Read these 41 Clothing Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Beautify tips and hundreds of other topics.
Hems should not hit at the widest part of your calf. Go longer or shorter for the most attractive look.
To do a closet inventory, sort through and try on outfits, identifying which items need repair, alterations, updated accessories, etc. Make a list of any new items and accessories you'll need to complete your wardrobe for the season.
Wearing solid, dark colors from head to toe will slim and elongate the body. Avoid horizontal stripes that would broaden your figure.
If a garment does not fit well or harmonize with your personal color scheme it's not a bargain.
Linen is a super cool summer fabric since it absorbs moisture and dries incredibly fast.
Skirt length should never hit at the widest part of calves - either above or below.
Jacket hemlines should never stop at the widest part of the hips or thighs.
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you will look best in halter-style swimsuits with bust support, bi-color suits and blouson styles. Avoid skirted suits, ruffles at the bust and strapless or skimpy tops wihtout support.
Wear hosiery and removable shoulder pads when you shop for versatility when trying on clothes.
You can de-emphasize a rear that is too flat by wearing a tunic top and avoiding rear pockets on skirts and slacks.
Consider the cost of having a garment altered or tailored. Additional costs can sometimes add up to more than a garment is worth.
Give any outfit a fresh new look just by changing the buttons. You'll be surprised that such a small change can give your clothes a well needed face lift.
Organize your closet by color and then by piece. Separate suits into "jacket" and "skirts" categories for more versatility in creating outfits.
Jackets should allow ample room in the shoulders, back and sleeves. Arms should be able to move and bend comfortably.
Shoulder seams should extend 1/4 to 1/2 inch over the natural shoulder line unless the garment is cut with an intentional dropped shoulder.
Take silks out of their plastic bags when they've come back from the cleaners. They need to breathe.
To store sweaters: 1) Lay sweater flat to smooth out wrinkles. 2) Fold in half - shoulder to shoulder - aligning sleeves and the bottom of the sweater. 3) Place a plastic hanger (uncoated wire hangers may cause creases) at the armpit. 4) Drape the sleeves and body of the sweater over the hanger, like a shawl, to prevent shoulders from pulling out of shape.
For evening, sheer black hosiery is appropriate. Fishnet hose are NOT appropriate for formal events.
Black is the color of the season, but other hot fashion colors are camel, caramel, shades of red ranging from fuschia to oxblood.
Apply cold water to spot immediately if possible. Try to keep the stain damp until you can get it to the cleaners.
When cleaning out your closet, sort all items into three categories: 1) items that flatter your figure and items in your best colors, 2) items that you never feel good wearing and garments that can't be altered to fit, 3) not your most flattering but which you feel can be adapted by adding scarves, etc. Make a shopping list of items to add to #1 & #3...get rid of #2.
To get the most out of your holiday fashion purchases, choose red or black. They are THE colors of the season.
For the most versatility, choose short cocktail dresses or pantsuits for holiday parties.
Shop for your core wardrobe first then fill in with coordinating items and accessories.
Hourglass figures look best in swimsuits with highcut legs and asymmetrical or diagonal lines. Avoid strapless styles and low-cut legs.
Shoulder pads are out!! The 80's are over, thank goodness. Some suits still have shoulder pads sewn in, therefore, you'll want to choose suits with smaller, rounded more natural looking shoulder pads. Ladies, there's no need to look like a linebacker.
The best fabric blends for clothing are 70% natural and 30% synthetic; much easier wear and care. The exception would be 100% polyester blouses. The good ones look and feel like silk and are easy to care for.
To look 10 pounds thinner, peg your skirts. Pegging means tapering the side seams of the skirt to follow the outline of the body.
Year-round fabrics like wool, crepe, rayon, rayon blends, wool gabardine, cotton and polyester add greater versatility to your wardrobe.
Linen is the one fabric where a blend is better than 100% linen. Blends give the look of linen without the wrinkles.
You can actually put together 20 outfits using these nine pieces: 2 suits with matching blouses, a neutral jacket or cardigan, a neutral skirt of pair of pants, a neutral blouse. For more versatility, build wardrobe around 2 primary colors, 2 neutral colors and 2 accent colors.
If your weight is evenly distributed with few curves, the best swimsuit for you has wrapped and twisted panels, shirring or gathering at the bust and hips, and contrasting color or detailing at the bust. Avoid skimpy bikinis, boxy tanks and vertical patterns.
Jacket hemlines should stop above or below the widest part of hips or thighs.
If you have pear-shaped proportions, you will look best in a one-piece swimsuit with light colors on top and darker colors on bottom, ruffles or a draped bust and wide-set straps. Avoid low-cut legs, v-necks and halter styles.
Guru Spotlight |
Lynne Christen |