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How Best to Dress an Apple Shaped Body

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Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the apple shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear and String Bean.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR AN APPLE: Apple shaped individuals have a heavier mid-section with a wide torso and broad shoulders. They have an average sized bust and an undefined waist. Also, these women have thinner arms and legs with a flatter bottom and hips that are narrower than the bust area. For an apple, draw attention away from your middle section by directing focus elsewhere {upper body or legs} or by creating more definition in the waistline. Don’t be afraid to show off your legs, which often tend to be a great asset for this shape.

Perhaps the apple frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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OUTFIT 1: one // two // three // four // five // six // seven

OUTFIT 2: eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

OUTFIT 3: fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen // eighteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Shorter length and high-waisted shorts draw attention to one of your assets–your great legs. Anything cut low at the waist may create a “muffin top” that negatively accentuates your middle section. Pick a cut that nips at the waistline making it slimmer and more defined. Focusing on your legs will help add more balance to your look. Wear pants with back pockets. This will create definition to enhance your flatter bottom and will balance out your waist. Wear pants that are denim or those that include some “stretch” in a trouser cut or boot cut style. Darker colors in jeans are best.  AVOID: Pants that have a lot of zippers in the front will draw more attention to your middle and super skinny styles will make your upper body appear more round.
  1. SKIRTS: Try wearing a skirt that has a bias cut or an A-line; or consider a full circle skirt. You can also wear a trumpet skirt or those with a hanky hem. AVOID: Skirts that are tight around the waist or those which fall at your                                                         natural waist are not flattering.
  1. DRESSES: A-line dresses or those that have an empire waist are fabulous. Consider a shirtdress that has a tie that will ultimately add more definition to your figure. Another strategy is to find dresses with a continuous pattern on it or those with color blocking. AVOID: Dresses with a built in waistline, as it will add unnecessary bulk to the waist.
  1. TOPS: Wear shirts that flow under your bust, or peplum styles that expand at the waist. Wear V-necks and plunging necklines as they can lengthen your body. Strapless, scoop or tops with narrow bodices draw the eye to your bust and elongate the upper body. Tops should fall lower than your hipbone. AVOID: Avoid high necklines and off the shoulder tops that can make your shoulders appear broader. Boxy, baggy or formless tops are not recommended as they make you look larger.Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.25.51 PM
  1. JACKETS/OUTWEAR: The right jacket can help camouflage your heavier midriff. You should wear a jacket that is single-breasted and doesn’t have too many details. Wearing a structured jacket or coat will create curves in your chest and hips and will minimize your waist. AVOID: Double breasted coats or jackets/cardigans that finish at your fullest points.
  1. FOOTWEAR: High heels are a great way to elongate your legs. Or partner nude sandals with shorts to create even more length. Wear platform, wedges, calf-length boots, ballet flats, clogs, and strappy sandals. AVOID: Heavy boots, kitten heels, UGGS or any shoes that make your legs look smaller and draw more attention to the waist.
  1. BAUBLES: Pendant style necklaces help draw the eye from top to bottom creating a leaner overall look. Consider adding a lightweight scarf to add a pop of color on top but nothing too bulky. AVOID: No need to wear elaborate necklaces as you already have a great bust that Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.45.54 PMdoesn’t need more adornment.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Dark colored wide belts are great. Shape- wear, especially “waist clinchers” will do the trick in an instant to define the waist. AVOID: Oversized clutches and shoulder bags are not recommended as they add unwanted fullness to the look.
  1. SWIMWEAR: A halter neck is suggested for swimwear, as it’s able to support a fuller bust. Wear underwired cups and thick straps to help with bust support. Try a tankini or vest zip top that covers the middle and isn’t too figure-hugging. For more coverage, use a sarong. Details on the shoulders draw the eye towards your face. AVOID: Low cut bikini tops aren’t recommended because they accentuate the waist, which isn’t the best feature for apples.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

April Favorites Under $100

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one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

Is it just me or did we all blink and it was April? Well, with April showers brings May flowers including lots of Texas blue bonnets and indian paint brushes in my hood. I adore taking family pics during this season nestled in the wild flowers as well as reminiscing over some of my April favorites {under $100 no doubt} I’ve rounded up that I’m just loving this month.

With the weather sunny and warm outside, I’m just so happy that Spring is finally here. Off the shoulder dresses {best for string bean, hourglass, and pear shaped frames}, gingham frocks, tassel inspired accessories, and lace up shoes are among the featured trends. If you aren’t into the trends, consider the essentials: an oversized watch, adorable hair ties {yes, those make a statement for your outfit too}, a long pendant necklace and a clutch.

And don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so get a head start and bless her with one of these goodies. Have a wonderful week everyone!

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

How Best to Dress a Pear Shaped Body

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Styling for different body types can be tough but with these tips and tricks, it becomes quite easy! In the coming weeks we will explore each of the five body types {Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot}. Today we’ll look at the pear shaped body!

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one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A PEAR: Curvy hips, thick thighs, and a full rear are the key characteristics of the pear-shaped woman. Many pear shapes also have a small bust, narrow shoulders, and a defined waist. Keep your proportions in check by drawing the eye to your upper body while de-emphasizing your lower half.

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Choose pants that are straight leg or flared at the bottom to create a bottom half with full volume all the way down. Jeans that are equal width or slightly wider in the calf and ankle area will draw attention away from your mid-section. Look for darker color options on the bottom half for contrast. AVOID: Avoid skinny pants, as they will showcase the size of your hips/rear. Cigarette-style pants are the least flattering style for a pear-shaped figure, as well as cargo pants and pants with excessive detailing such as bold embroidery, rhinestones, etc.
  2. SKIRTS: Skirts that hit the knee or ankle are perfect for pear-shaped ladies. 
Avoid tight-fitting skirts, and look for those with ruffles or beading along the bottom hem which draw attention to your curvy bottom half without adding bulk to your hips. AVOID: Pencil, mini and straight skirts.
  3. DRESSES: Wrap dresses look fabulous on nearly every body type especially yours. Do look for dresses that show off your arms and even out proportions. Look for dresses that are A-line or that have a tulip-skirt. Color blocked dresses and dresses with a belted waist are fabulous as well. AVOID: Those that are tight and stick to your hips.
  4. TOPS: Look for tops that are tight around the waist highlighting your asset. Loose tops should be worn a bit long so as to cover the hips and provide substance for the shoulders. In general, the fit of your shirts should aim to highlight your waist and shoulders. The ideal sleeve style are wide-sleeved shirts or those with rolled or scrunched sleeves. The ideal top length is just below your hipbone to extend your torso and mask the widest part of your hips. AVOID: Tops with narrow shoulder lines. Crop tops should be widely avoided for drawing attention to your midsection, which is too close to your hips to be flattering.
  5. JACKETS/OUTERWEAR: Look for jackets that hit right above the waist or below the widest part of your hips and bottom. Wear structured A-shaped coats at knee length. A great coat for you is the trench. AVOID: Mid ankle trench coats and full-length jackets.
  6. FOOTWEAR: Opt for pointy toed or an almond toe shoe to help elongate your legs. High boots are very flattering as well. Wear medium to chunky heals with a bit of height to further elongate the legs. AVOID: Shoes and booties with ankle straps, delicate footwear and kitten heels as these will get lost in your frame.
  7. BAUBLES: Long pendant necklaces are your friends! A bold, bright necklace that hangs low draws the eye to your upper half which is fabulous. Integrate statement earrings into special looks that will frame your face as well, keeping in mind that you should only wear one piece of statement jewelry at a time. Choose chandelier style or dangly earrings for the best effect.
  8. ACCESSORIES: Circle/infinity scarves are a great way to add pizazz to your upper body and can even substitute for a necklace. Wide belts styled over cardigans, tunic style tops and dresses flatter your frame drawing attention to your best asset—your waist.
  9. SWIMWEAR: A fold-over style bottom with cinching side strings that adjust at the waist and legs are perfect for your frame. If you have longer legs, consider an asymmetrical skirt or a flirty skirt bottom. A bandeau style top with a full coverage body one-piece is also very flattering. Halter style tops with twisted details can help add fullness to the body.
  10. UNDERGARMENTS: Your entire upper body can undergo a major transformation when you wear the right undergarments. Consider a padded bra or push-up bra. This will add volume to a small bust and accentuate your waist.

Cheers to a stylish you,

Jen Young

Why hire a wardrobe consultant?

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It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Forever Styled blog/community which suggests you might have an interest in hiring a wardrobe consultant or perhaps you are simply enamored with the fashion industry!

We are going to embark upon an insightful new journey together including conversations about style trends, tricks for dressing appropriately for your body type and age {for both men and women}, the closet overhaul experience and testimonials, new outfit ideas, exploring the “less is more” dressing philosophy and a myriad of other fashion-centric topics.

So let’s begin the conversation by asking an important question:

Why in the heck would anyone who isn’t a celebrity or those without disposable incomes hire a wardrobe consultant?

Conquering the art of making a fabulous first impression is “king” in my world–easily accomplished with a defined and confident sense of self and style. No matter if you are a stay at home parent, a working professional, an entertainer or athlete, rich or poor, male or female, defining one’s personal brand is equally important across all lifestyles and budgets.

The Forever Styled process begins with asking the powerful question: “What do I want to say to the world with my overall image and non-verbals?” We will take time to develop your personal response to this question with an awareness and sensitivity of how you spend your time and money on any given day. Arguably, once you invest in a Forever Styled service,  you will save time AND money by adopting more efficiency in your daily dressing routines.

So move over Jennifer Aniston and Ryan Reynolds–securing style confidence is available to the masses. Read more