By Kt Kingston

What is Androgynous? As a 'look' of a female resembling a male? Popularized by actress Diane Keaton in the 1970's movie Annie Hall, and copied as fashion apparel. Kate Bosworth and Amanda Peet recently went androgynous at New York Fashion Week. Sex and the City's most recent movie shows again the fashion that elevates the power of women with a range of gorgeous styles to suit all tastes. Carrie played by Sarah Jessica Parker wears an androgynous style outfit that highlights the popularity of this style in fashion to hit the streets either at work or play. The androgynous look is a fun way to dress for work if your dress code forbids denim. You won't need to go all out to pull the look off as single elements of the trend will be just as effective. Kate Bosworth and Amanda Peet embraced the menswear inspired fashion trend at the Rag & Bone Runway Show in Bryant Park.

Since 2007 a new kind of power dressing for women has emerged in recent times providing a stylish alternative to the classic work suit. The androgynous look has been keeping ultra-feminine fashion in check on the catwalk, seeing a trend towards nipped tailoring and bold, brash statement dressing - changing the way we dress for the office forever.

Whilst following all the current trends in the office is fun and fashionable, it also breaks the boundaries between work and play and like it or not, unless you work in the fashion industry, your boss will appreciate the smart and serious look rather than the ultra glam girl persona you may lead out of hours!

Power dressing may sound scary but it isn't if you carefully balance your look. Sometimes you might want to look fierce in front of colleagues and at others you might want to appear part of the crowd, so why not match your look to your work mood and start making big impressions through your clothes...now that's power dressing. Whether you've tried to win over a stubborn client or wanting to impress the rest of your colleagues with your ideas, the key is to choose clothes that ooze confidence. Feel confident as well as look it by choosing slimming styles that you feel comfortable wearing. Power dressing demands a fearless attitude which you'll never convincingly achieve if you don't like what you see in the mirror in the morning.

Choose trousers if you're unsure of baring your legs and leave the killer stilettos at home if you fear toppling over in the boardroom. Combine subtle pinstripe, slim leg trousers with pointed heels for a feminine, slimming look. Always wear high heels but opt for a chunkier heel rather than a stiletto for stability and a perfect, confident walk. Pick jackets and blazers that are nipped in at the waist to create flattering curves and choose bold colours to wear underneath- weak pastel shades are the power dresser's major fashion faux pas; beige is anything but brave - choose an ambitious red or empowering orange.

If you're not sure about colour, embrace monochrome which is big business this season. Experiment with tailoring that features white lining and pinstripes, or simply add chic to a black suit with a thin white belt or bright crisp shirt. Never wear anything too detailed or patterned when power dressing (you want to be bold - don't let your clothes steal the show). Choose straight, classic tailoring, smart, high-waist pencil skirts or trousers and find a style that you feel most confident and comfortable in. Always keep accessories to a minimum choosing silver jewellery for subtle sparkle and a subtle leather tote or handbag to finish your confident, empowering and fashionably fierce look.

Fashion Overview

A trend since the 80's that enduring the period of time fashion and has been the fundamental time portal into the fashion culture and popular art with the feeling of that given age. Whether you liked what was popular in mainstream at that time, it still left its mark forever embedded in people's memories. Fashion as a whole is a "personal mode of expression", which was denoted by the hysteria of that time shown by the media, or by music that was popular at that time. We saw this as far back in the eighties, where the mode of feeling was innovative and experimental.

By Robin Cassidy

While a Jessica McClintock prom dress is very beautiful you need to be sure it's right for you. After all, designer prom dresses aren't cheap and there are plenty of other fashion houses to choose from. So, before buying, have a review, and make sure that a Jessica creation is right for you.

Jessica McClintock has been designing prom dresses since 1969, when she founded her fashion house in San Francisco. Since then she has picked up many prestigious awards and is a favorite designer for many girls looking for a unique and beautiful prom gown.

The current collection is broad, encompassing all styles - many fashion houses like Tiffany and Joli specialize in one or two styles. The company designs and makes more traditional designs with full length tulle skirts, but it is the shorter designs that are more interesting and mark out this fashion house.

The short skirt styles are perhaps a little further removed from Prom than other styles but each dress can be summed up with two words; romance and elegance. This combination runs right throughout the collection. You won't find the more avant-garde styles of say, an Xcite prom dress; Jessica's designs will appeal to modern, confident girls who aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd, but still want an air of romance in whatever gown they wear.

Despite being a sophisticated fashion house, prices aren't as high as you might have expected. A Jessica McClintock prom dress can be bought for as little as $120. Of course, depending on the fabric used, the quantity used and the type of cut, the prices can go as high as $500.

You can't buy the gowns directly from the company, but the company's website has a store locator so you can easily find your nearest boutique. Also, you can easily find and buy a Jessica McClintock prom dress online. If you do order online, remember that just like wedding dresses, prom gowns are about a size smaller than a normal dress. Most online sites have a measuring guide; by just following the instructions provided you should have no problem in ordering a gown that is going to fit perfectly.

Although this really has no bearing on whether a McClintock gown will suit you better than other fashion houses, the dresses are entirely made in America - around the Bay area as a matter of fact.

A real plus point in buying a Jessica McClintock prom gown is that the company makes a pretty comprehensive range of accessories, so getting the entire look is made so much easier - no need to tire yourself out running around looking for those all important accessories to complement your gown. You can even purchase your Prom perfume from the company. Why more fashion houses don't design accessories for their gowns is a mystery to me. So much time and effort goes into choosing the perfect dress and then you have to spend even more time in finding the accessories; it would make life so much easier if you could buy the accessories that were specially made to go with the dress.

Choosing to wear a Jessica McClintock prom dress is choosing to wear a gown that oozes elegance and romance; if this is what you're looking for in a gown then one of them could be just right for you.

By Robin Cassidy

Every girl wants Prom Night to be special and wearing something that's unique and beautiful will make any girl feel confident on the night. A designer prom dress is most girls' dream but a local boutique may not stock the designer you want. Going online is a great way to shop and find exactly what you're looking for. Here are a few pointers to help you find that perfect dress.

Firstly, it really helps if you already know what style of designer prom dress you want. Each fashion house is different and each makes unique dresses, usually of one or two styles. So, in order to save time and indecision, make up your mind beforehand about style and budget.

For instance, certain fashion houses like Tiffany and Joli specialize in classic prom dress styles; sweetheart necklines, halter necks and tulle or pick up, full length skirts. If this is your preferred style then look at these - or other designers like them - don't spend any effort on looking at other fashion houses, like Xcite, that make more modern styles.

If you're undecided, then you could spend a lot of time looking at a lot of different designers. This really is a recipe for disaster; the more you look the more confused, tired and plain fed-up you'll become. You can help things a bit by looking at just one or two fashion houses that offer a broad selection of styles. Designer prom dress fashion houses like Mori Lee and Jessica McClintock offer a comprehensive selection to choose from. This should make things a little easier.

When you buy a designer prom dress online you must first make sure that the retailer is an authorized agent of the fashion house. You'll have very little come back from an unauthorized retailer should the dress arrive late or in imperfect condition. It's quite easy to check if the retailer is bona fide as many fashion houses websites provide a list of authorized dealerships. Some genuine online retailers may not be on the list, but these retailers would be able to provide proof of authorization when requested.

The best thing about the internet is being able to shop around without leaving home. So, go to many websites and compare prices. You may even be able to contact the retailers and get even further price reductions if you play one off against the other.

Making sure that clothes ordered online fit correctly is always a problem. However, to make things a little easier, many online designer prom dress retailers provide measuring guides on their websites. These, when used correctly, will make sure the dress will fit perfectly.

Even if the dress fits you, chances are in may need letting out or taking in here or there, so make sure you order your dress in plenty of time. Alteration shops can get very busy around prom time.

Shopping online can make shopping less tiring and fun. The secret is to know exactly what you want beforehand; there's just too much information overload on the internet. And, like buying from any store, you should make sure that they provide good customer service. Buying a designer prom dress online is becoming increasingly popular and most reputable stores now have their own online store. So, what are you waiting for? Get online and find that perfect gown.

By Muzaffar Ali

Of late, a rapidly growing inclination towards wholesale evening gowns and wholesale lingerie are being found. In fact, there is a huge demand for wholesale party dresses, wholesale sexy dresses and wholesale sexy lingerie in the US market at the present moment. Hence, hundreds of retailers have rolled up their sleeves to cash in on this consumer demand. However, to attract the customers they need a really classic collection of these wholesale evening gowns, wholesale sexy dresses, and wholesale sexy lingerie because there is a tough competition in the market between retailers. Therefore, they need to carefully select a right manufacture who can deliver quality products with a wide range of beautiful designers at an affordable range.

SMC Fashion is one of the leading manufacturers of wholesale evening gowns, wholesale party dresses, wholesale sexy dresses, wholesale lingerie, and wholesale sexy lingerie who offer immaculately crafted designs with superior fabric quality. Moreover, many retailers have already immense benefited from its highly classic range of wholesale evening gowns and wholesale sexy lingerie.

The specialty of SMC Fashion lies in its attention to details and understanding of consumer specific needs. Its products are a perfect blending of contemporary designs with a hint of classic tastes. As a result, the wholesale evening gowns, wholesale party dresses and wholesale sexy lingerie crafted by SMC Fashion are highly appreciated by wearers across the United States.

The wholesale party dresses and wholesale sexy dresses designed by SMC Fashion are perfectly designed to suit a wide range of choices. These dresses have been crafted in such a manner that each style can fit the woman in a different pattern. The creative designers at SMC Fashion have designed this wonderful range of wholesale evening gowns and wholesale sexy lingerie with a great deal of love and care. Hence, the wearer with stand apart in a crowd. Besides, with the premium quality fabric and the correct style of shape and fit offer a great a feeling to the wearer at a personal level.

These wholesale evening gowns, wholesale sexy dresses, and wholesale sexy lingerie are available in different color shades and sizes, and each of these dresses can also be custom-designed as per the customers' individual preferences, wishes and desires. SMC Fashion has remained a prime destination for a number of well-known retailers across the United States. It is also renowned for its outstanding customer satisfaction quotient. It is, therefore, no wonder why SMC Fashion is the first to come when women think of wholesale evening gowns, wholesale party dresses, wholesale sexy dresses, wholesale lingerie, and wholesale sexy lingerie.

By Noble Ihezie

Over the years, over-use and abuse of the key word-Style and Fashion have tended to transform their original meanings to suit the errors of the abusers. Also their inter-changeable usages have compounded their meanings.

The Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th Edition), defines Fashion as the prevailing (dress) Style during a particular time: and Style as a distinctive manner of (dressing). (Emphasis on dress, dressing for the purpose of this article)

From these meanings, we see that Fashion is an offshoot of Style. Fashion is the prevailing Style of a particular period. People of Style are not necessarily subject to Fashion, but Fashionable people must of necessity conform to the prevailing Style.

Another thing to note is that Fashion revolves, while Style evolves. The evolution of Style has brought about bell-bottoms, jump-ups, high waistbands, etc for men. In the late 60s and early 70s, crazy after Style icon James Brown, men wore bell-buttons trousers and tight-fitting shirts with shoes so high they were variously nicknamed, five foot above sea level, upstairs etc.

In the early 80s, young men copied Michael Jackson's high waist band, jump-up black trouser (show me your stockings) and a white pair of stocks to contrast. Figure out what man will wear those things today.

Several times, attempts have been made to strike a come back for these old skools, but the truth is that better taste will never let them prevail. This is what I mean by evolution.

On the other hand, check out the history of women's dress-from the corset to tight-knee, to micro mini, maxi, ball gown and back to all of them again. They are always in a revolution. What goes around comes around.

Generally speaking, men's wear is more about Style than Fashion, while women's wear is more about Fashion than Style. Although there are couple of women who are more into Style than Fashion. But then fashion is meant to update the woman dress-wise. To keep her nature forever attractive, whether in glamorous or simple Style. That is why Fashion shows are basically about women's wear; an attempt to revive the old with the modern modifications and sway the consumer to the currency of a prevailing Style in an endless cycle.

The few men's wears you may see are only there to carry us along, because at the end of it all, the men pick the top. Fashion designers are hard put as to what to do to men's wear on the run way. They have played us into fashion-by-language; casual, leisure, and the lounge wears; they have tried to call some sport and outdoors; separated them into summer, winter and spring.

But between you and I, it is all a farce. Men's wear will and forever be shirts and trousers. Even the jacket is only a modified shirt padded to keep the wearer warm in cold conditions, which also serves to give among others, the effect of comportment and formality.

Now Style in men's wear is the ability to play the combinations of cloths textures, colors, patterns, fits, and suitability with relevant accoutrements to conform to acceptable dress codes.

And for this, one inalienable factor in creating a good Style is taste. Cultivate a good taste and watch your personal Style (in all facets of life) become an epitome.

It is the man that makes the dress not the other way round.

By Gerri D Smith

How would you identify your personality? Is your professional image always at its best?
Do you let the world know by the way you dress and the way you express yourself? Finding the best you that enhances your personality and your image might take a little discovery on your part.

Here are five distinctive types that may suggest what you have to work with to always appear at your best.

An Intellectual

If you feel you are the intellectual type, your fashions express your brainpower and show off your appreciation for the creativeness found in various fashion styles. Your way of dressing expresses organization, ease, and self-control, but is not boring. You like to show off your artistic side for clothing that fits your personality.

Always select fashions that give attention to beautiful cuts and lines in the design. Long and straight lines in dresses and suits that are classical are the best way to go. Dresses that are in gray, delicate, and understated colors are good choices. Your accessories may be traditional, or antique, and attractively set.

An Athlete

As the sports-minded individual, you prefer clothing that expresses your taste toward strong, outdoorsy, uncomplicated, and basic styles. If you are the strong-willed, rugged type, try not to wear styles that make you too masculine, but neither should you wear frills and ruffles or soft styles.

You can be neat and trim and stylish in dresses and skirts that match your accessories or scarves, belts and sweaters. Wearing casual and informal jewelry that match your sporty nature, and in natural earthy colors like greens, blues, and browns are the best choices for you.

The Fashion Model

Your figure and body type is made to wear just about anything you choose. If you can afford to change your wardrobe constantly or every time a new and popular style gets to the market, this is your type. You like flash and can wear it with elegance.

Make sure your posture, walk, and self-confidence is at its highest. Everything you wear must show your individualism. Your styles are usually different from what everyone else is wearing. Your clothing must fit you well. Your statement is chic, well groomed, and elegant.

The Exotic

This personality type has qualities natural to those of you who are dark and attractive with large, expressive eyes. A striking figure that sets off even the plainest clothing lets the world know you are here. For your daywear, the best styles for you are the tailored looks that are easy, yet, attractive. Matching a bright, bold scarf with a dark dress, suit, or skirt and top brings out the glow of your skin and personality. Use styles with charm and not more than one piece of exotic jewelry.

As for your evening wear, dress in well-fitting styles and match your ensemble with eye popping jewelry that brings out your exotic and mystifying qualities. The best colors for you include the deep reds, burgundies, and of course, your oriental tones.

The All-Around Type

When you are of medium height and body, and a combination of two or more of the above types appeals to you, this may be you. If you are business-minded, romantic, athletic and intellectual as well, your fashions must be elegant, stylish and basic. And you can wear many colors.

When selecting your ensembles, go for those colors that balance each other. When the seasons change you may like soft, warm and fuzzy wools in the winter months. And for the summer you may go with those that are fresh, flowing, and breezy.

Your wardrobe is filled with everything from flirty loungewear, to roomy sportswear, to classy eveningwear. Just because you can wear just about any type of fashion, make sure your accessories are tasteful, but not excessive, and elegant, but not too sophisticated.

Whatever determines your personality or your professional outlook on the way you dress, your fashions must always express your individual style. Keep in mind the image you wish to reveal to the world. How do you wish others to see you? Your choice of fashions and the way you wear them, your confidence, and your attitude describes you. Learn to know which type you are, or if you are a combination of types. Then make it your personal and professional best.

By Tim Gorman

Creating a social splash with stunning designer plus size dresses is easier than ever. There's an entire market of designer plus size dresses donning some of the poshest labels in the world of chic fashions.

Retailers of Casual Designer Plus Size Dresses

Avenue: Contemporary plus size retailer, Avenue sports contemporary seasonal casual dresses, amongst other things, for plus size women sizes fourteen to thirty-two.

Talbot's Woman: Dubbed as a den of delicate fashions for today's sophisticated plus size woman, Talbot's is one of the oldest retailers of casual designer plus size dresses in America. Talbot's Women offers fashions in plus sizes up to triple extra large.

Kiyonna Designs: Rather going out on the town in a little black dress, or look for a sassy smock dress for a cool day of errand running, Kiyonna Designs specializes in designer plus size dresses for women sizes twelve and up.

Catherine's: A chic place to shop while cruising the mall, Catherine's is a plus size retailer with a substantial store front and online presence. Catherine's carries casual plus size designer dresses in sizes ranging from sixteen to thirty-four wide.

Silhouettes: Helping plus size women snag sultry silhouettes is Silhouettes expertise. An aficionado in offering designer plus size dresses at economical prices. The chain, which carries sizes twelve to thirty-four, is also a discount outlet for trendy plus size fashions.

Online Retailers for Designer Plus Size Fashions

Plus attire with designer labels is available through various retailers. And for the new-fangled shopper of the twenty-first century, sassy styles in plus sizes may be just as close as the keyboard and monitor:

[http://www.justmysize.com:] Just My Size is exclusive an online retailer for plus size women. The virtual shopping center couple designer plus size dresses with casual wear and lacy lingerie. Champion, Bali, L'eggs, and Haines are some of the top designers available at Just My Size.

[http://www.alight.com:] Trendy threads in large sizes are offered for sale at this storefront based in virtual reality. Alight offers casual, semi-formal, and formal gear through size five XL The company works in cooperation with a number of designers.

Lane Bryant Catalog: Plus size retail giant, Lane Bryant operates a separate catalog and website featuring designer plus size dresses. Dresses in the Lane Bryant Catalog may be purchased as Talls and Petites to accommodate women up to size six XL.

Better Half Fashions: Better Half Fashions prides itself as a retailer paramount to the progression of designer plus size dresses with delicate prints. The business accepts phone orders only and caters to sizes eighteen to forty.

By Robert Scott

When you have learned what type of garment is most becoming to you, how to select styles, and how to combine materials, you will be able to dress distinctively, in good taste, and much more economically than your neighbor who has not taken time to study the principles of dress and what it means in the way of adornment, developing ideals, and ultimate economy.

Women who know but little about sewing often marvel at the woman who at a glance can tell from the material just what style would be best suited to that material, or who, when she sees a person, can say quickly and with authority what kind of dress that person should wear to bring out her individual type of beauty.

Ability in this direction is usually attributed to cleverness or unusual talent; however, you who understand dress harmony can acquire such ability. With a thorough understanding of line, material, and color you will be able to determine instantly the fitness of certain lines to certain types, and you can broaden your knowledge by carefully observing individuals and styles and the way in which individuals adapt certain styles to themselves.

GETTING IDEAS FROM GOOD AND BAD DRESSERS

The true artist does not mar nor disfigure the surface he wishes to decorate; rather, he works with one thought in mind--beauty of the whole. The dressmaker or home woman who makes really beautiful garments must have not only the qualifications of a designer, but the artistic sense of the artist--must understand line and its relation to color and the individual.

An excellent way in which you may acquire a broad, practical knowledge of good line is to observe carefully and discriminately the women who wear really distinctive clothes and those who wear really ordinary clothes.

Women in dowdy clothes rarely show evidence of style or thought of design, nor do they show any regard for the essentials of correct dress; thus they teach the observer to avoid any such condition in making up garments.

Women who wear really good garments will serve other women as an inspiration to better dressing, and their costumes will suggest possibilities in other fabrics, colors, and designs.

To achieve distinctiveness in dress, never overlook the opportunity of going where good clothes are to be seen--receptions, parties, club meetings, in fact, all places where different kinds of costumes are worn. Study the suitability of the garment for the occasion. Study closely the accessories of the costume, and note how they bring out or detract from the costume itself; then, in matters regarding your own dress or the dress of others, you will be able to suggest little touches that will enhance the beauty of a costume and add materially to its attractiveness.

The theater is an excellent field of inspiration for constructive development in good dressing, not only from the point of correct and pleasing line and color in dress, but as an expression of character or type and appropriateness of environment and occasion.

A successful actress, as I have said before, not infrequently owes a large measure of her success to a close and intelligent study of dress.

Far-seeing theater managers demand a strict adherence to the best in prevailing and historical modes, knowing that, even when not fully understood by all their public, the natural feeling of pleasure and satisfaction obtained from the presentation of correct costuming has much to do with the ultimate success of their production.

It is frequently said that the church-going women folk evidence splendid taste in dress, and that the clothes they wear are excellent style criterions, because they are appropriate for the majority.

A prominent New York designer made a practice of attending a Fifth Avenue church to study the styles of the women in attendance. It may perchance seem irreverent to consider fashion in connection with church. But how many times at Sunday dinner, when the text of the sermon has been discussed, does not some member of the family say, "Did you notice what a pretty dress or hat Miss or Mrs. So and So had on this morning?"

"The artisan hurries through his work to get his dinner; the artist hurries through his dinner to get to his work," is a saying that may well be applied directly to women in their relation to the important subject of clothes.

You will study clothes and admire or criticize them according to your taste and your knowledge of what clothes express.

READY-TO-WEAR GARMENTS AS AN AID

Ready-to-wear garments are also worthy of study in developing good taste in dress.

Such garments are constructed as nearly as manufacturers can plan to please the masses of women, in the majority of cases being hurriedly made and without much regard for workmanship. Rather than durability or practicability of the garment, it is the general outline--the style effect--they strive for, and it is for this reason that the dressmaker or the woman who makes her own clothes should observe such garments carefully.

Oftentimes ready-to-wear garments display a smartness produced by the carefully careless way they are put together, a smartness that is often lost--killed, as it were--by the woman who sews too carefully and too well. It is well to remember this, and learn from ready-to-wear garments, when making clothes for yourself, to strive occasionally for effect rather than perfection in workmanship. When both qualities are attained in a garment, namely, style and good workmanship, the triumph is complete.

By Gerri D Smith

In any and every given moment of your life, you are either in command of yourself, or you are being commanded. Guy Finley

Keeping a wardrobe that is complete and always new is rare. The costs of buying clothing today and with the constant change in styles, bargains are a treasure. There is a definite challenge to being well dressed at all times, especially on a limited budget. For working women this is difficult, yet, it can be done.

The key is in the planning. It takes money to build a wardrobe, or to start over from one season to the next. When you plan your wardrobe, keep in mind your particular style or look. If you find yourself asking questions like, What on earth will I wear today? Or, I have got absolutely nothing to wear! Another favorite is to telephone a few friends to see what they are going to wear. If you find yourself doing any of these, then, your goal is to plan.

Asking yourself some of the following questions may prove helpful:

Does your wardrobe consist of more than 20% of clothing you have not worn in over a year, thinking they may come back in style?
Do you own enough accessories to start your own craft store?
How often do you make impulse purchases?
Before purchasing, do you allow enough time to actually try on the garments?

Answering these questions may make you frown, but these fashion problems are not uncommon. Just realizing what your fashion sense is, is the first step.

Getting to know your own particular styles including the strengths and weaknesses of your figure type is a start. Make a point to focus on a clear image of what you consider being well dressed. Knowing what you like, want, and what looks well on you are important. Buy only what suits you best and not rely on the opinion of someone else. Nor should you base your decision only on what is currently popular.

Fashion is distinctive to each individual and does not need to be classified into a standard mold. Let your own taste dictate your fashion and beauty behavior. Pay attention to fashion and beauty magazines and adjust your taste to the fashions that are made available. Rather then being blindly led to something that may just be the popular style of the moment, adjusting your style is the better way to go.

Where do you start to build a best-dressed wardrobe? Start at the beginning and learn to stretch your fashion dollars by saving any clothing you already have. Make an inventory of what you have in your closet. Most of us usually make two main divisions. One is your summer-wear; the other is your winter wear. Stay within reason and keep anything that is still useful and in good condition. Just try not to cling to any clothing, even for sentimental reasons, that have not been worn for over a year. They only take up space.

Dresses, suits and coats are your most important investment and should be cared for properly. Upon removing them at the end of the day, be sure to immediately hang them up on their individual hangers. Check for spots and stains, and if necessary, brush them off and air them first before putting them away.

In dressing well, the other parts of your wardrobe include your shoes and accessories. Shoes are a major item and must be kept clean and in shape as often as possible. Constantly walking along cemented sidewalks can be a death march to your shoe heels and soles. Have them repaired as frequently as possible and discard shoes when they are unsalvageable.

Accessories are additional items that may be the central aim of your outfit. Give them your attention. Jewelry items must be sparkling clean. Any traces of tarnish on silver pieces can be cleaned with silver polish. Soap and warm water may be applied to jeweled rings, except on pearls, to remove dust and dried soap on the stones or settings. A little soap and water rinse, and even a little rubbing alcohol on many costume pieces can bring back the shine.

With a little planning, a lot of care, and special thought to your wardrobe purchases, you can add life to your clothing and have a closet that will rival any superstar. Dressing well is a sign of your self-esteem. And self-esteem is a part of your personal development. Without it, you may not be motivated to pay any special attention to the way you dress. Go do, and be well dressed!

By Gaurav Doshi


Our outfit is one of the most important aspects of our personality and social life. Nature has given men or women varying features and body structures. Some ladies are thin, some fat, some tall, some in combinations, etc. Therefore dressing has to be specified according to the body types and structure. One outfit that looks stunning on pear shaped figure might not suit at all to woman with rectangular body type. It is important to form a personal style statement that enhances your figure and individuality. You should never wear anything just the heck for it, nor follow fashion trends blindly! Your clothes speak a lot about yourself so fill-up your wardrobe according to your personal taste and suitability. Being fashionable is to wear that is combination of latest trends and accessories and outfit that suits your body structure and personality Fashion trends are there to help you add little variation to your dressing, so do not follow every fashion trend as such without personal consideration. Here are some basic tips for women with different body types.

Dressing tips for tall women

. The bottoms should be of pale, base coloured, earthy tones, it could be paired with bright coloured T-shirts or tops.

. Short blazers with multiple buttons create an illusion of shorter upper body.

. If you are tall and bulky with fat on upper part of the body then, always wear belts just above the natural waist area.

. Continuous outfit from head to toe should be avoided as it gives long appearance. Knee-length high boots with skirts and dresses will look good.

. To give a shorter appearance wear long tops exceeding upto the legs as it gives an illusion of shorter legs.

. The pants or trousers selected should have a cuffed appearance around the bottom, this would make the length of the trousers appear shorter than actual.

. Select prints that run across the width of the outfit as it will give a shorter look like horizontal lines. Also mix-n-match the tops and bottoms with mixture of light and dark colour shades.

. Wear broad belts, as they provide dividing line between the upper and bottom part of the body as a result height will look less.

. For footwear select flats rather than high heeled shoes or sandals.

. Big or huge floral prints would also look flattering on such bodies, overall printed outfit would also suit tall ladies.

. The length of skirt should be balanced. It should not be too short or too long as both would add inches to your height, the length of the skirt should be ending past knee.

. To give shorter look to legs strappy, shoes is also good option.

. Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts that are to short or to long.

Dressing tips for plumpy women

. Free flowing soft fabrics in single tone gives slim look, so avoid starched or thick fabrics. Fabrics like chiffon, georgette, polyester or cotton silk should be preferred.

. Clothes with vertical lines create an illusion of slimness and height.

. For heavy legs- long skirts ending at the narrowest part of the calf would look good, also the skirt should be not gypsy style but with well defined shape that is not body hugging. Skirt ending just before ankle could also look flattering but not for women with fat ankles.

. Neither wear skin tight - tight fitting clothes nor too loose fitted clothes.

. Prefer darker shades of colours for clothing rather than light colours like- dark blue, maroon, black, brown, bottle green colour. If upper part of the body is more heavy than darker shades for the top and lighter shades for the lowers can be worn and vice-versa.

. If abs area is like hanging belly, wrap top is a good option. Usage of layering in same fabric and colour provides slim look.

. Sleeveless cuts should be avoided; also the top should never be padded.

. Do not wear big and huge prints. Instead opt for small prints, it will make you look bit lean.

. It is advisable to dress from head-to-toe in a single tone of colour preferably darker tones.

. Women with larger hips should go for A-line cut lowers as it flatters the onlooker and gives slimming effect. Patterning of the garment should be kept small as it gives more sophisticated and delicate look. Try to avoid large patterns.

. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses with straight, classic cuts. The length of top or T-shirt selected should pass your hips, that it the top should be long enough.

. Stick to A-line skirts or straight skirts, its length should not be less than knee length. The accessories including shoes should be in matching to the clothes worn so that it gives an overall slimmer look.

. Dressing in one colour tone or combination of colour tones similar in shade also hides those extra pounds.

. Do not wear flats, instead opt for high to medium heels that seems to lengthen your physique.

. If tummy is problematic avoid wearing pleated outfit. Also wearing narrow pants gives legs and thigh slimmer look.

. If you are wearing a suit with light inner then couple it with dark blazer or jacket as it withdraws the attention from bulky portion of the body and creates slimming appearance. Cargos and baggy pants add weight to your appearance so try to avoid them.

. Wear small floral prints rather than huge floral prints.

Dressing Tips for Small Women

. If you have shorter neck choose tops with deep neckline and long necklace as an accessory. Do not select tops with high collar and short necklaces that totally hug the neckline.

. Clothes with all over print should be avoided, but the print should be scattered here and there on the outfit, if possible on the well toned or shaped body parts so that more attention is diverted to that positive areas.

. Skirt or pants coupled with scarf with small prints that hang towards your legs will insert more height to your look.

. For accessories smaller bags coupled with high heeled shoes or sandals would look flattering on short height women.

. Try to avoid wearing short dresses.

. The skirts should be longer than midcalf, long skirts with fish cut would provide that much needed sensual look to your dressing.

. Tops with nice knitted texture, laces, small floral prints and plaids should be given preference.

. Use of thick vertical lines in plaids also adds inches to your appearance. The colour contrast should not be mild nor on extremes like blue with red as such would extreme make you look timid and shorter. The fitting should be perfect in line.

. Stick to soft and flowing fabrics like chiffon, crepe, georgette, polyester, etc.

. Vertical prints or strips provide a slimmer, trimmer appearance.

. Neckline with V-shape or similar types gives longer appearance of upper body.

. Accessorize yourself with long dangling earrings and pendants, silky or crepe scarves, sunglasses and shawls.

. Pants or trousers should be of proper length i.e. it should cover up the ankle at least, capris or shorter pants is not good choice for shorter women.

Dressing Tips for Very Thin Women

. Fullness and softness are your tricks of illusion. Outfit that is too tight or bare types should be avoided.

. Huge and large accessories could be worn, also boots than strappy sandals are good options to consider.

. Do not wear clothes with vertical design and stripes as it would make you look thinner.
. Wear starched fabrics and fabric that is thick or fluffy like organza, cotton, jute, velvet, spur fabrics.

. Go for medium sized prints instead of huge or too small prints.

. Selection of too loose clothes would worsen the matter therefore clothes with proper fit that is the outfit should neither be too loose nor too clingy.

. Dark coloured clothes should be avoided, lighter shades or slight bright colours is a good option.

. Sleeveless clothes should be avoided as it exposes the thin arms.

. Trousers or pants with thicker material is a good option like linen, jeans, cotton, woolen pants for winter season. Cargos is also a good option.

Always wear clothes in which you feel comfortable in and yet it enhances your personality. You would definitely look good in such outfits. Before purchasing the clothes it is important to read its washing and after care instructions. Experiment with new clothes and styles should be in moderation. Select clothes that have proper cuts and fittings. Proper cuts in an outfit could really make you look sensuous, but it should be according to your figure type. Shapeless and too loose t-shirts are a perfect no-no for every woman. No matter what your body type is, every woman has some features that you love most so try to enhance that feature so that the attention of the onlooker is focused on positive features rather than less positive ones. For example- women with fat body structure might have proper shape in waist area so choose outfit that enhances the waist area. The main focus should be on coordinating perfect outfit with complementing jewellery, accessories and footwear and here you are ready to swap away the world by your charm.