Get on the best dressed list!

 Want to be on the best dressed list? Wondering why your style might be missing the mark?

One of the most important aspects of dressing well (and what MissusSmartyPants is all about) is learning what styles flatter your body shape. Not every style works for every woman. Knowing the difference is what will set your style apart from the masses.

Another important part of dressing well is to only wear clothes that fit you correctly. Clothes that are too baggy, or too tight will only make you appear out of proportion and often larger than you really are! Just think about it for a minute, when the sleeves on your shirt are too long---you just look sloppy! Learning (and practicing) the basics of fit and proportion will really take your style up a notch. 

But sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference in your appearance. Use these five quick style tips to get on the best dressed list:

1. Have the side pockets of your pants sewn shut. They can “puff” out and make you appear 5 pounds heavier, plus bring unwanted attention to your hips.

2. Check your posture. Stand up straight and suck in the tummy—you will automatically look slimmer. Make this a conscious effort each day…and see what happens.

3. Always use a full length mirror before you go out the door. Better yet, look in a three-way mirror…people DO see you from all angles--and you should too!

4. Shop during the week. The stores are better stocked from the weekend and you will get the help you deserve. Less chance of impulse buys when you take your time and think through your purchases.

5. Shop alone. You will focus more on your needs. Take your MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile shopping guides with you. You won’t get side-tracked and can take the time to find clothes that are the most flattering for YOU!

Love, Leslie

The Long & Short of It...

 Can you tell if I'm long or short in the waist?

For some reason women always think their bodies are not quite right, rather than--the clothes are not quite right. Do you try on pants only to have them rest practically under your bust? If you are short-waisted this can happen. On the other hand, if you have a long waist the pants are snug in the rise and you find yourself constantly pulling them down. Why do some jackets make you appear shorter or heavier? Or, why do some shirts never seem long enough?

It is all about your body proportions. How each part of your body relates to the other parts is what makes up your unique proportions. Generally speaking, you are always going to have the same basic body shape whether you gain weight or lose weight. That is why following the fit guidelines at MissusSmartyPants.com will  help you dress your best. Along with your body shape, there are unique proportions like a tummy, long arms, short waist, etc. These are also something you need to take into consideration when dressing.

The most common proportional issue that women face is being long or short-waisted. Knowing how to “correct” your proportions will help you know what to look for when shopping.

Grab a tape measure and decide if you are long, short or balanced in your waist line. Measure the area between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hip bone.

Short-waisted—the space will be about 1-2 inches

Average-waisted—the space will be about 2-3 inches

Long-waisted—the space will be about 3-4 inches

A balanced body will have a crotch that is halfway up the total body length. Your waist is balanced when it is at the halfway mark between your armpit and crotch. If your waist is above halfway you are short-waisted, if it is longer, you are long-waisted.

Rule of thumb: when you have a body part that is short—look for long. When you have a body part that is long—look for short. For example, short-waisted? Look for a longer jacket. Get it?

Don’t forget your jacket. One of the best articles of clothing that a SYSter can have in her wardrobe--is a jacket. The right jacket for your body type (and waist proportion) can help correct your body imbalance and make it appear balanced and in proportion. Not only can you disguise an undefined waist, but you will make it appear more “hourglass” with a structured jacket that is “body skimming”. The right length of jacket can make your waist or legs appear longer. Generally speaking, if you are short-waisted, a longer jacket is needed. If you are long-waisted, a shorter jacket works for you. If you are petite in stature, then you do not want to go too long with the length of your jacket or it will drag you down.

Experimentation along with the fit guidelines for your body type will help you correct your proportional dilemmas. Learn more about long and short of your waist and dress better than ever before!

Love, Leslie