Accentuate your assets...

I want to continue today with the 'accentuating your assets' piece by talking about two areas; how to define your waist and maximizing your height.  Defining the waist is a really important part of accentuating your shape, and no matter what size you are if you can define your waist then you can look really great.  And for those of us who aren't tall model-like height, it's important to give the illusion of being taller than we are!  So, listen up ladies for my tips for these two areas that you should definitely accentuate!

Defining the waist

• Whether you are tall or short, a size 2 or 12, cinching your middle almost always creates a feminine and flattering line.
• Pick pieces with a slim belt or ribbon for subtle definition.  Or for a more dramatic effect, choose a super-wide waistband like a cummerbund or sash.
• The waist doesn't have to be smack in the middle.  A drop waist elongates your torso, while an empire gives you a leggier look.

Celebs that look great when they cinch in their waist are Scarlett Johansson and Rachel Weisz.

Maximizing your height

• Floor skimming frocks and trousers will give you an elongated, lean look.  Anything cropped at the ankle will shorten your silhouette.
• Extremely high-waisted styles will make your legs seem miles long.  Its a good option when you prefer a mid-length skirt.
• Dressing in a single shade optimizes your length.  Strategic color-blocking can work well too.
• Avoid anything overly adorned or patterned.  The simpler the better when it comes to a streamlined look.

Celebs who do a great job of maximizing their height include Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica-Parker.

Learn to accentuate your assets!

Over the next few days.....accentuating your assets!  Dressing well isn't just about wearing the right clothes.  It's about wearing the clothes that are right for your figure.  Have you ever noticed that some women never seem to make a mis-step when it comes to fashion and always seem to look pulled together?  Well I guarantee if you pay more attention, you'll notice that these women probably have a few simple styles that they wear over and over - because they know how to accentuate their assets!  And really ladies, that's the secret to looking good.  It really is that simple!  Know what works for you and wear it in different colors and ways....

Whether you're cinching in the waist with a tailored jacket (to look more shapely), finding the perfect ratio of heel height to hemline length (to seem taller), or showing some cleavage while covering up everywhere else (to draw attention away from the hips), some women know how to work their wardrobe to their advantage.  Learn the tricks and master the art of dressing to make the best of your body and make your clothes the most flattering they can be!

Reveal Decolletage

• Select a top that reveals your neckline.  It will draw attention to your upper body, keeping the rest understated.
• A form-fitting black dress with a strapless, off-the-shoulder, or wide-neck top is a dramatic look.
• Wearing longer pieces balances the intensity of an exposed top, maintaining proper proportions.
• For a more casual take, try low-cut blouses, wide-neck tanks, or tees paired with slim pants.

Take the plunge

• A deep V on a gown, a less severe dip on a cocktail dress, or even a slight plunge on a more casual top for day instantly detracts from your hips.
• Make sure your bust is adequately secured in and that a neckline provides enough coverage. Showing too much isn't sexy.
• Keep your appearance appropriate and in proportion by wearing more conservative bottoms, like trousers or a straight skirt.  A dress should be simple with a drape.
• Solid colors keep the look sleek while allowing your cleavage to take center stage.

Dressing for full-figured women...

Today I want to concentrate on celebrating the shape of the fuller-figured woman. The average sized woman in the USA is a size 12 or bigger, despite the fact that in the media we are surrounded by models and stick-thin (mostly) celebrities.  It's ironic that even though a size 12 is the average size of the majority of women, we are still bombarded with unrealistic images in the media which in turn creates a lot of angst among many plus-sized women.

So being able to accept your body and celebrating your shape is key.  Being bigger doesn't necessarily mean unfit, although this seems to be the general thought.  I know many plus-size women who are active and fit and healthy, so the idea that bigger women are just lazy and unfit is a myth!

So please read my tips on how fuller-figured women should celebrate their shape and learn how to look great whatever size you may be!

Consider simplicity, subtle sexiness, and a little structure...these three things are key!

• Choose close-to-the-body cuts.  Caftans and sack or boxy shapes will only add pounds.  Look for tailored pieces like fitted button-ups, straight skirts and trousers, and wrap dresses that skim the body and give the waist definition.
• Keep it streamlined.  Your clothes should be sleek - frill-free and not overly adorned.  Think flat-front skirts and pants, as heavy pleats and too much volume look extra bulky. Pick tops that are relatively simple, without layers of ruffles and embellishment.
• Wear draping shapes.  While a structured look always works, pliable fabrics like jersey can be your best friend.  You can wrap, twist, and gather a soft stretchy fabric around your body so it highlights some parts and hides others.
• Pick a basic palette. Solid hues in lights or darks will serve you well.  But don't avoid brights altogether. A rich red is always striking; ditto lush jewel tones. Big prints aren't best, so go for monochromatic to create the slimmest line, or wear simple, contrasting shades like black and white. 

Celebs that are fuller-figured and who always look great in my opinion include Camryn Manheim, the lovely Adele, and the gorgeous and always sexy Nigella Lawson.