Topic: Body Type
All research and criteria is taken from the September 2006 edition of Vogue magazine, and is not entitled to any opinion stated.
This fall season, designers have been experimenting with new geometry; completely different silhouettes of completely different shapes and forms. Here's six featured shapes that work best with all women. Which one suits you best?
1) The Exclamation Point
A slick sharp line, puncuated with sharp shoulders or heavy shoes, the exclamation point look is more for women who have a slender build. The best way to pull off this silhouette is a tight skinny pant, followed with a pointy-shouldered vest or jacket, and/or a a weighty platform pump. More into skirts? Do a pencil knee-length skirts, a jacket that tapers in at the waist, leggings, and pointy pumps; in general, a form fitting silhouette.
A couple of designers that have shown this look are Oscar de la Renta and Jil Sander. Oscar's look is beautifully chic with a black straight-leg pant, and a red jacket with a big collar and fur cuffs. Jil Sander's is a very boring look, what with a black cigarette pant, pointy loafers, an ugly cable-knit sweater over a white-collared blouse.
Loving the look but a little more full-figured? Do more of a straight-leg pant, and stronger accessories. But no matter what your figure, the best way to look chic and sophisticated is to do a solid black skirt with matching colored shoes to keep that long lean line. Finish with a solid colored jacket or sweater, with some kind of pointy shoulder or high collar. Keep in mind with a strong shoulder, you want the weight to go out in a point, instead of up like a shoulder-pad which is ... not good in the least.
Accessorizing is quite simple: No earrings or necklaces, but big bangle bracelets and thick watches works best. Obviously a big heel with a thick platform or a pointy heel. With handbags, stick with a neutral color, possibly accented with some black leather. If you want more "puncuation" try a big floppy cream colored hat.
Basically, a very structured, tight fitting look. A long, lean line is created then puncuated with big shoes or pointy shoulders.
2) The X
A very extreme silhouette, the X has big poofy sleeves and flouncy skirts, drawing attention to the arms and knees. It's a very romantic, girly, but semi-gothic inspired look. This heavy layered look is all over the place on runways, and very in this eason. Because of the big flouncy fabrics, this look can be worked by any body shape. Some would say this look is "big fashion drama".
You do not want to get many or hardly any bright colors if you want to try this silhouette, for it may make you look like a homeless lady. Stick with blacks, navys, grays, dark greens, blues and purples. To keep from looking oversized, bring in some of the fabric at the waist with a sash or belt. Also, don't let your skirts fall any lower than just below your knee. Pick vintage-inspired pieces, and pretty flirty fabrics with lots of detail. Remember, the idea is to go with evening's dramatic pieces for day.
Lots of designers showcase this silhouette, but Donna Karan, Alberta Ferretti, Yves Saint Laurent, and Vera Wang describes this particular style the best. Ferretti shows a beautiful satin deep top with tight pleats around the top and bottom, and black beaded embellishment on the stomach; they pair it with a black tulip skirt and printed black stockings. Yves Saint Laurent does a little more toned-down style with a gray-green cotton knee-length skirt, and a gray tweed, poofy, elbow-length jacket nipped in at the waist. It is paired with a simple white tee and a big black scarf. Vera Wang presents a fabulous violet chiffon tulip skirt and a long lacy black tunic in this catelog, with black opaque tights. Donna Karan shows us how to work a cream-colored jacket with volume at the bottom and the sleeves. it is brought in at the waist with a white sash and the jacket has lots of different flairs and folds.
Big dramatic clothes calls for big dramatic jewelry. Pick lots of string beaded sparkly necklaces, oversized rings, and colorful bangles. Go for big, lacy, flouncy scarfs and even funky berets and cloches. With bags and shoes: surprisingly simple clutches but sparkly and evening-inspired fabrics like satin. Shoes are simple ankle boots or strappy heels, maybe even a solid pump. You could try the deep violet leather boots that are extra hot this season.
Again, this is a very dramatic over-the-top look, so if you have some edginess and flair, definitely try this on. It's very stylish and sophisticated, perfect for all women.
3) The Shrink Fit
Don't think skinny jeans and crop tops; the shrink fit means extra high hems on skirts and dresses, with legs-for-days.Obviously, if you don't have the best legs, or if you're petite, stay away from this look. You may either look stumpy or trashy. This look is sported by the hottest A-list celebs, surprisingly during the fall season. Very sophisticated, it's an '80s/early '90s look, suggestive towards the nightlife lover.
Of course, to look your chicest, black leather and white chiffon blouses work best; but you can do bold colors like red, teal, blue, green, and pink. Add a must-have fur coat for ultra-sophistication. You can do an opaque or print nylon stocking, or bare legs depeding on how daring you feel. Always do a major high heel, perferably something matching if you're rockin' an opaque tight.
The hottest designers to the stars are working this silhouette: Fendi, Gucci, Versace, and Chanel are all mentioned for inspirations. Versace shows a a sexy sparkly little black dress ... very little ... with a Mary Jane. Fendi is all-sophisticated in a black micromini, black opaque tights, and pumps topped with a lovely mink fur. Gucci does color with a red and thin black pinstripe minidress; one with long sleeves and a thick waisted belt, the other a halter with a deep peek-a-boo neck, both with red tights and matching pumps. Chanel has a black leather mini pictured with a loose-fitting chiffon blouse. All is paired with lots of long neck chains, fishnets, and thigh-high black boots. Need more ideas? Think Paris Hilton, and Lyndsey Lohan.
Accessories are practically non-existant with this look. Just a killer pump, wasit belt a metallic bag, and possibly a ring or lots of long necklaces.
Again, this is a very daring look, not for the curvy or short-legged. Basically, you have to be a model to work this style.
4) The Triangle
The most beautiful silhouette so far, the Triangle compliments all women's figures, with vintage-inspired cuts and fabrics. It's a look that comes straight from the 1940's Katherine Hepburn era. The effect is made from a crop-top jacket or sweater complimenting wide-leg trousers. The trousers add a relaxed touch to an otherwise standard suiting. It's conservative but bold and beautiful, perfect for a stylish mom-on-the-go or chic business-casual woman with timeless style. This silhouette can be worn day or night. It's described as "a bit Katherine Hepburn, a bit '40s office girl, a bit school teacher".
When styling this silhouette, pick wide leg trousers, and loose feminine tops. Layer with a cropped jacket, sweater/cardigan, or a 3-button jacket, if you need something a little more professional. If you're feeling really fabulous, shoot for a vintage-inspired fur coat cinged in at the waist with a belt. Or, you could go for '20s-inspired dresses and A-line skirts. Keep your color pallete in rich neutrals like brown, tan, cream, charcoal grays, and caramels especially for fall. Stick with mostly solids, possibly mixing it up with plaids for the pants or a small print on the blouse . Since the colors aren't exactly exciting, concentrate on luxurious fabrics like lace, chiffon, and silk for the blouses, and simple cotton for the trousers or skirts.
Comfort-Chic designers like Fendi, Bottega Venetta, Marni, and Carolina Herrera have been sending this silhouette down this season's runway. Marni has charcoal-gray wide leg trousers, a white loose-fitting blouse, and matching belt topped of with a black jacket pictured. Fendi is showing two outfits: one a high-waisted, gray, wide leg trouser, with two gold belts around your waist. Top with a tan blouse with an oversize cowl-like collar. The other is a shiny dark navy trouser with a vintage-inspired fur coat, cinged in at the waist with a gold belt. Veneta is showcasing a light gray suit with a 3-button jacket. It's accessorized with a shiny gray scarf and a croc-skin handbag. Herrera shows us a casual way to rock this style with a tan plaid pant that has brown trim on the pockets. It's topped off with a brown long-sleeved tee with teal detail trim. Honorable metions (designers not pictured) go out to Ralph Lauren (who is great for daywear), Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Michael Kors who "cuts a great pant" according to the woman in charge of this look, Susan Fales-Hill.
Accessories are key to adding more beauty to this already stunning look. Go for beaded necklaces, leather gloves, silk scarfs, Jackie O. sunglasses, wide belts, and maybe even a gold pocketwatch! Dark Mary Janes and pointy kitten heels are the best shoes for this look. Do 1920s-1940s inspired clutches and little handbags with this silhouette.
This is a very timeless, easy, endlessy chic look perfect for any woman with any lifestyle. This style will change over the years, but the basic silhouette will never change, so don't be afraid to endulge with some fabulous pieces. Have fun wih this beautiful look because it will always compliment your figure, and whatever compliments your figure will always be stylish.
5) The Hourglass
Considered the ideal shape for any womanly figure, the hourlgass silhouette will always be around, except this season it's a little more exaggerated. It's being called the "enforced hourglass". This look showcases a heaving bosom, tiny waist, and hips that "roll this way then that". It's a sexy little curvy shape, but not "tarty" like the old 1980s.
To start this shape, a long clingy skirt or dress with some body, tailored jackets and tightly belted sashes are key. You could also do a flared peacoat with puffy sleees if you're feeling adventurous. Also, a corset under your dress or jacket with obviously create that perfect figure. Rock bold-colored dresses or a neutral pallete for separates.
Designers that are rockin' this look: Oscar de la Renta, Cheanel, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, and Alberta Ferretti. Chanel shows a very timeless ensemble in a black flared peacoat, black boots, white scarf, and white cuffs. De la Renta pictures a light purple dress with cap sleeves and boatneck collar, accessorized with a black clutch and black tights. Alberta Ferretti is doing a gray tweed skirt suit. The jacket has a fur collar, ribbed detailing, and elbow length bell sleeves. The emsemble is rounded off with a black ribbed stocking, a skinny black belt, and black gloves. Alexander McQueen showcases two looks: one is a brown tweed knee-length skirt, a brown suede top, under a paisley silk tailored jacket. The shoes are simple brown, round-toed pumps. The other look is a light green, chiffon, vintage patterned skirt and white thick cable-knit sweater with an open ruffled front and skirt-matching scarf. It's topped off with tan mid-calf skin tight boots. Finally, Bottega Veneta is in a simple gray jumper, red pointy pumps, and gold handbag.
Bright colored handbags and big funky costume jewelry will draw some attention. Some black, squared, thick-framed sunglasses, and bright colored shows also work this this silhouette. Basically, bright colors with the accessories to bring some atteniton to your otherwise neutral tones.
All in all, this style is about looking like a sexy, curvy woman in charge.
6) The Popsicle
Its may sound a little offending, but the popsicle silhouette is a super simple, yet trendy style. It's besy for an athlete or slender build. You can pull this off if you're volumptuous, but the tight jeans or leggings may accentuate problem areas. You do not want to create curves, for the concentration on this style is the long legs. The basics of this look are last season's short dresses, and covered legs, which will create a straight up and down silhouette, and again is a must have for fall. I'ts ultra-fabulous and sophisticated but easy, simple, and put-together. And if done right, this look could definitely pull a rock-n-roll vibe.
Grab squared-off tunics, and black opaque leggings, with black shoes to creatw this silhouette's elongated effect. Sme other neccessities for this look are skinny jeans, cigarette pants, spandex and leather leggings, with loose, pretty tunics or a minidress. With leggings, however, always do boots and not stillettos, like if they were tights and not pants. But, if you are rockin' a skinny jean, it can be with whatever shoe you prefer, although lean toward a poiny stilletto to elongate the leg. Colorful jeweled tunics and dresses look great with black leggings and neutral tops of you want a more colorful legging or stocking, but both work with the ever popular skinny jean. Can't exactly work a skinny jean? Go for more of a straight leg, then something tapered at the ankle.
Designers pulling off this trendy, chic look are Balenciaga, Fendi, Lanvin, and Christain Lacroix. Lanvin shows a bright jewel tone red minidress and purple minidress both with black leggings. Balenciaga is doing a white strapless dress with black leggings and platform Mary Janes. It's topped off with a scarlet cloak and one crazy chef-lookin' hat. Fendi is ultra-chic with a gray tunic, accented with a leopard print belt, black leggings, and a gold backet-styled shoulder bag. Lacroix has two looks presented: one is a bright pink flower printed asian inspired tunic with black leggings and black boots. The other is a beautiful blue minidress with black lace trim and layered under a black velvet cardigan closed with a silver gem clasp. Black opaque tights and black boots finish of this look.
Boots, whether ankle or thigh-high are a staple for this look. Platform and round-toed heels or ballet flats are also very chic. Opaque tights and skinny belts are perfect to create that elongated look. Simple handbags, wool scarfs and hats, or solid color headbands are the perfect accessories for fall.
A very tendy but a bit difficult style to pull off. If you're dying to try it, but a bit curvacious, stick to straight leg jeans with pointy heels, with loose fitting tunics and minidresses. Whether edgy or conservative, definitely try this silhouette.
All silhouettes vary for every body type. no mattter what you choose be true to your body shape, and you will be hot this season!
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