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w w w. s a m c . c o m S U M M E R 2 015 H E A LT H Y S P I R I T
SHUTTERSTOCK
FIT IT OR FORGET IT
A good dress is nothing if it's not the
right fit, so knowing what works best
on your body type is key. With a
curvier body type, look to accentuate
your shape by opting for fitted pieces
with straight skirts or belts at the waist.
If you're more comfortable in some-
thing that minimizes certain areas,
such as the hips, then dresses with
fitted waists and A-line or flared skirts
will look best.
If the fit of even your dream dress
doesn't make you feel fabulous, move
on to the next one. "A great fit will
make all the difference in the world,"
explains Jacquie Martin Lupei, director
of product development and design
for Kiyonna Clothing, which special-
izes in fashions for women in sizes 10
to 32. "If it doesn't fit right, pass on
it unless you can have it altered. You
T
he days of shopping at
the lone plus-size store in
town, sifting through racks
and racks of frumpy
fashions, are long gone.
Even if you've got a few more curves
than the average woman, now you
can choose from a variety of real
and virtual world shops for stylish
dresses that will add confidence and
style to your walk. Here are some
expert tips for choosing the perfect
frock at any size.
GO WITH YOUR (STYLE) GUT
Your dresses, like everything in your
wardrobe, should be expressions of
your personal style. Choose a piece
that makes you feel confident and
comfortable, one that allows you to
show off your awesome style in the
best possible light. When looking for
the right dress, go with your gut: If it
feels too tight, too short, too long—
too anything, really—it's probably not
the right one for you.
"A great fit will make all the difference in the world."
don't want to be bothered by having
to adjust your dress repeatedly."
FIND THE RIGHT FABRIC
Like the fit of a dress, fabric can also
accentuate your assets—and your prob-
lem areas. Choose a fabric that fits but
doesn't cling, one that drapes well over
the areas you want to show off while
still concealing all of the right places.
When appropriate, for example, a
matte jersey dress can work for nearly
every body type. Other fabrics, such
as wool or chunky knits, can often
cause you to lose shape or add more
bulk than intended.
Ultimately, "you will know the
right dress and the right fit when you
find it," says Lupei. "Like looking for
your prince, it may take kissing a
lot of frogs! You will put it on and
feel amazing."
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How to look and feel good at any size
Addressing
THE
DRESS
By Susana Ramos
~ Jacquie Martin Lupei, Kiyonna Clothing
F E E L I N G G O O D