|
HOW TO LOOK YOUR BEST ON YOUR DAUGHTER'S BIG DAY Like your daughter in her bridal gown, you'll want to look your best come wedding day, but in order to do so, you'll need to find the outfit that enhances your assets and disguises problem areas.
PROBLEM: TOP HEAVY
SOLUTION: Like so many body problems, rectifying your biggest worry begins with finding the right underwear. An ill-fitting bra will not only cause your clothes to fit badly but could even attribute to back and posture problems.  Condici manufacture stunning outfits that flatter all shapes and sizes. Many lingerie shops offer specialist bra-fitting services. Rigby and Peller have built their name on their measuring service and excellent advice but if your budget won't stretch to this many of the shops that you'll find on the high street, such as Marks and Spencer and Debenhams now offer similar expertise, as well as bras in larger sizes. An underwired bra with good support is an absolute must.
Women with small chests often say they envy bigger breasted women but the reality is that many women feel self-conscious about their larger bust size and so make the mistake of trying to cover up under high necklines and loose fitting tops. Rather than attempting to draw a veil over your upper body, you need to focus on playing up to the curves of your shape. Deep v-necks and plunging necklines will flatter, especially if accompanied by an empire waistline. Hiding yourself under smock like clothing will make you look larger than you are but the addition of a simple belt, which draws you in at your waist, your smallest part, will make you look utterly curvaceous. Prints are back in vogue for spring/summer and are a great choice for those with a bold personality. Accessorize with a chunky bracelet, necklace, or ring, to give your outfit a modern flavour.
PROBLEM: BIG BOTTOM:
SOLUTION: While most men love girls with larger derrieres, women usually unfairly loath them, swaddling them in reams of fabric in a bid to disguise their existence. The trick here is trying to make your bum look in proportion to the rest of you.
 Designer Ian Stuart's range also makes the most of fuller figures If you are a true pear shape, you may find it difficult to find dresses and skirts that fit properly, as those that fit in the waist are often too tight across the bum and hips. High waisted skirts and trousers may be in vogue but they are not for you as they will make your bum look larger than it really is. The same goes for tapered trousers or garments in clingy fabrics - these are to be avoided like the plague! Instead choose trousers that glide over your shape. Lower cut waistlines will make your bum look smaller. Wide length trousers are an ideal choice as they will lengthen the look of your legs, opt for a pair which skim over your bum and the tops of your legs, rather than fit closely against them. Simple styles work best on you. Those with side pockets or a lot of detailing will again just make you look bigger. Opt for longer length coats and jacket that will sweep over your bum. Coats with nipped in waists that flare at the bottom will work well on you, making you look taller and slimmer. When it comes to skirts again it isn't simply a case of covering up and hoping no one will notice. A-line skirts will flare on you at the wrong point, widening over your largest part, making your bum look even bigger. Instead opt for a pencil skirt which, will accentuating your curves and cling to all the right places creating a flattering silhouette.
PROBLEM: PLUS SIZE FIGURE
SOLUTION: Many plus size women find clothes shopping a chore but it needn't be. Depending on your budget, you have various options. Popular names for mother of the bride fashion include Frank Usher, whose Quintesse collection caters for women who are size 16-26.
Jacques Vert is another well known brand, whose occasion wear is not only stylish, well cut and wearable. For those looking to buy from the High Street there are also a number of really great stores who offer fabulous fashions for the more voluptuous figure. The likes of Debehams, Evans and Anne Harvey are all excellent, offering great choice at good prices. Similar high street staple Marks and Spencer is another must-stop shop. However if the thought of going shopping fills you with dread there are a lot of specialist stores that cater for plus size women online or are based in the US, so measuring yourself and knowing your statistics is vital. When you are shopping online knowing your size in inches rather than dress size is essential as dress sizes vary from country to country and brand-to-brand making it impossible to know whether your usual UK size 16 will fit. You should also consider getting properly fitted for a bra as well, as a great shape starts with the underwear that you are wearing. Try one of the bigger department stores for a consultation and the best advice. The hassle of queuing to try on garments can be off putting but is well worthwhile as there is nothing quite as disheartening as coming home from what you feel has been a successful shopping spree only to come home and be disappointed by your purchases. Sizes can vary dramatically from store to store. Generally higher-priced ranges are more generously cut and cheaper ranges skimpy on fabric.
Shopping can be an intimating business, especially if you are not confident about your body or sure of what you are looking for so don't be afraid to ask for help. The sales staff will have an advantage over you in that they know what's in stock and what they have to go with what. Finally, never underestimate the power of fabulous shoes and accessories. This is an excellent way to update your look and keep abreast of the latest fashion trends without have to splash out on different pieces for the wedding. Look at items that you would not normally choose, as they may be the perfect complement to your look.
PROBLEM: LARGE TUMMY
SOLUTION: Women who lack definition around their waist can find it difficult and frustrating concealing their bellies.
The worst mistake you can make is choosing a fabric which clings or gathers on the waist. Your ideal outfit will detract attention away from your tum and accentuate your best bits. Perfect curves for many women are representative of the ideal feminine body shape and for that reason, larger bellies or a lack of a waistline can really dent self esteem. For centuries corsets have been used to achieve this model shape but thankfully they aren't the only way to create the illusion of curves, the same results can be achieved without adorning any macabre undergarments!
Wrap tops and dresses should be your best friend. The cross over detailing is fantastic for concealing any unsightly tummy ripples. Boned bodices are also a fabulous way of creating the illusion of an hour glass figure. Deep Vs will break up your body, again drawing attention away from your stomach. If you don't feel comfortable with revealing some cleavage, wear a pretty camisole underneath - just make sure it is a lighter shade than your outer colour. Stay well aware from boxy shapes, shorter length tops of jackets, or overly loose garments. Rather than conceal, these will simply make you look bulkier and larger than you are. Tailored jackets will work really well on you but just make sure that you go for a length which glides over your hips, curving over your hips, therefore flattering your tummy. Opt for simple single breasted styles over double, which again will simply make you look larger than you really are. Flat-fronted trousers and skirts are really flattering for a larger tummy. Try to avoid pleats and front zips, side and back zips are a much more flattering option. When it comes to choosing a coat, make sure you choose one which has shape, avoiding anything oversized or belted. A pretty frockcoat will showcase the subtle lines of your body, and give you those curves that you've been dreaming of.
|
Fashion 
