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. |
I'm Lauren Solomon, President of LS Image Associates, and 
