Project manager: Natasha Smith Project team :

Project manager: Natasha Smith Project team : Amy Jennette Bri Smith Carolyn Murphy Christine Gante Dawn Schultz Roberta Copsey Special thanks to: Lorraine Souza Michelle Flynn Patty Clendenning and Molly Hiryak for the idea

Business attire for women in its strictest interpretation is patterned after the male standard — a suit consisting of a jacket with matching skirt or trousers, plus a blouse, or a conservative form of a dress. Pant or skirt suits: dark color (charcoal, navy, brown) solid or pinstripe, all wool. Red is a power color, be careful when to wear it if you choose to. Red is not appropriate for the most conservative look. Skirts: should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking and stair climbing — are acceptable. Dress: a sheath dress with a blazer over it. Open shoulders are not accepted for this business attire. Shirts: a cotton or silk blouse in a neutral color (do not wear sleeveless in case you need to take your jacket off; otherwise, it is OK). Shoes: pumps with a lower heel are standard. No open toe shoes, high boots, stiletto heels. Choose dark color that compliments your suit and handbag, no white shoes. Scarves: a classic 34 inch square scarf that compliments your suit in color and pattern is appropriate. But keep it simple – the less color and pattern the better. Purse/bag: if you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Opt for dark colors. No patterns or casual bags. Hose: essential for business style. Jewelry: wear simple pieces, no bangles or dangly earrings.

Business attire DOs

Business attire DON’Ts

A few words on business suits The classic women’s business suit consists of a jacket and skirt or trousers made of the same fabric, separates are not a suit. Three-piece suits for women may include a jacket, pants or skirt plus a shirt, or, sometimes, a jacket plus both pants and a skirt. Dark colors such as black, charcoal, gray and navy are the usual choice for both women’s skirt suits and women’s pants suits. Pinstripes give you a sharp, serious appearance while bold colors set you apart from the crowd. To care for your suit: Follow the care instructions on the manufacturer’s label to keep your clothes in good condition. After each wear clean your suit with a brush and leave it out overnight before putting back in the closet. Try not to dry clean your suit more than once a season. To pack your suit: Pack it in the dry cleaners plastic on a hangar. Do this with four or five shirts as well in one plastic bag. Even on long trips, they come out the suitcase looking like new. For a carry on bag fold in threes in the plastic and hook on the device most bags have for hanging clothes. The suit will still come out looking like new.

A few words on business suits Fit Guidelines As with all women’s clothing, the numbers on the tag barely matter. Pay more attention to the fit of your suit than to its label. Below are some tips: The waists of your skirts or pants should lie flat on or slightly below your waist, with you able to comfortably put two fingers between your torso and the waistband. If your stomach is bulging over the waistband, go a size up. When your hands hang at your side and your arm is slightly bent, the sleeves should just cover your wrist bone. When trying a new suit on, stretch your arms out in front of you and cross them – the suit shouldn’t pull at the shoulders. Make sure that the armhole is wide enough to move your arms comfortable. Raise and lower your arms in order to see if the jacket moves back to the right fitting place without having to fix the fit position. Now sit down and stand up. Does it still look good? Investing in alterations can make an enormous difference in how the suit feels and looks. The only part of a jacket that cannot be taken in are the shoulders and lapels. Make sure those elements fit you. Anything that is too short cannot be lengthened. A good tailor, on the other hand, can take anything in and up. If you are large-chested, make sure first that the jacket fits around your chest (go one size up if necessary), then take it to a tailor to have the waist taken in. Consider your body shape and the silhouette you would like to achieve with the suit. Don’t forget to check for suit quality. Well made suits have full linings, neatly finished hems, and hand sewn buttonholes (identifiable by their irregular stitching). Look in the three-way mirror and make sure the jacket and skirt fit from all angles.

Business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together. For women, business casual includes pantsuits, tailored separates, such as skirts, slacks, blouses, sweater sets, and jackets. A complete accessorized look is encouraged, including closed-toe/closed heel shoes or slingbacks to maximize the businesslike aspect. Pant or skirt suits: could be dark or of a lighter color (charcoal, navy, brown, light gray). In a less conservative environment, suit of any color is appropriate. Pants/skirts: women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. Skirt length and slits: your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Dresses: are appropriate for business casual, but should be of a professional cut (for example, sheath, shirt or wrap dress). However for a more conservative style sleeveless dresses should be worn with a blazer or cardigan. Shirt/sweaters: in addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Shoes: should be leather or fabric/microfiber. Choose colors that compliment your bag/outfit, opt for dark colors in a more conservative environment. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not appropriate. Hose: not essential for business casual, but are recommended in more formal environments. Purse/bag: if you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Canvas and straw are not appropriate.

Business casual DOs ( Any clothes examples – but not shoes — from the Business Attire DON’Ts page would be appropriate for business casual )

Business casual DON’Ts

Coat and tie equivalent Coat and tie style is a part of business casual attire. Think of it as dressy business casual. Appropriate wear is: a suit or a blazer with a shirt/blouse and a nice pair of pants/skirt; or a conservative dress. This style is commonly found on reception invitations. Pant or skirt suits: both dark and light colors are appropriate (charcoal, navy, chocolate brown, light gray, beige); however, no white. Separates are also appropriate for this style. Skirts or pants: should not be extreme of tight or flowing. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be dark — navy, black, charcoal, brown. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored. Dress: a conservative dress like belted shirt- or wrap dress, sheath. Keep the dress simple: minimal details, no patterns, except pin stripes. A sleeveless dress should preferably be worn with a blazer. Tops: a cotton or silk blouse. A shell top is appropriate when worn under a blazer. It is also appropriate to wear a dressy blouse/shirt without a blazer. Shoes: pumps with a lower heel are standard. No high boots or stiletto heels (too sexy). Choose dark color that compliments your suit and handbag, white shoes are generally not appropriate. Scarves: a classic 34 inch square scarf that compliments your suit in color and pattern is appropriate. But keep it simple – the less color and pattern the better. Hose: required for this style. Jewelry: wear simple pieces, no over-the-top bangles or dangly earrings. However, you can choose dressier jewelry for an evening event. Purse / bag: if you carry a purse, keep it small and simple. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Don’t carry a clutch for a reception – you will have to juggle your purse as well as a drink and a plate of food.

Coat and tie DOs

Coat and tie DON’Ts

Casual Attire Casual attire refers to clothing that is comfortable and appropriate to the setting and the occasion. This includes all types of clothing, so choose smartly having the occasion in mind. For example, for a beach party or backyard barbecue jeans, shorts and t-shirts are fine, but for an afternoon reception you would still be better served with a pair of slacks and button-down shirt, or a dress. Just use your judgment and remember – if it is your first “casual attire” invitation, go with a dressier outfit until you figure out what is appropriate (it is better to be a little overdressed than to be the only one in jeans). These are a couple of casual styles that you might see on an invitation: Smart Casual This means you should wear slacks, crisp dark jeans, or a skirt, a blouse or turtleneck, a fashionable belt, a jacket, a vest, or a sweater coordinated to your outfit, hosiery or socks with boots, flats (leather, suede, or fabric) or mid-heel shoes. If you are wearing jeans, wearing a jacket upgrades you to Smart Casual. This category demands a pulled-together, harmonious, complete look (men should wear dress trousers or crisp jeans, a long-sleeve shirt, maybe a tie, leather loafers or dressy slip-on’s, jeans require a sport coat for this style, otherwise just a shirt is OK). Dressy Casual For women, this level of casual implies a dress, coordinated separates in semi-dressy fabrics and even a pant suit. Dressy Casual demands that the outfit be well-coordinated and accessorized (for men, this category indicates dress trousers, a turtleneck, a dress shirt (long-sleeved), a tie (optional), possibly a jacket or sport coat). Casual weddings, for example, call for this type of attire, as well. Out of respect for the ceremonial nature of such event, a dressy dressed-down look is required, regardless of location, when casual attire is requested.

Casual Attire very casual safe casual VS

Casual Attire very casual safe casual VS

Casual Attire very casual safe casual VS

Evening Wear Formal Before six o’clock in the evening, women wear a cocktail dress or an elegant suit (men wear a dark suit, dress shirt, and tie). After six o’clock formal dress means black tie or white tie. White Tie Women are expected to wear full-length dresses, such as ball gowns. Depending on the formality of the event, bare shoulders may or may not be acceptable. Shawls and long gloves are common accessories. At the most formal balls, ball gowns are often required to be white (men wear black tailcoat and a white bow tie). Black Tie An invitation to a black tie event means wearing a long, floor lengthevening dress. A short cocktail dress may be appropriate for some cocktail receptions, summer events, or daytime functions (black tie for men means a tuxedo with a black silk bow tie). Military personnel may wear an equivalent uniform. NOTE: Gloves are optional. If worn, remove the right hand glove when going through a receiving line. Black Tie Optional Black tie optional is a term created to allow guests to choose whether to wear formal clothes described above or informal attire described below. It is not an open invitation to dress in whatever a person’s wants. For women the choice of a floor length gown, evening suit, or short cocktail dress are all acceptable (choices for men are a tuxedo or a dark suit, white shirt, and evening tie). Informal (semi-formal, cocktail attire) Before six o’clock in the evening informal signifies women wear an afternoon dress (a conservative sheath, wrap or shirt dress) or an elegant suit (men wear a coat and tie, such as a sport jacket with a tie or a dark or light business suit). After six o’clock in the evening women may wear a very dressy afternoon dress or a short or long cocktail dress or an evening suit (men wear a dark business suit, a dress shirt, typically white, and evening tie).

Cocktail dresses A few simple rules: 1. even if almost any color is appropriate, choose dark colors for a more conservative look or when in doubt; 2. puffy skirts are generally dressier; 3. little black dress rules this category.

Evening appropriate suits and coordinates

If you have an HOURGLASS (curvy) shape If you have an hourglass shape: o Your body has a pronounced bust, defined waist and full hips. o Your bust and hips are approximately of the same width. o You may have broad shoulders. o You’ve got lots of curves, so the goal is to lengthen your body and showcase your slim waist without hiding your curves. Style tips : o Avoid oversized and baggy shapes and bulky fabrics that make you look bigger. o At the same time, don’t wear clothing that is too tight; semi-fitted is the most slimming and tasteful shape for your figure.

TOPS for hourglass bodies o You should wear semi-fitted (but not too tight!) blouses that follow your natural curve line. o V-necks or square necklines look great on you. o Choose garments with smooth fabrics — you want pieces that will hug your curves without adding unnecessary volume. o Three-quarter length sleeves will show off thin arms while hiding any flaw. o If you want to look slimmer, don’t wear big, bold prints, they will make you look larger all over. Do not wear: o Chunky knits and sweaters o High-neck, sleeveless tops o Drop waist or empire waist tops – they will hide your waist making you look square o Blouses with breast pockets This outfit is perfect – the shirt highlights your waist and the skirts flatters the hips

Ideal for petites, by SELE, amazon. com Perfect for busty figures, alight. como Complement your figure with single-breasted jackets that are slightly fitted or have princess seams (seams sewn in the front and the back of a garment to give you a form-fitting shape). o Give your waist some definition by wearing belted jackets. o To minimize thick arms, try three-quarter-length sleeves, which cover the wide top of the arm and leave your comparatively thin wrists on display. o A coat that hangs straight down from your chest can make your midsection look huge. o Double-breasted jackets will only double-highlight your upper body. Hiding your shape in a baggy, boxy jacket will only make you look bigger. This tailored, body-skimming “after” jacket is chic and slimming. JACKETS for hourglass bodies Great for plus-sizes, newport-news. com

PANTS for hourglass bodies o Choose bootcut or slightly flared trousers – they are easy through the hips and flare subtly making you look fabulous. Bootcut pants also flatter your butt beautifully. o Beware of baggy and wide-legged pants – they will make you look bigger than you really are (“don’t” photo to the right). o Choose flat-fronted and pocketless pants to minimize your full hips. If your pockets stick out through the fabric – cut them out. o Stay away from pleated pants — they will add bulk around your belly and hips. o Don’t wear skinny or tapered jeans/trousers; they narrow at the ankles and exaggerate your hips.

o A-line skirts are your best friends. They flare a little at the knees and highlight your best attributes. o A pencil skirt will show off your curves while holding everything in. Make sure you choose one that fits the widest part of your lower half and then tailor the waist in, if necessary. o High-waisted skirts show off the smallest part of an hourglass shape and makes your legs look longer. Keep your blouse tucked in to create a slim silhouette, and wear heels to elongate even further. o Don’t wear short skirts, as they don’t elongate your look. (They actually make you look more round). o Go for belted styles. SKIRTS for hourglass bodies

DRESSES for hourglass bodies o Your best bet is a wrap or bias-cut dress with enough room to shift. This type of dress will crease in at your natural waist, as long as the fabric is lightweight and drapes well. o Choose dresses with a V-neck or square neckline. o A cross-over bodice is both comfortable and flattering. Dresses that cinch at the waist and flare at the knee help to minimize the hips. o Don’t wear dresses that are baggy and lack shape (don’t photo to the right). o Don’t wear dresses that are too fitted and clingy or have a tapered skirt, as they can exaggerate the hips by narrowing at the knees. o If you want to look slimmer, don’t wear large patterns – they make you look bigger all over.

ACCESSORIES for hourglass bodies A good bra is essential for the hourglass shape. Make sure you are wearing the right size so you have enough support and fabrics will drape well. Because hourglass shapes have a very defined waist, heels add length and help to elongate your silhouette. Chunky styles can balance out a heavier body. Try wearing delicate bangles or thin strands of beads to show off your wrists, which are thinnest parts of your arms. Don’t wear big, wide bracelets that make your whole arm look thick. Go monochromatic with a thin belt. Remember that dark colors such as brown, navy, charcoal and black are naturally slim-ming.

If you have a RULER shape If you have a ruler shape: o Your body is one long, slim line, without much difference between the width of your chest and width of your hips. o You have wide shoulders and toned legs. o There is essentially no defined waist line so the goal to dressing smart is to virtually minimize the waist by choosing clothing that will add fullness to your upper body and hips, thereby enhancing your figure. Style tips : o Wear anything flirty and girly to create a more womanly shape. o Avoid clothes that mimic your straight lines: form-less skirts, boxy jackets and tunics, sheath dresses. o Always nip your waist with a belt for a curvier silhouette. o Go for details or texture at your bust line. Horizontal-striped tees were made for you. o Use layers to build curves.

TOPS for ruler shape bodies When choosing tops for your figure, select styles that will add fullness. This will create the illusion of curves. o Search for tops that can be cinched at the waist. o Choose tops with the length that hits at the hip. o Floaty fabrics and thick textures will add fullness. o Necklines, like V-necks, cowl necks, scoop necks and halters are great styles to choose. o Wrap tops can make wonders in creating curves. o Cap sleeves look great on you. Top by Express Crop cardigan by Tummi, amazon. com. Cowl neck sweater, topshop. com. Wrap top, newport-news. com. Stretch wrap blouse, newport-news. com

JACKETS for ruler shape bodies o Try jackets that have curvy cut, and are rounded at the hips. o Choose a shorter, at the hip-bone length. o Belted styles are flattering for you as are double breasted blazers. o Once again, thick textures are great but not a must. Short sleeved blazer by SELE, $49, amazon. com Floral blazer by J. Marco, $29. 99, amazon. com

SKIRTS for ruler shape bodies o You can wear pretty much any style you want, however choose flared and frilly skirts to add more volume to your figure. o Pleated, trumpet, flared hem, A-line, pouf, pegged are all good. o High-waisted tapered at the bottom skirt will also create curves. o Shorter hemlines will make you look curvier. o Don’t wear straight-cut minis (picture a square of fabric) – they won’t add curves. No curves Instant curves

DRESSES for ruler shape bodies o Go for angled seams and bias cuts that create curves; halters, shirt dresses, wrap dresses, and anything with details at your waist. o Don’t wear straight sheath dresses that are not fitted at the waist: A dress that hangs down straight from shoulders to knees can make you look like one big rectangle. o Be careful with empire waist dresses – they can hide your natural waist robbing you of the curves you do have. That much ruching is sure to create curves. Designer dress by Tuleh A body with a smaller bust can afford wearing plunging necklines without looking too risqué. Dress by Limited Too Angled hem, cap sleeves, horizontal stripes, wrap-style – everything works to create curves. Dress by La Belle Cinched at the waist with an A-line skirt, V-neck and puffed sleeves this dress will look great on you. Dress by Max Studios

PANTS for a ruler shape bodies o Avoid anything that is too fitted, which can emphasize a straight silhouette. o Wear flared jeans/trousers. o Create a curvier shape with pants and jeans that have side pockets to add width to slim hips. o Pants with pleats are also appropriate for this figure type. o Fabrics with thicker textures will help to add fullness. o Low rise pants create a sexy waistline and give the illusion of hips on a narrow shaped body. o Jeans: Strategically placed washes or embellishments in the back pocket areas will attract attention to your hips. Lighter washes or fades along the legs and knees add shape to thighs. Straight pant makes curves disappear. Flared leg trousers create curves. Pleated Flared. High-waisted Faded. All great options to create curves:

ACCESSORIES for ruler shape bodies Use necklaces, scarves and accessories to round out your neckline and play up your chest. Show off your great slim legs in an attraction-grabbin g shoe. If you want to create cleavage — make a padded bra your friend! Wear girly and flirty shoes and accessories. Long, layered necklaces look great on you!Own a few belts in different colors.

If you are a PEAR shape Pear shapes usually have: o A bottom heavy shape o Larger and more generous hips and thighs o Well-defined waist o Thin and slender neck o Narrow or sloping shoulders Style tips: o Avoid outfits that cut you in half at the waist. Highlighting that dividing line makes your lower half look bigger o Wear dark colors below your waist or one color from head to toe. o Tie on a scarf, layer long necklaces or otherwise play up your upper half

TOPS for pear shape bodies Ruffled details around the neckline are perfect for you. newport-news. como Wrist-length slim-fitting empire waist tops also work for you. o Don’t wear tops that hit at your waist – it will highlight what’s below (“don’t” photo on the left). o Don’t wear tops that are too tight (they will make you look even tinier on top – “don’t” picture on the right). Appliqué details draw attention to your top half fashionoverdose. como Always wear tops that visually broaden your shoulders: open neckline (scoop neck, boat neck, off the shoulder), detailing around the neck (ruching, buttons, ties), wide collars, puffy or fluted sleeves, etc. o The safest way to go is to choose fitted tops that show of your waist – anything cinched or belted. Wear these tops over your pants/skirts, with the hem hitting at the hip bone. o Another great option – roomier tops tucked in to widen and balance out your top half. Wear with belted mid-rise trousers.

JACKETS for pear shape bodies o Jackets are very good for realigning your shoulders. The key is to focus on your waist. Go for a jacket that’s fitted (boxy shapes are not your friend) and ends just above your hip bones. Or try a belted jacket with a peplum waist. o Widening the neckline of any garment worn on your top body half will increase the width of your shoulders. o Stick to detailing around the top half of the body rather than the bottom half/hip area. o For colder days, wear princess, single-breasted or a-line coats and jackets. o Belted coats are great for you. o Jackets with wide lapels or collars will also broaden your shoulders. Puffy sleeves and a wide neckline will widen your shoulders Large print (worn with dark trousers) will visually balance out your top half Single-breasted A-line coats are great for you. Cinched in waist, deep V-neck and wider lapels – this jacket is perfect for you

PANTS for pear shape bodies o The pants for you are boot-cut or slightly flared. They should fit your thighs comfortably and fall down from the widest part creating a smooth straight line. o Look for trousers with a waist that hits slightly below the natural waistline. Pants with a high waist would make your torso look smaller. o Stay away from too-tight-on-top, tapered and/or skinny styles. o Wear flat-front trousers to avoid adding extra bulk. Never wear pleats. o Avoid cuffing your trousers unless it’s absolutely necessary, because your legs will look much shorter. o Dark jeans are a total must-have for pear-shaped women everywhere. Dark jeans will minimize your larger bottom half.

SKIRTS for pear shape bodies o A-line skirts/wraps are by far the most flattering for ‘pears’ as they slim the hips and emphasize the smaller waist area. o Short, tight skirts should be avoided as these will accentuate the tops of your thighs, and divert attention to that problematic area below the waist o Try to avoid light colored bottoms and stick to darker blues and browns which absorb the light. o Don’t wear clingy or tapered styles – they will accentuate your bottom. o Go for skirts with a mid-rise waist line. High-waisted skirts will only highlight your bum/hip area. o Choose around the knee length to show off your legs. DO DON’TSkirt by J. Marco, amazon. com. Skirt by Romeo, amazon. com

DRESSES for pear shape bodies o A-line skirts are your staple. You can wear a sheath or an empire waist or a belted style, as long as the skirt is slightly flared towards the bottom. o Don’t wear clingy or tapered styles – they will accentuate your bottom. o Look for dresses with a well defined waist or cinch it in with a belt. o Choose thicker, wide-set straps, pretty V-neck or show off your shoulders in a strapless style. o The perfect length for you is around the knee.

ACCESSORIES for pear shape bodies Heavier style heels will balance out your calves. Avoid shoes with ankle straps or t-strap styles, which can make your legs look larger. Cinch in your waist with a pretty belt – own a few! But avoid wearing belts on the hips as this draws attention to the hip area. Wear bold accessories — chunky necklaces are great. Try a pair of boots with a little slouchiness to make your hips look at home. Pin on a brooch on a jacket lapel to play up your top half. Tie on a scarf.

If you are an APPLE shape. If you are an apple: o You gain weight at the midsection and thus you do not have a defined waist. o Your upper body appears larger than your lower half. o You could have slim hips and a trim backside. o You may have full breasts and a wide back. o Your arms could be slim, while your shoulders could be wide. A classic apple shape has a top-heavy appearance with narrow and skinny hips and thighs. However, this section also applies to plus-size apple-shapes with wide midsection as well as full hips. What not to wear: o Avoid very fitted garments, particularly those with well defined waist bands as these will only draw unwanted attention to your mid-section. o Don’t wear belts for the same reason. o Avoid mixing and matching many different colors. Choose monochromatic outfits, as the use of just one color will create an overall impression of length that will focus away from your width. o Avoid tops with pockets because often these attract unwanted attention to the upper body. o Don’t wear big, boxy shirts. You’ll only look more square than you truly are. o Don’t tuck anything into your pants – the waistline will cut you off in the middle. Wear longer tops over your jeans/trousers.

TOPS for apple shape bodies o Empire waist tops that flow out from under the bust are your friends. They add definition to the bust and separate the space between your tummy and chest. A wider back will also be obscured, and people will be left assume your waist is tiny underneath the shirt. (remember to choose sleek tops, like a DO one to the right; bulky baby doll tops – a DON’T picture, bottom right – add a belly instead of disguising one) o Tops with V-neck and scoop neck are great to show off some skin and will lengthen the neckline and draw attention up to your face. Try them with beading or details on the bust area. o Try a top with a distinctive «bust area. » Seams or differently patterned fabric, which will draw the eye up. o Choose a shirt with a slightly lower neckline to keep the eyes moving upwards. There’s a fine line between classy and not-so-classy, so use your judgment. Pair that with a statement necklace for maximum effect. o Wear longer shirts to reduce the chance of «muffin top» escaping from where your shirt meets your trousers. If you like your hips to look more in balance with your bust, try a shirt that meets the largest point of the hips. o Another option — wear a long bottom tank under anything. Apple bodies can sometimes have a problem with shirts that ride up, so buy this top in one size larger than you usually would. o Vests are trendy, and when you wear yours open with a tunic top underneath, you can show off your shapely shoulders and camouflage your middle very easily. DO DON’T

TOPS for apple shape bodies

JACKETS/COATS for apple shape bodies o Choose a one- or two-button fitted jacket with a stance that hits above the natural waistline. When buying a jacket, make sure it fits comfortably through your chest (there should be no pulling around buttons), then have it altered to cinch in the waist, if necessary. o Never choose a double-breasted jacket or coat – it will make you look wider. o A long coat worn open is a great way for you to look slimmer, because it will glide around your middle. The vertical line created by the front opening of the coat seemingly dissects your body into long narrow slices. This model might not be apple-shaped but she is wearing the right jacket for this body type. Left: fitted DO Below: double-breaste d DON’T

PANTS for apple shape bodies Choose trousers that create a balanced silhouette: o Look for tailored trousers that don’t have bulky pockets or protruding zips. o Don’t be fooled by low-waisted pants – they are not for your shape. Try middle rise instead — it will contain your tummy without cutting into your stomach and can make you look pounds lighter. o Choose a wider waistband — it looks great on apple shapes. o Traditional jeans don’t work for you, so go for tailored, wider-legged denim. Choose a darker wash — it will help to minimize trouble areas. o Never wear skinny trousers, unless you wear a longer tunic over it with a slimming effect. o If you have skinny and narrow hips, choose wide-legged trousers that will create a more even look between your upper and lower halves. o If you have fuller hips and thighs, go for fitted (but not tight!) through the hip trousers with a boot cut or slightly flare leg (but never tapered!). Major DON’T : don’t cut yourself off in the middle by tucking your top in. Mid-rise jeans – a DO Wearing your tops over the pants – always a DO

SKIRTS for apple shape bodieso If you are a plus-size apple-shape with bigger hips, the best skirt style for you is a sleek A-line, or flared, knee-length skirt. Higher waist and flat front will camouflage the stomach area, while the slight flare flatters your hips. o If your top half is heavier than your bottom, and you have skinny hips and a flatter butt, you should wear skirts with a fuller silhouette or bigger patterns to balance out your figure. However, choose skirts that are full at the hip but have a flat top part to avoid adding extra bulk to your stomach area. o Skirts with a higher waistline, will disguise a larger stomach and hide any strain or tightness across the midsection. o Choose a wider waistband, it will hold your stomac in. o Look for skirts that are side-fastening and flat fronted to avoid extra bulk around your belly. o Don’t wear slim miniskirts with your body type. You will seem far more top-heavy than you really are. o Opt for light colored pantyhose which will help to keep the focus on your legs. All skirts are from alight. com. Great for plus-size apple-shaped bodies: Great for apple-shaped bodies with a skinny bottom half:

DRESSES for apple shape bodies Don’t forget that throwing an open jacket over your dress is very flattering Great for summer. Cute Options Mixed Floral Tiered Dress, amazon. com Perfect for cocktails. dress by Maria Bonita, amazon. com. Empire waist dress by T. Rosa Dress, amazon. com Max Studios dress, amazon. como Empire gowns look best on this type of figure. The high waist de-emphasizes your mid-section and lengthens your overall silhouette. o A-line dresses also work great. However, if you choose to go with an A-line gown, it is ideal that you choose a bodice with boning for a slimming effect.

ACCESSORIES for apple shape bodies Opt for light colored pantyhose such as the color nude which will help to keep the focus on your legs. Wear kitten heels for comfort if you have smaller calves. These heels are easier on your feet, so you can wear them all day without trouble. Embrace chunkier style shoes like wedges. Wearing a slightly heavier shoe can help to anchor and balance your top half. Find a pair of shoes that continue the long lines of your legs. You may want to try a strappy sandal with a sexy heel.

Little black dress for your shape According to Glamour magazine, these are the best dresses for your shape – no matter what size you are! The dress – Talbots, $138. Best for PEAR shapes. Why it works: it’s a-line shapes streamlines hips and plays down thighs. The dress – Maurices, $54. Best for HOURGLASS shapes. Why it works: the belted style flaunts your curves and shows off your waist, while the V-neck elongates and slims. The dress – O Oscars, $149. Best for RULER shapes. The waist-highlighting shape adds curves where they are needed. The non-tight fabric accommodates desserts!

Wardrobe essentials Fitted trench (go bold in a wow color or fabric!) Burberry Fitted winter and summer jackets Paul Smith Women Crisp white ruffled blouse Anne Fontaine Camisoles in black, white and cream Mary Green Black sheath dress for winter and summer Donna Morgan Black and white turtlenecks (invest in cashmere!) Joseph. Black and white cardigans Tory Burch. V-neck sweaters in colors Mai Tailored trousers in classic colors Joseph, Banana Republic, Theory, Club Monaco Dark denim jeans 501 jeans by Levi’s Black straight skirt Badgley Mischka

Chic accessory essentials Black and brown knee-high boots Delman Black and brown ankle boots Isaac Mizrahi Nude heels Michael Kors Sleek black heels Isaac Mizrahi Black, brown, gold and silver belts Tod’s Classic watch with gold and silver chain links Tag Heuer Chunky chain necklace Style. Naturale by Barbara Boz Chunky bangle bracelets Sequin Stud earrings and gold hoop earrings Jewelry Television; Sequin Quality tote bag for books, magazines, newspapers MZ Wallace Leather bag for day Dooney & Bourke Sparkly evening clutch Yves Saint Laurent

Wear your clothes more than one way Liz Claiborne dress, $188 Do not invest in a piece if it can only be worn one way. This Liz Claiborne dress, for example, is perfect for the day at the office. But it can also be easily dressed up or down. For casual weekend For every day work For big event For dressy night

Wear your clothes more than one way Break up your suit with trendy brights: The base: this suit is salt-and-pepper tweed that goes with everything, yet is kinder to the skin than solid black or grey. For day: an unconventional sweater in a trendy color makes the outfit fun but still work-appropriate. For night: wear the jacket with dark jeans and a bright blouse for dinner or drinks with friends. For weekends: pairing the skirt with a fresh coat/jacket and a casual striped turtleneck will make it right for an easy weekend. Suit – Yves Saint Laurent, sweater – Catherine Malandrino, blouse – Bill Blass, jeans – Strenesse Blue, peacoat – Ralph Lauren, turtleneck – Banana Republic.

What goes underneath The challenge : a sheer blouse and a clingy satin skirt The solution: a camisole is a must under a sheer blouse; a silky thong keeps your silhouette sleek and seamless The challenge : a formfitting knit dress The solution: a silk slip eliminates static and keeps the dress from puckering and clinging to your skin The challenge : a high-waisted skirt and white tank The solution: control-top panties hold in your middle; a nude-colored bra is unnoticeable under a white top

What goes underneath, cont’d The challenge : a sleeveless top and skinny pants The solution : a racer-back bra straps stay hidden; a thong with thin straps won’t create lines under slim-fitting pants The challenge: a camisole and white trousers The solution: a strapless underwire bra lifts and contours; lightweight boy shorts lend perfect coverage The challenge: a dress with a low-cut back The solution: a strapless, low back bra stays hidden; a wife-waist thong covers without adding bulk

Mor e goo d opti ons

Create a new body shape with ASSETS Have you heard of the “magic” Spanx Shapeware? If you have anything that needs to be tucked away, you’ll be glad to know that a cheaper version ASSESTS (available at Target) is just as good!

Sources used: Internet Glamour magazine Lucky magazine In Style magazine Oprah magazine What Not To Wear , by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine Chic Simple Women’s Wardrobe , by Alfred A. Knopf In Style Instant Style , by the editors of In Style magazine