How to Dress

Better

from EHow.com
Learn Some Basics

While there are no hard-and-fast rules of fashion (after all, Gisele

Bündchen is the supposed ideal), most style authorities agree on a
few basic principles. These hold true, no matter how cheap and
tacky your clothes are. In other words, these are the 5
commandments of the fashion Bible:

Always look neat and clean.

Make sure your clothes fit.
Don't overdo trends.
Keep ultra-bright colors away from the face.
Ignore lame clichs
 Always Look Neat and Clean

This just makes sense. Unless you're going for the just-rolled-out-
of-bed rocker look, it's best to keep your jeans unfrayed, your shirt unstained and
your shoes unscuffed. Grunge is over, so live with it. Take good care of your
clothes, making sure you follow directions like, "dry clean only" and "wash with
like colors." Polish your boots. De-fuzz your sweaters. Even if you can't transform
yourself into the world's snappiest dresser, you can always improve your
appearance by looking well-kept. Go on, make your mama proud.
 Make Sure Your Clothes Fit

It's known as the "quadruple breast" syndrome, and we hear it's

highly contagious. Never heard of it? It occurs when a woman chooses to wear a
bra that is at least one size too small, resulting in cups that, well runneth over. Ill-
fitting clothes are a fashion no-no, whether it's pants that are too long, skirts that are
too tight or jackets that are too short. Resist the temptation to forgo buying one size
larger simply because it's not the size you "usually" wear. Sizes vary from designer
to designer, so stick to what lays nicely on your body. Repeat it like a mantra:
Smooth lines, smooth lines, smooth lines. . .
 Don't Overdo Trends
Let's say leopard print is "in." In an effort to look oh-so chic, you
go out and buy a hat, blouse, skirt, bag and shoes-all in leopard print. Bad move.
Experimenting with fads is fun, but head-to-toe isn't the way to go. Similarly, don't
saturate your wardrobe with any single style or silhouette. Cargo pants are cool, but
not if they're the only kind of pants you own. Moderation is key.
 Keep Ultra-Bright Colors Away From the Face

No matter what your skin tone, you won't look good (trust
us) in a neon green sweater. This doesn't mean that you have to skip the
loud hues all together. Simply incorporate bright items into your look as
low on the body as possible. Remember: Florescent yellow shoes, not a
florescent yellow top. A hot pink clutch, not a hot pink scarf. Let your face
star in its own show.
 Now we're going to directly contradict ourselves:
 Ignore Lame Clichs Even though we just told you to avoid clichs,
there are some fashion mistakes that are always
Chances are, you've wrong. Take our word for it.
heard them all: "Don't wear white * Never wear head-to-toe denim. (Silly, maybe,
after Labor Day." "Make sure your but true nonetheless. You'll look like a convict or
shoes match your bag." "Never a cowboy.)
pair stripes with plaid." Well, we're * Never wear sneakers with hose.
here to say that it's all a bunch of * Never wear pleated jeans.
hogwash. In today's "anything
goes" fashion arena, it's important * Never match your makeup with your outfit.
to be creative and open to new
ideas. If this means ignoring old * Never wear black velvet in the summertime.
adages and overstepping
* Never overdose on a single fabric (don't wear
traditional bounds, so be it. nylon bottoms with a nylon top). *Never
wear large costume jewelry.

* Never let your panty lines show.

Increase Your Fashion Awareness
You've already made the decision to improve your look, and you've
mastered the basics that every fashion hopeful should know. At this
point, it's a good idea to start becoming more conscious of the fashion
all around you. This way, you'll strengthen your critical eye and
develop a better sense of what looks good and what looks pathetic.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to study up on the subject without
becoming a shallow, obsessed mall rat. The following are some ways
to pick up some fashion ideas:
People watching
Reading magazines
Watching TV
Surfing the Web
 People-Watching
Even those with limited fashion instincts can pick a
truly disastrous look out of a crowd. People-watching is an interesting
and non-threatening way of surveying the myriad of "real" looks that
are out there. Try this exercise: Find a stranger (in a bar, on a train,
etc.) who you think is dressed well, then try to figure out why she
comes across this way. What is it about her outfit that appeals to you?
Take mental notes, paying close attention to details such as fabrication
and color. If you're feeling super bold, you can even ask your subject
where she bought a particular garment. She will probably be flattered.
Or she might call the police. Either way, you'll make new friends.
 Reading Magazines
We know, we know: Many fashion magazines are trashy wastes of
paper. They will, however, give you a better sense of which colors, styles
and silhouettes are happening, and also where you can find them. (And you
can learn 101 Ways to Keep a Man at the same time!) Don't bother with
Vogue or Elle--glossies like these treat fashion as art, and are probably more
appropriate for fashionistas who care a little too much about the subject. A
better place to begin is with down-to-earth mags (Marie Claire, Jane) that
feature beginner-friendly clothing with attainable price points, as well as
handy guides to smart mix-and-match dressing .
 Watching TV
Did you ever think you'd actually be encouraged to partake? "What
Not to Wear" on TLC is a great show for fashion advice. The Style
Network, a spin-off of E!, offers runway coverage and other helpful
fashion programs. And, ah, MTV. Pay attention to the clothing you see in
videos (no, this doesn't mean you have to dress like Rhianna). Fashion
stylists--who have advance access to garments--can be quite visionary in
creating looks for artists. Chances are a skirt worn by Kelly Clarkson in a
video will inspire many like it the following season. Be on top of trends
before they happen. Also, be aware of the clothing shown on popular TV
shows such as Entourage, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives.
Characters on such programs are usually pretty stylin', and a lot of thought
(however insignificant it may seem) goes into what they wear each week.
Surfing the Web

If you can use the Internet to learn how to assemble bombs,

you can certainly use it to learn how to dress better. The Web offers a host
of fashion sites that can help you step up your style, from comprehensive
directories to digital runway shows. And remember--when in doubt, ask the
experts and you can find them all sashaying here to dish out firsthand
fashion advice.
Assess Your Lifestyle
• Here's a dose of common sense: A Ramen-eating college student probably doesn't
have the same wardrobe needs--or budget--as a high-powered investment banker.
Although you may be in a hurry to revamp your look, think before you whip out the
plastic. Do you work full-time? Do you travel a lot? Play any sports? Are you a
college student who will soon be gearing up for interviews? How much money can
you spend each month on clothing? By realizing what you truly need out of your
wardrobe, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of buying too many
impractical or unnecessary items.
In keeping with the spirit of lifestyle dressing, our fashion experts were kind enough
to name three websites that are particularly adept at pinpointing trends for specific
markets. They are:
1. Lucy.com-- -- A Cutting-edge athletic wear for sporty types who aspire to be
stylish both on and off the court.
2. dELiA's-- - An online version of the popular juniors print catalog. Ideal for girly
girls with a limited budget.
3. Bluefly -- A discount store that offers sweet deals on designer goods.
Even though shopping for clothing online can be an exercise in frustration, the Web
is a perfect no-pressure place to browse the brands and decide what items are right
for you before you head to the store.
Know Your Body Type

 Let's face it: Some of us look a bit like Calista Flockhart while
others more closely resemble Camryn Manheim. And that's a good
thing! No matter how wide your hips or how small your chest,
there's a style out there that will make the most of what God (or
your chosen higher power) gave you. Instead of conventional body
type groupings such as "pear-shaped" or "hourglass," we prefer the
more modern categories pegged by FashionJewelryWorld.com, a
web site devoted to hip, young fashion. They are:
* Angelfish (narrow shoulders, wide waist, narrow hips)
* Buttercup (shoulders in proportion to hips, small waist)
* Dewdrop (narrow shoulders, small bust, full hips)
* Emerald (square shoulders, even waist and hips)
To find out what will work best for each of these types, go to accessstyle.com.

Or you can stay right here to pick up a few pointers on how to downplay certain undesirable features, such as:

* Large Hips

Draw attention away from childbearing hips by wearing solid, deep colors on
the bottom with light or bright colors on top. Instead of tapered leg jeans or pants,
try relaxed fit bottoms with a bootcut leg. Stay away from garments that have
excessive pockets or details at the hip line. Say no to straight skirts, opting instead
for an A-line silhouette. Oh, and lest we forget, avoid pleats like the plague.

* Small Bust

To appear a bit fuller on top, wear shirts that have details or

pockets at the bust line. Layering is another strategy that works: Try a cute tank top
under a cardigan or button-down shirt. Floaty, loose-fitting blouses are also an
excellent choice, but be sure to avoid plunging necklines.
* Large Bust

A little too well-endowed? Try open necklines like V-necks and U-necks. Super-
clingy fabrics should be avoided, as should large patterns and prints. As far as sleeves
go, opt for those that are long or elbow-length. Avoid short capped sleeves.

* Broad Shoulders

If you have wide, strong shoulders, stay away from shoulder pads, boat necks,
horizontal stripes and boxy sleeves. Try V-necks, which pull the eye down and away
from the problem area.

* Large Stomach/Waist

Avoid snug waistbands and the "tucked in" look if you're thick around the middle.
Also stay away from straight skirts and fabrics that cling over the stomach. Dresses
with empire waistlines are a good choice, as are graceful A-line skirts.
* Too Short

Petite girls who wish to appear more elongated should try short skirts, clamdiggers
and capri pants. Avoid busy prints and cuffed pants, and try not to chop up the body
with contrasting bold colors. Stay away from garments that are bulky or oversized,
such as puffy bubble jackets.

* Too Tall
Don't hunch over! Tall women who want to de-emphasize their height can do so by
wearing horizontal patterns, textured fabrics, and longer or flared skirts. Short skirts
can work as well, especially when paired with knee-high boots.

* Overall Heaviness

The hype is completely true: Black is a very slenderizing color. Dark, solid colors
tend to be quite slimming in general, but this certainly doesn't mean that larger girls
should stay away from bright or light shades. Loud prints should be avoided at all
costs, however, as should oversize "tentlike" clothes, which make it obvious that
you're trying to hide something. Opt instead for well-fitting, tailored looks that cling
in all the right places, but just not too tightly.
While we're on the subject of bodies, the Internet is also a great resource for
those with special size issues that can make shopping a nightmare.
Pasazz.net helps find those great fashions for the "I'm not a zero" crowd
while JJill.com has everything a slim person could want.
Know Your Colors

• Another surefire way to play up your assets is to choose colors

that complement your hair, eyes and skin tone. Again, we are
fully aware that we earlier advised you to ignore the clichs, but
it's our job to present you with as much info as possible. We're
just being thorough.

We here at SoYouWanna.com are a bit rebellious, so we've

chosen to sack the traditional "seasonal" categories in favor of
those put forth by style maven Doris Pooser in her book Secrets
of Style. They are: Deep, Light, Bright, Muted, Warm and Cool.
* Deep (Vivid coloring)

Hair: Dark-Black, dark brown, chestnut, auburn.

Eyes: Deep-Brown, brown-black, hazel, rich
green, olive.
Skin: Beige, olive, bronze.
Recommended colors: Those that are medium to
deep in range, like navy, deep brown, blue,
purple, charcoal gray, emerald green, mahogany.
* Light (Soft, delicate, fair coloring)

Hair: Light to dark blond, ash blond, golden blond.

Eyes: Blue, blue-green, green, aqua.
Skin: Light-Ivory to soft beige, pink, peach.
Recommended colors: Those that are medium to
light and are neither too warm nor too cool, such as
grayed-navy, blue-green, turquoise, cocoa, light to
medium blue, coral pink, light to medium pink-
orange.
* Bright (Contrast in color of hair and skin
tone)

Hair: Medium to dark-Ash brown to golden brown,

black.
Eyes: Bright and clear-Blue, blue-green, turquoise,
steel gray, light hazel.
Skin: Light-Ivory, porcelain, beige, translucent
quality.
Recommended colors: Clear, primary colors like true
red, true green, true blue. Also try aqua, violet, bright
pink, periwinkle.
* Muted (Neutral look)

Hair: Medium range-Medium ash brown to dark ash

blond.
Eyes: Gray-green, hazel, brown-green, brown, dark green.
Skin: Ivory, beige, bronze, golden. Freckles and ruddiness
common.
Recommended colors: Soft, blended shades that are
neither too warm nor too cool, including rose-brown,
blue-green, salmon, rust, watermelon, medium green,
warm pink.
* Warm (Total golden glow)

Hair: Medium range-Blond or brown with

gold, red or strawberry highlights.
Eyes: Warm-Green, hazel, brown, topaz,
blue-green, teal.
Skin: Golden-Beige, ivory, bronze. May have
freckles.
Recommended colors: Those that reflect a
golden tone, such as beige, peach, yellow,
warm red, golden brown, camel, moss green.
* Cool (Softer look)

Hair: Ash brown.

Eyes: Cool-Rose-brown, gray-brown,
gray-blue.
Skin: Cool-Beige, rose-beige, pink.
Recommended colors: Those that reflect a
gray or blue tone, such as plum, lavender,
burgundy, pink, blue-green, slate.
Remember that certain colors-like black, white,
gray, navy, true red and true green-are
considered "universal," meaning they can be
worn with flair by anybody. Also remember
that playing around with color is fun, so don't
feel tied down to a limited palette of hues.
Similarly, if you find that you were not
represented by any of the above categories,
don't despair. Wear colors that you feel
comfortable in, or ask friends what shades suit
you best.
Build Your Wardrobe
 Congratulations! It's time to go shopping. Some
strategies to consider:
 Acquire the Classics

No matter what style you decide to embrace, it's a

good idea to stock up on basic garments that can
serve as a foundation to a variety of looks. You've
heard of the ubiquitous Little Black Dress, right?
Get one. When paired with the right pieces, that
baby can get you through a wedding, a funeral, a job
interview, a dinner party and a disastrous blind date
- all in one day! Timeless separates like a nice pair
of black pants, a white button-down shirt or an all-
purpose gray cardigan will come in handy as well.
 Mix It Up

Not everyone can afford to shop at Barneys,

which is why it's important to be resourceful in
putting together your wardrobe. Pair a Kmart
tank top with a slightly more upscale Eastern-
inspired skirt. Scour thrift shops for retro work
pants, kitschy T-shirts and vintage wool coats.
 Highlight Your Interests With Accessories

Although the last thing you want to do is

pigeonhole yourself by adopting a single signature
style (Hello, Sporty Spice), your look should say
something about you and what you're into. If you
play bass in a band, for instance, let your wild side
shine through in your offstage life with sleek leather
wrist cuffs or a cool, jewel-studded belt. If you're a
bookish type, try a pair of funky, horn-rimmed
glasses. Remember that fashion is a form of
expression, so feel free to expose your personality.
Even the simplest outfit can turn chic with the help of
accessories. Add a snakeskin bag, a cozy knit scarf or an
interesting choker to an otherwise straightforward look.
Be bold without going overboard, because reckless
abandon is never a good idea.

The best accessory, however, is self-confidence. If you

think you look good, other people will too. In fact, we
recommend practicing self-affirmations in a mirror so
that you can get away with more adventurous fashion
choices. Repeat after us: "I'm sexy, sassy and wise."
Now blow that paycheck.