Voila! The Magic of Figure Enhancement!
by Leanne Sabo

Okay… so you’re not the perfect size 5! In this day and age, who is?  And, perhaps, the closest you’ve come to an hourglass is the egg timer in your kitchen! But with a little sleight of hand, some fashion savvy, and an understanding of figure types, body shapes, line, and color, you can create a fashion illusion – now you see it, now you don’t – that maximizes your favorable qualities and minimizes your figure concerns.

Your fashion objective is to create an illusion of the ‘hourglass’ and working your fashion magic can be as easy as ‘pulling a rabbit out of your hat’ once you understand how line and color can be used to your fashion advantage.

Generally, vertical lines carrying the eye up the figure give a taller, more slender illusion. Horizontal lines, which move the eye from side to side or across, create a shorter and heavier illusion. Line can be seen in fashion details including seam-lines and garment features including pockets, collars, belts, and openings and in a garment’s overall silhouette.

Color creates illusions of figure size much the same way line does.  Light colors tend to create an illusion of greater size while dark colors create an illusion of smaller size. Contrasting colors in tops and bottoms create a horizontal line where they meet – shortening the figure, while an outfit in a monochromatic color gives a vertical feeling and creates the overall illusion of height and slimness.

Now that you have a basic understanding of line and color identify your figure type. Are you tall and thin, short and petite (under 5’3”), or full figured? Now, take a look in the mirror – a full-length mirror. Come on … with both eyes open. No matter what your figure type –– your body shape will generally fall (perhaps due to gravity) into one of the following 4 categories: Rectangle, Reversed Triangle, Triangle, and Hourglass.

Rectangle – This figure shape typically has straight shoulders – approximately the same width as the hips. Because your objective is to create the illusion of a waist – a belt with a jacket is always a good choice. When cinching your waist without a jacket, make sure it is a matching belt not a contrasting or bright belt. Weekenders Pinstripe Shirt and the Embroidered Tweed Jacket are both tailored and individually help create the illusion of a waist. A Scoop Top and Modern Wide Leg Pants in the same color create a great monochromatic look. To make your body appear even more shapely, try topping our Cowl Tunic or Scoop Top with a short jacket or vest.

 

 

 

Reversed Triangle – Small hips and large shoulders characterize this figure shape. However, full figured women with large bust lines often fall into this category and they can also be quite thin. By drawing attention away from the upper body and creating length between the torso and hips you can create figure balance. There are several ways to accomplish this. Tops with a V-neckline or a wide open neckline draw the eye down. Our stylish and versatile Weekenders’ Cowl Tunic worn over Modern Wide Leg Pants and accented with a belt at the hips create the perfect fashion illusion. The wider leg helps create the illusion of shoulders and hips being about the same width. Longer shirts and lower waistlines help elongate your midsection and belts worn on the hips create balance with the shoulders. Dark colors on top and light colors on the bottom also create an illusion of balance.

Triangle – The opposite of the Reversed Triangle, this body shape has small shoulders and larger hips, carrying the majority of weight below the waist, although Triangles can also be quite thin with narrow shoulders. To create a balance between the upper and lower body try de-emphasizing the lower body and creating curves on the upper portion of the body. It’s always best to wear a light color on top and a dark on the bottom. Layer Weekenders Embroidered Tweed Jacket over our Pinstripe Shirt with the collar on top of the jacket. The 2 collars create a great horizontal line. Fluid garments like our Drape Skirt can work bottom curves without over emphasizing them. Add shoulder pads for a great balancing act.

 

Hourglass – This body shape will be curvy with hips and shoulders the same width, full busted with full hips. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll want to balance the curves and enhance the softness of your silhouette with clothes that are fitted and that emphasize the waist. A belted jacket is a great option. Weekenders Sleeveless Drape Top and Drape Skirt are the perfect fashion combination and our Wrap Dress is another great choice. All 3 accent your curves in all the right places. Finally, don’t be afraid to show some cleavage and a little leg.

Remember…dress to show off what you love and hide what you don’t love about your body. Do you have a specific figure concern? There are dozens more easy fashion enhancement ‘tricks’ that I would be happy to share with you. You don’t have to be Houdini to look like a million!

Leanne Sabo is an Independent Fashion Coordinator and Sales Manager with Weekenders USA. She brings her passion for fashion to an increasing number of women. "Who has a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?" Leanne has the solution - comfortable and stylish clothes for women that are mix match, wash wear, clothes to go!  Pick 3 great colors + 3 monochromatic outfits, and get  20 looks. Now that's value dressing! Classic styles with endless possibilities! "The clothes you love to live in." Leanne is currently looking for women that share her passion for fashion and want a prosperous life. A true role model for women, Leanne was recently nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal's ‘2007 Women Making a Difference Awards’. Find out more by visiting www.weekendersusa.com/leanne  or give Leanne a call at (562) 245-0555