Savannah Morning News, 10 June 2006Patterns: Stripes or Florals?
If you have a neat and compact body shape (Audrey Hepburn)
Opt for geometrics stripes, squares, checks (gingham), or lines. Florals must be angular and pointed or you can opt for polka dots. Patterns must be small and dense and lines fine and narrow, or simply introduce a small accent of pattern around the neckline, on the pockets, or on the waistband. Keep to two colours, e.g. stripe blue and white or polka dot colour on white background or vice versa. Best patterns for the season: Nautical or Polka Dot. Target Issac Mizrahi Dots Dress 
If you are petite, with soft feminine curves (Gwyneth Paltrow)
Opt for florals or curved patterns scrolls or swirls. Patterns must be small, dense and delicate, or simply introduce a small accent of pattern in the lapel, the belt or the cuff. Use vine leaf prints, fleur de lis, swirl Pucci designs and patterns in fabrics such as broidery anglaise. Best pattern of the season: Woodstock florals or Quaint English Garden. Anna Sui Metallic Long dress 
If you are tall with angular lines (Angelica Houston)
Opt for bold geometrics such as wide stripes, vertical or horizontal, or bold checks. Use strong angular florals in bold sparse patterns, even simply one large flower. You can wear pattern head to toe, as bold isn't overwhelming on you. You can also introduce interesting contrasts strong colour on light colour, white against black or red against green. Avoid anything small as it will only enlarge your scale. Best pattern of the season: ethnic geometrics or bold stripes M Missoni Printed Jersey Dress 
If you are curvaceous and full figured (Oprah)
Florals and feminine curves are your trademark. Opt for strong patterns large and sparse with lots of colour and vibrancy. Avoid geometrics they don't match your body shape and will contradict your curves. Best pattern of the season: Tribal and exotic prints leopard prints or Grecian florals. Nicole Miller Crochet Dress - Neimans 
If you are split geometric (petite Selma Blair, tall Debra Messing)
You may be more angular on the top half, but curved on the bottom half. Dont panic, as there is a pattern for everyone. Normally a contrast in your body shape will mean you need some contrast and drama in your style. You can introduce both curves and angles and ensure that the cut of the dress emphasises your waist line the split between top and bottom. An outfit that is slightly unusual will work on you. Best pattern of the season: retro geometrics or bold colour contrast. For Tall As pattern is quite large Target Mossimo Knit Pant Dress Also, a note on make-up shopping any products I recommend can mostly be found at www.sephora.com or at a Sephora outlet. Otherwise, if you search the web by make-up designer, then you will find their own website, such as www.bobbibrown.com or www.benefitcosmetics.com. Also, I urge you to try out a local Savannah boutique Tigerlily Fine Cosmetics, 323 West Broughton Street whom stock Paula Dorf (the recommended lipstick from the 'Perfect Make-up Kit' article, Trish McEvoy, Philosophy and more (912) 236 2555. « Back to Savannah Morning News Articles ©2006 Sarah Whittaker [www.thewardrobeshrink.com]. You have my permission to copy this article for your website or publication, so long as this entire byline remains intact. I'd appreciate a quick e-mail to let me know where you're using it. Thank you! |