Tips & Tricks — dressing for your body shape

While fall is clearly in the air but we still want to hang on to the last warm days and memories of summer, we're all left pondering the age old question:  is it really okay to wear white after Labour Day?  This Friday, we've put together a classic look to bring your favourite summer whites into fall.   

Whats your favourite way to wear white after Labour Day?  Let us know in the comments below! 

New York Fashion Week is still in full swing and this season an interesting niche trend has popped up:  bird prints.  Animals of all kinds were embellished on everything from blouses to handbags, but birds had a particularly popular showing.  We love how they add a simple elegance to basic looks.  Will this trend take flight in your fall wardrobe?

Just because you’ve crossed the 60 year old mark does not mean you can no longer be stylish. Our youth obsessed culture has many of us thinking that it is okay to wear tight crop tops and neon leggings but not all of us can follow these youthful trends. It is important to not focus on these trends and look for what works for you to create your personal style. Look to style icons of your age such as Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, and Jane Seymour. Here are a few essentials to get you started in order to look fabulous in your 60’s!

When it comes to your middle age, there are visible changes to your body and face that means you are no longer your younger self but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your style. It is not about dressing younger but making the clothes work for you. You want to be comfortable as well as elegant. A wrap dress would look great because it accentuates your shape rather than covers it. The Essential Three-Quarter Sleeve Undershirt is perfect under everything you wear to keep your clothes looking nice on the outside while feeling fresh on the inside all day long. You don’t always have to wear flats, in fact when possible wear comfortable heels to elongate your legs. Splurge on a leather jacket that will last you a lifetime and find one that is flattering to your body and that is not too boxy. Lastly, your makeup should be light and subtle while your purse can be youthful and add a pop of colour to your outfit.

You’re 40’s are about creating the right balance between work and life. You still want to be stylish yet comfortable from day to night. It is important to find the right pieces that fit your shape and your lifestyle. Here we showcase a pair of pants with an elastic waist so you can go about your day without feeling constricted, as well as a durable bag that can fit all your necessities when commuting from work to picking up your kids. Here are a few more key pieces we think any women in their 40’s should have. 

For the many women out there in their 30’s, this is the time where you really discover your sense of style and start settling down. Your career is taking off and this leads to smarter and more sophisticated fashion choices. However, you are still able to experiment with trendy items. The most important thing is finding the items that work best for you. No matter what you choose, there are certain pieces you should own to represent yourself. From the timepiece you always have on you to your signature scent, here are a few essentials that any women in their 30's should own. 

If you have a rectangle body shape, your hips and bust are balanced but you have a less defined waist. The focus for this shape is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while emphasizing your waist.

Not sure what body shape you are? Find that out with a guideline here.

If you do have a rectangle body shape, you are lucky to share the same shape as celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, and Anne Hathaway. We can all agree that they work their figure and always look great in what they wear. Here are a few tips to look your best when dressing your rectangle body shape:

-Tapered shirts are key for your body shape. Shirts that taper in at the waist will create more curves and flatter your body.

-The length of a jacket should stop right below the waist. If it is too long, it can cover up the curve of your hips.

-Find pants that will give you shape or highlight your given shape. Instead of choosing pants that taper in and clings to your rectangular body, choose a flared or straight-legged pant.

-Try A-line skirts that flare out a bit and stop just above or at the knees to show off your calves.

-Your main accessory should be a waist belt. It is an easy solution to trimming your waist and adding a stylish touch to your look.

-A pair of eye-catching shoes can add curve to your lower body while statement jewelry such as a chunky necklace can help draw interest to your upper half.

-Allow yourself to experiment with light and bright colours to appear curvier.

As an Apple body shape, you have a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. Not sure what body shape you are? We put together a few guidelines of each body type to help you out! An Apple has a waist that is undefined and which is the widest part of your frame. The goal to dressing your shape it to create a more defined waist while de-emphasizing your midsection. Here are some things to keep in mind for dressing your shape:

-Find tops that have details on the hemline to bring attention to your legs as well as details on the sleeves to accentuate your arms.

-Long tops are great for your body, especially ones that float away from the figure.

-Search for bottoms that will minimize your lower half. This can include wide leg pants, full skirts, and mid-rise waists with wide waistbands.

-For skirts, keep them wider and right above the knee. If they are too short, it will only highlight your midsection.

-Experiment with different belts to find what works best for you to accentuate the thinnest part of your waist but dark wide belts are preferable.

-Opt for chunkier shoes, medium to high heels, wedges, or platform shoes.

-Have fun with statement necklaces and dangly earrings. A great alternative to the necklace is a long textured scarf that will be flattering either knotted or worn long and loose.

Knowing what type of body shape you have can make a huge difference in the way you look and feel. Today is all about the hourglass figure! As an hourglass body shape, your bust and hips are well balanced with a well-defined waist. You are lucky to share the same figure as Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Love-Hewitt. Here are few things to keep in mind when dressing for your shape:

• Look for tops that will accentuate your waistline while maintaining the balanced look of your figure.
• Go for tailored single breasted jackets with a defined V-neckline.
• Look for a flat front, mid-rise waistband with a boot-cut or straight leg fit.
• You can have fun with skirts and dresses to show off your great legs as long as they have enough structure and drop to a flattering length.
• A fashionable waist belt is your best friend as they accentuate your already slim waist.
• Footwear should be curvier rather than angular to complement your Hourglass figure. Try peep-toe high heels to enhance your legs and shape.
• Swimsuits can be two-pieces, especially those with underwire, to show off your hourglass figure.

It is important to always feel confident with your body, and the way you dress it can make a huge difference. We are here to help you dress for your body type. Today we’ll focus on the triangle shape. 

Your triangle shape is lucky to share the same figure as Beyonce! You can’t complain about that considering she always looks fabulous in what she wears. Here are some things to consider when dressing for your shape:

-Skirts are perfect for the summer, try to find ones that flare out or have movement in them.

-Since you have a small waistline, show them off with the tops and dresses you choose.

-You want to look for a jacket that is a few inches above your hipline to expose more of your lower half and to make your legs look longer.

-Keep your bottom choices simple and structured to leave the visual interest to your top half.

-You want to draw the eye upwards with your accessories. Try a cute headband or cool hat.

-Find shoes that will elongate your legs, such as heels. Keep them simple and avoid ankle straps.

-Wear bright eye-catching colors on top to draw the attention upwards.

What do you like the best about your body shape and what do you do to show that off?