Fashion Tips: Hips

FASHION, March 2009, by Nadia Baboo

Fashion Tips:
HIPS


Whether you’ve got a little ‘junk in your trunk’ or you’re straight & streamlined, the perfect pair of bottoms is out there for you! Embrace what you’ve been given and follow a few simple rules:

Tip #1:

Fit the widest part of your hips.
For some it may be the lower part of your hips; for some at the middle or you may even find your waistline is slightly fuller. There is no ideal shape. Remember if things are not fitting right, it’s not your body – it’s the style. A very common problem is finding bottoms that fit around your hips, then gap at the waistline. Don’t panic! There’s a simple solution. Take them to a tailor or seamstress. Some dry cleaners will even provide alteration services. Just ask them to nip it in at the waist. It doesn’t cost much and will give you the perfect fit.

Tip #2:
Create a long, straight leg line.
To get a long, smooth look, make sure your bottoms flow straight down from your widest area to your ankle. Styles that cling to the hips and thighs will emphasize curves and give you that ‘ice cream cone effect’ – not the most flattering look, especially for those with fuller hips. A little flare at the bottom of your pants will also help balance a wider hip area.


Tip #3:

I like to move it! Move it!
When trying on bottoms, don’t just stand there – move! Sit down, crouch down, lift up your legs. Do you need to constantly readjust yourself after moving around? Do you need to pull up your pants? Does your skirt get twisted around easily? These are clear signs that you haven’t found the right fit. Don’t get discouraged – keep trying. And when you do find a style that works, buy it in two or three colours.


Tip #4:

Details, details...
Pockets, embellishments and colour are all important in creating the perfect look. If you’re fuller in the hips and bum, avoid side slit pockets that tend to poof out. Make sure your back pockets sit higher on your bum and avoid too much embellishment that draws attention to that area. Darker colours & denims are usually more forgiving. Avoid any bold or bright patterns in this area. If you want to add some curves, go for flap pockets on your bum to add volume. Lighter colours & denims will fill you out. Play with pattern – just always remember to keep your patterns in proportion to your size (petite = smaller patterns; average = medium patterns; fuller figures = larger patterns).

STYLE ALERT:
Bubble Skirts
This is a really fun look and can work on most figures – be sure to watch the skirt length. Just above the knee is perfect! It adds volume to those who want to add curves. For you curvy girls, since the widest part of the bubble is at the bottom of the skirt, it balances a fuller hip. Pair it with some tights & high boots for extra funkiness!

~ Nadia

Comment

Tianna.....age 11
Fashion is awesome! I started focusing on matching what I wore when I was in the middle of kindergarden! And have not changed since. These may be good tips on what to wear and what to buy, but what happens if you don't like boot-leg? Or bubble skirts? Trust what is inside you, and what you think is good for you. Buy what you want to buy, not what people say you need to. TRUST YOURSLEF! YOUR THE MOST RELIABLE PERSON IN YOUR LIFE!

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