Q. I’m a size 14 and I find it very difficult to find clothes that fit and flatter my bottom. For years I’ve been wearing floaty ‘bags’ that do nothing for me but now, with summer on the way, I’d really like to wear something a little more youthful and flattering. Can you suggest a few tricks to help me make the most of my generous proportions?
A. Whether it be a big bottom, thick waist, stumpy legs, or boobs you can't seem to control, shopping for a figure that is anything less than the perfect 10 can be a minefield. There's always something we hate, whether it's the size of our bust, the length of our legs or the shape of our bum or thighs. We have all struggled to find that elusive ensemble - the one that will not only disguise the offending areas, but will also make us look our absolute best.
Open your wardrobe and look critically at your clothes. If - like nearly half of Irish women - you are size 14 or over, the chances are that your fashion failures outnumber your successes. The problems are familiar: trousers that accentuate hips, dresses that outline every bulge. Like millions of large, healthy, attractive women, you face an apparently insoluble dilemma - finding fashionable clothes that both flatter and fit.
The key to making sure those expensive mistakes are a thing of the past is to know how to make the most of your unique shape - whatever that may be. Coco Chanel once compared fashion to architecture and she was absolutely on the money because dressing your body is really all about proportion and balance. The key is to look at your figure objectively and try to figure out how to balance out your shape. For example, if you have a large bottom or hips, stay away from any kind of tapered trousers, as they will only make you appear much larger. Instead, opt for boot cut or wide leg trousers, as these will be look incredibly flattering on.
When it comes to skirts choose an A line style which gently flairs out from the waist. Avoid clingy fabrics and opt for fluid, floaty materials, as these will work best with your figure. On top think about choosing blouses that have a v neck or a boat neck because these styles will help draw the eye up, towards your décolletage and away from your largest point. Also use a dramatic scarf or a bold necklace to help draw the eye upwards towards your face. Finish your look with a pair of sexy heels and an attitude to match.
