
Fashion Week September 2011 - Photo: Jeffrey Clark Grossman_ WENN.com
The high-low trend isn’t brand new this season, but it’s HOTTER than ever before. High-low hem dresses, tops, vests,… they’re on the racks of every fashion boutique.
Should you buy? That depends. (Never a simple “yes” or “no” answer, right?) Here are tips to help you decide.
Your Legs are Short
Do choose a style with a short skirt and long overlayer. The vertical panels of the over skirt visually “lengthen” your legs.
Tip: Avoid a skirt hem that lands mid-point on your leg. The result: a limb visually split in half appears shorter.
You Have a Keen Eye
Do pay attention to your mirror image if you’re into details. A less-expensive method of making a dress lets us see the fabric’s print — from the inside.
Tip: To avoid an unfinished look, make sure the dress is lined or in a sheer fabric.
You’re Long and Lean
Do belt your high-low top in a contrasting color for dramatic effect.
Tip: If you don’t have a visible waistline, wear light and dark colors in your top and pant, but pass on the belt.
You Have a Tummy
Do select high-low hemmed dresses with an empire (high) waistline for definition. (A deep v-neck keeps eyes away from tummy, too.)
Tip: The fullness of a shapeless high-low top can appear like a maternity top. If that’s not what you’re going for, stick with something more shapely.
You Color Outside the Lines
Do watch where colors lead. A strip of contrasting color (like the bright pink band on the top below), draws a distinct line on your garment.
Tip: Make sure colors frame the zone you want to feature — usually one you like.
Your Legs are Full
Do pick your hemline to land at the most attractive point on your leg. If it’s narrow just below the knee, there’s your point.
Tip: Before you shop, try on your own dresses at home. Identify the hem length you feel best in. That’s what you look for in your high-low dress.
To what lengths will you go?
Patty Buccellato, is an image coach and founder of Refined Images. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her work with men and women individually, as well as with corporate employee groups. Patty established Refined Images in 1994, and while her studio is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, you’ll find her serving clients throughout North America in their homes, offices — and, yes, even in shopping malls! To get your FREE copy of Patty’s “How to Shop Like a Stylist,” visit www.RefinedImages.net or contact Patty.
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