Flatter Me

from Show Horse Today 2022 Fashion Issue

Be Bold

F l a tte r M e

FINDING SHOW RING FASHION THAT FLATTERS EVERY BODY

by Robyn Duplisea

It may seem like an impossible task to find a show outfit that you feel is flattering when you are not shaped the way you were as a youth. For some of us it is a few extra pounds that move more than we would like and for others it can be struggles with height or length of arms and legs. Finding show ring fashion should not be as painful as shopping for a bathing suit, but it can be for many riders.

We have connected with some top industry professionals who are dedicated to helping riders of all sizes and shapes find an outfit that will flatter their body and help them develop the confidence to shine in the show pen. They have shared some tips everyone can use when shopping for their individual body and not that of a mannequin.

Wendy Brown of Show Me Again suggests knowing what type of body shape you have, before you begin shopping for your new outfit. Hourglass shapes and diamond-shaped women will likely need different styles to flatter their bodies.

“No matter what trends may be popular in the arena or what others are wearing, it’s important to choose clothing that makes you feel special when you put it on."

DIAMOND SHAPES

“A lot of people with diamond shaped bodies are uncomfortable wearing anything that is tucked in, especially for Horsemanship. It looks much better if they can find a vest or a jacket that is made of a dense fabric that keeps their body shape smooth. It is also acceptable to wear a Horsemanship shirt with a coordinated vest over the top, to minimize a larger stomach. That vest coordinates with the Horsemanship shirt and goes outside the chaps to create a smooth long line securing everything underneath.

With this shape, you are bigger on the bottom than the top, so you also want

to focus on bringing the eye up. You want something with an open collar and bigger shoulder pads to give the illusion that your shoulders are bigger than your waist. Keeping patterns limited to the shoulders and choosing a more traditional Horsemanship with a yoke on top will help achieve that impression.

HOURGLASS AND TRIANGLE SHAPES

“For those with an hourglass shape, you can concentrate on the smaller waist, but you won’t want to draw attention to the bust. You don’t want to look overly revealing, either. You can use an open neck, but don’t get too extreme and remember to keep it classy.

For the hourglass categories, and the “inverted triangle,” if you have large shoulders and are uncomfortable with shoulder pads, or if you have a shorter neck, I recommend removing them. Putting shoulder pads in is a good idea if you have sloping shoulders, as it does create the right shape and a flattering look in combination with an open collar.

For these categories, I also recommend the vest look again, coordinated with the Horsemanship shirt to keep everything secure. You do not need to feel like you must outfit yourself in a Horsemanship shirt that has a funky material just to keep everything balanced!”

"Just make sure when you look in a mirror, the thought that runs through your head is, “I AM BEAUTIFUL!”

"I truly believe there is something to be said for that boost in confidence you feel when you know you look great on the outside,”

Carrie Bachey from Just Peachy Show Clothing adds that no matter what your body shape, what you wear under your show clothing is essential. “Shapewear and proper undergarments are a ‘must have’ and something that I recommend for everyone, regardless of your size or build. Many are under the impression that shapewear is only for slimming or size reduction, when in fact, the smoothing qualities of good shapewear are of far greater benefit in my opinion. Shapewear allows your clothing to move more freely as you move and helps prevent bunching and gathering.”

“Another benefit of shapewear is that when we sweat, those undergarments are absorbing that moisture instead of our expensive show clothing. If you happen to be someone who is ‘well endowed,’ please be sure to pay careful attention to the type of bra that you’ll need. Many of my clients in this situation have invested in custom bras that are far more supportive and flattering than the typical department store sports bra.”

Carrie’s continues with advice for everyone looking for show clothing, no matter what your size is. “No matter what trends may be popular in the arena or what others are wearing, it’s important to choose clothing that makes you feel special when you put it on. The perfect jacket or outfit can boost your confidence and change your entire persona and that’s an edge that anyone can use and appreciate.”

"When I pull out not one, but a few items that fit them well, their look and emotions are priceless. A good experience like being able to actually try items instead of just admiring them is what I strive for."

Taylor Gumz of Lux Looks by Taylor suggests for an optimal shopping experience you find someone who carrie’s your size. “I try very hard to make sure I have toddler to 3X items available. It amazes me how many people walk in and say, ‘I know you don’t carry my size, but I love to look at the bling’. When I pull out not one, but a few items that fit them well, their look and emotions are priceless. A good experience like being able to actually try items instead of just admiring them is what I strive for and makes people want to come back.”

If height is a concern for you Wendy suggests “if you are short-waisted, I generally recommend that you stay away from any sort of pattern in your shirt since you want to create an illusion of length in your torso. The base of your jacket needs to be solid and matching your chaps to give that illusion of height. If you’re long-waisted, it is attractive to go with one of those patterns that are busier, because you can pull it off.”

For Showmanship Wendy’s advice is to look at the whole picture. “I encourage exhibitors with shorter legs to raise the hemline of their showmanship jacket to give their legs a longer appearance. If a long jacket falls below the hipbones or longer, it actually can make the leg appear shorter. If you are long legged, you can wear the longer jackets and

that looks more appropriate.

“Even with height considerations, you still have to keep your body shape in mind, too. If you are short-legged and have bigger hips, something more fitted around the waist with a bit of a flare is really flattering. For people that are more pear-shaped, we suggest accenting your waistline with a belted piece or a jacket with a peplum. Together with a dark colored pant, they can really flatter someone with a pear shape.”

Taylor adds that “the main goal is for you to feel confident, maybe hide your weaker abilities (like a solid non embellished sleeve if your arms aren’t the best for horsemanship) or a design to show off your hourglass figure. It is amazing the stories I hear of how well or improved their class was due to the fact that they had added confidence.”

“An outfit alone will never win a class for you” shares Carrie “But, I truly believe there is something to be said for that boost in confidence you feel when you know you look great on the outside,”

Wendy concurs “At the end of the day, no matter your body type, favorite color, bling or no bling preferences, wearing that perfect outfit is just one part of the experience of showing horses. Just make sure when you look in a mirror, the thought that runs through your head is, “I AM BEAUTIFUL!”

Confidence is the key word from all three of our experts. When you chose an outfit that not only flatters your body but accentuates your assets you will gain the mental edge.

Learn more about our experts please visit their websites