Style 101: MEN-Challenging Body Types
[Stylist/Fashion & Image Consultant: Michelle Washington]
Style-ology LLC
www.styleology.net MEN: Wardrobe Tips for Challenging Body Types
Let’s not beat around the bush, nobody’s perfect. We all have our set of challenges when it comes to finding clothes we find flattering on ourselves, otherwise known as dressing for your body type. But if chosen well, the right clothes can hide the features we don’t like about ourselves and accentuate our best ones. Here I have outlined some (certainly not all) fashion rules to live by when dressing for body types that might be a bit challenging. Of course there are exceptions to rules, but keep these tips in mind when putting a wardrobe or an outfit together.
How’s the weather up there?
Particularly tall guys should say away from vertical stripes including pinstripes since they tend to accentuate height. Horizontal stripes and windowpane plaids are more flattering patterns.
If you are thin to boot, wearing fabrics that cling is a bad idea, but wearing baggy clothes also brings attention to your svelte physique. Being tall [has] always been [a challenge] with looking for the perfect fit in shirts, trousers, sweaters, and suits. Wearing shirts that are slightly fitted with spread collars and trousers that are straight in the leg (not tapered in any way) work best. Also, sweaters with a closer fit to the body, but not fitted are more flattering. And since suits with three buttons tend to lengthen the body, stick with one and two buttons.
Are you vertically challenged?
Short guys should avoid cuffed trousers, long suit jackets, and loud patterns. You don’t want to bring attention to your smaller stature. Pinstripes and other stripes (but not too bold) and dark solid colors are your best bet since they visually lengthen the body. Also, two and three buttoned suits with long lapels will give you a flattering, longer silhouette. And remember, when buttoning your suit leave the top button on two and three button suits undone since this will give the illusion of being taller. When it comes to ties, avoid Windsor and double Windsor knots – in other words stick with small knots. This will help you avoid looking like a kid.
Do you have “junk in the trunk”?
Heavyset men shouldn’t wear bold patterns of any sort. Pinstripes and solid colors, especially dark ones, are your friends. Bulky fabrics such as tweeds should be avoided when it comes to suits, and softer wools such as gabardines and super 100’s should be embraced. Do wear suits with peaked lapels since they carry they eye upwards. Shirts with pointed collars are also more flattering. Some say that suspenders are better than belts, but I’ll let you decide.
No matter what challenging body type you may have, these tips will help you turn “drab” into “fab” as you assemble a wardrobe to suit your new style.
Reference:
Billett, Daniel. (2006).Men’s Fashion/Grooming. Retrieved from the About website
October 10, 2006:
http://www.about.com What is Style-ology?
Michelle Washington is the creative mind behind Style-ology LLC (www.styleology.net). This fashion industry professional (turned Fashion and Image Consultant) has distinct skills and knowledge as a Stylist, Fashion, and Image Consultant. As a registered and active member of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) and a recognized fashion entrepreneur in the 2006/2007 “Manchester Who's Who for Executives and Professionals”, Michelle's forte is in creating a "true style" for clients; which means "being clever" and seeking out unusual shops. Michelle collaborates with top businesses and professionals to facilitate a full transformation for each client from beginning to end. Whether it is print, television, film, total image makeover, personal shopping, fashion styling, or company speaking engagements; Michelle's personal one-on-one comprehensive service is what sets Style-ology LLC above all others.
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Monday, November 6th 2006 at 11:31AM
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