 | Stephanie Macera
is president and owner of Fashion Cents Consignment Boutique. Stephanie began her business with her sister and grandmother in 1999. She has 15 years experience working in the retail and service industry, formerly with Cessna Aircraft and Havertys Furniture Company. Fashion Cents consigns with individuals, retailers, wholesalers and artists in Wichita and the surrounding area. After the consignment period, unsold merchandise is given to area donation centers such as The Treasure Chest, YWCA Women's Shelter, Operation Holiday and the Children's Home in the consignors name. Stephanie can be reached at (316) 722-8360. |
Clothing, Shoes & Apparel
2003-08-01 11:28:00
Disguising your figure flaws
: I’m having trouble finding flattering clothes for my “pear-shaped” body. Do you have any suggestions?
ANSWER: We all have some area of our body we must consider when shopping for clothing. Fortunately, designers understand this and often will incorporate the specific needs of the "ill proportioned" buyer in their designs. Your situation calls for sleek lines that will not accentuate your lower body. Avoid pleats, drawstring waistbands, and fussy prints like florals or plaids that draw the eye to this area. Solid colors in darker shades are more slimming. Longer, knee-length shorts or wide-legged capri pants elongate the body and diffuse the pear shape. Just as important as the style of shorts that you select is the style of shirt you wear it with. Tight, clingy fabrics, or cropped styles accentuate the upper body and make the difference in proportion more noticeable.To make the upper body seem more proportionate, invest in a good support bra or enhancer bra and use appropriately sized shoulder pads to give more significance to your upper body. Use pattern in your blouses to draw theeye away from the lower body. Larger prints have more impact and give the illusion of moredefinition. Women with pear shapes often have slender waistlines. Wearing a belt will enhance the waistline. Giving more substance to the upper body, slimming the appearance of the lower body with clean lines, and accentuatinga trim waistline combats the pear shape. Accessorize with a substantial necklace and earrings to further draw the eye upward. Keep in mind that your footwear can also play a role in reducing the pear shape. Tiny, strappy footwear can look weak and flimsy perched below a heavier, tapering leg. Give yourself a balanced, grounded look with thick-soled wedges for height, leather mules or sandals. The same principals that apply to your summer wardrobe will also work as you select items for the fall. Separates will always work better for the pear shaped body, as few dresses accommodate the smaller upper body and larger lower body. With the right tricks, we can all dress away our troubled spots! Have fun shopping!
