Style Beyond Measure

I wanted to give you just one more “visual aid” from our Summer Wardrobe list (Click here: Summer Wardrobe Checklist).

This is from our Cropped Pant category…remember how we spoke about the importance of “fit” no matter what size you are?

The taller you are (this goes for Missy sizes and Womens’ sizes) the more ability you have to carry off a wide-leg cropped pant.

If you’re a Petite, then stick with a more fitted cropped pant in the seat, thigh and leg. A more fitted silhouette allows you to show your figure to its best advantage (no “swimming” in your outfit!) and gives you a longer line thus offering the illusion of more height.

Here are some examples:
This is from Liz Claiborne (LizClaiborne.com) and is a great example of a wide-leg cropped pant that can be worn by medium to tall Missy and Women sizes.

Can you see why the width of this leg might cut off a Petite size woman?

Now take a look below at an example of cropped pants for a Petite woman…

Better, yes?

Even if you’re not as svelte as this petite model, this fit would work well because it lengthens and thins the leg.

Don’t feel comfortable tucking in your shirt? Not a problem. Even with your blouse left out over the top of your pants (or with a tunic top) you still get a nice long line.

Ahhhh! The magic of a good fit!

Yesterday, I promised to show some real examples that illustrate our Summer Wardrobe Checklist discussion. (If you missed the checklist, see my past two posts.)

Here you go…

Here’s a great example of a dressy t-shirt. Note that its a little more polished? A little more sophisticated looking? As discussed, a dressier t-shirt tends to be more form-fitting, but that doesn’t necessarily mean tight. Also, have no fear…manufacturers are making these dressy t-shirts in Women’s sizes and Petites, too. This particular version is from JCrew and is available in different colors and sizes on their website at JCrew.com.

And here are two examples of dressy shorts that you’ll see out when shopping this summer. The first photo is regular Missy size…

and the second is in Womens’ sizes. Both are available from LizClaiborne.com.

They look good don’t they? Just imagine yourself looking so chic and enjoying a tasty al fresco lunch at a quaint outdoor cafe, followed by an afternoon viewing of the latest exhibit at the museum. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

Check back tomorrow and I’ll show you some examples of cropped pants designed for Missy, Womens and Petite sizes.

Till then…Happy Wardrobing!

More thoughts on “Effortless and Breezy” dressing from our summer wardrobe checklist from yesterday’s post…

* T- Shirts - You will probably want both casual and dressy versions this summer. By “dressy” I mean a t-shirt in a fabrication other than cotton…such as silk or micro-fiber, that is more fitted and looks more polished.

Take a good look at your t-shirts from last season. How have they fared? Give these your best critical eye because these items typically take the most abuse during the summer. And with t-shirts in plentiful supply in price, style and color range, you’ll probably do well to bring in new ones for this season.

* Shorts - again, use your critical eye…this time with particular attention to fit. Are they still fitting as well as last year? Any sewing issues that need to be addressed? If its a missing button or hook and eye, fine. Fix it. However, if you’ve got any frayed hems or stains that haven’t come out, go ahead and say good-bye. Shorts, like t-shirts, are in plentiful supply out there.

PS - think about including not only casual shorts in your wardrobe, but some dressier shorts as well. Dressier shorts would be the version you see out right now that are longer on the leg ( say, 7″ to 9″) and are more fitted through the thigh. They will also be in a dressier summer fabric like polished cotton. If you purchase them in a neutral color like khaki, black or white, you’ll get much more wardrobe “play” because they can be put with brights, pastels and print tops- more bang for your fashion buck!

*Cropped pants - a hundred varieties await you, all in different categories and price points. Here’s what you need to be aware of … your height; and, the shape / length of your leg.

The taller you are (no matter your weight) the better you are able to carry off a wider-leg cropped pant.

Petites will need to select a more fitted cropped pant - something more fitted through the seat, upper thigh and leg. That doesn’t necessarily mean go for a “tight” fit…it just means something that “fits” well and comfortably and not loose and oversized. Too loose and oversized will make you look like you are drowning in your clothes, as well as visually cutting your off your leg mid-calf making you appear even shorter than you really are! Something you don’t want to do.

Want some real-life “available in-store now” examples of what we’ve talked about today? Then check back with me tomorrow and I’ll show you what I’ve found!

Happy First day of Summer! And this is just how I like to view summer - Simplicity, itself!
Remember the days when one sewing pattern could provide you with five different looks and your summer was pretty well taken care of clothing-wise? Well, it still can be that easy and you don’t have to be a seamstress either (although I am envious of those folks who are!!!).

Summer fashion is meant to be all about dressing with ease and comfort. Effortless style in breezy fabrics is what we aspire to in a perfect world. Doesn’t that sound grand?

So tell me, how does your closet measure up?

Have you made the jump into Summer, yet?

This week is a perfect time to take a peek behind those louvered doors to see what you have on hand and what you may need to add.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you determine your “effortless and breezy” rating on this first official day of Summer 2007. These are summer essentials that work well for most everyone. Are they in your closet? And, if so, what kind of shape are they in?

* T-Shirts…both casual and dressy

* Shorts…both casual and dressy (dressy shorts? Check back tomorrow and we’ll go into more detail)

* Cropped pants…casual and dressy

* Summer dresses…long and/or short, flowing or form-fitting

* Tank tops and/or halter tops…casual and dressy (make sure the “girls” are taken care of in some way…either with a built-in shelf-bra, or a special convertible halter bra)

* Long skirts…lightweight, flowing and colorful

* Cardigans…(restaurants can get c-c-c-cool in the summer!)

* Casual hoodie or zip-front jacket…

*Cotton Tunic Tops…wonderful selection out there this summer

*Bathing Suits…(yes, you need at least two!)

*Bathing Suit Cover-Up…(yes, you need one…wrapping up in a towel no longer counts.)

*Beach Hat…(yep!)

*Flat sandals…both casual and dressy

*Summer sneaker…(think hot asphalt at the amusement park)

*Sandals with a heel…can be a short kitten heel, a spike heel, or a wedge sandal

* Flip Flops (or Thongs)…something that can get wet and sandy

* Summer handbag…

That’s it…a quick, down and dirty checklist for summer. Got questions? Tomorrow, I’ll go into a little bit more detail about the list. But for now, go ahead and check out your closet. I’m sure you’re much closer to “effortless and breezy” than you think!

The other day I mentioned the idea of making clothing purchases with “legs” - i.e. that in an ideal world, whatever clothing that you buy have the ability to go with a variety of things you already own and also have the type of styling that will last more than one season. Part of this comes from the idea of owning basic wardrobe pieces - the backbone of your closet - but it also can mean owning some really unique clothing pieces that will stand the test of time.

Clothing with “legs” mean that the garments have a timeless quality about them - either through their ability to adapt endlessly (ie. black pants, a white men’s style dress shirt, a cardigan set in solid colors, or the eternal little black dress in all of its variations) - or that by their styling alone (the cut of the jacket, the luxuriousness of the fabric, the striking color) they make a dramatic statement on their own transcending time and current fashion.

Here’s a perfect example of an outfit with “legs”. It’s Jackie O leaving Claridges Hotel in London. Can you guess the year? It doesn’t really matter because she looked fabulous then; and, translated today, her outfit still looks fabulous and up to the minute. This outfit - white trench coat, white pants and black turtleneck - would work perfectly in today’s world, still turning heads and looking impossibly chic. And the really great thing is that you don’t have to be built like Jackie O to adopt this outfit. Keeping in mind jacket proportions, this look would work equally well in Women’s sizes and petites, too!

Pretty amazing for three little basic wardrobe pieces, don’t you think? Ahhhh…the power of “legs”!

(PS - It was 1970!)