Size does matter...
Spring has arrived, and so have all the new prints, bags, totes, bangles, wedges and more. With all these tempting new things to buy, I decided to address the one word we should all keep in mind every time we go shopping - proportion. I know this doesn’t seem like a very exciting or fun topic for the “Monthly Fashion Update”, but it’s extremely important.
The main rule is that everything, albeit prints, bags, heels, jewelry, hats, pockets, lapels, belts, et cetera, should all be in proportion to your body size. For example, if you are petite, you should stay away from large patterns. Instead, opt for clothes with smaller prints; it is much more appropriate.
Aside from prints, proportion is also crucial when accessorizing with the hottest new trend this season, bangles. The larger your body, the more bracelets and bangles you can wear. However, if you are petite (5’4” and under), then I would limit the amount of bracelets. This rule also applies to just one bracelet, like a cuff. Even though it’s one piece of jewelry, it should still be the correct size for your body. Nothing too big or too chunky on a petite person…it will get lost on a small wrist or arm and look out of place.
Another key issue is pocket size. This is especially important when shopping for jeans. It’s very simple; the smaller your derrière, the smaller the pockets and therefore, a larger derrière, should have larger pockets. One last note, pocket less-jeans only look good on model-size people…always opt for pants with pockets.
Now, moving down to your feet, shoes should also be in proportion. If you only wear flats or a kitten heels (1-1 ½ inches) then this doesn’t apply to you, however, petite women should pick shoes that have nothing higher than a two to three inch heel. In higher heels, petites can sometimes appear to be pitched forward and their center of gravity is off when they walk. For curvy women, stay away from very high, super thin heels. A 2-3 ½ inch cone-shaped or stacked heel is a much more appropriate proportion.
Some other accessories to consider are purses and hats. Not a lot of women wear hats, but if you do, the rim of the hat should not extend beyond your shoulders…why? You guessed it, proportion! Purses also need to be relative to the size of your body. Again, nothing too big for a petite woman and if your taller, well, take advantage of it and wear the big satchels. The same rule also applies to larger women, again, nothing too small, or otherwise, it will get lost. Remember, no one wants to be the petite woman walking down Michigan Avenue hidden behind a purse that’s too big! Proportion, Proportion, Proportion!