A Proper Fit For Any Body

So how do you know if clothing fits you correctly and if flattering? Let's start with the top.

• The shoulder seam should line up with the end of your natural shoulder and there should be no draping under your arm pit. You don't want it to be too tight either but enough to allow natural movement.
• Long sleeve shirts should fall at the heel of your palm. T-shirt sleeves should fit snuggly and be above the middle of your arm.
• Avoid button-up shirts that pull at the breasts. You should find tops that fit your bust area and can be altered on the sides if need be.
• A structured shirt or jacket is best as it creates an hourglass shape, tapering in at the waist. Clothes with straight or baggy sides are not figure flattering.
• Unless you are a young girl, a mid-rise pant or jean is most flattering. Pants should not be too tight in the waistband. They should fit snuggly in the butt and upper thighs and gently fall away from the body at the knees.
• The crotch should not hang low.
• The hem of pants should fall about a quarter inch from the ground with your shoes on.
• The most flattering skirts are cut knee length or just above with a straight or a-line style. Skirts that are too short may not be appropriate for many occasions. Those that are too long, unless well tailored, will make you look too short.

Some styles should in most cases be avoided.

• Tapered jeans are noone's friend. They accentuate wide hips and butts, creating an "ice cream cone" affect.
• Too much flare in the leg has a similar effect. Your knees become the narrowest part of your body when it really should be your waist.
• Unless you are all legs, cropped pants are not the best choice as anything that falls mid-calf will make you look short and stumpy.
• Trends like ponchos and 70's disco balloon shirts. No shape and no style.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you spend your money wisely when shopping for a fashion bargain.