Fashion

We’ve all been there: Around and around a department store looking for the perfect pair of jeans. With so many styles and shapes to choose from, it feels like an endless mission. Luckily, just a little bit of research around the best styles and washes for different body types could go a long way in helping you find the perfect pair of jeans. I’ve done that research for you, so keep reading!

It’s not all that bad

Don’t get so caught up in the search that you forget to have fun. Don’t be scared to try on different styles and sizes, and don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t feel right on you. Keep an open mind and you might even have a bit of a giggle about the experience. Play around with going up or down from your regular size, and see how different fits affect your body type. You could even go all out and bring different styles of shoes with you, to see what your jeans look like in different outfit scenarios.

Who made the jeans doesn’t matter

Time and again, I see people falling Into the trap of focusing on the label rather than on the fit. Fixating too much on the manufacturer might prevent you from seeing the wood for the trees – perhaps the perfect pair of jeans for you is simply the no name brand, and if you want true freedom from the struggle of finding a new pair of jeans, don’t worry about anything other than how they look on you.

Sizing it up

Remember that different clothing manufacturers use different scales when assigning sizes to the garments that they produce. This means that a size 12 from one brand could be a size 10 or 14 in another. Trust me on this one: It’s not you, it’s them. Just because the number varies, doesn’t mean that the pants are suddenly a different size!

Buy for your body

High-waisted styles in a dark color is very beneficial to those with a pear-shaped build. It creates the illusion of a small waist, and will balance your proportions by skimming the fabric over the hips. If there’s one thing to avoid as a pear shaped body type, it is a fading effect over the thighs, as that is a guaranteed way of making them look bigger!

Don’t stress about distress

Distressed jeans have been a fashionable look for many, many years. There is nothing wrong with trying on a pair and seeing how it works for you, but bear a few things in mind: Firstly remember that wherever the jeans are distressed, is where the eye goes! The bottom line is that if you don’t want people to look at a certain area, don’t highlight it by wearing distressed jeans.
It may seem that classic jeans in plain black or blue denim are safer, but don’t be scared to switch it up a bit if you are feeling adventurous. Why not give lighter washes, or even white denim a try if you’re up for something new?

Summer is fast approaching, and it’s time to take out your light, comfortable clothing, and breathable footwear. Although it can be tough to wear dressing that is both stylish and practical with sweltering temperatures, it’s not impossible. Here are some fashion essentials you should own for a comfortable summer.

Comfy sandals

Sandals are the perfect footwear for a hot day as they’re breathable, and you can wear them with any summer clothing. Whether you’re going to the beach, pool, or grocery store, you can wear a pair of comfortable sandals with ease. There are several options for comfortable sandals for women in summer, including heel sandals, slides, and flip flops. Whatever you wear depends on your style, outfit, and occasion. For instance, you can wear slides for any casual event.

Sunglasses

You can never go wrong with a pair of sunglasses during summer. They not only protect your eyes from vibrant sun rays but also add style to your outfits. With sunglasses, you can go for any design you want, e.g., retro frames, classic aviators, and round-famed sunglasses. Oversized sunglasses are also a common trend, and they can brighten up your look while making a bold statement. However, ensure they are the right fit, so you don’t have to keep adjusting them.

A ruffled dress

Ruffles can make your entire outfit dynamic, and they flow freely. The last thing you want is wearing something tight in extreme heat, as it can make you uncomfortable. Luckily, with one or two ruffled dresses in your wardrobe, you have airy layers and tiers that make them comfy.

Some of the common prints for ruffled dresses include:

• Neutrals

• Whites

• Pinks

• Floral

Whether you’re going for a dressed-up or casual look, a ruffled dress is the right choice.

Shorts

You can give your legs some air time with a pair of denim or linen shorts. Shorts are great for a day out at the beach or a casual lunch with friends. But, don’t wear tight-fitting shorts as they can get uncomfortable quickly. Instead, when shopping, go a size or two sizes up. Also, if denim shorts are too heavy for you, choose another type of fabric such as cotton, wool, or silk.

Maxi dresses

Although these dresses cover up your legs, they’re ideal for summer because they’re airy. They’re also incredibly flattering and look super chic. You can accessorize your maxi dress with different shoes and accessories such as a belt to cinch in your waist. Furthermore, you can pair a maxi dress with other clothing such as a denim jacket for an evening out. Maxi dresses come in a variety of patterns, colors, and sizes, giving you numerous options to choose from.

Straw hat

A straw hat is woven using straw-like materials or straw from different plants. It protects against heat stroke and sunburn. A straw hat is a must-own fashion essential if you plan to spend your summer days at the beach or pool. This is because it prevents sunburn and allows you to bask in the sun for hours. You can also wear your straw hat as an accessory, decorative element, or fashion piece.

One-piece bathing suit

Summers aren’t complete without a one-piece bathing suit for swimming or lounging by the pool. Get your one piece in a breathable fabric with floral patterns or in a bold color such as orange.

When shopping for yourself, some people love it, others hate it. It’s all about how you feel in the clothing that you wear. Shopping for your body is something that can be difficult to master, so here are some tips that might help when shopping to suit your body.

Don’t Stick With One Size

You will likely have a size that you always stick with when it comes to shopping. However, the problem with that is that clothing companies operate with different measurements, and that can change the sizing. So in one store you might be a size 10, but in another you could be a size 12. That’s why it’s important to try out other sizes, rather than just sticking to the one. Being able to fit clothing to your body is usually dictated by the sizes you go for, and you may end up buying sizes that aren’t fitting your body properly. Rethink what your size might be now, especially if you’ve noticed a slight change in how much you’ve grown or how much weight you might have lost over the past few months. Our body shapes can often change quite regularly, so always keep checking on this.

 Experiment With Fabrics

There are so many different fabrics to try on when it comes to clothing, whether that’s plus size lingerie, choosing between lace or meshing, or trousers that are denim or leather-look. Everyone is different when it comes to what they find comfortable, too, so don’t just stick to what you’ve tried before. Experiment with different fabrics and the forms that they come in when it comes to clothing. You might be surprised by what you enjoy wearing and what feels good on you, especially when it comes to the fit.

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Comfort zones are something not all of us like to step out of every very often. However, you can often find that you like something when you try an outfit that’s daring, or one you wouldn’t have thought to take off the hanger. Make sure you’re doing this when you go shopping and make those items your wild card to try on. You’ll probably find that as you shop, you’ll add more wild cards if you end up liking the results that you get from them.

 Love The Body You’re In

The body you’ve got is one you need to start feeling more at ease with. Our bodies change over time, and we’re not all going to look the same, no matter how much you wish it to be so. It’s important to love your body and what you’ve been given. Having that confidence is going to make you look and feel good in everything you put on, no matter whether it suits you or not. It’s all about that confidence and feeling good in your own skin that really makes the difference.

Use these tips to make your next shopping experience more about shopping to suit your body, than about finding the latest trends or styles that are popular.

 

Over the last fifty years, the income of the average person has shot up. Today, we’re more productive and have more money in the bank than ever before, giving us the option of wearing pretty much whatever style we want. So, given this new wealth, many people find it strange that we’re not all dressed in the most fashionable garb we can afford. Many people still go with baggy clothes in their daily attire. Why?

It turns out that there are lots of reasons why the wearing of loose-fitting clothing is still with us. It’s not about “dressing down,” as many fashion gurus out there like to make out. Instead, it’s about making our wardrobe work for us. We’re the boss, not the clothes that we choose to wear. Here are some reasons why baggy clothes are here to stay.

Easy-Fit Pants Are In; Skinny Jeans Are Out

Skinny jeans hit the big time about ten years ago. Practically everyone was trying to wrap their thighs like German sausages. While it was fashionable, it wasn’t comfortable. The lack of blood flow to the feet was a deal-breaker for some. Now that we’re in 2020, though, the days of the skinny jean seem to be coming to an end. Even the top fashion houses now admit that baggy pants are the better option. They’re more flattering, more comfortable, and offer a bigger canvas for flamboyant embellishments. 

Skinny jeans almost seem passe. As designer brand Kapital points out, today’s clothing is all about practical, authentic workwear. People don’t need to force themselves into garments that don’t fit.

Hardware Store Brands Are Becoming More Popular

If you’d told somebody ten years ago that hardware stores would become centers of fashion, they would have laughed at you. These clothes protect tradespeople; they’re not outfits. But as more women enter that line of work, these outlets have begun adjusting their offerings. Of course, it’s not about style on the surface at all – it’s about providing practical work-wear. But these baggy clothes also happen to look stylish at the same time, perhaps because of their rugged charm. And for that reason, they’re becoming more popular.

Big Fashion Designers Are Showcasing Baggy Clothes On The Catwalk

Most brands are in the business of trying to create new “fashion statements,” but many are now bowing out of the endless game of one-upmanship. It’s a pointless exercise that is moving fashion further and further away from the kind of clothes that people actually wear in real life.

Many brands can see this process playing out and don’t want to be a part of it. Instead, they’re looking for opportunities to transform traditional baggy garments into something that looks effortlessly stylish. Valentino, Lanvin, and others are experimenting with loose pants, shirts, jackets, and even dressing-gown style trenchcoats.

Big Shoes Are Making A Comeback

When it comes to sneakers, we’re in the midst of an arms race. Every manufacturer is aiming to make its shoes bigger and better than the rest. Statement sneakers, of course, have been around for a long time. But with the arrival of Nike Air Monarchs and copycat products, it’s going mainstream. People are wearing sneakers for fashion appeal, not because they’re jogging more. Plus, when you think about it, wearing big shoes makes a lot of sense in a culture embracing baggy clothes. You want to keep everything in proportion. Big shoes do that.

T-Shirts Are In Fashion, As Always

You might be better off asking when t-shirts weren’t in fashion. The iconic garment has been around for years and is still going strong. T-shirts are famously baggy, but more importantly, they’re also becoming more attractive. They’re no longer just the cheap option – they’re something that brands are developing more and more, creating cult followings along the way.

Some t-shirts have super short runs. This strategy is deliberate. The idea is to make particular t-shirts scarce, pushing up the price and making them more exclusive. It’s a bit like what Rolex and Jaguar do. Limiting supply can sometimes foster increased desirability.

So what’s the story here? Ultimately, we see a movement away from tight clothes to things that feel comfortable. This trend isn’t about being slovenly, though. It’s about trying to get the best of both worlds: looking stylish while also feeling comfortable and relaxed in the clothes you’re wearing.

Many of the biggest brands in the world are now onboard with the idea that baggy clothing is the future and launching exclusive lines. If you like wearing your clothes loose, it’s an exciting time.

 

 

 

The Return of Sleeved Wedding Dresses

Back in the 1970’s, when I was a young woman and my friends were getting married, wedding dresses had long, pouffy sleeves and high necklines. Brides were covered literally from head to toe. Our perceptions of things change as time goes on and styles change, which is why when many people picture wedding dresses now, they immediately think of long, white gowns which are often strapless and heavily bejeweled. But strapless wedding dresses are actually a modern wedding dress style. Churches frowned on lots of exposed skin when marrying, which is why most wedding dresses had sleeves. While there are now many dress styles available to the bride-to-be, wedding dresses with sleeves including long sleeve wedding dresses are making a dramatic comeback.

We contribute a lot of this trend to the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Kate’s gorgeous wedding dress featured long, lace sleeves that everyone fell in love with it. The demure elegance of the dress convinced many brides to start asking for long-sleeve dresses to wear to their own weddings.

Illusion lace dresses were the closest approximation of Kate’s dress. Illusion lace gives a sexier vibe to the wedding dress without showing a lot of skin. This is perfect for fall and winter brides since the added coverage makes the dress look more weather appropriate. They’re also especially fitting for holiday weddings, due to their glamour.

However, lace sleeves weren’t the only thing that came back in style when Kate Middleton walked down the aisle. Many brides are now channeling a 1970’s, hippie vibe with off-the-shoulder dresses and bell sleeves. The drama of these dresses lends them a kind of relaxed, ethereal beauty that makes them perfect for boho weddings on the beach.

Bishop sleeves are a classic sleeve style that isn’t seen as much anymore. This sleeve style is full at the shoulder and then cuffed at the wrist, creating a lot of volume. This style was popular in dresses in the 1980’s, but the modern incarnation of bishop sleeves is much subtler. Done with lace or chiffon, the new bishop sleeves are fluttery and deeply feminine.

Another sleeve style that we’ve noticed is a combination of two popular dress styles: illusion lace and cropped dresses. The cropped wedding dress style is very playful and aimed at young, fit brides who are willing to show a bit of tummy on their wedding day. To keep the style from revealing too much skin (or looking too “clubby”), we often see long-sleeve, illusion lace tops paired with voluminous, chiffon skirts.

In the 1990’s, wedding dresses became minimalist and sleeves disappeared. However, it wasn’t long before sleeves started to sneak back in in the form of cap sleeves. These very short wedding dress sleeves have no fabric under the arm and create a sweet and feminine style. They’re often chiffon or tulle and may have embroidery or lace detail.

Short off-the-shoulder sleeve styles are also popular, especially for embroidery pieces that lay across the shoulder and upper arms and create almost the appearance of a lace tattoo. It’s a deeply romantic, opulent style that is sexy and perfect for lavish, over-the-top weddings.