Quick Summer Fashion Fixes
In anticipation of all those great Memorial Day sales, consider these quick summer fashion fixes from Sarah:
“The good thing about summer clothing is that we don’t need so many layers. The bad thing about summer clothing is that we can’t hide under so many layers. And as busy moms everywhere can attest, occasionally we have some bits and pieces we’d like to hide under some layers. Fortunately, this season’s trends offer a number of quick fixes, no matter the trouble spot:
Don’t like your arms? Then the full sleeve is for you. Choose a top with a scoop-neck to draw attention to your neck and collarbones, and opt for soft fullness over your upper arms. These styles are available in short or ¾ sleeve for warmer days, or the full-on boho style for cool nights. Great with jeans or a slim skirt.
Haven’t had time to whittle your middle? Thank heaven for the empire waist. With a band that hugs your ribcage at the smallest part of your torso then floats away over the rest of you, this style of blouse, sleeveless top or dress has the added advantage of making your legs look a mile long. Team with Bermuda shorts or a denim skirt. Or go all the way with a super-chic maxi dress. (Busty girls, beware: too-floaty empire tops make you look prego!)
Are you a hippy chick? You’ll love the wide-leg pants that are everywhere this season in cottons and linens. By wearing pants that fit in the hip and then fall straight to the hems (as opposed to boot-cut, flare, or skinny-leg cuts), you’ll streamline your lower half. Balance this relaxed fit with a slim knit or princess-seamed top. Great with gladiator sandals or ballet flats.
Really not ready for summer? If you have trouble picking one of the above areas to camouflage first, I recommend a tunic. This ancient staple is back, and is a die-hard, drop-dead, sharp-dressed go-to. The mandarin collar and v-front elongate your neck, and embellishments draw attention to your face. The sleek cut skims over your torso without clinging, and flares to a hem just enough to flatter your hips. Perfect for day or night, with shorts or pants, or alone as a mini-dress with tan legs and metallic sandals, Tory Burch has hit on a gold mine, but you can find great examples at any price. I’m hooked.
Don’t forget to emphasize your positives while camouflaging your trouble spots! if you don’t like your tummy, show off your great legs! Draw attention from your full hips to your toned shoulders. Make people forget how petite you are by wearing a v-neck top that shows off your great décolletage. And a smiling face, despite the heat (or the screaming toddler at your feet), is the most flattering accessory of all.”
Comments
i need advice in the empire waist section. I am a "busty girl" but my problem isn't a too floaty top, it's that the bust doesn't fit into the allotted space after the waist fits. I love this line, and think it could be quite flattering, but the cups are always too small!
Posted by: tracyp | May 21, 2009 9:35 AM | Reply to this comment
I was intrigued when I started reading about camouflage and saw the cute photos. How disappointing that none of the examples and links are for clothes made in Women's Plus sizes (beyond 18 or XL)... I haven't shopped at the Gap since I was a teenager. Don't forget about the rest of us. Thx.
Posted by: Iris | May 21, 2009 10:17 AM | Reply to this comment
Tracy and Iris,
Thanks for commenting in; I've emailed Sarah to see if she can comment in with some advice.
Also, Iris, some of Sarah's recommendations were for Old Navy items, and they do offer a plus line with sizes up to 30, if that is helpful.
best, Christine
Posted by: Christine Koh - Editor | May 21, 2009 11:06 AM | Reply to this comment
Christine, re: Old Navy. Really? They are pulling Plus sizes from the Old Navy stores that carried them because they felt it was a poor business decision to incorporate Plus sizes. Apparently some will be available online only. Old Navy never marketed any Plus clothes - no marketing at all. I'll never buy anything from Old Navy again, for anyone in my family. Thanks anyway.
Posted by: Iris | May 21, 2009 11:53 AM | Reply to this comment
Hi Iris,
Oh that's too bad - I'm sorry to hear that. I'm not well versed with that collection and was simply offering it as a possibility.
Have you had any luck at Target? They offer their plus collection online and I also have seen dedicated sections in various stores. And in general Target works on being on trend and affordable so I imagine you could find some of the same styles Sarah suggests in their collections.
-Christine
Posted by: Christine Koh - Editor | May 21, 2009 12:07 PM | Reply to this comment
Hi Iris:
I also love the stuff at Lane Bryant for plus sizes; they have 18 - 25, and tons of cute tops and pants for spring. Their stuff is really on-trend; if you're looking for more investment-type pieces, I love Marina Rinaldi. Let me know what you think of these two retailers; I'm always looking for feedback!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Feather | May 21, 2009 12:24 PM | Reply to this comment
Tracyp:
Aside from having tops tailored (buy them to fit you in the bust and have the empire waist taken in), which some women swear by, I recommend tops and dresses with drawstring empire waists (check bodenusa.com for good examples). Also, you may be able to find some choices in knit fabrics with enough stretch to accommodate both areas, but keep low necklines carefully in mind - you want to avoid the St. Pauli Girl look! Let me know what you find that works for you.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Feather | May 21, 2009 12:28 PM | Reply to this comment
Iris:
Another place that has great basics for plus sizes is Land's End. They definitely have more selection on the internet, but they may carry some items in Sears stores. Their online shopping is so easy, though, and their customer service is great. They have chino Bermudas and wide-leg pants on sale right now, in sizes up to 28W.
Posted by: Sarah Feather | May 21, 2009 12:38 PM | Reply to this comment