mine is diamond, so I am very attached!) If that’s the case with you, then incorporate your birthstone into your style and your wardrobe choices. If you were born in May, for example, emerald earrings or a necklace can make a black dress or suit pop instantly.

Diamond studs earrings

If you can afford to buy a set of diamond studs in platinum or white or yellow gold, go for it. They’ll last forever and will go with everything. I wear mine with everything from cocktail dresses to jeans and a T-shirt. Everyone, from surfer chicks to those who prefer classic attire, should have diamond studs. (They also come in clip-on.)

If you’re laughing because buying expensive jewels isn’t even an option right now, cubic zirconia studs are a great alternative. As long as you don’t go too big, it’s very hard (unless you’re a jeweler) to tell that they’re not real. Again, smaller studs — under 2 karats — look more believable yet significant. I wear faux diamonds when I’m on vacation and no one can tell.

A pearl necklace

Another staple that goes with many different outfits and takes you to many different occasions is a pearl necklace. Even if you prefer very casual dress, a strand of pearls will be useful for those times when you need to get dressed up. I wear pearls that my mother gave me, but if you don’t have a pearl neck- lace, you can purchase your own without emptying your wallet. Pearls come in many levels of quality — the more perfect they are, the more expensive. You don’t need perfect pearls. You can find necklaces made of pearls that have slight imperfections or that aren’t all exactly the same size (another reason for the higher price).

Again, as with diamond studs and cubic zirconia, you can also buy a faux pearl necklace that no one will know is faux when paired with your fabulous outfit. And, if your look is a little more bohemian than classic, you can go with freshwater pearls. These are less expensive and have a different, more unusual look.

Costume or fashion jewelry

I love costume jewelry. I have people in my life (my dear friend Sandi and my mother) who have so much of it that they have a system of organization. Both use plastic bags (so they can see each piece) and organize the pieces by their general look. Every woman should explore the world of costume jewelry; you can make it work no matter what your style. A statement neck- lace, earrings, or ring can really make an otherwise simple outfit fabulous. My pearl necklace (on the front cover) is an example of how a piece of great jewelry can dress up jeans instantly.

Costume or fashion jewelry is made with materials that are much less expensive than fine jewelry. What looks like gold may be gold-plated (a thin layer of gold over another metal, most often copper or silver) or gold-filled (a thicker layer of gold laid over another metal, often brass). The designation gold-filled requires that the weight of the gold equal one-twentieth the weight of the entire piece. Eventually, the outer layer of gold is going to wear away, but how long that takes depends on the manufacturing process and how careful you are in protecting the piece.

Costume and fashion jewelry can vary in price depending on whether or not the piece has a designer name attached to it or whether the materials are rhinestones, cubic zirconia, or the more expensive semi-precious stones. Because it’s more affordable, costume jewelry also enables you to buy different pieces to go with certain outfits. When you’re looking for the perfect accessory for a specific outfit, costume jewelry is a great option. You can build an outfit around a great piece.

Making your bangles and beads work

Playing around with different ways to wear jewelry is fun. Stacking several bracelets or necklaces can work, especially if you’re wearing a very simple outfit. Just remember: Wear only one statement piece at a time. If you opt for a ton of bangles on your arm, go with a more subtle necklace or earrings (studs always work).

Mixing real and faux jewelry is also a good idea because the real items make your costume jewels look that much richer.

Again, be careful of how much jewelry you wear at any given moment. One piece that pops is often the way to go. A great trick to guard against over- accessorizing is to put on everything you think you want to wear while your back is to the mirror, and then quickly turn around. The first thing you see in the mirror is the one thing that may be putting your outfit over the top. If you remove that item, you’re good to go. Figure 15-5 shows how too many accessories can overwhelm an outfit, but just the right number can make a great outfit even better.

Vintage jewelry

Although people don’t like the idea of wearing clothes that other people have worn, many women have a different feeling about vintage jewelry. Especially with formalwear, vintage is very popular and can give you a beautifully classic look.

Vintage jewelry can be anything from a brooch you pick up at a flea market to an engagement ring you buy at an expensive antique jewelry shop. Because it’s really about the look you’re going for, hunting for inexpensive and unusual pieces to spruce up your wardrobe is a great idea (and can be a fun project). As with costume jewelry, or any jewelry for that matter, you want certain pieces to pop, so don’t overdo it when you wear vintage jewelry. Try wearing one piece at a time and make that the focal point of your outfit. No one will be able to tell if it’s real or not, and you will get a chance to show your personal flair.

Figure 15-5: How not to accessorize (left) and how to accessorize (right).

Hats

I have hair that needs to be blown out or I look like I stuck my head in a socket. Hats are often my best friends on the days I just can’t bring myself to blow out my hair for an hour.

That said, before you add a bunch of hats to your wardrobe, you definitely have to be comfortable with wearing them. Hats worn for warmth in winter are definitely easier to get away with than ones that are pure fashion statements. Hats certainly aren’t for everyone (some people just don’t look good in them), but if you learn what works for you, hats are another way to achieve a different look, not to mention save you from a bad  hair day!

The following is a list of the basic hat types:

✓ Baseball cap: Baseball caps are sporty and look best with workout clothes or jeans and a T-shirt.

They are most commonly worn when outside watching a sporting event or concert or when running around doing errands on a bad hair day. They are not especially fashionable, but they can be cute on the weekend.

✓ Beret: The French beret is made of soft wool in a multitude of colors. You can personalize it by pushing the crown to one side or the other, wearing it at many different angles, or even adding a brooch or pin to it. Berets are great for keeping warm and making a fashion statement. They’re a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe when the temperatures start dropping. Use a beret to top off a cute sweater, jeans, boots, and a wrap; or wear one with your new fall coat. Because you can mold them however you like and wear them in a number of ways, decide where it looks best (tilted right or left, or pushed more forward or back) and is most comfortable for you.

✓ Cowboy hat: The traditional ones are great if you live in the West but hard to match with anything other than jeans. However, straw versions of these are very popular in the summertime. The straw ones look great with a sun dress or a bathing suit on the beach.

✓ Fedora: Fedoras were originally made of soft felt. Like cowboy hats, nowadays fedoras can even be found in straw. This is a very stylish-looking hat and is generally worn to add flair to an otherwise simple outfit (see Figure 15-6).

Figure 15-6: A hat can serve as the statement piece of an outfit.

✓ Sun hat: These are usually made of straw or light canvas and have a wide brim to protect your face and neck from the harmful effects of the sun. Sun hats are great for the beach or just being out on a sunny summer day and work with almost any summertime outfit.

Bags

The only thing you have to be careful of when you wear hats is looking too gimmicky. You don’t want to appear as if you’re in a costume. Choose a hat that’s in style and make sure your personality is one that can carry it off before you incorporate that look into your wardrobe. Hats can land you in the hands of the fashion police when not worn correctly. If you have thoughts that the hat you chose may look silly, it likely does. I often ask my co-writer Dana if a hat looks good on me or if it’s too much. This is a time when a friend’s opinion helps a great deal.

If you’re looking for a hat that’s hard to find, try a vintage shop. As with jewelry, they’re great places to find that one-of-a-kind piece.

You’d be surprised how big a fashion statement a bag can make. Just as hemlines go up and down according to the latest trend, bags get bigger and smaller accordingly.

Types of bags

A great bag can actually make an entire outfit. You could be wearing jeans and a plain white top, but if you carry a fabulous statement bag you can change your whole look. Handbags come in a variety of categories, including:

✓ Baguette: A long, thin bag named after the French bread. Fashionistas set the trend with these when Fendi came out with these “it” bags.

✓ Clutch: This size bag works with everything from jeans to formal wear.

The more dressed up you are, the less you’re supposed to carry. When you’re at your most elegant, the only bag to carry is a small clutch (in most cases without a handle). These small bags force you to be very selective about what you take with you. However, a clutch is also appropriate if you don’t have much to carry and are just running to meet a friend for lunch or a casual dinner.

✓ Duffle: A take-off on the bags carried by sailors, a duffle bag is a large, roundish bag with a zipper on the top that holds your entire life and then some. Often more useful and durable than fashionable, this bag is perfect to hold everything you may need for day-to-day running around with the kids!

✓ Evening bag: Evening bags are usually clutches and often small enough to fit in your hand or under one arm. The level of detailing further declares how dressy a bag is. Fancier evening bags have a lot of detailing — like beads, sequins, and metallic fabric — that make them stand out. Some evening bags have a thin strap, handy when you need your hands to carry a drink during the cocktail hour, and the strap can usually be tucked inside if you want it to be simply a clutch. Judith Leiber is known for her beautiful evening bags that are uniquely shaped to match a woman’s interests and personality. (I was once given an evening bag shaped like a bird.)

✓ Hobo: These soft, crescent-shaped bags with a long handle are meant to be worn over the shoulder. Hobo bags are very stylish and also practical because they can hold a ton of stuff. They’re unstructured and go with clothing that is more casual or flowing.

✓ Kelly bag: This rectangular bag with a metal clasp is the epitome of luxury (see Figure 15-7). In addition to the traditional look, some are made from exotic leathers

Figure 15-7: The Kelly bag.

like alligator or ostrich. The prices can go as high as $27,000; and that goes for vintage bags as well as new ones.

Grace Kelly made these bags famous in 1956 when she used one to hide her pregnancy from prying photographers.

✓ Messenger: Originally created to carry mail or messages, this type of bag is large and, when the strap is placed across the back and chest, leaves both hands free. Today, you see it carried by both men and women in most large urban areas.

✓ Satchel: The traditional satchel bag is very much like a messenger bag, but the name has also been attached to other smaller bags with shorter handles that can be carried in your hand.

✓ Shoulder: Any bag that has a strap long enough to go over your shoulder is a shoulder bag.

✓ Tote: A tote bag is a large bag with an open top that’s good for carrying everything from groceries to a weekend’s worth of bikinis (see Figure 15-8).

This list should also include the simple handbag, because most bags that are sold don’t actually fit into a particular category. The simple handbag is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with an amazing assortment of pockets and flaps on the inside to help you to organize your life.

Those of you who juggle a million things every day are going to need a bag that’s functional and practical as well as cute!

Luxury bags

High-end designer bags are definitely a luxury item. They are beautiful and well made (it can take up to 20 hours to make a hand-crafted bag). However, most of them cost upward of $1,000, so having even one can be a stretch for most people.

If you want that designer bag for a special event but don’t want to spend designer prices, try www.bagborroworsteal.com. This site allows you to rent luxury bags by the week or the month at prices that start from $50 and go to $200 (depending on whether or not you’re a member and how long you keep it).

Picking a handbag

Just as you wouldn’t choose a pair of pants or any other item of clothing simply by the way it looks on the shelf, you shouldn’t choose a handbag that way, either. Here are things to consider when buying your next handbag:

✓ Consider what color and style you need. Handbags get paired with so many different outfits, so consider carefully what color and style you need. My advice:

• Cover the basics first. Get a neutral bag that goes with everything. If you already have that great black bag and you want to invest in a new bag, go for a different color. If you tend to wear mostly neutrals, a bag in a fun color can be a great accent piece.

• If you’re buying a bag to go with a specific outfit, wear some- thing similar to that outfit when you go shopping. This way you’ll know that you’re making a smart purchase that matches the outfit you plan to wear it with.

✓ Check to see that the bag balances your size. A bag shouldn’t over whelm you if you’re on the smaller side. Just like your clothing, you want your bag to look right proportionately and enhance your overall look.

✓ Determine whether it complements your basic body shape. If you’re  more round-shaped, you want to offset that with a square-ish, structured bag. But if you’re very angular, a round-shaped bag (like a crescent- shaped Hobo) may be better for you.

✓ Compare the bag color to your shoe color. It always looks polished to have shoes and a bag that complement each other. Having said that, the days when bags and shoes have to match exactly are gone. Putting together an outfit in which all your accessories work together without being too matchy-matchy lets you express your personal style and look current at the same time.

For Eyes: Spectacles

Of course glasses are used for their obvious purpose — to correct your vision — but they can also work as a great accessory. It comes as no surprise that many designers have come out with their very own line of frames. As with clothing, trends come and go in the optical world. Investing in frames that best suit your face before splurging on ones that may be hot only this season is definitely the way to go.

Matching frames to face

Faces, just like bodies, come in general shapes. Your face can be oval, oblong, round, square, or triangular. Recognizing the shape of your face assists you in determining what type of frame suits you best.

✓ Oval: An oval face looks good in just about any type of frame (see Figure 15-9).

✓ Oblong: Oblong faces are much longer than they are wide. Frames that sit in the middle of your face break up that long line.

✓ Round: To deemphasize the roundness of your face, choose frames with more straight lines.

✓ Square: To deemphasize a square face, choose frames that are more rounded (see Figure 15-10). Glasses that are heavier on the top also give a lengthening effect.

✓ Triangular: Avoid large frames that make the upper portion of your face look bigger.

Also stay away from bright colors, because these also draw attention to the top half of your face.

Figure 15-9: Aviator glasses go well with an oval-shaped face.

Skin tone and hair color also play a role in deciding which frame colors are right for you. Your glasses are meant to flatter and enhance your face, not overwhelm it. If your skin is very pale and you wear very dark glasses, for example, the glasses will stand out so much that people won’t appreciate the rest of your face.

The length of your nose is another factor to consider. If you have a short nose, wear lighter glasses that sit high on your face to maximize the visible length; if you have a long nose, glasses with a double bridge (two bars) can make it seem a bit shorter. Large frames can balance a large nose, but small frames only accentuate the size.

Figure 15-10: A round frame pairs

Accessories

In This Chapter

▶ Expanding your wardrobe with statement pieces

▶ Incorporating jewelry into your style

▶ Updating your look with scarves

▶ Choosing the right bag

I have this fabulous pair of gold earrings (see the back cover picture). Without fail, every time I wear them, somebody stops me. The earrings cost under a hundred dollars, and I definitely got my money’s worth. I wear them with jeans and a T-shirt or a simple black dress. But no matter what I wear them with, they’re always a showstopper. Everyone needs a few accessories like that — pieces that can take an outfit from good to great.

This chapter shows you how to use accessories to take your wardrobe from simple to sizzling in a flash.

Scarves and Shawls

Unless you’re a big celebrity or have an unlimited bank account, it’s unlikely that you have a big enough ward- robe to wear a new outfit everyday (would be nice, right?).

You can make your outfits look different every time you wear them, though. It’s all about one word — accessories.

Here’s an item you probably have in the back of your closet: a printed scarf. Scarves have the power to expand your wardrobe by making each outfit look different, especially if you tend to wear monochromatic tops. Because the focus of the outfit is the scarf, no one will notice that you’re wearing the same white top you wore last week. Solid scarves can also make an outfit pop. If you wear a multi-colored top, you can add a solid-colored scarf for a little extra flair.

Scarves, particularly ones made of silk, take up very little room and don’t require much care. (Unless you get them dirty, you rarely need to dry clean them.) What’s also great is that they’re available in all price ranges. You can get a great one for $20 or splurge on a designer scarf and spend hundreds. With a scarf, you can get away with spending a little less because the price doesn’t affect how the scarf fits you.

Winter scarves

Winter scarves are those you wear when you cozy up in front of the fire! Even though many of us are all bundled up in the winter, you can still look chic. Use your winter scarf to make a statement (see Figure 15-1). Here are some tips:

✓ Have a couple different scarves to match your winter coats. Because you may wear your winter scarves almost every day in cold weather, go with solids or classic weaves like plaid, houndstooth, or herringbone.

✓ Feel your winter scarves before buying. Some wool can be scratchy. (If you’re buying online or through a catalogue, make sure to check the return policy.)

✓ If you can, choose natural fibers. Cashmere is a great option if you can afford to splurge on your scarf. Pashmina (a type of cashmere woven in Kashmir from goats that live high in the Himalayas) scarves are also very popular. Scarves made from man-made fibers generally aren’t as cozy and luxurious as those made from natural fibers.

Figure 15-1: Stay bundled up and still look chic.

Summer scarves

Ah, summertime! Now I know the last thing you want to do when it gets really nice out is bundle up, but you can wear scarves even when it’s warm to make an outfit complete. How? Use your scarf as an accessory to bring an outfit together. In the summer, I like to wear a white T-shirt with white jeans and tie a bright scarf around my neck. I also like to use my scarf as a belt, as in Figure 15-2. You probably didn’t realize your scarf had so many uses!

Figure 15-2: A new way to wear your favorite scarf.

Using a brooch to keep your scarf closed is another option. (I love using my grandmother’s old pins to make a statement.)

Tying a scarf: A quick how-to

Did you know your scarf can go from being a shirt to a purse in seconds? Turning a scarf into unexpected items is so much fun to do — always a show- stopper. Figure 15-3 shows the different ways to tie a scarf.

Figure 15-3: Different ways to use a scarf.

Around the neck

Tying a scarf around your neck is certainly the classic way to wear it, and it keeps you looking chic without making you too warm. Wearing a scarf like this can make an otherwise plain suit pop. If you wear one in the summer with a T-shirt, your outfit is more complete. Remember, when you wear a scarf this way, it’s part of your outfit and you’ll want to keep it on, even when you’re indoors.

To tie a scarf around your neck, as shown in Figure 15-3, follow these steps:

1. Fold the scarf into a triangle.

2. Starting with the point, fold inward until the scarf is one long line.

3. Tie it around your neck in either of the following ways:

• If the scarf is long: Start with it in the front of the neck and wrap it around the back and then back to the front. Tie a knot in the front.

• If the scarf is short: Place it around your neck and tie a knot in the front.

You can wear the knot either on the side or in the middle.

Around the waist

I love this look. Instead of using a conventional belt, try looping your scarf and threading it through the loops of your pants. This makes any outfit more fun (and is especially great with jeans). To turn a scarf into a belt (refer to Figure 15-2), follow these steps:

1. Fold the scarf into a triangle.

2. Starting with the point, fold inward until the scarf is one long line.

3. Put it through the loops of jeans or slacks and tie a knot in the front.

Or you can just tie it like a sarong over your jeans, as in Figure 15-3. Here’s how:

1. Fold scarf into a triangle.

2. Wrap around your waist and tie the two ends at one hip.

As a halter top

To tie a scarf like a halter top (see Figure 15-3), use a large square scarf (one that’s at least 36 inches square) and then follow these steps:

1. Place the scarf on a flat surface with the dull side facing up.

2. In the middle of the scarf, tie a tight small knot.

3. Take the two points directly across from each other and tie them around your neck.

4. Tie the remaining two corners around your waist and tie a knot around your back.

As a pocketbook

Yes! Another one of my favorites. Your scarf can be transformed into a pocketbook (refer to Figure 15-3). Use a 36-inch square scarf and follow these steps:

1. Place your scarf on a flat surface with the dull side facing up.

2. Take the two points diagonal from each other and tie a tight knot in the middle of the scarf.

3. Take the remaining two points and tie another knot (only 4 inches from the top). This becomes the handle of your new, fabulous pocketbook.

Jewelry

Your jewelry collection comprises the most personal and special pieces you own. You collect it over a lifetime, and you generally don’t replace those items every season or even every few years. Often you get jewelry as a gift for special occasions or you inherit pieces from your mother or grandmother. Whether they’re pieces you were given or bought yourself, real or fake, fine or costume, all can have sentimental value and make you feel special when you wear them. Knowing how to incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe is important because they can really express your personality and style.

Fine jewelry

Knowing what to splurge on and what to save on is really important. You shouldn’t spend a lot on some things (like trendy tops). Other items, though, are worth investing in. Two pieces are a must in every jewelry chest: diamond stud earrings and a pearl necklace.

If you don’t have the money right now to buy major jewelry pieces for your wardrobe, don’t feel that these pieces are a must right now. I just want you to know what pieces to concentrate on when and if the occasion arises when you can spend money on jewelry.

You don’t need to splurge on certain items. I wear faux jewelry all the time.

I bought the necklace in Figure 15-4 at my favorite store, Jennifer Miller (www. jennifermillerjewelry.com). The one on the left is real and costs thou- sands of dollars. The one on the right (which is mine) costs under $100. Crazy, right? (No way can you tell the difference!) Getting the same look as expensive jewelry without breaking the bank is possible.

©Jennifer Miller

Figure 15-4: Real diamonds (left) versus fake diamonds (right).

Birthstones

Although the idea of certain stones being associated with certain months dates back to the Old Testament, it wasn’t until the 18th century in Poland that the concept really took hold. Twelve birthstones exist, one for each month, and the list goes like this:

January — Garnet (deep red)

February — Amethyst (purple)

March — Aquamarine (pale blue)

April — Diamond (clear)

May — Emerald (green)

June — Pearl (white)

July — Ruby (red)

August — Peridot (pale green)

September — Sapphire (deep blue)

October — Opal (muilti-color)

November — Yellow Topaz (yellow)

December — Topaz (blue)

Some people become very attached to their birthstone and it becomes their signature stone. (Mine is diamond, so I am very attached!) If that’s the case with you, then incorporate your birthstone into your style and your wardrobe choices. If you were born in May, for example, emerald earrings or a necklace can make a black dress or suit pop instantly.

Diamond studs earrings

If you can afford to buy a set of diamond studs in platinum or white or yellow gold, go for it. They’ll last forever and will go with everything. I wear mine with everything from cocktail dresses to jeans and a T-shirt. Everyone, from surfer chicks to those who prefer classic attire, should have diamond studs. (They also come in clip-on.)

If you’re laughing because buying expensive jewels isn’t even an option right now, cubic zirconia studs are a great alternative. As long as you don’t go too big, it’s very hard (unless you’re a jeweler) to tell that they’re not real. Again, smaller studs — under 2 karats — look more believable yet significant. I wear faux diamonds when I’m on vacation and no one can tell.

A pearl necklace

Another staple that goes with many different outfits and takes you to many different occasions is a pearl necklace. Even if you prefer very casual dress, a strand of pearls will be useful for those times when you need to get dressed up. I wear pearls that my mother gave me, but if you don’t have a pearl neck- lace, you can purchase your own without emptying your wallet. Pearls come in many levels of quality — the more perfect they are, the more expensive. You don’t need perfect pearls. You can find necklaces made of pearls that have slight imperfections or that aren’t all exactly the same size (another reason for the higher price).

Again, as with diamond studs and cubic zirconia, you can also buy a faux pearl necklace that no one will know is faux when paired with your fabulous outfit. And, if your look is a little more bohemian than classic, you can go with freshwater pearls. These are less expensive and have a different, more unusual look.

Costume or fashion jewelry

I love costume jewelry. I have people in my life (my dear friend Sandi and my mother) who have so much of it that they have a system of organization. Both use plastic bags (so they can see each piece) and organize the pieces by their general look. Every woman should explore the world of costume jewelry; you can make it work no matter what your style. A statement neck- lace, earrings, or ring can really make an otherwise simple outfit fabulous. My pearl necklace (on the front cover) is an example of how a piece of great jewelry can dress up jeans instantly.

Costume or fashion jewelry is made with materials that are much less expensive than fine jewelry. What looks like gold may be gold-plated (a thin layer of gold over another metal, most often copper or silver) or gold-filled (a thicker layer of gold laid over another metal, often brass). The designation gold-filled requires that the weight of the gold equal one-twentieth the weight of the entire piece. Eventually, the outer layer of gold is going to wear away, but how long that takes depends on the manufacturing process and how careful you are in protecting the piece.

Costume and fashion jewelry can vary in price depending on whether or not the piece has a designer name attached to it or whether the materials are rhinestones, cubic zirconia, or the more expensive semi-precious stones. Because it’s more affordable, costume jewelry also enables you to buy different pieces to go with certain outfits. When you’re looking for the perfect accessory for a specific outfit, costume jewelry is a great option. You can build an outfit around a great piece.

Making your bangles and beads work

Playing around with different ways to wear jewelry is fun. Stacking several bracelets or necklaces can work, especially if you’re wearing a very simple outfit. Just remember: Wear only one statement piece at a time. If you opt for a ton of bangles on your arm, go with a more subtle necklace or earrings (studs always work).

Mixing real and faux jewelry is also a good idea because the real items make your costume jewels look that much richer.

Again, be careful of how much jewelry you wear at any given moment. One piece that pops is often the way to go. A great trick to guard against over- accessorizing is to put on everything you think you want to wear while your back is to the mirror, and then quickly turn around. The first thing you see in the mirror is the one thing that may be putting your outfit over the top. If you remove that item, you’re good to go. Figure 15-5 shows how too many accessories can overwhelm an outfit, but just the right number can make a great outfit even better.

Vintage jewelry

Although people don’t like the idea of wearing clothes that other people have worn, many women have a different feeling about vintage jewelry. Especially with formalwear, vintage is very popular and can give you a beautifully classic look.

Vintage jewelry can be anything from a brooch you pick up at a flea market to an engagement ring you buy at an expensive antique jewelry shop. Because it’s really about the look you’re going for, hunting for inexpensive and unusual pieces to spruce up your wardrobe is a great idea (and can be a fun project). As with costume jewelry, or any jewelry for that matter, you want certain pieces to pop, so don’t overdo it when you wear vintage jewelry. Try wearing one piece at a time and make that the focal point of your outfit. No one will be able to tell if it’s real or not, and you will get a chance to show your personal flair.

Figure 15-5: How not to accessorize (left) and how to accessorize (right).

Hats

I have hair that needs to be blown out or I look like I stuck my head in a socket. Hats are often my best friends on the days I just can’t bring myself to blow out my hair for an hour.

That said, before you add a bunch of hats to your wardrobe, you definitely have to be comfortable with wearing them. Hats worn for warmth in winter are definitely easier to get away with than ones that are pure fashion statements. Hats certainly aren’t for everyone (some people just don’t look good in them), but if you learn what works for you, hats are another way to achieve a different look, not to mention save you from a bad  hair day!

The following is a list of the basic hat types:

✓ Baseball cap: Baseball caps are sporty and look best with workout clothes or jeans and a T-shirt.

They are most commonly worn when outside watching a sporting event or concert or when running around doing errands on a bad hair day. They are not especially fashionable, but they can be cute on the weekend.

✓ Beret: The French beret is made of soft wool in a multitude of colors. You can personalize it by pushing the crown to one side or the other, wearing it at many different angles, or even adding a brooch or pin to it. Berets are great for keeping warm and making a fashion statement. They’re a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe when the temperatures start dropping. Use a beret to top off a cute sweater, jeans, boots, and a wrap; or wear one with your new fall coat. Because you can mold them however you like and wear them in a number of ways, decide where it looks best (tilted right or left, or pushed more forward or back) and is most comfortable for you.

✓ Cowboy hat: The traditional ones are great if you live in the West but hard to match with anything other than jeans. However, straw versions of these are very popular in the summertime. The straw ones look great with a sun dress or a bathing suit on the beach.

✓ Fedora: Fedoras were originally made of soft felt. Like cowboy hats, nowadays fedoras can even be found in straw. This is a very stylish-looking hat and is generally worn to add flair to an otherwise simple outfit (see Figure 15-6).

Figure 15-6: A hat can serve as the statement piece of an outfit.

✓ Sun hat: These are usually made of straw or light canvas and have a wide brim to protect your face and neck from the harmful effects of the sun. Sun hats are great for the beach or just being out on a sunny summer day and work with almost any summertime outfit.

Bags

The only thing you have to be careful of when you wear hats is looking too gimmicky. You don’t want to appear as if you’re in a costume. Choose a hat that’s in style and make sure your personality is one that can carry it off before you incorporate that look into your wardrobe. Hats can land you in the hands of the fashion police when not worn correctly. If you have thoughts that the hat you chose may look silly, it likely does. I often ask my co-writer Dana if a hat looks good on me or if it’s too much. This is a time when a friend’s opinion helps a great deal.

If you’re looking for a hat that’s hard to find, try a vintage shop. As with jewelry, they’re great places to find that one-of-a-kind piece.

You’d be surprised how big a fashion statement a bag can make. Just as hemlines go up and down according to the latest trend, bags get bigger and smaller accordingly.

Types of bags

A great bag can actually make an entire outfit. You could be wearing jeans and a plain white top, but if you carry a fabulous statement bag you can change your whole look. Handbags come in a variety of categories, including:

✓ Baguette: A long, thin bag named after the French bread. Fashionistas set the trend with these when Fendi came out with these “it” bags.

✓ Clutch: This size bag works with everything from jeans to formal wear.

The more dressed up you are, the less you’re supposed to carry. When you’re at your most elegant, the only bag to carry is a small clutch (in most cases without a handle). These small bags force you to be very selective about what you take with you. However, a clutch is also appropriate if you don’t have much to carry and are just running to meet a friend for lunch or a casual dinner.

✓ Duffle: A take-off on the bags carried by sailors, a duffle bag is a large, roundish bag with a zipper on the top that holds your entire life and then some. Often more useful and durable than fashionable, this bag is perfect to hold everything you may need for day-to-day running around with the kids!

✓ Evening bag: Evening bags are usually clutches and often small enough to fit in your hand or under one arm. The level of detailing further declares how dressy a bag is. Fancier evening bags have a lot of detailing — like beads, sequins, and metallic fabric — that make them stand out. Some evening bags have a thin strap, handy when you need your hands to carry a drink during the cocktail hour, and the strap can usually be tucked inside if you want it to be simply a clutch. Judith Leiber is known for her beautiful evening bags that are uniquely shaped to match a woman’s interests and personality. (I was once given an evening bag shaped like a bird.)

✓ Hobo: These soft, crescent-shaped bags with a long handle are meant to be worn over the shoulder. Hobo bags are very stylish and also practical because they can hold a ton of stuff. They’re unstructured and go with clothing that is more casual or flowing.

✓ Kelly bag: This rectangular bag with a metal clasp is the epitome of luxury (see Figure 15-7). In addition to the traditional look, some are made from exotic leathers

Figure 15-7: The Kelly bag.

like alligator or ostrich. The prices can go as high as $27,000; and that goes for vintage bags as well as new ones.

Grace Kelly made these bags famous in 1956 when she used one to hide her pregnancy from prying photographers.

✓ Messenger: Originally created to carry mail or messages, this type of bag is large and, when the strap is placed across the back and chest, leaves both hands free. Today, you see it carried by both men and women in most large urban areas.

✓ Satchel: The traditional satchel bag is very much like a messenger bag, but the name has also been attached to other smaller bags with shorter handles that can be carried in your hand.

✓ Shoulder: Any bag that has a strap long enough to go over your shoulder is a shoulder bag.

✓ Tote: A tote bag is a large bag with an open top that’s good for carrying everything from groceries to a weekend’s worth of bikinis (see Figure 15-8).

This list should also include the simple handbag, because most bags that are sold don’t actually fit into a particular category. The simple handbag is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with an amazing assortment of pockets and flaps on the inside to help you to organize your life.

Those of you who juggle a million things every day are going to need a bag that’s functional and practical as well as cute!

Luxury bags

High-end designer bags are definitely a luxury item. They are beautiful and well made (it can take up to 20 hours to make a hand-crafted bag). However, most of them cost upward of $1,000, so having even one can be a stretch for most people.

If you want that designer bag for a special event but don’t want to spend designer prices, try www.bagborroworsteal.com. This site allows you to rent luxury bags by the week or the month at prices that start from $50 and go to $200 (depending on whether or not you’re a member and how long you keep it).

Picking a handbag

Just as you wouldn’t choose a pair of pants or any other item of clothing simply by the way it looks on the shelf, you shouldn’t choose a handbag that way, either. Here are things to consider when buying your next handbag:

✓ Consider what color and style you need. Handbags get paired with so many different outfits, so consider carefully what color and style you need. My advice:

• Cover the basics first. Get a neutral bag that goes with everything. If you already have that great black bag and you want to invest in a new bag, go for a different color. If you tend to wear mostly neutrals, a bag in a fun color can be a great accent piece.

• If you’re buying a bag to go with a specific outfit, wear some- thing similar to that outfit when you go shopping. This way you’ll know that you’re making a smart purchase that matches the outfit you plan to wear it with.

✓ Check to see that the bag balances your size. A bag shouldn’t over whelm you if you’re on the smaller side. Just like your clothing, you want your bag to look right proportionately and enhance your overall look.

✓ Determine whether it complements your basic body shape. If you’re  more round-shaped, you want to offset that with a square-ish, structured bag. But if you’re very angular, a round-shaped bag (like a crescent- shaped Hobo) may be better for you.

✓ Compare the bag color to your shoe color. It always looks polished to have shoes and a bag that complement each other. Having said that, the days when bags and shoes have to match exactly are gone. Putting together an outfit in which all your accessories work together without being too matchy-matchy lets you express your personal style and look current at the same time.

For Eyes: Spectacles

Of course glasses are used for their obvious purpose — to correct your vision — but they can also work as a great accessory. It comes as no surprise that many designers have come out with their very own line of frames. As with clothing, trends come and go in the optical world. Investing in frames that best suit your face before splurging on ones that may be hot only this season is definitely the way to go.

Matching frames to face

Faces, just like bodies, come in general shapes. Your face can be oval, oblong, round, square, or triangular. Recognizing the shape of your face assists you in determining what type of frame suits you best.

✓ Oval: An oval face looks good in just about any type of frame (see Figure 15-9).

✓ Oblong: Oblong faces are much longer than they are wide. Frames that sit in the middle of your face break up that long line.

✓ Round: To deemphasize the roundness of your face, choose frames with more straight lines.

✓ Square: To deemphasize a square face, choose frames that are more rounded (see Figure 15-10). Glasses that are heavier on the top also give a lengthening effect.

✓ Triangular: Avoid large frames that make the upper portion of your face look bigger.

Also stay away from bright colors, because these also draw attention to the top half of your face.

Figure 15-9: Aviator glasses go well with an oval-shaped face.

Skin tone and hair color also play a role in deciding which frame colors are right for you. Your glasses are meant to flatter and enhance your face, not overwhelm it. If your skin is very pale and you wear very dark glasses, for example, the glasses will stand out so much that people won’t appreciate the rest of your face.

The length of your nose is another factor to consider. If you have a short nose, wear lighter glasses that sit high on your face to maximize the visible length; if you have a long nose, glasses with a double bridge (two bars) can make it seem a bit shorter. Large frames can balance a large nose, but small frames only accentuate the size.

Figure 15-10: A round frame pairs

It’s What’s Inside That Counts: Undergarments

In This Chapter

▶ Everything you ever wanted and needed to know about hosiery

▶ Finding the right bra

▶ Figuring out which panty is right for you

▶ Using body shapers

How many times have you seen a woman in a great outfit and said to yourself, “I love that dress, but how could she let those bra straps hang out like that?!” Here’s the deal: You never want to be the girl in the great outfit with the wrong under- garments. This chapter explains how to make your outfit look even better with only a few purchases and a few key tricks.

Hosiery

Women have a wide variety of choices when it comes to hosiery: stockings, pantyhose, tights, knee highs, or nothing at all. I don’t know how we got into such a complicated state of affairs, but I personally tend to opt for nothing at all (crazy, I know). I remember my grandmother would never leave the house,let alone go to a formal affair, without the right hosiery. But what is considered appropriate and accepted has definitely changed throughout the years. Warmth, office decorum, and what flatters your body best are just a few of the issues to consider as I take you on a journey into the world of hosiery.

Different types of hosiery styles

Hosiery styles vary in color and transparency and come in various patterns. With all these varieties, be sure to select a style that fits your body type:

✓ If you want to appear taller or leaner, wear a darker color or one with a simple seam up the back of the leg.

✓ Lighter colors, especially ones with patterns, draw more attention to your legs and can make them look wider.

The right hose or some great tights can really make an outfit. But hosiery isn’t just a fashion statement; some women wear it to cover up parts of their legs they aren’t fans of, like veins, blemishes — you name it. (I have a friend, in fact, who doesn’t like her knees.) In addition, covering your legs is appropriate or required in certain situations, like at many offices or events. The following sections take a look at pantyhose and stockings (shown in Figure 14-1).

Stockings

Stockings cover the foot and lower part of the leg and end mid-thigh. Formerly made of woven cloth, they can now be found in knitted wool, cotton, nylon, or silk.

Many women prefer stockings to pantyhose (covered in the next section) for these reasons:

✓ They’re not as restrictive. Stockings can be more comfortable than pantyhose or tights, especially in warm weather.

✓ They’re sexier. Stockings allow for some bare skin on the upper thigh that could inadvertently (or not) be exposed.

Use one of these methods to keep your stockings up:

✓ A garter belt: A garter belt is a piece of lingerie that goes around the waist that has “suspenders” that clip to the top of the stockings (see Figure 14-2).

✓ An elastic garter: Have you ever been to a wedding and watched as the groom pulls a garter off his new wife’s leg and everyone laughs? Of course you have! Well, garters aren’t just wedding souvenirs. You can use them to actually hold stockings up.

✓ “Stay Ups”: Here, the inside of the top of the stocking has an elastic band added to it that allows it to, well, stay up. (Duh, hence the name!)

Pantyhose

When women began to wear miniskirts in the 1960s, stockings, which up until then had been kept up with garters, proved to be too short. So one-piece pantyhose came to the fore (interestingly, dancers were the first to come up with the idea of sewing stockings to the leg bands of their briefs). Shortly thereafter, the majority of hosiery sales were in the form of pantyhose (see Figure 14-3). What do so many women like about pantyhose?

✓ They don’t have to worry whether their stockings are sagging or attached.

✓ Pantyhose provide welcome extra warmth when it’s cold outside.

✓ Because pantyhose use a stretch material, they provide extra support, which has a slimming effect on the legs (and, if the pantyhose are control top, to the tummy as well).Hosiery rules

Manufacturers have come up with a wide variety of hosiery textures and designs, including fishnet, fencenet (which has a wider webbing), stripes, checks, and other woven designs. You can also find them with bows, lace panels, and in a rainbow of colors. They can be opaque, medium sheer, or completely sheer. Other advances include a seamless toe or sandal-foot that you can wear with sandals and other open-toe shoes.

The following list offers a bit of guidance to help you decide what style looks best on you and some pointers on how to wear them:

✓ Creating a slimming effect: To get a slimming effect, wear dark hose. An alternative is to wear medium sheer, which is more slimming than very sheer or opaque because it allows for some shading on the leg. Also, wear hose that echo the color of your outfit — a navy skirt or dress with navy hose and navy shoes, for example — to elongate the appearance of your body.

✓ Using hosiery as an accessory: Wearing a simple black dress with a patterned pair of tights or stockings make your legs the centerpiece of your outfit.

✓ Getting a dressier look: Hosiery with a sheen is considered dressier and makes your outfit fancier.

Stocking thickness is measured in denier. The lower the denier number, the sheerer the garment. (Stockings knitted with a higher denier are less sheer but more durable.)

For comfort and style, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

✓ If you wear flesh-colored hosiery, make sure it matches the color of your flesh. Having legs a different color than your arms (either because they’re too dark or too light) looks funny.

✓ Knee highs, a variety of hosiery to be worn under pants, leave marks on your legs that show for some time. If you wear them during the day and intend to go barelegged at night, take them off well ahead of time.

✓ If you wear a garter belt to hold up your stockings, make sure the belt matches the color of the stockings. Also, adjust the straps so that the front straps are two inches shorter than the back ones. That way, they don’t show if your skirt gets hiked up, such as when you sit.

✓ You put the garter belt and stockings on first and your panties on last. Otherwise, you have to remove everything when you go to the bath-room.

✓ Never wear hosiery with open-toe shoes or sandals (see Figure 14-4). Never. No exceptions. In fact, I’m getting anxious just thinking of that outfit!

Figure 14-4: Don’t wear hose with open-toe shoes!

How much should you spend on hosiery? You can get a good pair of brand- name hose or stockings for $12 to $25, and they’ll last a while if cared for properly. Get the right size (hosiery that’s too tight wears out more quickly), and wash them before you put them on to help the material stretch a little (this also helps them fit better). Hand-washing is preferable, but if you must wash hosiery in a washing machine with other clothes, put them in a lingerie bag to protect them.

Bras

The bra has a history that stretches back several thousands of years. But it wasn’t until the early 20th century, when Warner, a huge bra manufacturing company, began selling bras in various cup sizes that the “modern” bra was born. Since then, bra manufacturers have been using their creativity to design bras for almost every purpose and occasion.

Types of bras

Women wear bras to prevent sagging, to provide shape for a particular look, and to add a layer of opacity to a sheer top. Today, more than 20 different types of bras are available   not to mention all the varieties of designs avail- able for each type. Here is a brief description of the most common categories:

✓ Full-support bras: This type of bra fully envelops the breast (see Figure 14-5). The objective is to give the breast as much support and concealment as possible. Full support bras include minimizers (for large- breasted women who want to appear smaller) and underwire bras (which have wire built into the cup to help support, lift, and shape the breasts).

✓ Seamless bras: Designed more for sheer or fitted clothing (see Figure 14-6), seamless bras are perfect under a T-shirt because no lines show. These come with underwire and padding if you’re looking for a little boost, too!

✓ Strapless bras: Strapless bras, or bandeau bras, are designed to be worn with strapless tops or dresses, and tops that don’t fully cover the shoulders.

✓ Convertible bras: These bras have removable straps that you can wear in a variety of ways (see Figure 14-7): over the shoulder, crisscrossed in the back, as a halter, as a T-back, or without the straps. The crisscross style is great for underneath a racerback tank or a sleeveless top.

If you don’t have a convertible bra, try the Hollywood Hook-Up (www. Hollywoodfashiontape.com), shown in Figure 14-8. This device converts your bra into a racerback, saving you from having to buy a new bra.

✓ Plunge bras: These are ideal when you wear low-cut garments but still have enough coverage to feel comfortable.

©Jeremy Winter, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Inc.

Figure 14-8: A hook-up turns a regular bra into a racerback.

✓ Shelf bras: These bras support the breast but don’t cover it, giving the appearance that you’re not wearing a bra.

✓ Demi bras: These bras leave the top half of the breast exposed and are good when you wear a top with a deep neckline.

✓ Padded bras: Padded bras are designed to increase the appearance of the volume of the breast.

✓ Push-up bras: These bras create more cleavage by using padding or gel to push up the breast. One of the most well-known push-up bras is the Wonderbra.

✓ Adhesive bras: These are latex-free adhesives that you place on your nipples to hide them. They give no support at all. Wear them with backless dresses or when you want the braless look but want to maintain a hint of modesty.

Many brands sell nipple concealers. Most are discarded after use (don’t worry; it doesn’t kill when you take them off!). I love Low Beams; they’re $10 at www.barenecessities.com.

✓ Specialty bras: This category includes a variety of bras such as

• Nursing bras: These open up to allow a nursing mother to feed her child without removing the bra.

• Longline bras: The base of these stretch down to your waist to hold in your tummy.

Each style of bra comes in an assortment of fabrics, colors, and designs. As long as the bra fits you properly (see the next section) and is flattering on you, feel free to play with different options.

Have a variety of designs so that you have something appropriate to wear underneath any top you put on. If you wear a light-colored or sheer top, for example, wear a nude or flesh-toned bra that won’t show through the fabric. If you wear a lot of black or heavier materials on top, you can play with darker- colored bras or bras with designs or lace, because you won’t see those things through the shirt.

How many different types of bras you need depends on your lifestyle. If you have one type of bra that you like and wear every day, having a supply of those suffices. But if you attend events where you’re likely to wear a strap- less gown or one with a plunging neckline, even if these events occur only once or twice a year, then you want to have some of those types of bras in your drawer. If you’re active and engage in various sports, you need some sports bras. Whether you ever stock up on sexy bras is a personal decision, but it’s a good idea, because even if you don’t dress overtly sexy, just knowing you’re wearing a sexy bra underneath can do wonders to your mood and your psyche, and give you that extra boost of confidence!

Getting fitted by a pro

Experts say that something like 8 out of 10 women aren’t wearing the right bra size. Let this section help you avoid being one of those unfortunate women.

Why is it so important for a bra to fit perfectly, you ask? Walk down the street and see all the women whose flesh bulges out of their bras in one place or another, and that’s one answer. Then ask your women friends how many find their bras comfortable, and that gives you another. A bra that fits properly leaves you looking and feeling your best. A bra that’s too tight is uncomfortable, and one that’s too loose doesn’t give you the necessary support. Finally, a well-fitting bra makes you look slimmer. Here’s why: Your rib cage is your thinnest point. If you’re like most women, the lower you go below your rib cage, toward your belly, the wider you are. So you want to show off that rib cage, but you can’t do that if your breasts are sagging and covering most of it up. If your bra fits you correctly, however, your breasts look perky and stand out from your rib cage, making it visible.

Your correct bra size is very difficult to figure out on your own. To get fitted properly for a bra, go to the lingerie department of a department store or to a lingerie shop. The staff at either of these places can provide the expertise you need. Fittings are free at most department stores, and you don’t generally need an appointment. Ask for the lead specialist (she’s had the most experience). And keep in mind that you can’t get a proper measurement with your bra on. So you’re going to have to take it off and allow the expert to measure you. Don’t allow modesty to prevent you from getting fitted for the perfect bra; these experts have seen everything and are very professional.

Get yourself professionally fitted at least once a year, and more often if you’ve undergone any dramatic weight loss or gain.

Shopping for bras

Almost all department stores have a lingerie department stocked with a wide variety of merchandise and the salespeople necessary to help with size and style. You can also go to any of the many lingerie shops and boutiques. Victoria’s Secret is always a good choice, too, because it has many locations and a large variety of styles at reasonable prices. You can also find specialty bra stores, where the personnel not only fit you for a bra but also alter the bra for you right at the store. These are often more expensive, but you’re sure to get the perfect fit and finest quality.

Wherever you shop, follow these steps to find a bra that fits properly (Figure 14-9 shows the different parts of a bra):

1. Put it on the loosest fitting.

A bra stretches over time, and you’ll have to tighten it eventually, so you want to start out with room to tighten it.

Over time, the elastic in a bra stretches, and you’ll notice that the bra rides up your back and doesn’t support your breasts. When that hap- pens, go to the next set of hooks. When you’ve exhausted the hooks, it’s time to get a new bra.

2. See whether you can run one finger comfortably around the inside edge of the band.

If you can’t, it’s too tight. If you can fit two fingers, then it’s too loose.

3. Take a look at yourself in the mirror.

Do your breasts bulge out the sides or the top? Unless it’s a push-up bra that you want to boost your figure, bulging breasts means it’s too tight.

4. Check out the gore, or middle of the bra in the front.

It should be flat against your chest. If it’s being pushed away from you, either the cups are too big or the band is too big.

5. Move around and see how it feels:

• Bend over to make sure that your breasts don’t flop out. If they do, that’s a sure sign that the bra is too big.

• Put your arms over your head. If the band slips, it’s too big, but if it cuts, it’s too small.

• Twist your torso left and right. The bra should move with you, staying firmly in place.

6. Pay attention to how the straps feel and how the cups look.

Are the straps weighing down your shoulders? If they need to be that tight for the bra to feel supportive, then the band size is not right. If the bra has wrinkles in the cup, the cup is too big.

When buying a bra, consider two key aspects: look and comfort. If you find a bra that you like that has both qualities, then where you buy it doesn’t matter. But if you’re dissatisfied with most of the bras you wear, I suggest you go to either a quality department store or a lingerie shop and spend whatever it takes to get a perfect bra.

Each manufacturer turns out slightly different bras in the same size, and that’s true season to season. So if you find a bra that fits perfectly, you may want to buy several.

Bra care

Bras have elastic in them and can be delicate, especially those with under- wire and padding. By taking proper care of your bras, you can extend their life. Some tips:

✓ Don’t wear the same bra two days in a row. By rotating bras day to day, you allow the elastic to recover.

✓ Wash them correctly. Hand-washing your bras is best. If you must put them in a machine, place them in a lingerie pop-up bag. And use a detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin, which breaks down elastic. Brands made for lingerie or that are ecologically friendly don’t contain lanolin. (Unfortunately, the laundry detergents you commonly find at the grocery store do contain lanolin.)

Panties

Shopping for panties is a lot less complicated than shopping for bras. Most of your decisions have to do with personal preference. What style is most comfortable for you (full brief, bikini, or thong)? Which cut is going to give you the coverage you need for the outfit you plan to wear? Do you prefer, silk, nylon, or cotton? Do you have a preference about color and design? And, most importantly, which cut is the most flattering on your body? Following are the different types of panties (many of which you can see in Figure 14-10):

✓ Briefs: The traditional standby, briefs today come in low cut (perfect if you’re wearing low-cut jeans) and high cut (which give you the illusion of a longer leg).

✓ Bikini: These offer less coverage than briefs but still cover your behind.

Low-rise bikinis are good when you wear low-rise pants. Some are called string bikinis because the sides are thin, like strings.

✓ Thongs: In the early 1990s, women began wearing thong underwear so they would no longer have visible panty lines (VPL). Thong underwear has only a thin strip of fabric connecting the front of the panty to the back. This style doesn’t cover your butt, and it definitely feels different from traditional briefs and bikinis. Women who wear thongs swear by their comfort, so before you definitely decide they don’t belong in your underwear drawer, you may want to at least try one. You may be pleasantly surprised by their comfort and by the way your clothes look and feel over them. (There’s something to be said about the way you feel psychologically when you’re wearing one, too!)

Don’t be afraid to wear a thong, even if you don’t think it’ll be flattering on you. Because a thong provides so little coverage, your body actually looks better and you have no panty lines to worry about. Without elastic to dig into your skin, it gives you an overall smooth look.

✓ G-strings: G-strings are similar to thongs, except that the connector is only a string rather than a strip of fabric.

✓ Boy shorts: This style of panty, which offers complete rear coverage (more like an actual short, hence the name), also eliminates VPL by extending further down the leg. The only drawback is that it’s another layer under your clothing. If you’re trying to appear thinner, go with a thong or G-string to avoid that extra layer between you and your pants, skirt, or dress.

✓ Seamless panties: These use spandex in the material to hold the panty in place and eliminate the seam around the thigh.

As for materials, cotton panties are the easiest to care for, but silk is the most luxurious. And undies made from microfiber wick away moisture, making them good for those who exercise. Why limit yourself to one style? It makes sense to have a variety for different occasions. What you pick to wear each day will be a function of your outfit, your activities, and — mostly — your mood.

Shapers

Body shapers are amazing inventions that help improve your appearance by holding you in and smoothing you out. They use compression to make you appear smaller. Shapers come in a variety of styles from full-body shapers to ones that cover your stomach and upper legs. Which type you choose depends on where you think you need the most help. The original shapers were called girdles and were designed to keep a woman’s belly in. Panty

girdles added hips and thighs. Today you can find control briefs, control capris, control camisoles, and control slips. You can wear a shaper under everything from jeans to an evening gown.

When I do “Ambush Makeover” on NBC’s Today show, I put everyone — whether a size 2 or a size 20 — in Spanx (see Figure 14-11). An alternative to Spanx is Assets, a less expensive line sold at Target.

Some tips on wearing and caring for shapers:

✓ You can wear a shaper with or without panties. Your choice.

✓ If you wear a shaper on your lower half, don’t forget to wear a bra that fits properly and enhances your upper half. You want the whole look to be flattering and seamless — the perfect foundation underneath your outfit.

✓ Make sure you follow the washing instructions for the particular garment.

Because you’re investing in a piece like this, take care of it properly.

You want to be comfortable in your clothing in order to be productive and enjoy your day. So dress to flatter your body type, and if you get a little help from a shaper where you need it, you’ll be ready for anything.

It’s What’s Inside That Counts: Undergarments

In This Chapter

▶ Everything you ever wanted and needed to know about hosiery

▶ Finding the right bra

▶ Figuring out which panty is right for you

▶ Using body shapers

How many times have you seen a woman in a great outfit and said to yourself, “I love that dress, but how could she let those bra straps hang out like that?!” Here’s the deal: You never want to be the girl in the great outfit with the wrong under- garments. This chapter explains how to make your outfit look even better with only a few purchases and a few key tricks.

Hosiery

Women have a wide variety of choices when it comes to hosiery: stockings, pantyhose, tights, knee highs, or nothing at all. I don’t know how we got into such a complicated state of affairs, but I personally tend to opt for nothing at all (crazy, I know). I remember my grandmother would never leave the house,let alone go to a formal affair, without the right hosiery. But what is considered appropriate and accepted has definitely changed throughout the years. Warmth, office decorum, and what flatters your body best are just a few of the issues to consider as I take you on a journey into the world of hosiery.

Different types of hosiery styles

Hosiery styles vary in color and transparency and come in various patterns. With all these varieties, be sure to select a style that fits your body type:

✓ If you want to appear taller or leaner, wear a darker color or one with a simple seam up the back of the leg.

✓ Lighter colors, especially ones with patterns, draw more attention to your legs and can make them look wider.

The right hose or some great tights can really make an outfit. But hosiery isn’t just a fashion statement; some women wear it to cover up parts of their legs they aren’t fans of, like veins, blemishes — you name it. (I have a friend, in fact, who doesn’t like her knees.) In addition, covering your legs is appropriate or required in certain situations, like at many offices or events. The following sections take a look at pantyhose and stockings (shown in Figure 14-1).

Stockings

Stockings cover the foot and lower part of the leg and end mid-thigh. Formerly made of woven cloth, they can now be found in knitted wool, cotton, nylon, or silk.

Many women prefer stockings to pantyhose (covered in the next section) for these reasons:

✓ They’re not as restrictive. Stockings can be more comfortable than pantyhose or tights, especially in warm weather.

✓ They’re sexier. Stockings allow for some bare skin on the upper thigh that could inadvertently (or not) be exposed.

Use one of these methods to keep your stockings up:

✓ A garter belt: A garter belt is a piece of lingerie that goes around the waist that has “suspenders” that clip to the top of the stockings (see Figure 14-2).

✓ An elastic garter: Have you ever been to a wedding and watched as the groom pulls a garter off his new wife’s leg and everyone laughs? Of course you have! Well, garters aren’t just wedding souvenirs. You can use them to actually hold stockings up.

✓ “Stay Ups”: Here, the inside of the top of the stocking has an elastic band added to it that allows it to, well, stay up. (Duh, hence the name!)

Pantyhose

When women began to wear miniskirts in the 1960s, stockings, which up until then had been kept up with garters, proved to be too short. So one-piece pantyhose came to the fore (interestingly, dancers were the first to come up with the idea of sewing stockings to the leg bands of their briefs). Shortly thereafter, the majority of hosiery sales were in the form of pantyhose (see Figure 14-3). What do so many women like about pantyhose?

✓ They don’t have to worry whether their stockings are sagging or attached.

✓ Pantyhose provide welcome extra warmth when it’s cold outside.

✓ Because pantyhose use a stretch material, they provide extra support, which has a slimming effect on the legs (and, if the pantyhose are control top, to the tummy as well).Hosiery rules

Manufacturers have come up with a wide variety of hosiery textures and designs, including fishnet, fencenet (which has a wider webbing), stripes, checks, and other woven designs. You can also find them with bows, lace panels, and in a rainbow of colors. They can be opaque, medium sheer, or completely sheer. Other advances include a seamless toe or sandal-foot that you can wear with sandals and other open-toe shoes.

The following list offers a bit of guidance to help you decide what style looks best on you and some pointers on how to wear them:

✓ Creating a slimming effect: To get a slimming effect, wear dark hose. An alternative is to wear medium sheer, which is more slimming than very sheer or opaque because it allows for some shading on the leg. Also, wear hose that echo the color of your outfit — a navy skirt or dress with navy hose and navy shoes, for example — to elongate the appearance of your body.

✓ Using hosiery as an accessory: Wearing a simple black dress with a patterned pair of tights or stockings make your legs the centerpiece of your outfit.

✓ Getting a dressier look: Hosiery with a sheen is considered dressier and makes your outfit fancier.

Stocking thickness is measured in denier. The lower the denier number, the sheerer the garment. (Stockings knitted with a higher denier are less sheer but more durable.)

For comfort and style, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

✓ If you wear flesh-colored hosiery, make sure it matches the color of your flesh. Having legs a different color than your arms (either because they’re too dark or too light) looks funny.

✓ Knee highs, a variety of hosiery to be worn under pants, leave marks on your legs that show for some time. If you wear them during the day and intend to go barelegged at night, take them off well ahead of time.

✓ If you wear a garter belt to hold up your stockings, make sure the belt matches the color of the stockings. Also, adjust the straps so that the front straps are two inches shorter than the back ones. That way, they don’t show if your skirt gets hiked up, such as when you sit.

✓ You put the garter belt and stockings on first and your panties on last. Otherwise, you have to remove everything when you go to the bath-room.

✓ Never wear hosiery with open-toe shoes or sandals (see Figure 14-4). Never. No exceptions. In fact, I’m getting anxious just thinking of that outfit!

Figure 14-4: Don’t wear hose with open-toe shoes!

How much should you spend on hosiery? You can get a good pair of brand- name hose or stockings for $12 to $25, and they’ll last a while if cared for properly. Get the right size (hosiery that’s too tight wears out more quickly), and wash them before you put them on to help the material stretch a little (this also helps them fit better). Hand-washing is preferable, but if you must wash hosiery in a washing machine with other clothes, put them in a lingerie bag to protect them.

Bras

The bra has a history that stretches back several thousands of years. But it wasn’t until the early 20th century, when Warner, a huge bra manufacturing company, began selling bras in various cup sizes that the “modern” bra was born. Since then, bra manufacturers have been using their creativity to design bras for almost every purpose and occasion.

Types of bras

Women wear bras to prevent sagging, to provide shape for a particular look, and to add a layer of opacity to a sheer top. Today, more than 20 different types of bras are available   not to mention all the varieties of designs avail- able for each type. Here is a brief description of the most common categories:

✓ Full-support bras: This type of bra fully envelops the breast (see Figure 14-5). The objective is to give the breast as much support and concealment as possible. Full support bras include minimizers (for large- breasted women who want to appear smaller) and underwire bras (which have wire built into the cup to help support, lift, and shape the breasts).

✓ Seamless bras: Designed more for sheer or fitted clothing (see Figure 14-6), seamless bras are perfect under a T-shirt because no lines show. These come with underwire and padding if you’re looking for a little boost, too!

✓ Strapless bras: Strapless bras, or bandeau bras, are designed to be worn with strapless tops or dresses, and tops that don’t fully cover the shoulders.

✓ Convertible bras: These bras have removable straps that you can wear in a variety of ways (see Figure 14-7): over the shoulder, crisscrossed in the back, as a halter, as a T-back, or without the straps. The crisscross style is great for underneath a racerback tank or a sleeveless top.

If you don’t have a convertible bra, try the Hollywood Hook-Up (www. Hollywoodfashiontape.com), shown in Figure 14-8. This device converts your bra into a racerback, saving you from having to buy a new bra.

✓ Plunge bras: These are ideal when you wear low-cut garments but still have enough coverage to feel comfortable.

©Jeremy Winter, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Inc.

Figure 14-8: A hook-up turns a regular bra into a racerback.

✓ Shelf bras: These bras support the breast but don’t cover it, giving the appearance that you’re not wearing a bra.

✓ Demi bras: These bras leave the top half of the breast exposed and are good when you wear a top with a deep neckline.

✓ Padded bras: Padded bras are designed to increase the appearance of the volume of the breast.

✓ Push-up bras: These bras create more cleavage by using padding or gel to push up the breast. One of the most well-known push-up bras is the Wonderbra.

✓ Adhesive bras: These are latex-free adhesives that you place on your nipples to hide them. They give no support at all. Wear them with backless dresses or when you want the braless look but want to maintain a hint of modesty.

Many brands sell nipple concealers. Most are discarded after use (don’t worry; it doesn’t kill when you take them off!). I love Low Beams; they’re $10 at www.barenecessities.com.

✓ Specialty bras: This category includes a variety of bras such as

• Nursing bras: These open up to allow a nursing mother to feed her child without removing the bra.

• Longline bras: The base of these stretch down to your waist to hold in your tummy.

Each style of bra comes in an assortment of fabrics, colors, and designs. As long as the bra fits you properly (see the next section) and is flattering on you, feel free to play with different options.

Have a variety of designs so that you have something appropriate to wear underneath any top you put on. If you wear a light-colored or sheer top, for example, wear a nude or flesh-toned bra that won’t show through the fabric. If you wear a lot of black or heavier materials on top, you can play with darker- colored bras or bras with designs or lace, because you won’t see those things through the shirt.

How many different types of bras you need depends on your lifestyle. If you have one type of bra that you like and wear every day, having a supply of those suffices. But if you attend events where you’re likely to wear a strap- less gown or one with a plunging neckline, even if these events occur only once or twice a year, then you want to have some of those types of bras in your drawer. If you’re active and engage in various sports, you need some sports bras. Whether you ever stock up on sexy bras is a personal decision, but it’s a good idea, because even if you don’t dress overtly sexy, just knowing you’re wearing a sexy bra underneath can do wonders to your mood and your psyche, and give you that extra boost of confidence!

Getting fitted by a pro

Experts say that something like 8 out of 10 women aren’t wearing the right bra size. Let this section help you avoid being one of those unfortunate women.

Why is it so important for a bra to fit perfectly, you ask? Walk down the street and see all the women whose flesh bulges out of their bras in one place or another, and that’s one answer. Then ask your women friends how many find their bras comfortable, and that gives you another. A bra that fits properly leaves you looking and feeling your best. A bra that’s too tight is uncomfortable, and one that’s too loose doesn’t give you the necessary support. Finally, a well-fitting bra makes you look slimmer. Here’s why: Your rib cage is your thinnest point. If you’re like most women, the lower you go below your rib cage, toward your belly, the wider you are. So you want to show off that rib cage, but you can’t do that if your breasts are sagging and covering most of it up. If your bra fits you correctly, however, your breasts look perky and stand out from your rib cage, making it visible.

Your correct bra size is very difficult to figure out on your own. To get fitted properly for a bra, go to the lingerie department of a department store or to a lingerie shop. The staff at either of these places can provide the expertise you need. Fittings are free at most department stores, and you don’t generally need an appointment. Ask for the lead specialist (she’s had the most experience). And keep in mind that you can’t get a proper measurement with your bra on. So you’re going to have to take it off and allow the expert to measure you. Don’t allow modesty to prevent you from getting fitted for the perfect bra; these experts have seen everything and are very professional.

Get yourself professionally fitted at least once a year, and more often if you’ve undergone any dramatic weight loss or gain.

Shopping for bras

Almost all department stores have a lingerie department stocked with a wide variety of merchandise and the salespeople necessary to help with size and style. You can also go to any of the many lingerie shops and boutiques. Victoria’s Secret is always a good choice, too, because it has many locations and a large variety of styles at reasonable prices. You can also find specialty bra stores, where the personnel not only fit you for a bra but also alter the bra for you right at the store. These are often more expensive, but you’re sure to get the perfect fit and finest quality.

Wherever you shop, follow these steps to find a bra that fits properly (Figure 14-9 shows the different parts of a bra):

1. Put it on the loosest fitting.

A bra stretches over time, and you’ll have to tighten it eventually, so you want to start out with room to tighten it.

Over time, the elastic in a bra stretches, and you’ll notice that the bra rides up your back and doesn’t support your breasts. When that hap- pens, go to the next set of hooks. When you’ve exhausted the hooks, it’s time to get a new bra.

2. See whether you can run one finger comfortably around the inside edge of the band.

If you can’t, it’s too tight. If you can fit two fingers, then it’s too loose.

3. Take a look at yourself in the mirror.

Do your breasts bulge out the sides or the top? Unless it’s a push-up bra that you want to boost your figure, bulging breasts means it’s too tight.

4. Check out the gore, or middle of the bra in the front.

It should be flat against your chest. If it’s being pushed away from you, either the cups are too big or the band is too big.

5. Move around and see how it feels:

• Bend over to make sure that your breasts don’t flop out. If they do, that’s a sure sign that the bra is too big.

• Put your arms over your head. If the band slips, it’s too big, but if it cuts, it’s too small.

• Twist your torso left and right. The bra should move with you, staying firmly in place.

6. Pay attention to how the straps feel and how the cups look.

Are the straps weighing down your shoulders? If they need to be that tight for the bra to feel supportive, then the band size is not right. If the bra has wrinkles in the cup, the cup is too big.

When buying a bra, consider two key aspects: look and comfort. If you find a bra that you like that has both qualities, then where you buy it doesn’t matter. But if you’re dissatisfied with most of the bras you wear, I suggest you go to either a quality department store or a lingerie shop and spend whatever it takes to get a perfect bra.

Each manufacturer turns out slightly different bras in the same size, and that’s true season to season. So if you find a bra that fits perfectly, you may want to buy several.

Bra care

Bras have elastic in them and can be delicate, especially those with under- wire and padding. By taking proper care of your bras, you can extend their life. Some tips:

✓ Don’t wear the same bra two days in a row. By rotating bras day to day, you allow the elastic to recover.

✓ Wash them correctly. Hand-washing your bras is best. If you must put them in a machine, place them in a lingerie pop-up bag. And use a detergent that doesn’t contain lanolin, which breaks down elastic. Brands made for lingerie or that are ecologically friendly don’t contain lanolin. (Unfortunately, the laundry detergents you commonly find at the grocery store do contain lanolin.)

Panties

Shopping for panties is a lot less complicated than shopping for bras. Most of your decisions have to do with personal preference. What style is most comfortable for you (full brief, bikini, or thong)? Which cut is going to give you the coverage you need for the outfit you plan to wear? Do you prefer, silk, nylon, or cotton? Do you have a preference about color and design? And, most importantly, which cut is the most flattering on your body? Following are the different types of panties (many of which you can see in Figure 14-10):

✓ Briefs: The traditional standby, briefs today come in low cut (perfect if you’re wearing low-cut jeans) and high cut (which give you the illusion of a longer leg).

✓ Bikini: These offer less coverage than briefs but still cover your behind.

Low-rise bikinis are good when you wear low-rise pants. Some are called string bikinis because the sides are thin, like strings.

✓ Thongs: In the early 1990s, women began wearing thong underwear so they would no longer have visible panty lines (VPL). Thong underwear has only a thin strip of fabric connecting the front of the panty to the back. This style doesn’t cover your butt, and it definitely feels different from traditional briefs and bikinis. Women who wear thongs swear by their comfort, so before you definitely decide they don’t belong in your underwear drawer, you may want to at least try one. You may be pleasantly surprised by their comfort and by the way your clothes look and feel over them. (There’s something to be said about the way you feel psychologically when you’re wearing one, too!)

Don’t be afraid to wear a thong, even if you don’t think it’ll be flattering on you. Because a thong provides so little coverage, your body actually looks better and you have no panty lines to worry about. Without elastic to dig into your skin, it gives you an overall smooth look.

✓ G-strings: G-strings are similar to thongs, except that the connector is only a string rather than a strip of fabric.

✓ Boy shorts: This style of panty, which offers complete rear coverage (more like an actual short, hence the name), also eliminates VPL by extending further down the leg. The only drawback is that it’s another layer under your clothing. If you’re trying to appear thinner, go with a thong or G-string to avoid that extra layer between you and your pants, skirt, or dress.

✓ Seamless panties: These use spandex in the material to hold the panty in place and eliminate the seam around the thigh.

As for materials, cotton panties are the easiest to care for, but silk is the most luxurious. And undies made from microfiber wick away moisture, making them good for those who exercise. Why limit yourself to one style? It makes sense to have a variety for different occasions. What you pick to wear each day will be a function of your outfit, your activities, and — mostly — your mood.

Shapers

Body shapers are amazing inventions that help improve your appearance by holding you in and smoothing you out. They use compression to make you appear smaller. Shapers come in a variety of styles from full-body shapers to ones that cover your stomach and upper legs. Which type you choose depends on where you think you need the most help. The original shapers were called girdles and were designed to keep a woman’s belly in. Panty

girdles added hips and thighs. Today you can find control briefs, control capris, control camisoles, and control slips. You can wear a shaper under everything from jeans to an evening gown.

When I do “Ambush Makeover” on NBC’s Today show, I put everyone — whether a size 2 or a size 20 — in Spanx (see Figure 14-11). An alternative to Spanx is Assets, a less expensive line sold at Target.

Some tips on wearing and caring for shapers:

✓ You can wear a shaper with or without panties. Your choice.

✓ If you wear a shaper on your lower half, don’t forget to wear a bra that fits properly and enhances your upper half. You want the whole look to be flattering and seamless — the perfect foundation underneath your outfit.

✓ Make sure you follow the washing instructions for the particular garment.

Because you’re investing in a piece like this, take care of it properly.

You want to be comfortable in your clothing in order to be productive and enjoy your day. So dress to flatter your body type, and if you get a little help from a shaper where you need it, you’ll be ready for anything.

Dressing for the Bedroom

In This Chapter

▶ Picking the right pajamas or nightgown

▶ Taking a look at sexy sleepwear choices

▶ Choosing a robe

Whether you’re sleeping alone or with someone special, you always want to look, and more importantly, feel confident and beautiful. So this chapter pertains to everyone — single, married, dating, or divorced, what- ever your status on Facebook says! (For the record, I’m single. Know anyone?) You’re probably rolling your eyes and saying to yourself, “She really wants me to dress up when I go to bed?” No, I don’t want you to dress up like you’re going to a black- tie affair, but I do want you to feel fabulous and comfortable at all times. It all goes back to my 10 System (refer to Chapter 2).

Let me explain: I have a great T-shirt that I got as a freshman at the University of Michigan. It’s 100 percent cotton and, because I’ve worn it over and over again, feels perfect every time I put it on. My goal in this chapter is to help you keep only the sleepwear that is 100 percent something — 100 percent comfortable, 100 percent sexy, or 100 percent special. So ditch those ratty T-shirts that aren’t your favorites and do away with lingerie that no longer makes you feel great. Everything you own, including your PJs, needs to have a reason to be in your closet.

Sleepwear 101

Obviously you should be comfortable when you go to bed, and sleepwear manufacturers (successful ones at least!) are well aware of how important that is. But there are different levels of comfort: cozy-comfortable, cute- comfortable, and sexy-comfortable. You just have to choose one and go with it. Your final outfit of the day should be as put together as you want to feel when you get up the next morning.

Just as you may wear a skirt one day and a pair of pants the next, you can alternate between nightgowns and pajamas and maybe even nothing at all! There’s nothing wrong with switching it up according to your mood or the season, and the best thing about sleepwear is that you get to experiment in the comfort of your own home.

Pajamas

The word pajamas comes from pyjamas, traditional loose pants held up by a string tied around the waist worn in Southeast Asia. The colonial Brits, who paraded around in the blistering sun all dressed up in uniforms or ties and jackets, eventually understood the advantage of the native dress and brought this style back to England toward the end of the 18th century. They added a jacket and found it to be a comfortable sleeping outfit and a nice replacement for drafty nightgowns during their long, cold winters.

Although the basic design of pajamas is pretty set, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a fashion statement in them. Ever since women adopted this particular style, pajamas have come in a greater selection of fabrics, from cotton to flannel to satin and silk. You can even find some made out of eco-friendly bamboo. As to styles, you can choose from a large variety.

In winter, you may want to get as much coverage as possible (and throw on a pair of socks to boot). As the weather heats up, you may prefer shorter sleeves and legs. With all the variety available, your PJ pants can go from full-length to capri-length to shorts, and your tops can shrink from full sleeves to short sleeves to no sleeves.

If PJs are your sleepwear of choice, keep these suggestions in mind:

✓ Stick to natural fibers. Synthetic fibers like nylon or spandex may keep you too warm or may be too constricting.

Although it’s a natural fiber, I don’t recommend wool. Although very warm, it can also be scratchy — not so much fun in bed! If you’re especially cold, better to add another layer of cotton (in the form of thermal underwear, for example) rather than switch to wool PJs.

✓ If you sleep on your stomach, look for PJ tops that pull over your head. Traditional pajama tops generally button down the front, which can be uncomfortable for tummy-sleepers (like me).

If you fall into this category, try a pajama top that pulls over your head, such as one in the T-shirt or cami style (see Figure 13-1).

Figure 13-1: PJs can keep you cute and cozy.

Why not just sleep in any old T-shirt and sweats and avoid the whole button-down-the-front dilemma? Because PJs, which are usually a matching set, help you look pulled together. It all goes back to feeling put together and fabulous, even when you’re just heading off to dreamland.

✓ Limit the number of gimmicky pajamas you have. Pajamas run the gamut from conservative solids (see Figure 13-2) to the most ridiculous prints. Seriously, you can find everything from animal prints to crossword puzzles. These tend to be a very popular gift, especially around the holidays (if your friend likes golf, pajamas with golf balls is a no-brainer). Although it’s okay to have a couple pairs of gimmicky pajamas, you don’t want to look like you belong on the lunch box of a first grader all the time.

✓ Look for pajamas that suit your style. PJs can be sexy or conservative, less material or more, sheer or opaque, camisole or long sleeves. Make sure you select only those that fit you perfectly and are in a style that represents you. Material is also key — choose a fabric that makes you feel comfortable and cozy.

Suffering through a formal affair in high heels is one thing; the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in bed.

✓ Choose PJs that work best for your body type and accentuate what you want to show off. If you have long legs, for example, try a set with shorts. If you’re on the short side, a design with a vertical stripe elongates your appearance. And if you prefer to keep your partner’s eyes away from your bottom, keep the top button or two of your top undone. (Woo hoo!)

Figure 13-2: A basic pajama set is a perfect look for bedtime.

Nightgowns: Naughty or nice  Before there were pajamas, everyone, both male and female, wore night- gowns to bed. The preference for nightgowns had to do with comfort: They didn’t constrict you while you slept, and they allowed couples to be intimate without having to take all their clothes off on a chilly night. Today, night- gowns are still very popular among some women.

If you’re really concerned with camouflaging some body parts, even in the bedroom, a night- gown is your best bet. The flowing style of a nightgown covers up pretty much everything because it doesn’t cling to the tummy or hips or behind. (Nightgowns can be found in plus sizes, so don’t allow anyone to tell you that these outfits aren’t for you if you’re above a certain size.) You can shop for all this sleepwear online, a great solution if you’re too shy or uncomfortable shopping for this kind of clothing in public!

Because nightgown styles vary from conservative (those that totally cover you up) to super sexy (and revealing), you can definitely find a gown that fits your comfort level and sense of style.

✓ The traditional nightgown: Traditionally, nightgowns served two purposes: covering up in the interests of modesty and keeping warm. If that’s what you want in a nightgown, flannel is a good choice. It retains heat, is comfortable, and because it’s opaque, is totally concealing. If, on the other hand, you want your nightgown to silhouette what’s underneath, silk would be your first choice (see Figure 13-3).

✓ Negligees: Negligees are nightgowns designed to be seductive. These usually have more frills (lace and bows, for example) than traditional nightgowns and are made of sheer or semi-transparent material. They also generally reveal more skin. Although you may want to wear a negligee

Figure 13-3: Even though you’re fully covered, a silk nightgown is still sexy.

for your husband’s or boyfriend’s benefit, you need something to cover it up outside the bedroom, especially if other family members are in the house! Luckily, most negligees are sold in sets with a matching peignoir (see Figure 13-4). For all intents and purposes, a peignoir is a robe, only much sexier and fancier.

Traditionally, a peignoir was the garment a noble woman wore as her personal maid combed her hair (the word peignoir, in fact, is from the French word peigner, which means “to comb hair”).

✓ The babydoll: As women became less modest in their outerwear, the trend followed suit in the bedroom, and along came the babydoll. The babydoll is a negligee, except it’s much shorter in length and is generally sold with matching panties (see Figure 13-5). To raise the bar on the sexiness factor, you can wear a babydoll with a thong or a G-string. Figure out which bottom is most flattering for your backside and go for it! Color is another factor in the level of sensuality in a nightgown. A white negligee conveys a mixture of innocence and seduction. A negligee in black or red conveys out-and-out seduction, no matter how many little bows it may have! And if you really want to turn it up a notch, try a negligee in some type of animal print or one that is totally sheer.

Teddies and other things

In the 1920s, the original name for a teddy was camiknickers, because it was a combination of a camisole top and knickers bottoms. It was intended to be worn under shorter skirts. Because the shape reminds one of a teddy bear, the nick- name “teddy” eventually stuck.

Women wearing pants in the factories during World War II adopted the teddies to wear under their work clothes. Although some teddies are still sold because of their utilitarian value as a one- piece undergarment, most are made to be highly suggestive. They don’t leave much to the imagination because they’re see-through and have openings pretty much everywhere. So, ladies, if you’re looking for another option when you want to look seductive in the bedroom, look no further.

It’s a good idea to have some type of sexy sleep- wear in your repertoire. You may not wear it every night, but you want to be able to express your different moods with your clothing. Figure out which style, color, and material best suits you and go for it! You’ll be amazed at how sexy sleepwear makes you feel, not to mention how happy it will make your partner!

I once dated a man who told me that the sexiest thing I ever wore for him was his white button-down shirt. You can make your partner’s clothing work for you, too (see Figure 13-6). Be creative. A woman can be sexy in many different ways; all I needed to do was go shopping in my boyfriend’s closet!

Robes

Figure 13-6: A simple button-down shirt (from his closet) can be as sexy as lingerie.

A robe is generally used to add a layer of warmth to whatever you’re wearing underneath, if anything. Robes designed to keep you warm come in all types of fabrics, and with heating bills going up, there will surely be more and more people putting on their robes right after they lower their thermostats. Today you can buy robes in fleece or microfiber, and they do an excellent job of retaining heat while not being too heavy. The following sections detail the different kinds of robes.

Bath robes

Bath robes are usually made of terry cloth or are at least lined with terry cloth so that when you step out of the shower or bath, you can quickly wrap yourself up against any lurking drafts (see Figure 13-7). You can then step out of the bathroom and head for your bedroom to get dressed knowing that you’re amply covered.

If you prefer robes to sweaters when lounging or working at home, give some thought to how you look. Make sure you choose a robe that flatters your shape. Because robes add an extra thick layer, they can leave you looking very bulky, especially terry cloth robes. As an alternative to terry cloth, try a robe made of silk or cotton. If you have great legs, a shorter robe will flatter you. And keep in mind that darker colors are always more slimming.

Silk robes

A fine silk robe not only gives you a slimmer appearance, but the feel of silk is also very sensuous. Silk also lends itself to many types of imprints (because silk originated in China, many silk robes have an eastern motif). Of course, you can get a solid color silk robe and just bask in the look and feel that simple silk offers. (By the way, woven silk is softer than knit silk, and so better for a robe.)

To reduce the cost of using real silk, some manufacturers offer silk blends or use fabrics that have the appearance of silk but are made entirely of synthetic fibers (nylon or rayon, for example). These synthetic silks don’t have the same luxurious feel of silk, nor do they hold up as well, but they’re still an option.

Figure 13-7: A terry cloth robe.

Kimonos

A kimono is a form of silk robe. Because silk was first woven into cloth in China, the most beautiful silk robes still come from the Far East. Kimonos, which have Chinese or Japanese designs (see Figure 13-8), are elegant and quite beautiful. The more elaborate the design, the higher the price, of course. Traditionally, kimonos were one-size-fits-all garments and were cut on the small side; today, plus-size kimonos are readily avail- able. When selecting a kimono, make sure that the decorative pattern matches your body type. If you have full hips, for example, make sure the design is mostly around your top, drawing the eye away from your hips.

Housecoats

An offshoot of the robe is the housecoat, which is basically a robe meant to be worn during the day, as opposed to the traditional robe which is associated with evening lounge wear. Housecoats are a cross between a dress and a robe. For that reason, the material generally has more of a pattern than does a robe. Although younger women usually put on their jeans or sweats to do household chores, older women sometimes put on a housecoat.

Housecoats are functional and allow for more freedom of movement than jeans do. As long as you don’t decide

Figure 13-8: A silk kimono is both chic and comfortable.

to live in a housecoat 24/7 or let anyone see you in it, they can be an appropriate mode of dress around the house. (They’re definitely not appropriate outside the house, even if you’re just running to the store or the salon.) Really consider how you look and feel before deciding to wear a housecoat. Don’t wear one if it makes you feel dumpy, no matter how practical it may be. Other options are available that will make you feel like a 10.

Vintage sleepwear

Society today is a lot less formal than it used to be; so many people simply sleep in their under- wear, sweats, or nothing at all. (However, I hope this chapter has inspired you to give a little more thought to your nighttime wardrobe than that!) Fifty years ago, however, the nighttime regime included slipping on a complete outfit designed for going to bed. Because the demand for sleep- wear was so much greater back then, people had a lot more to choose from. So if you really want to get fancy, or you’re looking for sleep- wear or loungewear that is special and unique, try shopping for something vintage.

You may not want to wear someone else’s old pair of flannel pajamas, no matter how many times it’s been washed. But when it comes to robes, silk pajamas, and negligee and peignoir sets, you can find fabulous, one-of-a-kind items that will bring the height of glamour to your evenings at home. Even if you don’t want to wear them for sleeping, putting them on to lounge around the house can make those few hours between work and sleep extra special.

These items were usually well cared for, if even worn at all. If you shop carefully, you can find some in impeccable condition that will make you look sensational. A set that is really fancy and in perfect condition can set you back quite a bit (more than you’d normally spend on sleep- wear), but if it’s really special and makes you look and feel great, it can be worth the price. Just remember to take good care of them in order to protect your investment!

Dressing for the Bedroom

In This Chapter

▶ Picking the right pajamas or nightgown

▶ Taking a look at sexy sleepwear choices

▶ Choosing a robe

Whether you’re sleeping alone or with someone special, you always want to look, and more importantly, feel confident and beautiful. So this chapter pertains to everyone — single, married, dating, or divorced, what- ever your status on Facebook says! (For the record, I’m single. Know anyone?) You’re probably rolling your eyes and saying to yourself, “She really wants me to dress up when I go to bed?” No, I don’t want you to dress up like you’re going to a black- tie affair, but I do want you to feel fabulous and comfortable at all times. It all goes back to my 10 System (refer to Chapter 2).

Let me explain: I have a great T-shirt that I got as a freshman at the University of Michigan. It’s 100 percent cotton and, because I’ve worn it over and over again, feels perfect every time I put it on. My goal in this chapter is to help you keep only the sleepwear that is 100 percent something — 100 percent comfortable, 100 percent sexy, or 100 percent special. So ditch those ratty T-shirts that aren’t your favorites and do away with lingerie that no longer makes you feel great. Everything you own, including your PJs, needs to have a reason to be in your closet.

Sleepwear 101

Obviously you should be comfortable when you go to bed, and sleepwear manufacturers (successful ones at least!) are well aware of how important that is. But there are different levels of comfort: cozy-comfortable, cute- comfortable, and sexy-comfortable. You just have to choose one and go with it. Your final outfit of the day should be as put together as you want to feel when you get up the next morning.

Just as you may wear a skirt one day and a pair of pants the next, you can alternate between nightgowns and pajamas and maybe even nothing at all! There’s nothing wrong with switching it up according to your mood or the season, and the best thing about sleepwear is that you get to experiment in the comfort of your own home.

Pajamas

The word pajamas comes from pyjamas, traditional loose pants held up by a string tied around the waist worn in Southeast Asia. The colonial Brits, who paraded around in the blistering sun all dressed up in uniforms or ties and jackets, eventually understood the advantage of the native dress and brought this style back to England toward the end of the 18th century. They added a jacket and found it to be a comfortable sleeping outfit and a nice replacement for drafty nightgowns during their long, cold winters.

Although the basic design of pajamas is pretty set, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a fashion statement in them. Ever since women adopted this particular style, pajamas have come in a greater selection of fabrics, from cotton to flannel to satin and silk. You can even find some made out of eco-friendly bamboo. As to styles, you can choose from a large variety.

In winter, you may want to get as much coverage as possible (and throw on a pair of socks to boot). As the weather heats up, you may prefer shorter sleeves and legs. With all the variety available, your PJ pants can go from full-length to capri-length to shorts, and your tops can shrink from full sleeves to short sleeves to no sleeves.

If PJs are your sleepwear of choice, keep these suggestions in mind:

✓ Stick to natural fibers. Synthetic fibers like nylon or spandex may keep you too warm or may be too constricting.

Although it’s a natural fiber, I don’t recommend wool. Although very warm, it can also be scratchy — not so much fun in bed! If you’re especially cold, better to add another layer of cotton (in the form of thermal underwear, for example) rather than switch to wool PJs.

✓ If you sleep on your stomach, look for PJ tops that pull over your head. Traditional pajama tops generally button down the front, which can be uncomfortable for tummy-sleepers (like me).

If you fall into this category, try a pajama top that pulls over your head, such as one in the T-shirt or cami style (see Figure 13-1).

Figure 13-1: PJs can keep you cute and cozy.

Why not just sleep in any old T-shirt and sweats and avoid the whole button-down-the-front dilemma? Because PJs, which are usually a matching set, help you look pulled together. It all goes back to feeling put together and fabulous, even when you’re just heading off to dreamland.

✓ Limit the number of gimmicky pajamas you have. Pajamas run the gamut from conservative solids (see Figure 13-2) to the most ridiculous prints. Seriously, you can find everything from animal prints to crossword puzzles. These tend to be a very popular gift, especially around the holidays (if your friend likes golf, pajamas with golf balls is a no-brainer). Although it’s okay to have a couple pairs of gimmicky pajamas, you don’t want to look like you belong on the lunch box of a first grader all the time.

✓ Look for pajamas that suit your style. PJs can be sexy or conservative, less material or more, sheer or opaque, camisole or long sleeves. Make sure you select only those that fit you perfectly and are in a style that represents you. Material is also key — choose a fabric that makes you feel comfortable and cozy.

Suffering through a formal affair in high heels is one thing; the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable in bed.

✓ Choose PJs that work best for your body type and accentuate what you want to show off. If you have long legs, for example, try a set with shorts. If you’re on the short side, a design with a vertical stripe elongates your appearance. And if you prefer to keep your partner’s eyes away from your bottom, keep the top button or two of your top undone. (Woo hoo!)

Figure 13-2: A basic pajama set is a perfect look for bedtime.

Nightgowns: Naughty or nice  Before there were pajamas, everyone, both male and female, wore night- gowns to bed. The preference for nightgowns had to do with comfort: They didn’t constrict you while you slept, and they allowed couples to be intimate without having to take all their clothes off on a chilly night. Today, night- gowns are still very popular among some women.

If you’re really concerned with camouflaging some body parts, even in the bedroom, a night- gown is your best bet. The flowing style of a nightgown covers up pretty much everything because it doesn’t cling to the tummy or hips or behind. (Nightgowns can be found in plus sizes, so don’t allow anyone to tell you that these outfits aren’t for you if you’re above a certain size.) You can shop for all this sleepwear online, a great solution if you’re too shy or uncomfortable shopping for this kind of clothing in public!

Because nightgown styles vary from conservative (those that totally cover you up) to super sexy (and revealing), you can definitely find a gown that fits your comfort level and sense of style.

✓ The traditional nightgown: Traditionally, nightgowns served two purposes: covering up in the interests of modesty and keeping warm. If that’s what you want in a nightgown, flannel is a good choice. It retains heat, is comfortable, and because it’s opaque, is totally concealing. If, on the other hand, you want your nightgown to silhouette what’s underneath, silk would be your first choice (see Figure 13-3).

✓ Negligees: Negligees are nightgowns designed to be seductive. These usually have more frills (lace and bows, for example) than traditional nightgowns and are made of sheer or semi-transparent material. They also generally reveal more skin. Although you may want to wear a negligee

Figure 13-3: Even though you’re fully covered, a silk nightgown is still sexy.

for your husband’s or boyfriend’s benefit, you need something to cover it up outside the bedroom, especially if other family members are in the house! Luckily, most negligees are sold in sets with a matching peignoir (see Figure 13-4). For all intents and purposes, a peignoir is a robe, only much sexier and fancier.

Traditionally, a peignoir was the garment a noble woman wore as her personal maid combed her hair (the word peignoir, in fact, is from the French word peigner, which means “to comb hair”).

✓ The babydoll: As women became less modest in their outerwear, the trend followed suit in the bedroom, and along came the babydoll. The babydoll is a negligee, except it’s much shorter in length and is generally sold with matching panties (see Figure 13-5). To raise the bar on the sexiness factor, you can wear a babydoll with a thong or a G-string. Figure out which bottom is most flattering for your backside and go for it! Color is another factor in the level of sensuality in a nightgown. A white negligee conveys a mixture of innocence and seduction. A negligee in black or red conveys out-and-out seduction, no matter how many little bows it may have! And if you really want to turn it up a notch, try a negligee in some type of animal print or one that is totally sheer.

Teddies and other things

In the 1920s, the original name for a teddy was camiknickers, because it was a combination of a camisole top and knickers bottoms. It was intended to be worn under shorter skirts. Because the shape reminds one of a teddy bear, the nick- name “teddy” eventually stuck.

Women wearing pants in the factories during World War II adopted the teddies to wear under their work clothes. Although some teddies are still sold because of their utilitarian value as a one- piece undergarment, most are made to be highly suggestive. They don’t leave much to the imagination because they’re see-through and have openings pretty much everywhere. So, ladies, if you’re looking for another option when you want to look seductive in the bedroom, look no further.

It’s a good idea to have some type of sexy sleep- wear in your repertoire. You may not wear it every night, but you want to be able to express your different moods with your clothing. Figure out which style, color, and material best suits you and go for it! You’ll be amazed at how sexy sleepwear makes you feel, not to mention how happy it will make your partner!

I once dated a man who told me that the sexiest thing I ever wore for him was his white button-down shirt. You can make your partner’s clothing work for you, too (see Figure 13-6). Be creative. A woman can be sexy in many different ways; all I needed to do was go shopping in my boyfriend’s closet!

Robes

Figure 13-6: A simple button-down shirt (from his closet) can be as sexy as lingerie.

A robe is generally used to add a layer of warmth to whatever you’re wearing underneath, if anything. Robes designed to keep you warm come in all types of fabrics, and with heating bills going up, there will surely be more and more people putting on their robes right after they lower their thermostats. Today you can buy robes in fleece or microfiber, and they do an excellent job of retaining heat while not being too heavy. The following sections detail the different kinds of robes.

Bath robes

Bath robes are usually made of terry cloth or are at least lined with terry cloth so that when you step out of the shower or bath, you can quickly wrap yourself up against any lurking drafts (see Figure 13-7). You can then step out of the bathroom and head for your bedroom to get dressed knowing that you’re amply covered.

If you prefer robes to sweaters when lounging or working at home, give some thought to how you look. Make sure you choose a robe that flatters your shape. Because robes add an extra thick layer, they can leave you looking very bulky, especially terry cloth robes. As an alternative to terry cloth, try a robe made of silk or cotton. If you have great legs, a shorter robe will flatter you. And keep in mind that darker colors are always more slimming.

Silk robes

A fine silk robe not only gives you a slimmer appearance, but the feel of silk is also very sensuous. Silk also lends itself to many types of imprints (because silk originated in China, many silk robes have an eastern motif). Of course, you can get a solid color silk robe and just bask in the look and feel that simple silk offers. (By the way, woven silk is softer than knit silk, and so better for a robe.)

To reduce the cost of using real silk, some manufacturers offer silk blends or use fabrics that have the appearance of silk but are made entirely of synthetic fibers (nylon or rayon, for example). These synthetic silks don’t have the same luxurious feel of silk, nor do they hold up as well, but they’re still an option.

Figure 13-7: A terry cloth robe.

Kimonos

A kimono is a form of silk robe. Because silk was first woven into cloth in China, the most beautiful silk robes still come from the Far East. Kimonos, which have Chinese or Japanese designs (see Figure 13-8), are elegant and quite beautiful. The more elaborate the design, the higher the price, of course. Traditionally, kimonos were one-size-fits-all garments and were cut on the small side; today, plus-size kimonos are readily avail- able. When selecting a kimono, make sure that the decorative pattern matches your body type. If you have full hips, for example, make sure the design is mostly around your top, drawing the eye away from your hips.

Housecoats

An offshoot of the robe is the housecoat, which is basically a robe meant to be worn during the day, as opposed to the traditional robe which is associated with evening lounge wear. Housecoats are a cross between a dress and a robe. For that reason, the material generally has more of a pattern than does a robe. Although younger women usually put on their jeans or sweats to do household chores, older women sometimes put on a housecoat.

Housecoats are functional and allow for more freedom of movement than jeans do. As long as you don’t decide

Figure 13-8: A silk kimono is both chic and comfortable.

to live in a housecoat 24/7 or let anyone see you in it, they can be an appropriate mode of dress around the house. (They’re definitely not appropriate outside the house, even if you’re just running to the store or the salon.) Really consider how you look and feel before deciding to wear a housecoat. Don’t wear one if it makes you feel dumpy, no matter how practical it may be. Other options are available that will make you feel like a 10.

Vintage sleepwear

Society today is a lot less formal than it used to be; so many people simply sleep in their under- wear, sweats, or nothing at all. (However, I hope this chapter has inspired you to give a little more thought to your nighttime wardrobe than that!) Fifty years ago, however, the nighttime regime included slipping on a complete outfit designed for going to bed. Because the demand for sleep- wear was so much greater back then, people had a lot more to choose from. So if you really want to get fancy, or you’re looking for sleep- wear or loungewear that is special and unique, try shopping for something vintage.

You may not want to wear someone else’s old pair of flannel pajamas, no matter how many times it’s been washed. But when it comes to robes, silk pajamas, and negligee and peignoir sets, you can find fabulous, one-of-a-kind items that will bring the height of glamour to your evenings at home. Even if you don’t want to wear them for sleeping, putting them on to lounge around the house can make those few hours between work and sleep extra special.

These items were usually well cared for, if even worn at all. If you shop carefully, you can find some in impeccable condition that will make you look sensational. A set that is really fancy and in perfect condition can set you back quite a bit (more than you’d normally spend on sleep- wear), but if it’s really special and makes you look and feel great, it can be worth the price. Just remember to take good care of them in order to protect your investment!

The Four Seasons: Dressing for Comfort and Style

In This Chapter

▶ Dressing for winter: Staying chic without the bulk

▶ Dressing for summer heat

▶ Choosing a bathing suit that works for you

▶ Transitioning from season to season

For those of you who live in a tropical climate, shopping for one season is hard enough. Imagine having to rotate your wardrobe for four seasons! Fortunately, you can stock your closet with items that transition you from season to season, which means you do not need four different wardrobes to get you through the year. The trick is choosing wisely and buying right.

Winter: Staying Warm and Stylish

Nothing is quite like cozying up in front of a fire with someone you love, right? Well, that is the picture-perfect view on winter. But if you’re someone who views the colder months with a frown because of the bulky clothing you have to wear, this section is for you.

Layering for winter

If there’s one distinguishing characteristic of the clothes worn in winter, it’s weight. Heavier fabrics like woolen tweeds and corduroy help you retain body heat and stay warm. If not worn correctly, however, they can also make you appear heavier. That’s where the art of layering can come to the rescue. The trick is to layer your outfit in a way that enables you to remove a layer or two when indoors and still have something fabulous underneath.

Just because you need the added warmth, don’t assume you can’t wear your lighter- weight clothes in winter. You may be surprised how smart layering lets you stay warm without looking bulky:

✓ Layering tops: A natural tendency when layering is to add layers on top, like putting a heavy sweater over a blouse. But if the look you’re going for is the blouse, not the sweater, layer a silk camisole beneath the blouse to get an added layer of warmth without the bulk. If you choose to wear a thin, fitted sweater (one that’s meant to be worn on its own and not over a shirt), try a long-sleeve silk undershirt. These undershirts don’t add bulk to your appearance, but they do help you retain body heat (see Figure 12-1).

✓ Layering bottoms: If you don’t want to wear thick wool slacks, wear a pair of tights under pants made of a thinner material. You can even wear tights under your jeans. Just make sure the pants aren’t tight (otherwise, the extra layer underneath shows). Also, a pair of boots that go up to your knee gives you another layer of warmth on your legs.

Figure 12-1: A silk undershirt can keep you warm without adding bulk.

Choosing coats and jackets

Outerwear is just as much of a fashion statement as the clothes you wear beneath them. In fact, in the colder months, it’s the first thing people see on you when you show up to work, dinner, or a party — so select a coat or jacket that really expresses your style.

One difference between a coat and a jacket is length. Coats are generally longer, giving you more coverage and protection from the cold, and jackets are shorter. Another difference between the two is weight. Coats tend to be heavy and too warm to wear inside. A jacket is an item that you may wear inside or out. In other words, a coat typically has one purpose: to keep you warm and protect you from the elements (keeping in mind that a great-looking coat makes a fashion statement, too). Jackets, on the other hand, are a bit more versatile. They’re perfect for warmer temperatures or transition weather, and you can use a jacket much the same way you would a cardigan or a wrap — to keep yourself warm in an air-conditioned office or restaurant without looking like you have one foot out the door.

Coats and jackets can be pricey, particularly the good-quality ones. They also take up a fair amount of closet space, so you want to be especially careful when buying one. The criteria for the perfect outerwear? Your piece needs to be stylish, fit you properly, and most of all, keep you warm. Most likely, you won’t have a different coat or jacket for every day of the week, so pick versa- tile ones. As you shop for a coat or jacket (or evaluate the ones you already have), keep these things in mind:

✓ Choose a length that complements your body type. If you want to appear longer and thinner, a long coat is a great option. If you’re on the taller side, opt for a shorter one. When considering length, think about what’s most practical. If you’re always getting into and out of a car (as mothers of young children tend to do), the shorter one may be more practical and the longer one may be too cumbersome. Many lengths between the full-length coat and the short jacket are available, which means you absolutely can find one that suits your body type.

✓ Analyze your body before you make any big investment purchases such as a winter coat. Coats come in a variety of styles and lengths, ranging from fitted pea coats and belted trench coats (which are generally on the shorter side), to the less fitted A-line and unstructured poncho-style coats, to the full-length coat. If your hips are wide, you don’t want the coat to end in the middle of your hips, making the over- all appearance even wider; choose a longer coat instead. If you’re on the thinner side, buy a fitted or belted coat, which allows you to show off your figure. And if you want to camouflage your bottom, get a wider body coat with some swing to it. An unstructured coat that drapes, rather than clings, camouflages any body part you’d prefer to keep under wraps. (For more on body shapes, see Chapter 3.)

✓ Keep your coats and jackets in the neutral color range. Because few women have the budget or closet space to have a different coat for every outfit, make sure the ones you do select match most of your wardrobe.

The following sections describe the different kinds of coats and jackets you can choose from.

If you’re buying two pieces of outerwear, buy one down jacket to keep you warm and that you can wear when it snows or rains. Make the other one a pea coat or full-length coat that you can wear to work and out at night. A good place to find designer jackets for less is Burlington Coat Factory. I got a jacket last season for under $50, and it was a two-in-one. The sleeves zippered off and it became a cute vest!

Down outerwear: Dressing for warmth without looking bulky

Down outerwear is called a parka. Parkas come in short, sporty jacket lengths (see Figure 12-2) and in full-length coat style. They’re very warm and very light, and if they have a Gore-Tex or other microfi-

ber shell, they also protect you from the elements. Fortunately, you don’t have to look like a marshmallow- man when you wear a parka. You can find chic ones that have minimum bulk. (I live in mine for work

and play.) Although big, puffy down parkas are out there, you can also find very stylish and trendy brands (like Marmot, The North Face, and Bogner) that can keep you warm and looking fabulous. Here’s how to choose a down coat that looks good on your body type:

✓ Apples: If you’ve got an apple shape, choose a down coat that creates a waist. Look for one with a belt or an inner draw string (make sure that you pull it tight).

✓ Pears: If you’re pear-shaped, go with an A-line jacket, which emphasizes your top while maximizing coverage around your hips.

✓ Plus sizes: A three-quarter-length coat is the right choice because this length keeps the coat from being too short (which would probably cut you at the wrong spot) or too long (which would just be too bulky).

The underbelly of the camel: Camel hair coats The camel hair coat is definitely a classic (see Figure 12-3). Warm and never out of style, these coats are worth the investment because they can take you from day to evening and are just as appropriate over jeans as they are over a fancy dress. Camel hair coats come in the traditional camel color, as well as a variety of neutral colors such as black, navy, and gray.

Figure 12-2: This jacket is perfect for après ski or après Starbucks!

The original camel hair coats were worn by polo players and were actually made from the under- belly hair of the Bactrian camel. Today’s “camel hair” is more likely to be a combination of wool and cashmere dyed to look like camel hair.

Camel hair coats come in different lengths; the longer the coat, the longer your profile. If you’re trying to appear taller or leaner, a longer coat may be a better investment. Also, for evening, longer coats are more elegant. Plus, if you wear a skirt or dress they extend past your hemline. However, if a shorter jacket looks better on you and still serves your wardrobe needs, invest in a shorter one.

If camel hair coats have a drawback, it’s that they can easily get dirty, especially in slushy conditions. To solve this problem, either buy one in a shorter length to avoid splash stains or choose one in a darker color.

Wool coats

Wool is a very popular fabric for winter coats because it’s a very good insulator. Wool coats come in a variety of lengths, from the shorter pea coat style to the full-length coat, and in the basic neutral colors as well as bright colors like red. The following are some suggestions that can help you find a wool coat that fits your body shape:

✓ If you have narrow shoulders: Pick a coat with wide lapels to accentuate your upper half while balancing out your lower

Figure 12-3: The camel hair coat fits in anywhere.

half. Epaulets serve the same purpose and give your coat a little flair. Figure 12-4 shows how lapels and epaulets can provide balance.

✓ If you’ve got curves or a thin waistline: Pick a coat with a belt to emphasize your waist.

✓ If you’re tall: Try a shorter coat to cut your long line and show off your legs.

✓ If you’re petite: Wear a fitted coat so you don’t look like your coat is overwhelming you. Keep it in close proportion to your size.

✓ If you’re heavier on top: Choose a long coat to provide balance between the top and bottom halves of your body.

✓ If you’re a little wider in the midsection: A long coat gives you a longer, leaner line.

Figure 12-4: Wide lapels (left) or epaulets (right) provide balance for women with narrow shoulders.

Pea coats

The pea coat remains a classic. Originally designed for sailors, it’s double- breasted (the extra flap of cloth over the chest adds warmth), usually three- quarter length (which allows sailors to swab the decks without problem), and has slash pockets. Traditionally made of wool, these coats also come in inexpensive versions made of synthetic fibers (but these aren’t very warm). These days, pea coats don’t have to be in the traditional Navy blue, yet they still look best in the basic neutral colors, such as camel or black.

The classic double-breasted pea coat doesn’t work well for women who don’t have a waist or who have a large bust. If you have a large bust and want to wear a pea coat, choose the single-breasted variety, which draws less attention to the bust area. Figure 12-5 shows both single- and double-breasted pea coats. (As this figure shows, not all pea coats have to be navy blue, either.)

A double-breasted pea coat doesn’t look good on anybody if it’s left hanging open and unbuttoned. If you’re going to wear a pea coat in situations where you won’t have it closed all the time, such as commuting or while at the mall, consider getting the single-breasted style.

Figure 12-5: Two pea coats, one single-breasted (left) and one double-breasted (right).

Leather coats

If you take the hide of a cow or pig, without the short fur on these animals, you’re left with leather or suede. Although leather coats and jackets are usually considered more appropriate for the transitional seasons because they’re not very warm, they can be lined with fur, wool, or a synthetic liner, and then they can be used in winter. A leather coat can be a bomber jacket style (which is not very flattering or feminine and probably best avoided), or it can be a fitted blazer-type jacket (which can be very fashionable).

Fur coats

Fur coats remain a classic and elegant look. Designer fur coats can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even the most modest run into the thousands. Fur is light and warm, but a lot of controversy surrounds wearing fur. Some groups, like members and supporters of PETA, the animal rights organization, think killing animals to wear their fur is wrong. Designers who are supportive of this stance have come out with fake fur options. Fake fur is a great way to keep up with the trends while being kind to animals.

Whether you’re choosing fake or real fur, keep these style elements in mind:

✓ Length: Just as with all coats, fur comes in a variety of lengths. Before you make the investment, decide what looks good on you and where you plan to wear the coat. For a more casual look, a short fur or faux fur jacket may be more appropriate. If you’re buying a jacket to wear out at night, a long coat may work better because it’s dressier.

If you’re petite or on the smaller side, choose a coat that doesn’t look like it’s wearing you.

✓ Color: Real fur and faux fur come in a variety of colors. Choose one that best matches what’s in your wardrobe.

Sheepskin, in which the skin is used in addition to the wool, is another type of fur. Coats made of sheepskin are not as expensive as many other furs, but they are quite warm. And of course, fake fur is always a great option — to save money and the animals.

Adding a shot of color

Winter clothing and coats can be drab, and wearing dark colors all the time can definitely take a toll on your mood. I know, I know — the last thing you want to do is put on your favorite ivory slacks when it’s sleeting outside. Fortunately, you don’t have to risk ruining your prized pieces of clothing to add some color to your winter wardrobe. If you’re wearing charcoal gray slacks, try pairing them with a sweater set in a bright color.

The same rules apply for coats. If you’re wearing a black coat, pair it with a colorful scarf, a great bag, a pair of boots, or even a great hat. Use accessories to draw attention away from the coat itself and express your sense of style. However, if your coat, boots, and bag are all of impeccable taste and quality, a dark monochromatic look is very chic and elegant, not drab at all.

Summer: Looking Good When You’re Wearing Less

Ah, summer. Picture yourself sitting under a palm tree drinking a margarita getting fanned by a cute cabana boy. Okay, enough daydreaming! The truth is, many women don’t look forward to a season where they may have to wear lighter or less clothing. Never fear, you can dress for summer without feeling too exposed.

Fashion rules apply in summer just as they do in any other season: Find summer clothing that accentuates your attributes, while camouflaging any- thing you don’t want to show. How much skin you show is completely your preference. If you prefer to keep covered, simply choose the right fabric and color.

Summer fabrics

Keeping cool in the summer doesn’t mean you have to wear less clothing. You just have to be smart about the fabrics you select. Natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and linen are better for hot weather than manmade fabrics like polyester because natural fibers allow your skin to breathe. Your skin — the human body’s largest organ — keeps you cool by sweating. As sweat on your skin evaporates, it removes heat. Clothes that promote the free flow of air allow sweat to evaporate more easily. Summer clothes should be not only lightweight and made of fabrics that breathe, but also loose so that the air can get under the material and aid in evaporation.

Some modern fabrics also add an element of protection from the damaging rays of the sun. These fabrics, with brand names like Solarweave and Suntect, have actual SPF ratings, just like suntan lotion, and can help protect you against sunburn. Of course, they only protect the body parts they’re actually covering. They also make hats with these treated fabrics, some of which have a piece that hangs down to protect your neck. Note: Most dermatologists will tell you that wearing SPF- rated fabrics shouldn’t stop you from wearing suntan lotion as well.

Cool colors for summer

In addition to the fabric fiber and weight, another factor to consider is the color. Darker colors absorb light and heat, while lighter colors reflect light and heat. That’s why people wear more white and other pale shades in the summer.

One of the most popular pieces of summer apparel is a pair of white pants or jeans. You can wear white on the bottom and look and feel fabulous if you follow these pointers:

✓ Don’t throw out the fashion rules for your body type just because it’s hot out. Everyone should be able to pull off an outfit with white pants or jeans. If you’re apple- shaped and love to wear white,

Figure 12-6: Loose clothing helps you keep cool.

pair some white linen slacks with a longer tunic-type blouse, which elongates your upper body. And if you’re pear-shaped, belt your top to draw attention to your waist.

✓ White pants reveal everything (panty lines, the tucked in parts of your blouse, and more), so be careful! Make sure you look at yourself from every angle. If you look only at your front, you’ll miss the view that everybody else has as you walk away.

✓ If you wear less-expensive white pants, be careful of the pockets (both front and back). If you can see them through the pants, they detract from the clean look you want (see Figure 12-7). A great idea is to have them removed altogether. You really aren’t going to use them to hold anything (that’s what your great purse is for), and the look will be much cleaner and more flattering. (Note: Having pockets in white jeans, however, is totally acceptable. Denim is a heavy fabric, and often the pockets are part of the design.)

Figure 12-7: Think about having any pockets removed from white pants.

When it comes to other white items like tops, skirts, and dresses, draw people’s attention away from your problem areas by adding splashes of color. You can wear colorful scarves in a variety of different ways to spice up any outfit; you can even tie a brightly colored scarf around your waist or wrap your hair in one (head to Chapter 15 for different ways to swear scarves). In addition to color, black is a great accent with summer white. A black patent leather belt can brighten up a white outfit, and a bold black-and-white floral or geometric pattern on a dress or skirt serves to dazzle the eye and keep whatever’s underneath camouflaged. For further help, use the right undergarments. Flesh-colored body shapers will hold you in and smooth you out, and won’t allow anything you don’t want seen to show through.

Summer styles

Sure, summer wear is more casual than that of other times of the year, but that can lead some people to forget all sense of fashion. You can still be very fashionable, even with the least amount of clothing. Even bathing suits, covered in the later section “By the sea,” can be fashionable. Just remember to keep in mind what works for your body type.

Who wears short shorts?

Shorts come in a variety of lengths. Find a pair that looks good on your body type.

✓ Short shorts: Very short shorts belong on young teens or women with really skinny legs. If you’re an apple shape and have great legs, short shorts can be a great way to draw attention to your assets. But if you don’t have very thin thighs, short shorts cut you at just the wrong place.

✓ Mid-thigh shorts: These shorts are less revealing and more appropriate for women who are no longer in their teens or twenties.

✓ Bermuda shorts: These very fashionable shorts come to just above your knee and work on women of all ages.

If shorts are flattering to your legs, go for it. If not, try a skirt or dress. You’ll be just as cool, while remaining true to your look and sense of style.

Skirts and dresses

Skirts and dresses are a great way to keep cool and fashionable in the warm weather. They feel lighter and cooler than pants and give you the opportunity to really express your personal style. So many options are available, from the structured pencil skirt to a flowy dress.

Wrap skirts and dresses, which are a classic look and never go out of style, can be very flattering because the diagonal line makes you appear taller and keeps the eye from focusing on any one part.

Capris

Three-quarter length capri pants are another great option for summer. You can mix and match them with tops and shoes to your heart’s content. You can even make them part of a suit if you want. Again, just be careful about what

is most flattering to your legs. If you want to make your legs appear longer, capris may not be right for you. For more on capris, head to Chapter 9.

Summer tops

T- shirts aren’t the only summer tops. You can find so many types of blouses in a wide variety of materials that are cool and great-looking, from peasant tops to silk blouses to longer tunic tops. Another popular look these days are babydoll tops with an empire waist. They’re very youthful-looking and go well with jeans.

By the sea

Summertime is bathing suit season, which some women can’t wait for and others dread. Don’t dread it. The fact is that everyone has flaws. You just need to figure out a way to accentuate your attributes and camouflage what- ever you don’t want exposed. Hiding flaws is obviously more of a challenge in a bathing suit, but it can be done.

One piece or two?

The first decision is whether to wear a one-piece or two-piece suit. What you choose depends on what you’re comfortable in and what body part you want to show off or hide. Get a one-piece suit if your belly is an area that you don’t feel comfortable revealing. Many one-piece suits come with tummy control. And ruching, shown in the suit in Figure 12-8, is one of the many tricks you can use to camouflage your body even while baring so much of it. If you like your back, then look for one that covers your front but is cut-out in the back. Go for a two-piece bikini if you have a great waist and want to accentuate it. If you like the ease of a two-piece, but still want to cover your tummy, try a tankini. The tankini is a two-piece that looks more like a pair of underwear and a camisole, so you get the coverage you want without having to be in a one-piece suit.

When buying a two-piece suit, buy separates if you can. This way if you’re large on top and small on the bottom, you can get the appropriate size for each part and a better fit all around. This is true for all body types. If you can’t buy separates, try to get a top that adjusts in as many ways as possible so that you can make it work for you.

Look for bathing suits with built-in control panels that hold you in while you frolic in the pool or ocean. (www. drreyshapewear.com)

Here are some tips to help you choose a suit style that fits your body type:

✓ Small–busted: The bandeau top or triangle top, shown in Figure 12-9, looks great on you (and many suits now come with padding if you want an extra boost!). Also, a cute suit with ruffles on top helps accentuate the chest area. Any detail on top helps give the illusion that you’re more curvaceous. These tops are available in either a one-piece or two-piece style, so you can choose which look you prefer.

✓ Large-busted: If you have larger breasts and want to wear a two-piece suit, try ones that have more supportive straps. The bra-style bikini top is a very good choice for you (see Figure 12-10), as is the halter top suit. These both flatter and support you in the chest area. If you prefer to wear a one-piece suit, look for one with straps that provide the support you’re looking for.

✓ Bottom-heavy: Play up your top in order to even out the proportions. Choose either a one-or two-piece suit with a top half that attracts all the attention. Separates, where the top has thicker straps or a colorful print and the bottom half is a dark solidthat flatters and still matches the top, are always a good choice. Or try a color block one-piece with lighter colors on the top and darker ones on the bottom, as in Figure 12-12. Avoid boy short bottoms, which emphasize and attract attention to your derriere.

Accentuating your cleavage is a good way to divert attention from other areas.

✓ Short legs: Choose a suit that’s cut high at the hip to make your legs look longer. A plunging neckline also creates a more vertical look (see Figure 12-11). Vertical stripes serve the same purpose.

✓ Long torso: Go for horizontal stripes.

A two-piece suit breaks up your midsection. If you wear a one-piece, try one with cutouts, which break up your torso. And don’t be afraid to add splashes of color to keep eyes from looking at you in a straight up-and- down manner (see Figure 12-12).

✓ Thick waist: If your hips and waist are about the same size, wear a two piece with bright colors so that there’s a clear definition between your two halves. Choose bottoms that sit low on your hips (these add a lengthening effect), and try to find a suit that has some bows or other adornment at the hips to differentiate your hips and waist. In a one-piece, look for a suit that has a sash in the middle or a horizontal color block stripe to accentuate the waistline.

✓ Plus-sized: Dark colors are best. A streamlined one-piece in a dark color makes you look longer and leaner. Try an interesting neckline, maybe one that’s deeper rather than rounder, as it creates more of an illusion of length and draws attention to your chest area (which is most likely an attribute).

Cover-ups

If you want to be a little less exposed when you’re not in the water, another option for looking great while hanging out by the pool or at the beach is a cover- up. These can range from sarongs to caftans, depending on the amount of coverage you desire. The great thing about a sarong is that you can use it in several ways, depending on which parts you want to cover (see Figure 12-13). Tie it above your chest, like a bath towel, and it covers you entirely without being too hot or looking out-of-place. If you just want to cover your lower half, tie it at your waist. Sarongs are so easy to put on and take off. You can even use it to lie on at the beach when you take it off!

Spring and Fall: The Transition Seasons

For those of us who live in climates with four seasons, spring and fall are usually the favorites because they don’t offer any temperature extremes. What these transition seasons lack in extremes, though, they make up for in variability. No wonder there’s so much confusion about what to wear during these times. Really, the trick is just to layer so that no matter what the day brings, you’ll be dressed appropriately.

Slipping from season to season

One way of slipping from one season to the next is to make some subtle changes. When the weather starts to get a little warmer in spring, for example, ditch the boots and dark tights for jeans and peep-toe shoes. You may still need a coat to fight that nip in the morning air, but by late afternoon, you can slip off the coat and feel like you’re actually at the edge of summer. Other changes you can make are to go from heavy sweaters to lighter knit cardigans. Or put a camisole under a blouse, so if the day turns a lot warmer, you can just take the blouse off. In the fall, you transition your wardrobe the opposite way: Start with switching from open-toe to some- thing like a ballet slipper before you dive into the boots. Add a jean jacket or a wrap over your top; during the warmer part of the day, just take it off.

Green leaves and spring flowers or fall foliage aren’t the only colorful additions to these seasons. As the next sections explain, your wardrobe should make the transition from winter to spring or summer to fall by using the appropriate colors as well.

In the spring

You may not be ready to give up black altogether, nor do you have to, but you’ll feel a lot more spring-like if you begin to add some dashes of color, as shown in Figure 12-14, and even a few bold prints. Eventually you’ll be able to substitute lighter-weight coats for those that have to hold back those March winds. A spring coat in a lighter color is a

good transition piece. It can still be neutral so that it matches most of your wardrobe, but you have a little more freedom from black, navy, and other dark colors. If you can afford more than one coat, try a fun spring color to start you on the way to lightening up your wardrobe. Scarves can also make a good bridge accessory. Put your wool scarves in the closet with mothballs and pull out the silk ones in a wide array of colors.

In the fall

When the weather starts to turn cooler in the fall months, you can begin to add layers. Begin by slipping a cardigan over a summer dress, and then go to wearing long sleeves and lightweight wool under a jacket. Finally, resort to pulling out your gloves and hats.

Fall is a good time for vests, which allow you to slowly ease into the idea of requiring all that clothing to keep warm. It’s also a great time to break out those fabulous boots from last season that have been stored away all summer (see Figure 12-15). And, yes, the cooler temperatures mean it’s okay to start wearing black again.

Transitional outerwear

During the transitional seasons, you need outerwear that provides enough warmth to combat the low temperatures, but it also needs to be light enough that, when left open, it won’t make you sweat if the sun starts to warm up the atmosphere. And between April showers and the cold fall rains, you also want your outerwear to be waterproof.

Vests

For mid-range weather, vests are a great option (see Figure 12-16). They keep you warm, especially if they’re down (refer to the earlier section “Down outerwear: Dressing

Figure 12-15: Ah, fall, when you can start wearing your favorite boots again.

for warmth without looking bulky”) and still show off your arms, so you’re not too hot and you get to see a little of your body. They’re a little tougher for apple shapes because they accentuate your top half, so use your judgment when trying them on and deciding whether or not they flatter your shape.

Shawls, wraps, and sweater coats The most versatile item for transitional weather is the shawl or wrap. Sometimes, just adding that one layer warms you up enough when it’s chilly. Obviously, the cooler it is outside, the weightier your shawl or wrap should be, and vice-versa. You can also pair a shawl or wrap with other outerwear. If you’re wearing a light- weight jacket designed for both indoor and outdoor wear, you can better fend off the cold by throwing a colorful wool or pashmina shawl over your shoulders. And voilà — you’re all set!

A sweater coat is a longer version of a sweater that doesn’t close in the front but hangs open like a cardigan without the buttons. Sweater coats, which come in lengths ranging from just below your rear to knee length, are knit and cling in all the right places. Most of them even have belts that you can tie. If you want to show your curves, a long knit sweater coat may be just what you need.

The trench coat: A transitional superstar

If there’s one piece of outerwear that you’re going to wear the most, it’s a trench coat — particularly if it has a zip-out lining. Depending on where you live, a trench coat may even get you through an entire winter. Because you’ll wear your trench coat so

Figure 12-16: A vest is perfect for transition weather.

often, it’s definitley worth spending a little extra if you find the perfect one. And because you’ll wear it in many different seasons, stick to the classic neutral colors — those in the beige or gray family. Be careful if buying black; it can look heavy in spring.

Is it worth spending $800, $900, or even $1,000 on a Burberry designer trench coat? It all depends on your budget, of course, but you have to look at this as an investment in style and function. A trench coat is an item you can proudly wear for years and years, and the satisfaction it will give you every time you slip it on will definitely make the price you paid five years before seem to be a bargain. Look for good quality brands that don’t force you to empty your wallet. Who says you have to buy yours at the most expensive retailers? Visit a place like Burlington Coat Factory or Loehmann’s for a great deal on a trench coat.

Slickers and jackets

Although you can still buy a yellow slicker based on the polyurethane raingear worn by fishermen and almost identical to the one you wore as a child, today you can also find slickers that are much thinner, though just as waterproof, and that don’t come down to your knees. These shorter, more fashionable lengths, when paired with the colorful rubber boots, such as the popular classic brand Hunter (www.Hunter-Boot.com), help you look stylish and remain dry.

Jackets made from fiber instead of polyurethane are not as waterproof, unless they have a Gore-Tex lining. But if you’re not backpacking and you’re packing an umbrella, it really doesn’t matter if your jacket isn’t entirely waterproof. In fact, if you don’t expect the temperatures to drop too much, you could just put on a simple blazer. On the other hand, if you’re going to be outdoors for an extended time (maybe you’re watching your kids play soccer through an October drizzle), having outerwear that has a microfiber lining like Gore-Tex is your best bet at staying dry.

Should your slicker or jacket be long or short? That depends on your body type. If you prefer to keep your bottom and hips from showing, then long is better, and an A-line or swing coat serves your needs best. If you don’t mind showing off your derriere, then go with a short jacket. (And a reminder to all you pears: Make sure it doesn’t end at your hips.)

When purchasing a jacket, especially for cooler temperatures, be sure to pay attention to its design elements, which also serve a purpose. Although you may not care that much about the pockets on a jacket that you only wear indoors, that’s probably not true for one that you plan to wear outdoors.

If you want to be able to stick your hands in the pockets if a sudden chill descends, make sure the pockets allow you to. You may also want to have the option to turn up the collar for added protection from the wind, so look for one with a collar as opposed to one without.

Can you wear a spring jacket in the fall and vice versa? Obviously there’s nothing stopping you, but each of these seasons announces the coming one, which is why a spring jacket would normally be in a lighter, brighter color while a fall jacket, like one in black or brown leather, is more appropriate for the fall months. Of course, if the jacket is in a neutral beige or gray, or mid- range blue or red, it can definitely be worn in both spring and fall. A denim jacket is a great spring-to-summer and fall-to-winter option (see Figure 12-17).

Figure 12-17: A denim jacket knows no season.

The Four Seasons: Dressing for Comfort and Style

In This Chapter

▶ Dressing for winter: Staying chic without the bulk

▶ Dressing for summer heat

▶ Choosing a bathing suit that works for you

▶ Transitioning from season to season

For those of you who live in a tropical climate, shopping for one season is hard enough. Imagine having to rotate your wardrobe for four seasons! Fortunately, you can stock your closet with items that transition you from season to season, which means you do not need four different wardrobes to get you through the year. The trick is choosing wisely and buying right.

Winter: Staying Warm and Stylish

Nothing is quite like cozying up in front of a fire with someone you love, right? Well, that is the picture-perfect view on winter. But if you’re someone who views the colder months with a frown because of the bulky clothing you have to wear, this section is for you.

Layering for winter

If there’s one distinguishing characteristic of the clothes worn in winter, it’s weight. Heavier fabrics like woolen tweeds and corduroy help you retain body heat and stay warm. If not worn correctly, however, they can also make you appear heavier. That’s where the art of layering can come to the rescue. The trick is to layer your outfit in a way that enables you to remove a layer or two when indoors and still have something fabulous underneath.

Just because you need the added warmth, don’t assume you can’t wear your lighter- weight clothes in winter. You may be surprised how smart layering lets you stay warm without looking bulky:

✓ Layering tops: A natural tendency when layering is to add layers on top, like putting a heavy sweater over a blouse. But if the look you’re going for is the blouse, not the sweater, layer a silk camisole beneath the blouse to get an added layer of warmth without the bulk. If you choose to wear a thin, fitted sweater (one that’s meant to be worn on its own and not over a shirt), try a long-sleeve silk undershirt. These undershirts don’t add bulk to your appearance, but they do help you retain body heat (see Figure 12-1).

✓ Layering bottoms: If you don’t want to wear thick wool slacks, wear a pair of tights under pants made of a thinner material. You can even wear tights under your jeans. Just make sure the pants aren’t tight (otherwise, the extra layer underneath shows). Also, a pair of boots that go up to your knee gives you another layer of warmth on your legs.

Figure 12-1: A silk undershirt can keep you warm without adding bulk.

Choosing coats and jackets

Outerwear is just as much of a fashion statement as the clothes you wear beneath them. In fact, in the colder months, it’s the first thing people see on you when you show up to work, dinner, or a party — so select a coat or jacket that really expresses your style.

One difference between a coat and a jacket is length. Coats are generally longer, giving you more coverage and protection from the cold, and jackets are shorter. Another difference between the two is weight. Coats tend to be heavy and too warm to wear inside. A jacket is an item that you may wear inside or out. In other words, a coat typically has one purpose: to keep you warm and protect you from the elements (keeping in mind that a great-looking coat makes a fashion statement, too). Jackets, on the other hand, are a bit more versatile. They’re perfect for warmer temperatures or transition weather, and you can use a jacket much the same way you would a cardigan or a wrap — to keep yourself warm in an air-conditioned office or restaurant without looking like you have one foot out the door.

Coats and jackets can be pricey, particularly the good-quality ones. They also take up a fair amount of closet space, so you want to be especially careful when buying one. The criteria for the perfect outerwear? Your piece needs to be stylish, fit you properly, and most of all, keep you warm. Most likely, you won’t have a different coat or jacket for every day of the week, so pick versa- tile ones. As you shop for a coat or jacket (or evaluate the ones you already have), keep these things in mind:

✓ Choose a length that complements your body type. If you want to appear longer and thinner, a long coat is a great option. If you’re on the taller side, opt for a shorter one. When considering length, think about what’s most practical. If you’re always getting into and out of a car (as mothers of young children tend to do), the shorter one may be more practical and the longer one may be too cumbersome. Many lengths between the full-length coat and the short jacket are available, which means you absolutely can find one that suits your body type.

✓ Analyze your body before you make any big investment purchases such as a winter coat. Coats come in a variety of styles and lengths, ranging from fitted pea coats and belted trench coats (which are generally on the shorter side), to the less fitted A-line and unstructured poncho-style coats, to the full-length coat. If your hips are wide, you don’t want the coat to end in the middle of your hips, making the over- all appearance even wider; choose a longer coat instead. If you’re on the thinner side, buy a fitted or belted coat, which allows you to show off your figure. And if you want to camouflage your bottom, get a wider body coat with some swing to it. An unstructured coat that drapes, rather than clings, camouflages any body part you’d prefer to keep under wraps. (For more on body shapes, see Chapter 3.)

✓ Keep your coats and jackets in the neutral color range. Because few women have the budget or closet space to have a different coat for every outfit, make sure the ones you do select match most of your wardrobe.

The following sections describe the different kinds of coats and jackets you can choose from.

If you’re buying two pieces of outerwear, buy one down jacket to keep you warm and that you can wear when it snows or rains. Make the other one a pea coat or full-length coat that you can wear to work and out at night. A good place to find designer jackets for less is Burlington Coat Factory. I got a jacket last season for under $50, and it was a two-in-one. The sleeves zippered off and it became a cute vest!

Down outerwear: Dressing for warmth without looking bulky

Down outerwear is called a parka. Parkas come in short, sporty jacket lengths (see Figure 12-2) and in full-length coat style. They’re very warm and very light, and if they have a Gore-Tex or other microfi-

ber shell, they also protect you from the elements. Fortunately, you don’t have to look like a marshmallow- man when you wear a parka. You can find chic ones that have minimum bulk. (I live in mine for work

and play.) Although big, puffy down parkas are out there, you can also find very stylish and trendy brands (like Marmot, The North Face, and Bogner) that can keep you warm and looking fabulous. Here’s how to choose a down coat that looks good on your body type:

✓ Apples: If you’ve got an apple shape, choose a down coat that creates a waist. Look for one with a belt or an inner draw string (make sure that you pull it tight).

✓ Pears: If you’re pear-shaped, go with an A-line jacket, which emphasizes your top while maximizing coverage around your hips.

✓ Plus sizes: A three-quarter-length coat is the right choice because this length keeps the coat from being too short (which would probably cut you at the wrong spot) or too long (which would just be too bulky).

The underbelly of the camel: Camel hair coats The camel hair coat is definitely a classic (see Figure 12-3). Warm and never out of style, these coats are worth the investment because they can take you from day to evening and are just as appropriate over jeans as they are over a fancy dress. Camel hair coats come in the traditional camel color, as well as a variety of neutral colors such as black, navy, and gray.

Figure 12-2: This jacket is perfect for après ski or après Starbucks!

The original camel hair coats were worn by polo players and were actually made from the under- belly hair of the Bactrian camel. Today’s “camel hair” is more likely to be a combination of wool and cashmere dyed to look like camel hair.

Camel hair coats come in different lengths; the longer the coat, the longer your profile. If you’re trying to appear taller or leaner, a longer coat may be a better investment. Also, for evening, longer coats are more elegant. Plus, if you wear a skirt or dress they extend past your hemline. However, if a shorter jacket looks better on you and still serves your wardrobe needs, invest in a shorter one.

If camel hair coats have a drawback, it’s that they can easily get dirty, especially in slushy conditions. To solve this problem, either buy one in a shorter length to avoid splash stains or choose one in a darker color.

Wool coats

Wool is a very popular fabric for winter coats because it’s a very good insulator. Wool coats come in a variety of lengths, from the shorter pea coat style to the full-length coat, and in the basic neutral colors as well as bright colors like red. The following are some suggestions that can help you find a wool coat that fits your body shape:

✓ If you have narrow shoulders: Pick a coat with wide lapels to accentuate your upper half while balancing out your lower

Figure 12-3: The camel hair coat fits in anywhere.

half. Epaulets serve the same purpose and give your coat a little flair. Figure 12-4 shows how lapels and epaulets can provide balance.

✓ If you’ve got curves or a thin waistline: Pick a coat with a belt to emphasize your waist.

✓ If you’re tall: Try a shorter coat to cut your long line and show off your legs.

✓ If you’re petite: Wear a fitted coat so you don’t look like your coat is overwhelming you. Keep it in close proportion to your size.

✓ If you’re heavier on top: Choose a long coat to provide balance between the top and bottom halves of your body.

✓ If you’re a little wider in the midsection: A long coat gives you a longer, leaner line.

Figure 12-4: Wide lapels (left) or epaulets (right) provide balance for women with narrow shoulders.

Pea coats

The pea coat remains a classic. Originally designed for sailors, it’s double- breasted (the extra flap of cloth over the chest adds warmth), usually three- quarter length (which allows sailors to swab the decks without problem), and has slash pockets. Traditionally made of wool, these coats also come in inexpensive versions made of synthetic fibers (but these aren’t very warm). These days, pea coats don’t have to be in the traditional Navy blue, yet they still look best in the basic neutral colors, such as camel or black.

The classic double-breasted pea coat doesn’t work well for women who don’t have a waist or who have a large bust. If you have a large bust and want to wear a pea coat, choose the single-breasted variety, which draws less attention to the bust area. Figure 12-5 shows both single- and double-breasted pea coats. (As this figure shows, not all pea coats have to be navy blue, either.)

A double-breasted pea coat doesn’t look good on anybody if it’s left hanging open and unbuttoned. If you’re going to wear a pea coat in situations where you won’t have it closed all the time, such as commuting or while at the mall, consider getting the single-breasted style.

Figure 12-5: Two pea coats, one single-breasted (left) and one double-breasted (right).

Leather coats

If you take the hide of a cow or pig, without the short fur on these animals, you’re left with leather or suede. Although leather coats and jackets are usually considered more appropriate for the transitional seasons because they’re not very warm, they can be lined with fur, wool, or a synthetic liner, and then they can be used in winter. A leather coat can be a bomber jacket style (which is not very flattering or feminine and probably best avoided), or it can be a fitted blazer-type jacket (which can be very fashionable).

Fur coats

Fur coats remain a classic and elegant look. Designer fur coats can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even the most modest run into the thousands. Fur is light and warm, but a lot of controversy surrounds wearing fur. Some groups, like members and supporters of PETA, the animal rights organization, think killing animals to wear their fur is wrong. Designers who are supportive of this stance have come out with fake fur options. Fake fur is a great way to keep up with the trends while being kind to animals.

Whether you’re choosing fake or real fur, keep these style elements in mind:

✓ Length: Just as with all coats, fur comes in a variety of lengths. Before you make the investment, decide what looks good on you and where you plan to wear the coat. For a more casual look, a short fur or faux fur jacket may be more appropriate. If you’re buying a jacket to wear out at night, a long coat may work better because it’s dressier.

If you’re petite or on the smaller side, choose a coat that doesn’t look like it’s wearing you.

✓ Color: Real fur and faux fur come in a variety of colors. Choose one that best matches what’s in your wardrobe.

Sheepskin, in which the skin is used in addition to the wool, is another type of fur. Coats made of sheepskin are not as expensive as many other furs, but they are quite warm. And of course, fake fur is always a great option — to save money and the animals.

Adding a shot of color

Winter clothing and coats can be drab, and wearing dark colors all the time can definitely take a toll on your mood. I know, I know — the last thing you want to do is put on your favorite ivory slacks when it’s sleeting outside. Fortunately, you don’t have to risk ruining your prized pieces of clothing to add some color to your winter wardrobe. If you’re wearing charcoal gray slacks, try pairing them with a sweater set in a bright color.

The same rules apply for coats. If you’re wearing a black coat, pair it with a colorful scarf, a great bag, a pair of boots, or even a great hat. Use accessories to draw attention away from the coat itself and express your sense of style. However, if your coat, boots, and bag are all of impeccable taste and quality, a dark monochromatic look is very chic and elegant, not drab at all.

Summer: Looking Good When You’re Wearing Less

Ah, summer. Picture yourself sitting under a palm tree drinking a margarita getting fanned by a cute cabana boy. Okay, enough daydreaming! The truth is, many women don’t look forward to a season where they may have to wear lighter or less clothing. Never fear, you can dress for summer without feeling too exposed.

Fashion rules apply in summer just as they do in any other season: Find summer clothing that accentuates your attributes, while camouflaging any- thing you don’t want to show. How much skin you show is completely your preference. If you prefer to keep covered, simply choose the right fabric and color.

Summer fabrics

Keeping cool in the summer doesn’t mean you have to wear less clothing. You just have to be smart about the fabrics you select. Natural fibers like cotton, rayon, and linen are better for hot weather than manmade fabrics like polyester because natural fibers allow your skin to breathe. Your skin — the human body’s largest organ — keeps you cool by sweating. As sweat on your skin evaporates, it removes heat. Clothes that promote the free flow of air allow sweat to evaporate more easily. Summer clothes should be not only lightweight and made of fabrics that breathe, but also loose so that the air can get under the material and aid in evaporation.

Some modern fabrics also add an element of protection from the damaging rays of the sun. These fabrics, with brand names like Solarweave and Suntect, have actual SPF ratings, just like suntan lotion, and can help protect you against sunburn. Of course, they only protect the body parts they’re actually covering. They also make hats with these treated fabrics, some of which have a piece that hangs down to protect your neck. Note: Most dermatologists will tell you that wearing SPF- rated fabrics shouldn’t stop you from wearing suntan lotion as well.

Cool colors for summer

In addition to the fabric fiber and weight, another factor to consider is the color. Darker colors absorb light and heat, while lighter colors reflect light and heat. That’s why people wear more white and other pale shades in the summer.

One of the most popular pieces of summer apparel is a pair of white pants or jeans. You can wear white on the bottom and look and feel fabulous if you follow these pointers:

✓ Don’t throw out the fashion rules for your body type just because it’s hot out. Everyone should be able to pull off an outfit with white pants or jeans. If you’re apple- shaped and love to wear white,

Figure 12-6: Loose clothing helps you keep cool.

pair some white linen slacks with a longer tunic-type blouse, which elongates your upper body. And if you’re pear-shaped, belt your top to draw attention to your waist.

✓ White pants reveal everything (panty lines, the tucked in parts of your blouse, and more), so be careful! Make sure you look at yourself from every angle. If you look only at your front, you’ll miss the view that everybody else has as you walk away.

✓ If you wear less-expensive white pants, be careful of the pockets (both front and back). If you can see them through the pants, they detract from the clean look you want (see Figure 12-7). A great idea is to have them removed altogether. You really aren’t going to use them to hold anything (that’s what your great purse is for), and the look will be much cleaner and more flattering. (Note: Having pockets in white jeans, however, is totally acceptable. Denim is a heavy fabric, and often the pockets are part of the design.)

Figure 12-7: Think about having any pockets removed from white pants.

When it comes to other white items like tops, skirts, and dresses, draw people’s attention away from your problem areas by adding splashes of color. You can wear colorful scarves in a variety of different ways to spice up any outfit; you can even tie a brightly colored scarf around your waist or wrap your hair in one (head to Chapter 15 for different ways to swear scarves). In addition to color, black is a great accent with summer white. A black patent leather belt can brighten up a white outfit, and a bold black-and-white floral or geometric pattern on a dress or skirt serves to dazzle the eye and keep whatever’s underneath camouflaged. For further help, use the right undergarments. Flesh-colored body shapers will hold you in and smooth you out, and won’t allow anything you don’t want seen to show through.

Summer styles

Sure, summer wear is more casual than that of other times of the year, but that can lead some people to forget all sense of fashion. You can still be very fashionable, even with the least amount of clothing. Even bathing suits, covered in the later section “By the sea,” can be fashionable. Just remember to keep in mind what works for your body type.

Who wears short shorts?

Shorts come in a variety of lengths. Find a pair that looks good on your body type.

✓ Short shorts: Very short shorts belong on young teens or women with really skinny legs. If you’re an apple shape and have great legs, short shorts can be a great way to draw attention to your assets. But if you don’t have very thin thighs, short shorts cut you at just the wrong place.

✓ Mid-thigh shorts: These shorts are less revealing and more appropriate for women who are no longer in their teens or twenties.

✓ Bermuda shorts: These very fashionable shorts come to just above your knee and work on women of all ages.

If shorts are flattering to your legs, go for it. If not, try a skirt or dress. You’ll be just as cool, while remaining true to your look and sense of style.

Skirts and dresses

Skirts and dresses are a great way to keep cool and fashionable in the warm weather. They feel lighter and cooler than pants and give you the opportunity to really express your personal style. So many options are available, from the structured pencil skirt to a flowy dress.

Wrap skirts and dresses, which are a classic look and never go out of style, can be very flattering because the diagonal line makes you appear taller and keeps the eye from focusing on any one part.

Capris

Three-quarter length capri pants are another great option for summer. You can mix and match them with tops and shoes to your heart’s content. You can even make them part of a suit if you want. Again, just be careful about what

is most flattering to your legs. If you want to make your legs appear longer, capris may not be right for you. For more on capris, head to Chapter 9.

Summer tops

T- shirts aren’t the only summer tops. You can find so many types of blouses in a wide variety of materials that are cool and great-looking, from peasant tops to silk blouses to longer tunic tops. Another popular look these days are babydoll tops with an empire waist. They’re very youthful-looking and go well with jeans.

By the sea

Summertime is bathing suit season, which some women can’t wait for and others dread. Don’t dread it. The fact is that everyone has flaws. You just need to figure out a way to accentuate your attributes and camouflage what- ever you don’t want exposed. Hiding flaws is obviously more of a challenge in a bathing suit, but it can be done.

One piece or two?

The first decision is whether to wear a one-piece or two-piece suit. What you choose depends on what you’re comfortable in and what body part you want to show off or hide. Get a one-piece suit if your belly is an area that you don’t feel comfortable revealing. Many one-piece suits come with tummy control. And ruching, shown in the suit in Figure 12-8, is one of the many tricks you can use to camouflage your body even while baring so much of it. If you like your back, then look for one that covers your front but is cut-out in the back. Go for a two-piece bikini if you have a great waist and want to accentuate it. If you like the ease of a two-piece, but still want to cover your tummy, try a tankini. The tankini is a two-piece that looks more like a pair of underwear and a camisole, so you get the coverage you want without having to be in a one-piece suit.

When buying a two-piece suit, buy separates if you can. This way if you’re large on top and small on the bottom, you can get the appropriate size for each part and a better fit all around. This is true for all body types. If you can’t buy separates, try to get a top that adjusts in as many ways as possible so that you can make it work for you.

Look for bathing suits with built-in control panels that hold you in while you frolic in the pool or ocean. (www. drreyshapewear.com)

Here are some tips to help you choose a suit style that fits your body type:

✓ Small–busted: The bandeau top or triangle top, shown in Figure 12-9, looks great on you (and many suits now come with padding if you want an extra boost!). Also, a cute suit with ruffles on top helps accentuate the chest area. Any detail on top helps give the illusion that you’re more curvaceous. These tops are available in either a one-piece or two-piece style, so you can choose which look you prefer.

✓ Large-busted: If you have larger breasts and want to wear a two-piece suit, try ones that have more supportive straps. The bra-style bikini top is a very good choice for you (see Figure 12-10), as is the halter top suit. These both flatter and support you in the chest area. If you prefer to wear a one-piece suit, look for one with straps that provide the support you’re looking for.

✓ Bottom-heavy: Play up your top in order to even out the proportions. Choose either a one-or two-piece suit with a top half that attracts all the attention. Separates, where the top has thicker straps or a colorful print and the bottom half is a dark solidthat flatters and still matches the top, are always a good choice. Or try a color block one-piece with lighter colors on the top and darker ones on the bottom, as in Figure 12-12. Avoid boy short bottoms, which emphasize and attract attention to your derriere.

Accentuating your cleavage is a good way to divert attention from other areas.

✓ Short legs: Choose a suit that’s cut high at the hip to make your legs look longer. A plunging neckline also creates a more vertical look (see Figure 12-11). Vertical stripes serve the same purpose.

✓ Long torso: Go for horizontal stripes.

A two-piece suit breaks up your midsection. If you wear a one-piece, try one with cutouts, which break up your torso. And don’t be afraid to add splashes of color to keep eyes from looking at you in a straight up-and- down manner (see Figure 12-12).

✓ Thick waist: If your hips and waist are about the same size, wear a two piece with bright colors so that there’s a clear definition between your two halves. Choose bottoms that sit low on your hips (these add a lengthening effect), and try to find a suit that has some bows or other adornment at the hips to differentiate your hips and waist. In a one-piece, look for a suit that has a sash in the middle or a horizontal color block stripe to accentuate the waistline.

✓ Plus-sized: Dark colors are best. A streamlined one-piece in a dark color makes you look longer and leaner. Try an interesting neckline, maybe one that’s deeper rather than rounder, as it creates more of an illusion of length and draws attention to your chest area (which is most likely an attribute).

Cover-ups

If you want to be a little less exposed when you’re not in the water, another option for looking great while hanging out by the pool or at the beach is a cover- up. These can range from sarongs to caftans, depending on the amount of coverage you desire. The great thing about a sarong is that you can use it in several ways, depending on which parts you want to cover (see Figure 12-13). Tie it above your chest, like a bath towel, and it covers you entirely without being too hot or looking out-of-place. If you just want to cover your lower half, tie it at your waist. Sarongs are so easy to put on and take off. You can even use it to lie on at the beach when you take it off!

Spring and Fall: The Transition Seasons

For those of us who live in climates with four seasons, spring and fall are usually the favorites because they don’t offer any temperature extremes. What these transition seasons lack in extremes, though, they make up for in variability. No wonder there’s so much confusion about what to wear during these times. Really, the trick is just to layer so that no matter what the day brings, you’ll be dressed appropriately.

Slipping from season to season

One way of slipping from one season to the next is to make some subtle changes. When the weather starts to get a little warmer in spring, for example, ditch the boots and dark tights for jeans and peep-toe shoes. You may still need a coat to fight that nip in the morning air, but by late afternoon, you can slip off the coat and feel like you’re actually at the edge of summer. Other changes you can make are to go from heavy sweaters to lighter knit cardigans. Or put a camisole under a blouse, so if the day turns a lot warmer, you can just take the blouse off. In the fall, you transition your wardrobe the opposite way: Start with switching from open-toe to some- thing like a ballet slipper before you dive into the boots. Add a jean jacket or a wrap over your top; during the warmer part of the day, just take it off.

Green leaves and spring flowers or fall foliage aren’t the only colorful additions to these seasons. As the next sections explain, your wardrobe should make the transition from winter to spring or summer to fall by using the appropriate colors as well.

In the spring

You may not be ready to give up black altogether, nor do you have to, but you’ll feel a lot more spring-like if you begin to add some dashes of color, as shown in Figure 12-14, and even a few bold prints. Eventually you’ll be able to substitute lighter-weight coats for those that have to hold back those March winds. A spring coat in a lighter color is a

good transition piece. It can still be neutral so that it matches most of your wardrobe, but you have a little more freedom from black, navy, and other dark colors. If you can afford more than one coat, try a fun spring color to start you on the way to lightening up your wardrobe. Scarves can also make a good bridge accessory. Put your wool scarves in the closet with mothballs and pull out the silk ones in a wide array of colors.

In the fall

When the weather starts to turn cooler in the fall months, you can begin to add layers. Begin by slipping a cardigan over a summer dress, and then go to wearing long sleeves and lightweight wool under a jacket. Finally, resort to pulling out your gloves and hats.

Fall is a good time for vests, which allow you to slowly ease into the idea of requiring all that clothing to keep warm. It’s also a great time to break out those fabulous boots from last season that have been stored away all summer (see Figure 12-15). And, yes, the cooler temperatures mean it’s okay to start wearing black again.

Transitional outerwear

During the transitional seasons, you need outerwear that provides enough warmth to combat the low temperatures, but it also needs to be light enough that, when left open, it won’t make you sweat if the sun starts to warm up the atmosphere. And between April showers and the cold fall rains, you also want your outerwear to be waterproof.

Vests

For mid-range weather, vests are a great option (see Figure 12-16). They keep you warm, especially if they’re down (refer to the earlier section “Down outerwear: Dressing

Figure 12-15: Ah, fall, when you can start wearing your favorite boots again.

for warmth without looking bulky”) and still show off your arms, so you’re not too hot and you get to see a little of your body. They’re a little tougher for apple shapes because they accentuate your top half, so use your judgment when trying them on and deciding whether or not they flatter your shape.

Shawls, wraps, and sweater coats The most versatile item for transitional weather is the shawl or wrap. Sometimes, just adding that one layer warms you up enough when it’s chilly. Obviously, the cooler it is outside, the weightier your shawl or wrap should be, and vice-versa. You can also pair a shawl or wrap with other outerwear. If you’re wearing a light- weight jacket designed for both indoor and outdoor wear, you can better fend off the cold by throwing a colorful wool or pashmina shawl over your shoulders. And voilà — you’re all set!

A sweater coat is a longer version of a sweater that doesn’t close in the front but hangs open like a cardigan without the buttons. Sweater coats, which come in lengths ranging from just below your rear to knee length, are knit and cling in all the right places. Most of them even have belts that you can tie. If you want to show your curves, a long knit sweater coat may be just what you need.

The trench coat: A transitional superstar

If there’s one piece of outerwear that you’re going to wear the most, it’s a trench coat — particularly if it has a zip-out lining. Depending on where you live, a trench coat may even get you through an entire winter. Because you’ll wear your trench coat so

Figure 12-16: A vest is perfect for transition weather.

often, it’s definitley worth spending a little extra if you find the perfect one. And because you’ll wear it in many different seasons, stick to the classic neutral colors — those in the beige or gray family. Be careful if buying black; it can look heavy in spring.

Is it worth spending $800, $900, or even $1,000 on a Burberry designer trench coat? It all depends on your budget, of course, but you have to look at this as an investment in style and function. A trench coat is an item you can proudly wear for years and years, and the satisfaction it will give you every time you slip it on will definitely make the price you paid five years before seem to be a bargain. Look for good quality brands that don’t force you to empty your wallet. Who says you have to buy yours at the most expensive retailers? Visit a place like Burlington Coat Factory or Loehmann’s for a great deal on a trench coat.

Slickers and jackets

Although you can still buy a yellow slicker based on the polyurethane raingear worn by fishermen and almost identical to the one you wore as a child, today you can also find slickers that are much thinner, though just as waterproof, and that don’t come down to your knees. These shorter, more fashionable lengths, when paired with the colorful rubber boots, such as the popular classic brand Hunter (www.Hunter-Boot.com), help you look stylish and remain dry.

Jackets made from fiber instead of polyurethane are not as waterproof, unless they have a Gore-Tex lining. But if you’re not backpacking and you’re packing an umbrella, it really doesn’t matter if your jacket isn’t entirely waterproof. In fact, if you don’t expect the temperatures to drop too much, you could just put on a simple blazer. On the other hand, if you’re going to be outdoors for an extended time (maybe you’re watching your kids play soccer through an October drizzle), having outerwear that has a microfiber lining like Gore-Tex is your best bet at staying dry.

Should your slicker or jacket be long or short? That depends on your body type. If you prefer to keep your bottom and hips from showing, then long is better, and an A-line or swing coat serves your needs best. If you don’t mind showing off your derriere, then go with a short jacket. (And a reminder to all you pears: Make sure it doesn’t end at your hips.)

When purchasing a jacket, especially for cooler temperatures, be sure to pay attention to its design elements, which also serve a purpose. Although you may not care that much about the pockets on a jacket that you only wear indoors, that’s probably not true for one that you plan to wear outdoors.

If you want to be able to stick your hands in the pockets if a sudden chill descends, make sure the pockets allow you to. You may also want to have the option to turn up the collar for added protection from the wind, so look for one with a collar as opposed to one without.

Can you wear a spring jacket in the fall and vice versa? Obviously there’s nothing stopping you, but each of these seasons announces the coming one, which is why a spring jacket would normally be in a lighter, brighter color while a fall jacket, like one in black or brown leather, is more appropriate for the fall months. Of course, if the jacket is in a neutral beige or gray, or mid- range blue or red, it can definitely be worn in both spring and fall. A denim jacket is a great spring-to-summer and fall-to-winter option (see Figure 12-17).

Figure 12-17: A denim jacket knows no season.