Party frock that flatters

Dec 15 2010 Buckinghamshire Advertiser

With the party season upon us, personal image consultant JULIA CUMMING shares some tips for figure flattering dressing up

IT HAS been a few months now since our bodies were exposed to the elements in sundresses and T-shirts and we've become used to wrapping up in cosy winter woolies. So, it can be as a bit of a shock to the system to put on a skimpy party dress and to find our bodies feel less than ready to be on show.

The first step to a positive image is to accept your body shape and then learn how to make the most of your assets. Most women, in my experience, are extremely self-critical and when looking in a mirror, only focusing on the bits they don't like. Most women carry extra weight but are sometimes tempted to hide it under baggy or ill-fitting clothes which only adds volume and detracts from all the lovely bits.

Take a fresh look at yourself in a long mirror and force yourself to identify your best features. It may be you have great legs, a voluptuous cleavage, a defined waist, a pretty face, an elegant neck, shapely ankles. You WILL have something great.

Now, the trick is to maximise your best features and ignore your not-so-good bits.

1) YOUR BUST - Many women would love to change their bust, either increasing or decreasing the size. However, if you are fortunate to have a full bust, making the most of your cleavage will draw attention away from the fullest part of your chest.

**Choose tops with soft, draping necklines which will flatter the cleavage.

* Wrap tops are wonderful for you; put a camisole underneath if necessary.

* Add a stunning necklace to sit just under the collarbone.

* Wear a brooch to one side just under the shoulder.

* Avoid pockets and any detail (such as logos, embellishment) over the bust area.

* The golden rule is making sure you have a correctly fitting bra - a professional bra fitting could dramatically help enhance your whole figure.

2) YOUR MIDRIFF - The area between your bust and waist is unfortunately the area where, for many of us, extra fat seems to settle.

* Again, a good supporting bra can lift the bust and open up the midriff area.

* Patterned tops are great for disguising any fullness in this area.

* Fabric with some detail or texture in its weave can also give a slimmer look.

* Avoid tight, plain fabric pulled to stretch over the midriff.

* Avoid belts worn tightly.

* Beware of the 'muffin top' caused by tights, magic knickers or low-rise trousers.

3) YOUR WAIST - This is another area us girls have issues with. If you have a defined waist, show it off with belts and shaped tops. If you don't have a defined waist:

* choose styles with gentle waist emphasis to create the illusion of a slight waist

* go for soft styles that hang from the shoulders if you carry extra weight around your middle area, eg waterfall knitwear, tunics.

* avoid tucking tops in You can detract attention from this area by wearing stunning accessories, such as a statement ecklace, highlighting your cleavage, or a low-slung belt over slim hips.

4) ARMS - These are likely to be on show again for the first time since the summer, so get them in shape.

* Do a beauty makeover on your arms - exfoliate, wax underarms, moisturise, add a touch of bronzer or shimmer.

* If you have full arms, make sure sleeves end above or below the fullest point and don't cut off on the same level as a full bust.

* Fuller arms can be cleverly disguised under floaty styles that drape the arms. Avoid cap and puffed sleeves.

* Make the most of your hands and nails to draw attention down, away from the arms. Wear fabulous rings and bracelets.

5) YOUR BOTTOM

- In many cultures, the bigger the bottom, the more desirable the woman, so don't worry if you are fuller in this area.

* Skirts and dresses should hang from the fullest part, rather than curve under the bottom.

* Make sure you don't have a VPL (visible panty line).

* Avoid detail on the bottom, such as pockets or other embellishment, if you want to down-play this area, but do the opposite if you have a flat bottom.

* Tops should end on your bottom, rather than sit on top of it.

Finally, your posture can really alter your whole image; walk tall and keep your back straight to look more confident and 'stretched'.

You might like to consider coming to me for a professional one-to-one personal image consultation to learn how to make the most of all the great bits you have and how to look and feel more confident and positive about your body image.

* Gift vouchers are available for any amount towards a consultation.

Full details are on Julia's website at www.afreshimage.co.uk.  Call her on 01753 882 636 or email juliacumming@afreshimage.co.uk.