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Change your clothes! There is no faster way to improve an imperfect body shape than by selecting the right clothing. Here are a few hints:
TOO SHORT?
Use vertical lines to draw people's eyes upward and give the illusion of greater height.
- Wear pinstripes or chalk stripes (not too widely spaced) in dark, solid colors
- Wear jackets with soft, natural shoulders
- Choose jackets and slacks of similar tones (a light/dark constrast will appear to cut you in half, making you look shorter)
- Bold, bright neckwear accents your face
- Hemmed, not cuffed slacks that appear to shorten the leg are preferable
- Wear shirts with long-pointed or tab collars
TOO TALL/THIN?
It's important that you emphasize horizontal lines that widen your appearance.
- In patters choose glen plaids, mini-herringbones or checks
- Cuffed trousers with pleats are preferable
- Sportcoats and slacks should be in contrasting tones
- Choose neckwear with horizontal or diagonal patterns
- Wear shirt collars with slightly shorter points and a medium-wide spread
TOO HEAVY?
Dark colors can make you appear 10 to 15 lbs. lighter. Use vertical lines to create an illusion of slimness and wear interesting shirts and ties to focus interest on your face.
- Choose dark colors and striped suits; avoid busy patterns and plaids
- Always wear trousers on the natural waist; try wearing braces to keep the pants up properly
- Wear long pointed shirt collars that slim the face
- Neckwear with a bold pattern and no bow ties except with formal wear
As you can see, there are many illusionary tricks to create the look you want. The key is to downplay the negative and emphasize the positive. And above all remember... nobody's perfect!
Excerpts from "Dress for Excellence" by Lois Fenton/Edward Alcott © 1986
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