MSM Highlights: Fashion Sense - Determining Your Body Shape and Style

Determining Your Body Shape and Style

Part: ONE

Style isn't about the trends. It's about reuniting fashion with your height, shape, skin, eye and hair color, personality and age! Sorry ladies, old house wife, Pyjamas are us, frumpy, or t-shirt heaven are NOT fashion styles. They are however a refection of someone who has either given up on their appearance, or someone who does not understand how to dress the body mother-nature gave them.

When you walk out the door you should be showing the world that you are a put-together confident woman. Do not let others snicker at you behind your back because you look like something the cat-dragged-in, or worse, the corner bag lady. Be proud of who you are RIGHT now. Take control of your fashion, and your self confidence by determining your body shape, and what looks best on you now- you will feel better about yourself, and might even surprise yourself to discover there is a sexy vibrant woman under those baggy t-shirts and pyjama bottoms!

DO NOT allow a number to control your appearance, the number on the weigh scale or the tag size is not a reflection of who you are, it is a number-period! This number changes, you know that at 16 you did not have the same number you do at 30, it can go up, and it can go down, let your ‘style’ shine, and say good bye to the ‘number’ that is holding you back!

Reflect Upon Your Previous and Current Fashion Bloopers

Unlike men, you and I are blessed with endless variety in clothes and the freedom to dress creatively with exciting embellishments and details like sequins, earrings and beautiful shoes. But in spite of the many women’s clothing opportunities, you might end up looking ridiculous or "just not right" if you are dressing yourself in the right size or colour. All of us have made fashion mistakes, from the wrong colors to an unflattering cut that made our butt look bigger and our chest flatter.

Fashion Style Facts

Ø Some clothes and fashion trends won’t look good on you.

Ø "The more, the merrier!" doesn't necessarily apply to a real fashionista. Quality always outranks quantity. By quality, I don't necessarily mean the fabric quality. It's more about how valuable a piece of garment is to your style. It's about the versatility and how it makes you look and feel good.

Ø You don't need a fat wallet, model body or the fanciest clothes to look good.

This article series is meant to teach you;

Ø The right way to measure your size

Ø Tips for plus sizes

Ø What works for you and what doesn’t – finding your style

Ø Making it easier for you to decide what you're going to wear- putting together outfits

Ø Finding your best colours

Ø Body Shapes: How to Dress Your Body Shape-Finding Your Body Shape

Ø Tips for petites

Ø Closet organizing

Ø Flatter your face shape

And an entire slew of tips in between.

Let’s get started with “the right way to measure your size”- don’t be scared, remember we have decided that numbers no longer rule us, nor do they hold us back from our beauty- ALL women, of ALL sizes are vibrant, sexy creatures that are meant to stand proud!

Side note:

Ladies, let’s band together and make a pack not to judge the shape of any woman, but encourage them for who they are, with greater confidence we let go of negative body images and ‘want’ to become healthier, (health is the key- not shape!) because we have increased our own personal happiness and poise!

How to find your size

So, we have resolved that sizes mean nothing!! When it comes to clothes, this is so very true, one manufacturer's size 8 is another one's 12. UK sizes look the same as US, but they're not. Because US sizing has changed over the years, finding your size in vintage clothing can be a challenge. But armed with your accurate measurements, you can decipher any sizing system.

What you'll need

A cloth tape measure and a full length mirror. Take measurements undressed (and smile! This is your body- LOVE it) or in lightweight clothes. Pull the tape measure snug, but not too tight. Keep your arms at your side and have a friend take the measurements, for the best results. And don't slouch! Stand up nice and tall.

Bust

Measure around the shoulder blades, under the armpits and over the fullest part of the bust.

Waist

Find your natural waistline and measure.

Hip

Measure the fullest part of the hip (usually about 7-9 inches below the waist-your belly button)

Bra Size

1. Wear a comfortable bra and measure the rib cage just below the breast. If the number is 33 or less, add 5 inches to that number and that is your bra size. For example, you measured 31 inches + 5 = bra size 36. Over 33 inches add 3 inches to get you bra size. For example you measured 40 + 3 = bra size 43.

Both ways--rounding odd numbers up to even.

2. Then measure the bust around the fullest part. When you subtract the last number (fullest part) by the among of your bra size, you'll come up with a number used to determine cup size by using the chart below (the A,B,C, etc. cup chart) For example if your bra size was 36 and your cup measurement was 38, the difference is 2" so you would wear a 36B.

Use this Cup chart:

AA = 1/2" A = 1" B = 2"
C = 3" D = 4" DD or E = 5"
F = 6" G = 7"

Hats

Measure above the ears about 1/2" around the forehead.

Gloves

With hand partially closed, measure over the knuckles, around the hand, excluding the thumb.

Tips

Ø UK sizes may seem the same as U.S. women's, but are generally about a size smaller (a U.S. 8 is about a UK 10) To find your European size, you can add 30 to your size. A U.S. 6 is a Euro 36. Always refer to size charts for fit!

Ø When buying vintage clothing, be aware that the sizes have changed drastically over the years.

Ø If it's cotton, it's going to shrink. Add anywhere from 1/3" to 3/4" extra to compensate. Some makers count potential shrinkage into the size already. When in doubt -- ask a customer service person.

Ø Many manufacturers or stores may have their own special fit and size tips. It's a good idea to consult any additional information.

Ø Get a great tailor, because no matter how closely you order your size, it's still not custom made, you will be surprised for only a few dollars more having your clothes tailored what it will do for a proper look.

So there you have it ladies, part one is complete, come back for the July issue, as we discuss tips for plus sizes and how to determine your body shape.

~Louise Kana~

As seen in the June Issue of Main Street Magazine.

Printed in Canada, ISSN: 1920-4299 by Rain Enterprises

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