Ten Tips for Effortless, Modest Style
1) Buy a camisole. In fact, buy one in every standard color (white, cream, black, brown, etc.). The best ones have lace edging (on the top is preferable to the bottom, as few people can pull off the eye being attracted to hips; That is to say: Pears? You don't want lace edging on the bottom.). Wear one under everything – you’ll be glad you did.
2) Do a bit of research. Figure out your body type, your skin type, and your face shape. Read a good style book like InStyle’s Secrets of Style and find what kinds of clothing most flatter your body type. Only buy clothing that makes you look stunning. J
3) Invest in quality clothing. One thing that looks really good on you and you’ll wear frequently is less expensive in the long run than six or seven cheap tops that will fall apart and don’t even flatter you.
4) Know the dressing room test and NEVER buy anything without subjecting it to testing!
a. A corollary to this is to know how big one inch actually is. On most people, the first link of your pointer finger is just under one inch. This dressing room test will be coming in another post.
5) Buy slips that reach to just above your knees. This way a) you can move in them, and b) if your slip shows beneath the skirt, you know it’s too short. And please, girls, do wear one. Not only are they helpful when it's windy, but they create a smoother look, hide panty-lines, and hide the outline of your legs (when the skirt is a light color or fabric weight and you are stanging in front in the sun).
6) Never, EVER buy something just for the size. No one can tell what size an article of clothing is when it’s on you – but they CAN tell if it doesn’t fit. (A fashion industry tip – every clothing manufacturer sizes their clothing slightly differently [this is known as “vanity sizing” for a reason], so sizes are completely relative anyways.)
7) When trying on pants, shorts, or capris, always look in a three-way mirror. If you can see panty lines or a distinct outline of your derrière without even bending over, they’re too small. (If you can when bending over, it’s a bit more subjective.)
8) Be very careful when buying anything sleeveless. Modern fashions don’t take into account that very unflattering part of skin that sits between your chest and your underarm, and usually leave it exposed. The eye is automatically drawn to it precisely because it is so unflattering. This makes your arms look flabby and generally makes you look uncomfortable in your own clothing, even if you aren’t. If you want a tank top or a sleeveless top, make sure the straps go all the way to the edge of your shoulders and are wide enough to cover that patch of skin. Also be very careful about the size of the straps and the size of the armholes. Thin and spaghetti straps make it look like you are wearing not a shirt, but underwear. Look in the mirror and move your arms in every direction. Many armholes expose one's bra. Make sure that this is not the case before you buy a given sleeveless top or dress. (But don't let them be too tight, either.) And remember that bra straps need to be hidden at all times. A strapless bra will make this easier for you if you wear sleeveless.
9) Accessorize! Accessories are a brilliant way to bring eyes away from problem areas towards the best part of you - your face! They are also an inexpensive way to add color to your wardrobe as you build it up from the basics. Just don’t get carried away – follow standard fashion rules and you can’t go wrong.
10) Finally, never buy any shoe with more than a 3 inch heel. There are several reasons for this. First, they are very uncomfortable and very dangerous to walk in. Secondly, anything that tall puts a distinctive “sexy” swagger in your walk, which puts attention on your derrière. Thirdly, you can’t wear them with as many outfits because they simply aren’t practical and are completely inappropriate in most circumstances (i.e. showers, weddings, religious services, work situations, around children, the list goes on….) I think-- but can't say for sure, as I do not wear extremely high heels-- that this is a bit different for girls of different heights and shoe sizes. What is a high heel for a size 5 foot may not be very high for a size 10 foot, even if they are the same height in inches. This rule is still an excellent one to follow. Not only do shoes with very high heels change your walk, but they can also look provocative even if you are just standing. If you are not sure about a given shoe, walk the way you normally do, and have a friend or sister watch from the back to make sure your walk is not made provocative by the shoes. If you have to make a conscious effort to walk modestly in the shoe, don't buy it. Just don't. It's not worth it. Also, I agree that very high heels are not appropriate for church. I shall have to delve into shoes more in the future...
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