Petite & top heavy - Caryn Franklin's How to Look Good

Step FiveSingle breasted jacketSingle-breasted jacketThis is a universally flattering jacket andwill always make an appearance on thecatwalk (details slightly changed eachseason of course). Quite often it isfastened by only one or two buttons andhas a fitted waist and small pocketsat the hips. All important is the fit andthe proportion on your body. It musthang from your shoulders with nowarping across the body.This style is also found in coats wherethe waist is featured and the fabric fallsfrom the hip into a gentle flare. Again thisis a universally flattering style.There is plenty more to say on colour but one other helpful tip is takethe garment you want to buy to a mirror in daylight (electric light willnot help you at all). Then hold the colour right up under your chin andtake a good look. It will reflect under your chin, under your nose andunder your eyebrows - does this add a wonderful glow to your skin ordoes it look awful though you don’t know why?This method works so efficiently because colour gives off reflectedlight and throws it onto your skin. I, for instance, do not choose to wearmuch yellow and green because I have very yellow skin so I cool myskin down with blues and bluey pinks.Try this in your bedroom with your clothes now and you’ll seewhat I mean!Do• Keep within one colour grouping. Pick a tone that suits your skin toneand then create an outfit from colours in similar tones e.g. pink and lilacor beige and cream. This will accentuate an unbroken line and makeyou appear taller.• Match your shoes and bag tonally to your clothes to continue theline and elongate your body.• Use colour in panels lengthways to take the eye up and down yourbody.• Place colour at the top third of your body to create the illusion ofheight.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good 42