Make Sure You Have A Perfect Silhouette

Use undergarments to enhance your shape and reel in the problem areas. Forgo the panty lines with a body smoother. Pay attention to your bra. Make sure it lifts and the straps are not visible. If you haven’t been fitted for a bra in over a year, it is time to reevaluate how gravity is working for you.

Invest In A Pair Of Elegant Party Shoes

Everyday shoes are not a suitable accompaniment to an evening dress. Buy a pair of neutral high-heeled evening shoes in the best quality you can afford. Keep them stored with a show tree to ward off wrinkles and creases. They will serve you at a moment’s notice and last for years. Make sure to wear them around the house before your first outing to make certain that your feet will not suffer during a long evening.

Purchase A Wrap That Coordinates With Your Dress

There is nothing worse than having the perfect dress and not being able to wear it because it is too cold outside or even inside in the air-conditioning. Choose a wrap that compliments your dress. Satin combines nicely with matte finished dresses, velvet works well with organza. You can also go festive with gold or silver wrap and shoes for the holidays. A large black cashmere shawl is super warm and always very elegant on crisp evenings.

Choose Hose That Compliment Your Outfit

The most sophisticated palette for hose is neutral. Choose un-patterned, skin-toned pantyhose in a sheer fabric with a low denier count. Denier demarks the fineness of the thread count. Although more fragile, wearing the finest possible thread count will help you look elegant and refined. Hose in your skin-tone are the perfect match with high heels and will help you become effortlessly elegant. If you feel you must wear black hose, buy them with a denier number that is less than 20.

Black Head To Toe?

Just because your dress is black, you are not required to wear black shoes and carry a black handbag. Experiment with colored accessories. Navy blue paired with black is extremely sophisticated. Gold or copper will add festivity to your overall image while silver requires a very discerning eye to remain elegant.

Keep Jewelry Simple And Elegant To Compliment Your Dress

Skip the wristwatch for your evening out. Instead choose rhinestone bangles or chandelier earrings. Remember to keep yourself classic by accessorizing only one area with bling. Don’t get carried away with glitz on shoes, arms, and neckline!

P.S. Have Your Dress Dry-cleaned After Each Use

If possible, store your dress flat in a large chest rather than hanging it on a hangar in your closet. Your drycleaner can wrap it flat upon request. Store it in a fabric sheath, not the plastic wrap from the drycleaners. Add a small sachet of potpourri so the garment smells fresh the next time you wear it.
Kathi is a Professional Organizer, image Consultant based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
San Diego Professional Organizer

There really is a perfect “little black dress” for every figure, whether you are a size 0 or a size 18. The perfect dress will skim your body and highlight your best features. Other must-have qualities of the timeless ‘little black dress” will be simple lines, around knee length and figure flattering in all of the right places.

You can find the perfect dress for your body if you spend the time it takes to try on several styles, sleeve lengths and necklines. Keep these addSpace ‘tricks of the trade’ in mind while you shop for the perfect black dress.

Fit, Fit, Fit!

Do not compromise with this element. The perfect black dress will skim and never cling to your body and will emphasize all of your best assets.

Keep it Classic, Keep It Simple

If you are going to spend the time required to find the perfect black dress, make sure to invest in a classic cut. Sheath cuts, V-necklines and simple seaming will last for years outperform every passing fad.

Emphasize Your Best Assets

Long Legs - Cut the hemline just above the knee to showcase how long and shapely they really are

Shoulders - choose an ‘off the shoulder’ number

Décolletage - wear a scooped or vneck to show off your beautiful skin

Arms - GO sleeveless, even consider long gloves to emphasize your firm upper arms

Deemphasize The “Not So Great” Parts Of Your Physique

Short Legs - Make sure the hemline falls above the knee.

Flat Chest - Find a style with ruching, layers or patterning near the breast line.

Sloped Shoulders - Choose ¾ or long sleeves. Avoid scooped necklines.

Mottled décolletage - Consider a low-cut back as a sophisticated alternative.

Flabby Upper Arms - Forget sleeveless, consider capped sleeves if they fall below your problem area or keep it safe and choose ¾ or long sleeves.

Choose Knee Length
The best length for this dress is knee length. It is a timeless hemline that will keep your dress current even while hemlines rise and fall. Cut your hemline at the skinny part of your knee to emphasize the curve. If your knees do not have a skinny part, raise or lower the hemline to emphasize either the knee itself (slightly above) or the calf (just below the knee and above where the natural curve begins).
Kathi is a Professional Organizer, image Consultant based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

A reader asks:

Dear Kathi,

I am 48 years of age and usually wear jeans to work but, now there is a change and I have to dress casual, no jeans. The only thing is, we do not control the heat or air conditioning in our office so in the winter it is so hot that we have to have a fan on and in the summer it is cold. How can I dress nice so I am not hot or too cold?

Trish, Milwaukee
Hi Trish,

The answer to your question Layer, layer, layer!

There are several lightweight sweater fabrics now on the market. I wear sometimes 2-3 at a time and then take them off or put them on throughout the day as I go in and out of different client environments. Buy different sleeve lengths and you can layer at whim. The bottom layer is best as a sleeveless shell.

The trick to layering is to watch the necklines. They should not compete with each other. Solid colors are the easiest to combine. If you choose to wear a print, keep it simple, in the same general color family as the other layers and only use it for one layer.

Another secret weapon would be the ‘shirt jacket’. These “pseudo” jackets are shirts that you can wear over other shirts or lightweight sweaters. These usually are button fronts with long sleeves and shirttail hems in solid colors. Try keeping one of these or a solid color lightweight suit coat jacket at work to throw on when the cool air hits.

Perhaps you can exchange your jeans with dressy corduroy or even tweed slacks? If you find the perfect fit, you will be surprised how much more comfortable dress slacks are in contrast to jeans. Make sure to take the time to buy the perfect fit in better fabrics for the most comfortable all-day wear. Tweed slacks are great because they do not show wrinkles and are classic style. There are lightweight tweeds as well as heavier tweed fabric with lining depending on the season.

During the summer, perhaps you can keep a pair of socks in your desk to slip on when the AC is cranked up. At the end of the day, you can take them off before you leave. The trick will be to find shoes that you can wear with or without socks. Flat mules might be useful but please wear them only with slacks.

Good luck finding a new style at work and be cool!
Kathi is a Professional Organizer, image Consultant based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

A reader asks:

I have a job interview in late August for a marketing position in the healthcare field. I’m not sure how to dress for it in the hot weather. I am confident on how to dress for interviews in the cooler months but summer stumps me. Most of my interview pants and blazers are darker colors and I’m so used to wearing sandals all summer. What colors are good to wear and are dressy sandals acceptable?

Amy Spindler
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Amy,

Sandals are probably not appropriate attire in the health care industry, especially during a job interview You can, however, wear sling back pumps with a heel. I would also advise against mules for interviews. They can be sloppy and don’t fare well with panty hose.

A dark colored suit is a safe choice for interviews. For the summer, you can punch up a dark suit with a brightly colored blouse and even colored shoes or bag. Shoes and bag do not need to match as long as they coordinate with the rest of your outfit. Make sure that you look like you are ready to get down to business with every clothing item pressed and neat.

Check that your collar is neatly in place especially if you are wearing two, your blouse and your suit coat. Spend a few extra moments on your hair to make it well coifed. Check your nails. Clear gloss or French manicure is the most appropriate, avoid reds and bright nail colors. Keep bright accent colors in your shoes or bag.

Carry a crisp all-purpose bag or briefcase to the interview equipped with a pen, paper and schedule book to write any important details or instructions. Crisp implies that this bag will stand upright without crumpling over when it is placed on the floor beside your interview chair. All-purpose bags are the new women’s alternative to a briefcase. These bags look like purses but are large enough to hold 8.5 x 11 file folders and papers and sometimes even a laptop.

If you know what your interviewer will be wearing or what the other managers in your department wear daily, dress accordingly. You will want to appear to be one of their staff during the interview. Aspire to dress as well as the head of marketing for your interview and they will perceive you as a go-getter with true management potential!

Kathi is a Professional Organizer, image Consultant based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

My step-daughter has a clothing problem. She is all chest and wants to know what to wear to appear less chesty. Any easy advice for a teenager?

Peggy, San Diego

Peggy,

Start with making sure that your step-daughter has a properly fitting bra. She should be re-sized by a lingerie professional each year as she matures. Seamless off-white bras, smooth and without a fabric pattern are the easiest styles to coordinate with every type of clothing your step-daughter might wear. Under wire bras will provide the best support.

Clothing details for a large-chested woman to avoid on shirts or jackets include wide lapels, pockets over the breast area, large buttons, huge prints and baggy cuts.

Instead, choose empire cuts with seams just under the breastline. Empire styles also help to define the waistline. Many large-breasted women are short waisted and this seaming really helps provide definition to an otherwise straight line.

V-necklines are great to elongate the torso. Be careful not to expose too much cleavage-under a deep plunging neckline wear a camisole or lightweight t-shirt.

When layering shirts, choose solid colors and eschew large patterns on the outer layer. A great look is to combine a close fitting shirt under a lightweight jacket. This close cut top provides definition and the jacket camouflages any extra large curves.

Wear blouses with minimal decoration. Choose to focus embellishments and accessories on the eyes, jeans, shoes, etc. In other words, draw the eye away from the chest area and emphasize the other more favored areas of the body. If her eyes are exceptional, choose eye shadows that bring out their beauty. If she has long legs, wear slacks that make them appear even longer and leaner. If her hair is a great feature, she might want to wear hair accessories that attract the eye to that portion of her overall image.

Shoes are an easy way to draw attention down the torso. Choose pointed toe shoes to help elongate the bodyline. Wear cute rounded toes with interesting details. Avoid clunky shoes, as these add weight to the bottom of your image and also stop the eye at your feet instead of encouraging them to scan up and down.

The faster the eye travels up and down an object, the longer and leaner it will appear. This is a good rule of thumb for everyone.

Choose your best feature and work on bringing attention to that area. Don’t dismay if (in your mind) there is one part of your body that is less than acceptable. We all have at least one aspect that we would trade in if we could. The point is to de-emphasize that area and play up the feature that you are most pleased with! Lead the eye to that area with extra color, accessories or embellishments. Have fun, try a few playful image tricks with your friends and see if you get any compliments.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

Help! I lack any sort of fashion sense. I am lost about knowing how to dress now that I’ve gained weight. I would like to feel more confident & feel that I would be treated better by others if I looked more put together.
I would like to update my wardrobe and find clothes that flatter. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Anon,
San Diego

Dear Anon,

Most people who gain weight experience the same sense of uneasiness with their image. Frequently they also fall into the habit of buying clothes that are two sizes too big, the idea being that wearing oversize clothing will camouflage their extra large body underneath. This tactic actually has the opposite effect! Never fear. There are some tricks of the trade that you can painlessly employ to boost your image.

First let’s attack the oversize clothes strategy: wearing clothes that are too big for you makes you appear larger than you really are, not smaller. Embrace the size that you are at this moment and wear clothes that actually fit. Choose clothes that skim your body shape and emphasize your natural curves. “Skim,” never “cling.” (Don’t sport bulges.) At the same time choose clothes that follow your natural body shape. A great secret weapon is a close fitting top/sweater underneath a larger shirt or shirt jacket.

Shirt jackets are worth their weight in gold. A shirt jacket is a very structured blouse with vertical seaming, sometimes princess cut and often with empire seams under the breast line. It hides the bulges underneath and at the same time offers tailored lines for a more “put together” look.

One-button structured blazers provide the same effect. Buy a jacket with a button that hits you at your natural waistline. This immediately enhances your waist by bringing in the lines at your natural narrow point. Even if yours is a larger waistline than you prefer, this will provide the illusion of a nice curvy shape.

We all have one body part that is our best feature. We need to emphasize that part of our body. If it is a nice neckline, wear scoop neck blouses. If your legs are like a tall drink of water, show them off! For crystal blue eyes, bring the focus to your face.

Proper color, clothing cuts, and accessories and will focus attention on your best asset. Wear the brighter colors by the feature you wish to highlight and darker colors in the other areas. People’s eyes are automatically drawn to brighter colors, so their focus will be lead to to that area. You can do the same thing with accessories. If possible, wear interesting jewelry and scarves in the area that you wish to attract attention.

In counterpoint, do not showcase or accessorize areas that you wish to hide. There is nothing worse than seeing leg bulges under mini skirts or scoop necks where there are excessive wrinkles or sleeveless tops with large wobbly underarms. I’m sure you’ve noticed the most current faux pas: very tight light colored slacks with metallic designs directly over the widest area of the body. You get the drift.

In summary, pay attention to your best asset and please wear clothes that fit. Don’t try to hide under a tent. You will only emphasize your weight gain. Have fun and remember, looking good and put together is as much related to confidence as it is to true good looks. If that were not the case, many of us would be in BIG trouble!
Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

I am in the market for a new suit. This time I want to buy the best that I can afford and would like to know a little more about what to look and ask for. Could you explain a little more about suits and the differences in fabric, cut, and all the other subtleties involved? I feel inadequate and unable to differentiate a good suit from a bad one. I know it’s not only about the price tag.

Josh, San Diego

Josh,

Congratulations on taking the time to learn a little before you buy your next suit. There are many factors that will determine the quality of a suit. I will begin by addressing the nomenclature you often hear when buying a suit.

The “rise” of a pant is the length between the top of the waistband and the crotch.

The “inseam” is the area from the bottom of the crotch to the bottom of the hemline.

The “outseam” is the area from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the hemline.

The “drop” is the difference between the chest and waist measurements. Athletic cut suits typically feature an 8 inch drop meaning that the coat might be a 44″ but the slacks feature a 36-inch waist.

Being a “details man” is always a compliment and noticed in the first few moments with a new contact. Keep this in mind when you look at a suit, and inspect it for high quality fabric and masterful tailoring.

Make sure that the fine workmanship is apparent. The fabric and seaming overall should be smooth without rolls and pulls. The lapels should curve smoothly along the chest. The collar must lie flat along the neckline. All seams should be securely sewn and lie flat against the inside of the fabric. Shoulder pads should be smooth and sloping. Sleeves must hang straight with an even hemline. Buttonholes that have irregular stitches are a good indication of quality workmanship and are evidence of hand sewing.

For proper fit, the jacket should fit closely to the body without pulling or bunching when buttoned. The seaming should follow your body’s natural line. If the jacket does not fit perfectly, pay to have it altered by a master tailor. Oftentimes, if you ask for the best, the store will recommend a tailor, as opposed to suggesting you use the store tailor, so make sure to let the salesman know you want the best. A perfectly tailored suit always makes an impression.

If you want a more versatile suit, buy one with an unlined jacket. Believe it or not, these jackets are of higher quality because almost all details show up on the inside. More care is taken to create a quality piece when everything shows. You will find these jackets more cross-seasonal and also easier to wear as separates. The shoulders are generally softer with less padding for an easy sloping line. You will find fewer interior pockets, which is a nice way to keep you from adding unnecessary bulk to your profile.
Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

I have a special challenge finding clothes that work for my body. I am in my 70s and have curvature of the spine inherited from my mother. Additionally, I‘ve always had a tough time finding clothes that fit my short and petite size XL frame. My chest is larger than my bottom half and I can’t find dresses that fit both on my top half and bottom half.I need to find a black dress that I can wear for a few upcoming formal occasions. It would also be nice if it could be used for evening dinner dates.Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Miss Smith, Del Mar

Miss Smith,

It sounds like your petite apple frame has a few special challenges. Never fear, every figure has its own challenges, even the “beanpoles” of the world! Let’s start with the basic elements you should search for in your new black dress. The ideal cut will have a v-neck to elongate the torso and de-emphasize a heavy chest area.

V-necks are ideal for all “apple” body shapes. Try to buy 3/4 length sleeves to draw the eye down to the waist area and cover any upper arm problems. 3/4 length sleeves are always the most forgiving and better than a longer sleeve that ends at generally women’s largest area, the hips. Choose a hemline below the knee, but not to the floor, for day-to-night versatility.

Regarding your back, try to find a neckline that has a collar to draw the eye up from the curved area. Interesting details like embroidery or lace trim on or near the neckline will also help detract the eye from the largest part of your back. If you can find a back with sheer coverage, this will also de-emphasize the problem back area. The finer the fabric, the less bulk added to your back.

Separates are always a good fall back for body types with challenges. You probably already alter most “off the rack” clothes and alterations are easier and more affordable with separate pieces. The waistline on a skirt
can be adjusted with less difficulty than a dress waistline. A skirt, blouse, jacket combo will also provide greater versatility when you need to create a less formal look for dinner events.

A lightweight fabric will take you through all seasons. Use a wrap or cover up in the cooler months and wear your dress solo during the summer months. Spend your money on the best fabric and tailoring that you can afford. Don’t worry about stretching your budget when you find the black dress that meets all of your requirements. A great black dress is an essential element and a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe. The little black dress will serve you well as the cornerstone of your evening wear for years to come.

Buy the best you can afford and you will never look back. If you would like a full listing of the 18 Essential Wardrobe Elements for Women, e-mail
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com. Type “18 essential elements from the Coast News” in the subject line and it will be sent to you along with other image eTips promptly.

Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

I haven’t worked with an image consultant before but have often considered using this type of service. I am embarrassed to say that I don’t know exactly what would happen if I did use an image consultant. Could you explain the process to me?

The main reason I haven’t used an image consultant is that I am nervous about the expenditure. I feel like I spend a lot on clothes that I don’t wear, for one reason or the other, and would like to buy the right items the first time around. I hate to shop!

Meryl, entrepreneur in Encinitas

Meryl,

There are many people who do not know what an image consultant actually does while on the job. I understand why you might be uncomfortable but there is no need for embarrassment. Working with any type of personal consultant is always a learning process.

Keep in mind that image consultants will operate slightly differently from each other but typically charge for their time by the hour. Although an Image consultant might seem like an unnecessary luxury, in the long run most people end up spending less for their wardrobes while using a consultant.

They know which items to buy in the future and are less likely to bring home the mistakes that frequently entered their closets before. Once you understand what it feels like to wear clothes that really work for your body and image, you will never be tempted to buy sale items simply because they are discounted! Instead, you will know exactly what department to shop in and which items will serve you in the long run, meaning fewer clothes to buy and more to wear often!

Some Image consultants will interview you, take notes about your size,determine your needs and actually shop for you. They will meet you and help you locate the pieces they feel will create an upgraded image. They base their choices on your body shape and coloring, as well as recommend or accompany you to a hair stylist, and, if needed, an optical store. They may be with you every step of the way or simply refer you to other hair/makeup/optical professionals who are most appropriate for your needs.

As a professional organizer and image consultant, I always start with the client’s closet and wardrobe at hand. I first assess what the client owns -which items work and don’t work for him or her.

Items that don’t fit or are the wrong shape or color are typically donated to others who might benefit. All good items in disrepair or dirty are scheduled for alterations or cleaning.
As a general rule of thumb, people only wear 20 percent of the clothes that they own, so there are usually a lot of clothes that leave the closet. Think about which items have not left your wardrobe for over a year or even the last six months. These are likely suspects for donation. If you haven’t worn them, often you know instinctively that they don’t help your image.

Based on the essential elements for creating a balanced wardrobe, I, as the Image consultant create a list noting the already owned, appropriate items and the items that are needed. A game plan is formed based on the client budget. I then pre-shop and rack potential pieces from the list.

The client meets me at the store to try on the clothes and find the perfect fit. Nothing is purchased unless it is a “wow” or has the potential to be made perfect in shape and fit.
Regardless of an Image consultant’s personal process, most will choose a basic color palette for each client. This provides a solid guideline for the client to determine future wardrobe decisions. The ultimate completed wardrobe will mix and match, with numerous variations.

Finding clothes that flatter will boost your confidence and help you develop a sense of style. A good Image consultant will teach you the rules to follow for future purchases and how to coordinate your new wardrobe in the future.

You will feel really good about your appearance and be able to make proper clothing decisions. You will learn to how to camouflage your weak spots and appreciate your body as it is.
We all have good parts and parts that could use de-emphasizing.That is what an Image consultant does: Teaches you how to draw attention away from your challenge areas. Shows you your assets and how to highlight them. That is fashion in its highest form.

Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

I am petite sized and like to wear long skirts. I’ve been reading that this might not be the best idea, but I really love long lengths. I am hoping that you will give me some solid guidelines for a size 12 petite.

Carole, Encinitas

Carole,

You have been reading advice that is fairly accurate. As a petite, you want to elongate your image by showing legs and torso. Long skirts run the hazard of making you appear as if you don’t have any legs, especially if the hemline falls below the ankle. It might appear that you only have feet at the bottom of your torso!

With the re-emergence of the “hippie chick” look, you might be tempted to buy the really full cut layered skirts. If you insist on wearing long skirts, a good rule of thumb is to buy them with narrow hemlines.

Never wear a skirt that is wider than you are tall! If in doubt, take it by the bottom hem, and hold it up against your body from one end of the hem to the other. If it is wider than you are tall, or even hits close to your shoulder line, it is too full. You will be enveloped by this skirt and appear wide and short. The same holds true for short skirts. If they are as wide as they are long, they are not appropriate.

The classic and timeless skirt length is knee length. This length works for every body shape. There will be variations from just above, or slightly below, to hitting exactly at the knee, but this general length is the best for everyone. When determining where to hem your skirts, choose a hemline that falls at the smallest part of your knee, where the curve indents. This is the ‘sexy’ spot on your knee and the most flattering. Show your curves whenever possible.

Combine your skirts with shaped separates in the same color family to create a taller profile. Never wear a floppy top with a flowing skirt. Never wear large floral patterns from head to toe. In fact, as a petite, avoid large patterns of any variety. Solids should be the staples of your wardrobe, with a few small prints added for variety.

Take the time to find clothes that show your waistline. As a small petite woman, you probably have a short torso. Your waistline will easily disappear if you wear unfitted jackets and tops. Pay close attention to the lines. Buy clothes that have seams that run vertically and cut in at the waistline. Empire seams will also accent your waistline.

Many women believe that if they wear oversized clothing, they will look smaller. By wearing clothes that are too large, they actually appear much larger than their true size. Please avoid buying oversize ‘comfortable’ clothes and instead invest your energy in finding the clothes that skim your body shape without clinging. If I had a dollar for every client who says she wears something simply because it is “comfortable,” I would be a rich woman.

Comfort is not only oversized clothing. If clothes are of good quality, in the perfect size so they skim the body without pulling or tugging, then they will be more comfortable than you could ever imagine.
Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com

San Diego Professional Organizer