Flattering Fashion
Reflecting back on the last year, I’m trying to go forward by making changes that I feel are important to me regarding fashion, being that it’s a big part of my life. I mentioned a few blogs ago about how fast fashion is killing the environment, creating poor working conditions for people, and just really wasteful altogether. I’ve spent way too much time, effort, and money on cheap, trendy clothes that I sometimes only wear once, so 2021 is the year I’m going to buckle down and change these patterns that seem to be hard for me to break. A friend of mine who I talked to about the fast fashion issue back in August told me over the holiday that she has invested in sustainable swimwear! It’s so motivating to have friends who inspire me to take action on this.
Over the last few months, I’ve started to slowly cultivate my wardrobe to include a lot of classic looks with a neutral palette. I really like pieces that won’t go out of style and that I can pull out of my closet in a few years and wear again. I’ve reworn a lot of black and white outfits, accessories, and it feels great to know what fits right and looks good on me.
I’m also considering cleaning out my closet and donating clothes I don’t wear anymore to help with this process. I read recently from fashion consultant Julianna Costigan that we should really only keep clothes that we love- everything else can go. Seems easier said than done- what about those pieces you “like” but haven’t worn in a 2 years but might wear again?
Though it’s difficult, my journey of changing these fast fashion habits has me wanting to buy and wear long-lasting clothes that flatter my body most. So I’m interested in what styles of clothes give illusions of flattering appearances while also working with my body type. Below I’ve included a list of helpful ways to shop so that you can buy pieces that flatter your body too.
Monochromatic outfits make the body look slimmer by creating a look that doesn’t separate the line between the garments.
Clothing with diagonal lines on them also make the body appear slimmer
Clothing with patterns on them make the body appear larger
Vertical lines on garments make the body look longer (unless you are really curvy and then vertical lines can make you might look shorter)
A wide shoulder line creates an hourglass look if you have curvy hips (I have a black top with shoulder pads that I use for this appearance)
Mid length (midi) dresses and skirts can make you look shorter, but wearing strappy heels will create a longer leg look and taller appearance with midis
Fit and flare dresses that fall 3-4 inches above the knee are the best way to make short women look taller
Pointed toe shoes give the illusion of longer legs
Neutral color palates (black, brown, tan, beige, white, gray, navy) never go out of style