| When people think of "retro style clothing" they usually | | | | the knee. Otherwise you create the illusion of a thick |
| thing "old" or boring. Today's retro clothing take cues | | | | leg. |
| from the past, but have a sassy sophistication that | | | | - Next are the "A" silhouettes commonly called the |
| goes way beyond boring. There are so many choices | | | | "pear" shape. These women have wider hips than bust |
| that it may be difficult to decide what to wear! | | | | and tend to wear a larger size in bottoms than tops. |
| Dresses are a great retro choice. They are versatile, | | | | The goal of this group is to hide hips and make the top |
| comfortable, come in every size, and most of all | | | | portion look bigger. You want to emphasize the small |
| always fashionable! Some tips on choosing and | | | | waist so you want a dress where the waist is fitted. |
| coordinating your retro dress: | | | | The neckline can be a V, square, boat/ ballet, or halter. |
| 1. Color of the dress | | | | - The "X" silhouette is curvy on the top and bottom, |
| Keep in mind that the color is usually what draws a | | | | but their goal is too look long and lean. A person with |
| person to something: it's the first visual contact. | | | | this shape can wear practically any dress, but in order |
| Do you know if you're a warm or cool colored | | | | too look long wear heels and again avoid the hemline |
| person? Warm people tend to have dark hair and cool | | | | hitting at the thickest part of the leg. |
| people tend to have light hair. Warm colors include red, | | | | If you're unsure about your shape and how to find the |
| yellow, gold, and orange, and cool colors include blue, | | | | right dress shape stick with an A-line skirt style dress. It |
| green, violet, and silver. To find out what color to wear | | | | can add hips, hide hips, and show off curves. The |
| bring a clothing item up to your face in the natural | | | | great part about dresses is that there are so many |
| sunlight and see if it's color brightens you up. One thing | | | | styles: shirtwaist dress, strapless, sundress, halter, |
| to think about is that your color may change between | | | | flutter sleeve, flutter dress, jacket dress, shift, and |
| summer and winter months because of your skin tone. | | | | empire. If you really want to hide flaws wear an |
| It can also change if you dye your hair. | | | | empire waist dress. It can hide a big stomach! Plus |
| So, how do you know which color will work for you? | | | | they're really in style right now. |
| Some ways to tell what works: | | | | 3. Fabrics |
| - What color do people say you look good in? | | | | Don't forget about fabrics. Choose a fabric that will |
| - What color are the worn out favorites you can | | | | work for your event. If it's going to be 10 degrees don't |
| always rely on in your closet? | | | | wear a linen/ cotton sundress and if it's going to be 90 |
| - What's your eye color? Match it! | | | | degrees don't wear a wool dress. |
| - If you're really unsure stick to black and white. The | | | | Luckily today's retro styled clothing is made of modern |
| little black dress remains a favorite. | | | | blends of cotton, spandex, and other fibers that wear |
| The classic neutrals that you can rely on to pair with | | | | well and are flattering to all body types. |
| colors are: black, white, gray, beige, navy, brown, and | | | | 4. Accessories |
| olive green. The color that is said to look good on | | | | Keep in mind that you can buy one retro dress and still |
| everyone is pink. Nearly any shade of pink will also go | | | | create many looks. Take a dress from morning to |
| with any of the neutrals! | | | | night and casual to dressy with a few simple |
| Be aware of prints too. If there is a particular pattern | | | | accessories: |
| you like, you can usually find it in a dress version | | | | - Belts: simply add a belt, change a belt, wear a belt |
| whether it's stripes, polka dots, flowers, or solids. | | | | with a fitted cardigan/ tank/ pull-over, fitted shirt, or suit |
| 2. Shape of the dress | | | | jacket over the dress. |
| The shape is basically the outline. This includes sleeve | | | | - Shoes: wear flip-flops, slides, or strapped heels with |
| length, hem length, pleats, pockets, etc. It's creating | | | | the same dress. |
| illusion with the outside lines of the dress. | | | | - Add overs: tanks/ cardigans/ pull-overs, shawl, shrug, |
| One thing to think about is How to Dress for Your | | | | over size shirt, suit jacket. |
| Body Type. The four shapes are the "H silhouette", "O | | | | - Add under: tanks or fitted shirt. |
| silhouette", "A" and "X". | | | | Of course there's always jewelry to add as well! |
| - "H"'s and "O"'s are basically the same shape dress. If | | | | Where to shop |
| you are an "H" you are petite with little waist definition. | | | | Once you've figured out your body shape and colors |
| If you are an "O" you are large framed with little waist | | | | you like, you're ready to shop. There are a variety of |
| definition. Both are characterized by: Slim legs, broad | | | | brand names of retro style clothing available. |
| shoulders, narrow hips. So the goal in finding the right | | | | Here is a list of many of the top brands of retro style |
| shape dress is to find one that defines your waist and | | | | clothing. |
| shows off your legs. The best necklines for broad | | | | Many stores have specialized in selling only Retro |
| shoulders are V, U, or a scoop neck. Any fitted at the | | | | Styled clothing. Many have helpful information about |
| waist dress will work that is knee length. You don't | | | | sizing and the brands they carry, as well as plenty of |
| want the length to cut you off at the largest part of | | | | categories to browse through. |
| your leg; you want it be at the narrowest, which is at | | | | |