Waist Watching
No two people are exactly alike - even identical twins are subtly different - but we all have certain features we love and others that we spend countless hours, days and even years trying to disguise. A common problem area women complain about is the waist. As we age in particular, the waist start "thickening" and clothes just don't fit as well as they used to. It's perfectly normal to want to camouflage those areas of our bodies that we're not completely comfortable with, however, this trickery can only be mastered with the proper tools and a positive attitude. Brittany Padley, a fashion design student at Florida State University in Tallahassee, offers these tips for three common waist issues:

Short Waist
As you would imagine, this issue is most pressing for petite women, but there are number of ways you can elongate your waist. First, wear a tunic. Try to make sure it is seamless and free of a striped print. If these elements are present, they should only be vertical. Next, try a loosely hanging belt. You don't want to wear a belt that's tight around your waist because this cuts your torso in half. Finally, your pants should be low waisted and your shirt untucked. A tucked-in shirt emphasizes the top and bottom line you have created so erase that unnecessary line altogether by untucking your shirt.

Long Waist
Necklines and layering are the major rules for long waisted women. Deep V, scoop or sweetheart necklines will detract attention from long waists. This is because the attention is drawn up from your waist and at your décolletage. Pair with some beautiful jewelry and no one will even notice your waist. Layering is another useful tool in camouflaging a long waist. By layering, your eye breaks up the long line of your torso. Pants should be mid-rise and paired with a contrasting belt. This pairing will raise the waistline and give the impression of a cinched waist.

Thickening Waist
In general, women with this issue assume that wearing oversized clothes hides imperfections, but this could not be farther from the truth. Wearing clothes that fit your frame will make you look instantly thinner and younger, no matter your size. Search for clothes with fitting darts and seams along the bust and torso of the garments for optimal fitting potential. When it comes to slacks, find a pair that fit comfortably around the thigh and go straight down, staying the same width the entire distance of the leg. Dresses should be knee length and worn with high heels. High heels will elongate the leg and, in turn, elongate the waist.
 
Remember, no matter body shape you have you can always find the right garment with the most flattering cut for your body by taking time to shop smart, try on clothes before you leave the store and if need be, alter them at home or have a professional create darts, hems and other alterations for you.


Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
Digg! Reddit! Del.icio.us! Mixx! Google! Live! Facebook! StumbleUpon! Yahoo! Twitter! Free Joomla PHP extensions, software, information and tutorials.
Trackback(0)
Comments (0)Add Comment

Write comment

busy