Chapter 10 - Selecting A Style

Dressing to Suit Your Figure Type

There is no "secret" to dressing well. If you will analyze your figure carefully, you will learn to select pattern lines that emphasize your good points—and that minimize your bad ones.

Women who have ideal or "average" figures can wear almost any line or style. But most of us are not that fortunate. You will probably find that you fall into one of the four basic figure classifications—or that you have one or more of the minor figure problems studied below. You may also find that you do not come under just one figure type or have just one problem. For example, you could be short with a short neck and full bust. You would have to look under the suggestions for the short figure and the full bust figure and under the suggestions for the short neck. On the other hand, you may be tall with a flat chest and wide shoulders. You would then look under the suggestions for the tall figure and under the suggestions for the flat chest and wide shoulders.

If you will combine the lines and style features suggested for your figure type with those suggested for your minor figure problems, you will find the styles that are flattering and right for you.

What To Do About Common Figure Problems

Short Or Plump Neck?

The V-neckline will be the most flattering. Use only simple finishing details at the neckline. Try your hair in an upswept style —it will add to your neck length.

Long Thin Neck?

Choose high necklines, perhaps softened with ruffles, a choker necklace or a collar in a contrasting color. Hair should be long to detract from neck length.

Narrow Shoulders?

Build up your shoulders with pads. Avoid the raglan or dolman sleeve. Wide lapels, puffed sleeves, short capes, pinafore effect, bright colored yokes and neckwear, and double breasted jackets are all good.

Wide Shoulders?

Never use broadened, padded shoulders. Raglan and dolman sleeves, halter necklines and narrow lapels are good. Vertical lines In neckwear or trimming will draw the eye away from shoulder width.
Large Waistline?

Try to achieve an unbroken line from shoulder to hem with panel fronts, full length trimmings and coat-type dresses. Avoid accenting the waist with wide or contrasting belts.

Large Abdomen?

Avoid tight fitting clothes, double breasted styles and narrow skirts. Skirts with front drapery or fullness are good,

Thin Or Heavy Arms?

Avoid extremes in sleeves—too tight or too loose. Instead, choose natural, soft effects.

Flat Chest?

Avoid tight fitting blouses. Wear shirred bodices, vestees, ruffles, jabots and fobrics with crispness and "body.**

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