Reader's Fashion Challenge: "I Can NEVER Find Clothes For My Body Type"
A few days ago we got this (see below) reader comment on the Real Simple Facebook page from Kristina Waters Ulrey!
"I have a challenge I want to extend to you. I can NEVER find clothes for my body type. And whenever I see magazines that say they have clothes that fit every body type it makes me think that I am a complete freak of nature. I am 5'11, long torso, no hips, no butt, skinny legs (by comparison) oh-but my stomach, broad ...shoulders. People have called it the apple figure, I prefer oval-shaped. And I have spent hundreds of dollars trying to find a pair of jeans. And I have a MIL who loves to point out in public in front of strangers, how I have no fashion sense. Because the legs and butt are so baggy. I can't shop thrift stores, even though my budget is tight. And the only pair of jeans that fit me are 3 years old, ragged around the hem and covered in paint splatter. So while I love Fall, I have no clothes. And a very active toddler that chase inside, outside and all around his activities. So I hope you can take up the challenge so I can know what kind of clothes to wear."
First off...I happily accept your challenge Kristina!
Secondly...You are FAR from a freak. You are beautiful woman that just needs a little direction :o)
So, if you have a similar body type as Kristina---pay attention to these tips and picks:
1. Try a Wrap Dress: The diagonal lines will create shape and make you look longer. The v-neck draws attention down from your broad shoulders.
2. Look for A-line or flared hem blouses to balance out shoulders and will skim over your tummy. Boot-cut, flared and wide leged pants/jeans also balance broad shoulders.
3. Wider necklines accentuate broad shoulders--Sooooo choose turtlenecks, narrow V-necks and U-necks instead to pull the gaze in.
4. Avoid empire waists---they will make your torso look longer.
5.Tucking in a shirt and adding a belt at the waist of your trousers or skirt will break up the body more and give the look of a defined waist.
6. Avoid details on sleeves and shoulders. No pockets or frills on the arms, and no shiny details on the shoulders either. A raglan sleeve or unstructured shoulder helps minimize broadness.
7. Look for a slim silhouette with a fitted bodice and waist, darts and seaming will help create an ultra feminine shape. Pleating or ruching at the hips and bust with add dimension and maximize your curves.
8. A long waisted sheath is the best style for a taller frame. Try the ingenius designs at Long Tall Sally.
9. Subtle rouching in the midsection serves to provide some great optical trickery. Pattern also does the same thing and helps to hide any additional weight around the waistline.
10. Jeans: A straight figure should look for styles that are slimmer through the hips that do not have a contoured waistband, which often creates the unflattering muffin top effect. If your straight figure is coupled with a flat seat, we recommend jeans with flap pockets or slightly embellished back pockets to create the illusion of a fuller butt.
Note: Many of these fabulous tips are straight from the ingenius site--- MyShape.com.
Check out some of these items that you can buy NOW and following all the points outlined above:
Davis Silk Charmeuse top by Zelda, $140
Crepe De Chine top by Michael Michael Kors, $79
Tall Graphic Print dress by Ann Taylor, $118
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique faux wrap dress, $138
Laurel Canyon jeans by Paige Denim, $189
