Fashion advice

FASHION STYLING ADVICE

with Michelle Bradley

Embrace your curves

For those lovely ladies that have a curvy figure, it is important to embrace those curves and wear clothing that flatters and suits your silhouette.

Select your shapewear

As with any body shape, wearing the right underwear is paramount. A supportive bra will smooth and lift, highlighting your assets and defining your shape. Highlighting your bust can be tricky, you don’t want a neckline that is so high it makes you look bigger, look for a v-neck or scooped neckline, these will elongate your silhouette. Also, choose well-fitting shapewear. Make sure you find the size right for you, there is nothing worse than squeezing into shapewear that is too small! Dressing for your body

Once you have the right undergarments you are ready to dress your outer layer. Don’t try to hide under baggy oversized pieces as this will make you look larger; a curvy figure requires a good fit. Alternatively, you don’t want to go the other way and squeeze into garments that are too small as this may also make you look larger. For any clothing you have that doesn’t fit well it is worth getting a tailor to adjust them to perfectly fit your curves, this way you can control what curves you wish to accentuate. Generally, the aim is for an hourglass-like shape, getting garments to hug in the right areas. Dresses are great for the feminine curvy figure. Just follow the rules - nip in the waist, hug your hips and skim over the lower body. Wrap dresses are particularly good and can be worn casually and then into the evening with the right accessories. Also, shift, A-line and belted shirt dresses work well.

To elongate and make your legs appear slimmer make sure you choose the right length when picking skirts or dresses. The hemline needs to be where the leg starts to become slimmer. This is generally just above or below the knee and will give the illusion of longer legs. Accessories finish off the look and make an outfit, so have fun with this. Curvy girls can wear bold statement jewellery, bright colourful scarves and oversized handbags. Choose fabulous statement shoes. Throw on killer sunglasses and rock it. No matter what your body shape is, you can dress your body with flattering styles and textiles to suit your shape. Most of all have fun and enjoy the process.