As a personal stylist and an educator, the most frustrating phrase I hear daily is ” I can’t ___________(fill in the blank). My response in both professions is you don’t know until you try a particular style or formula. You may have to try several styles, brands, cuts and fabrics until you find what works for you.

Working in education, I’m constantly having to try different techniques to teach a concept and I’ve learned that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to teaching. The same is said for fashion, one size does NOT fit all; fashion and style is and should be as unique as your personality. Being in fashion, I am surrounded by beautiful and bold colors, various cuts and styles of pants, denim, shirts and skirts and with so many options to choose from, I have the opportunity to find what styles and colors work best for my body type and complexation.

Every season, there is a fashion trend that makes the pages of fashion magazines and are displayed on the mannequins hinting to customers that THIS (what ever is styled on the mannequin or in the magazine) is what they should be wearing without any substitutions. It is not a one size fits all, when it comes to fashion you will have to make substitutions to accommodate your body type. For example, I love crew neck sweaters, but worn alone, it is not a flattering look for me because I am busty and it draws a lot of attention to that area, so I improvise. I will  layer with a collared shirt, wear a blazer or I will ALWAYS where my hammock pearls why you ask because it draws the eye towards my face and not on my chest.  I often times will  try to find a V-neck version of a look that has inspired me; which also helps minimize my bust.

Color is another area where women say “I can’t wear __________(place color here) without ever giving it a try. Some are afraid of color for what ever reason, some don’t want to draw attention to themselves, there for avoid color. The main reason, I’ve learned in my years as a stylist is that most women just don’t know how to coordinate bold bright colors so they avoid them altogether and stick with the neutrals. Many women have also said that they  can’t wear color; it isn’t that they can’t wear the color; they just need to find the right shade of color.  You may need to try on various shades of a color that you are wanting to wear and take pictures of yourself. Try to take the picture in natural light; the lighting in fitting rooms is horrible.

Fashion has so many styles and trends that are styled perfectly on the mannequins and models in the magazines then so many of us tried to replicate the exact same look  then leaving the fitting room frustrated because the it didn’t look right and you are convinced that you can’t wear that style. Here are few key points for dressing your body type, particularly if you are busty.

 

 

 

Stripes: Every body type can wear strips, the trick is to find a stripe that is proportionate you your body type. The J.Crew shirt is the perfect width if you are busty. A thinner stripe, will make you appear wider than you really are.

 

 

Being busty, I’ve learned a few trick along the way  to make sure that your bust is not the focus on your outfit:

Always draw the eye up. Wear a statement necklace/earrings or collard shirt, both of these will put the focus on your face and not your bust.

Necklines.  The most flattering necklines for our figure is a V-neck or boat neck. These  necklines minimize the bust and elongate your neck. I do love a crew-neck sweater; however I always layer  under a blazer, with a button-down shirt and of course my pearls!

Prints. I love floral prints and of course leopard  but just like stripes they need to be proportionate to your body. The texture of the fabric  will also affect the fit of a the print. I personally wear these prints in a pant or a skirt and stick to a chambray or solid color top. (this is an example of where yo make the substitution.

And of course Sparkle. Every girl needs some sparkle in here life and not just for special occasions. Everyday is a special occasion and if you want to wear sparkles… just make sure that it is proportionate to your body.

I hope that these few tips will help you next time your are shopping.