Retail Therapy: Fall Work Essentials

Luckily for us, modern office life doesn't mean a boring suit. Try these flattering finds for a work wardrobe that's corporate chic (and looks good on your shape!).



If You Want to Hide Your Upper Arms…
Try a silky blouse with wide arms. The style's in right now and provides a chic alternative to button-downs. Look for bracelet sleeves (showing about two inches of skin) for a proportion that draws attention toward the thinnest part of your arm (your wrist!).


If You're Busty…
Stock your closet with open, shawl-front cardigans and blazers. The formal, work-ready shape smartens up any dress or blouse. Without restrictive buttons, you won't feel squeezed in anywhere, either.


If You Want to Enhance Your Bust…
Pick tie-front blouses over button-ups. The extra fabric will add some volume to a tiny chest, and the loose cut means you won't have to worry about filling anything out. Fake another cup-size by choosing busy printed fabrics over solid colors.


If You're Slender…
Create some curves via the magic touch of a well-cut blazer! A standard black jacket is anything but when given a nipped-in waist, strong shoulders, and a longer hemline in front. Throw a pick like this on over anything and get ready for a little 9-to-5 va-va-voom.


If You Want to Cover Your Thighs…
Look for an slightly flared, A-line dress. The fuller shape is fashionably retro, and the fit won't cling to (and emphasize) your curves like a pencil skirt would. The gentle pleats and waist-bow on this pick will also draw attention toward your center—and away from your hips.


If You're Short…
Look for a hemline that hits right under your knee. The cut is universally flattering and one of our favorite fall fashion silhouettes. More lady-like than a thigh-grazer, it will help stretch out tiny frames without swallowing them up like a maxi does.


If You Want to Mask Your Tummy…
Make sure you find a style with a defined waist to avoid making your midsection look larger than it really is. In slimming black for extra slenderizing powers, this stylish option comes with a skinny belt so styling is a no-brainer. A high-neck and keyhole slit also help to draw attention toward your face, not your tummy.


Via Real Beauty

Retail Therapy: New Year's Eve Party Frocks

If You Have Curvy Hips…
Celebrate them with a wrap dress. Cinched over one hip, this sparkly number drapes to fit your unique shape and really flatters an hourglass bod. It's better than a straight, A-line cut for hippy ladies, since it's figure-accommodating and moves as needed.


If You Want to Cover Your Upper Arms…
Great news: Festive party dresses aren't all sleeveless! This golden gem-of-a-dress pairs lace and tweed for a luxurious look that uses short sleeves to further the sophisticated feel (and cover your weak spots).


If You Want Longer Looking Legs...
This season's peplum cut is your best bet. The layered bottom fools beholders into thinking you're wearing more of a mini than you really are, meaning legs look sky-high. To keep the illusion going, match a hidden-platform heel to the shade of your legs. Black if you're wearing tights, nude if you're cheers'ing somewhere warm (lucky!).


If You're Tall & Slender...
Look for a hemline that falls right at or above the knee. The flattering cut looks just right to the eye and won't be as scandalous as a mini on mile-long stems. Smart striping made us reach for this pick; horizontal lines add width to skinny shapes, while sloping diagonals help with the illusion of an hourglass frame. Va-va-voom!


If You Want to Be Comfy...
Try a sheath or tank dress that's meant to be worn loosely. The shape can look frumpy in simple solids or fabrics, so shop for a party-ready piece in festive sequins. The swirly design on this pick's trunk works like a hypnotist's tool, drawing eyes toward the middle of your stomach and slimming everything else along the way.


If You Want to Mask Your Thighs…
Find an A-line shape with a defined waist. The lady-like, retro style feels super chic right now and is the perfect shape for disguising wider legs. Triple ensure all attention is drawn up and away from your trouble zone by zeroing in on a frock with a unique or embellished neckline, like this bloom-adorned pick.


If You're Petite...
Whimsy, romantic fabrics like this silky number feel formal and won't bury your tiny frame. The scalloped ruffles on this pick help add size to a small body, and the bow'ed belt shows off your waist. Avoid sequins or other embellishments which can feel too heavy.


If You Want Something Slimming…
A little black panel is invaluable when placed smartly at your sides. Seen in opposition to the rest of this party frock's metallic brocade, it's a true optical illusion. We're attributing it to the power of fashion that a simple dress can snip a few inches off your waistline. Instantly.


If You're Busty...
Go with a top half that will show off some skin without veering into a dangerous cleavage display. This tank-style is generous at hiding bra straps, and without a hit-or-miss tricky neckline, you needn't worry about it not fitting on the big night.


If You Have a Tummy...
Look for constructed dresses with an obvious, seamed middle at your natural waistline. Tiny belly bulges usually protrude lower, putting them in prime position to be masked by a roomy skirted bottom. Look for thicker fabrics that'll stand out on their own since it won't cling to bumps like a poly-blend or silk might.


If You Have a Small Bust…
Go shimmery! This patterned metallic pick will throw off light, helping add some dimension to your bosom. We love how the triangular pieces on the chest add a unique geometric look while helping define smaller breasts, too. The empire waist seam also puts your top half on display.



Via Real Beauty

How To Hide Your Problem Area

Problem: Large bust
Solution: Many women think they're hiding their ample chest by covering it up with a turtleneck but they're actually making their breasts appear larger. The slimming solution is a top with a scoop neck, which balances the proportion and directs the gaze to your collarbone area and face.

Problem: Untoned arms
Solution: Instead of covering up flabby arms, go for a top with a three-quarter-length sleeve. Because it ends at the thinnest point of your arm (your elbow), the sleeve creates a slimming illusion.

Problem: Big butt
Solution: Stay away from pants that taper at the ankle and tops that are too short. A more flattering combo is a pair of flared jeans and a patterned top that hits at hip-length.

Problem: Muffin top
Solution: Do not buy pants that are too tight or shirts that are made of thin or sheer material. Go for pants with a higher waist-- to keep the lower belly covered-- and add a loose top with a pattern that attracts the eye.

Problem: Thick thighs
Solution: Skinny pants only emphasize the issue. Wide-leg trousers-- which happen to be a big fall trend-- give the illusion of a long thin leg. Avoid tight skirts that hit at midcalf and opt for A-line looks instead.

Problem: Sizable tummy
Solution: New moms know this problem well. A great go-to combo is a tunic and leggings. The tight leggings draw attention to slender stems and the drapey, loose top camouflages belly fat. If you're looking for an evening option, dresses with ruching are ideal.

Via The Thread