BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Women's Fashion Understanding the Art of Dressing

The first step to understanding the art of dressing, is to view your clothes as accessories, to your total look. They should be chosen much as you choose your hair style/cut/color, and your cosmetics.

Your clothes should be a part of your total package, not worn merely for their sake. You want your wardrobe to be an extension of you. You don�t want to get lost, when wearing an outfit. How many times have you spotted a certain piece of clothing, and allowed the latest fashion trend to persuade you to choose it? How many times have you tried on a piece of clothing, and stepped before the provided mirror, only to find your main focus of attention is on that one particular item, and not on your total look? Do you ever notice how the piece affects the color of your hair, your eyes, the look of your complexion? Does the piece age your look? Do you ever take note of whether or not the piece best accentuates your individual body-shape? Do you choose clothing you look good in, or do you choose clothing you wish you looked good wearing?-excerpted from 'Clothes Don't Make You-You Make the Clothes'-article by Jeannine Schenewerk

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

I have been dressing myself for decades now and learned loooooong ago that comfort is of tantamount importance...oh sure I wore 4 inch heels and panty hose AND panty girdles. Trust me I am waaaaay over it...I do not think that looking like a schlump is required but then comfortable shoes have an appeal all their own. When I see these makeover shows where they throw out all of someone's good shoes for something high, narrow,and stylish; I am annoyed!!! And that is putting it mildly...

Stand up for your feet women you will be glad you did!

Roni, your comments about shoes brings to my mind those hideously exaggerated, pointed-toe ones! Whether or not these ridiculous shoes have heels of any height, or not, these horrors are laughable. Squeeze your toes into those babies, wear the shoes for a few hours, and then feel the effects.

Remember those Frankenstein-soled beauts of a few years ago? Shoes and boots with the big, thick, heavy, corrugated soles? Talk about some majorly tired legs, after ga-lumping around in those fiascos all day!

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

Amen to not following all the latest trends. I have always tried to wear things that are flattering. I have gained a few pounds and it is harder to do, but as a petite full figured woman, I have found that dressing my larger body parts in darker colors and accentuating my best features with color works very nicely. An example being a darker top for a fuller breast line in a v-neck. I have a thick middle so jackets seem to do the trick. I do love the pointy shoes, though. My mother had them way back in the day. I also think you can pull off more styles if your hair and makeup are done right. It's all about the whole package.

I'm petite and full-figured as well, rgreen, and I find that the high heeled pointy shoes make my slightly short and stumpy legs look long, muscular and fabulous. Maybe someday I'll care less, but for now, I'm taking the elevation!

I do like that 50s-style shoes are coming back in, you know the stacked heel with a rounded peeptoe? Those are soooo cute and I have several vintage pairs from my great-aunt who was exactly my size and proportions. Styles from the '20s to the '50s tend to look better on me anyway, because people were built like me back then. Do you find that as well, rgreen?

Oh those classy little peep-toe heels, with the '40s flair! I've been a fan of that era of women's clothing styles for quite some time. Check-out any old black and white flick from that film-period, and I bet you find yourself oohing! and ahhing! over at least a few of the outfits being worn by the actresses.

One designer who, hopefully, will have an impact on what filters down from haute couture, to main stream fashion, is Carolina Herrera. Her Fall 2005 line had a definite '40's feel.

Caroline Herrera Fall/2005
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2005RTW/complete/thumb/CHERRERA

www.intouchwithjeannine.com

yes,i agree with you !

Real style is individual, it shouldn't depend on industry. Inteligence, a bit of wit, personal experience and some knowledge - and you don't need to spend a lot of money. People with style never go out of style!

definately! Dressing properly is an art in itself - talking of which i need your advice ladies! See my msg on 'Hosiery' and HELP!!!

Thanks
Stacy
xx

thanks for post and information