| What's
Size Got To Do With It?
Absolutely NOTHING!
For the biggest hit, go for PERFECT
FIT!
I stood
in the closet with Cheryl, she rolled her
eyes and sighed deeply as she pulled out one jacket size 4,
another size 6 and another size 12. The
pant situation was much the same...sizes
6, 10 and 14. They all fit...sort of.
In
the dressing room with Dave, I suggested
a t-shirt in a smaller size.
He exclaimed, “Smaller? I was thinking it
should be bigger.” I asked him if he wanted
to wear it over his dress shirt or under.
Hmmmm, good question.
There's
no question that getting dressed each morning
is challenging enough. Trying to figure
out this “fit” thing, may
be more than any of us can bear. Hopefully,
these tips can help.
Rule #1: Your clothes
do more than cover your naked body.
Your wardrobe is a tool that will help
propel you toward your success. Throwing
on “any old thing“ and hoping people won't
notice will only propel you to apologize,
explain and completely divert the conversation
far from the brilliance you came to share.
Don't let it happen to you.
Rule #2: Ignore all
numbers. Once we get passed
the numbers game that designers and manufacturers
play, we can have a reasonable conversation.
The numbers on the tags of women's clothes
are simply a guideline. There are no sizing
standards in women's fashion. When you
shop, try garments in different styles,
fabrics and sizes. When you find those
that work best, try the same designers
for additional pieces. You may have found
a winner...this season. Gentlemen, while
you do have sizing standards to guide you,
it's a good idea to break out every couple
of years and try some different styles
and sizes. Your bodies change, your weight
shifts and styles and fabrics offer new
and exciting options for you. Just because
your 1957 army pants still fit, doesn't
mean you should wear them.
Rule #3: Buy the garment
that fits best and make it perfect.
Nine times out of ten, the sleeves on a
jacket need to be shortened. Even 1/4” can
make a huge difference. A jacket sleeve
should end at your wrist. If we see your
hands, it actually helps you to appear
taller. The same holds true for hems on
trousers and skirts. Finding the perfect
length will flatter you and show off your
polished, signature style at the same time.
Rule #4: Foundation
makes all the difference. Ladies,
I've often been heard saying, “Give those
girls a home.” Everyone chuckles,
blushes and then agrees. The right bra
will give you back your missing waistline,
make you taller, slimmer and healthier
by taking the pressure off your shoulders
and back. All these benefits make it
an investment that returns over and over
again. And, gentlemen, the t-shirt
that you wear under your dress shirt should
fit close to your body. Less volume added
between you and your shirt can equal a
quick ten pounds down. The same goes for
those boxers vs. briefs. Maybe those boxer-briefs
are worth a try. This sounds like a diet
anyone can live with.
Rule #5: Buy it when
you can find it. If this
season features your best silhouettes,
buy them and wear them until the next time
your cut comes around. It may not
be next year or the year after that, but
it will return.
Rule #6: Do not settle. You
may compromise, but never settle. Buy it,
if you know that a few minor adjustments
will make that garment a WOW! Otherwise,
continue to search for the perfect piece
for the most fabulous you. It is out
there.
Rule #7: Find a terrific
alterationist/tailor. Someone
who can turn an “almost” into a “WOW!” is
worth his/her weight in gold.
Know that you are not alone in
the size struggle. The conspiracy may
be unofficial, but it continues. And,
because nothing is fair in love or fashion,
no matter how great your personal or professional
accomplishments, here's my secret -- head
directly to shoes, handbags, or electronics rather
than get discouraged when some designer tries
to bring you down a notch by bumping you
up a size or two. |
