STYLE RULES: All You Need to Know to Develop Fabulous Style
by Mukui Mbindyo
Welcome to Style Rules - our new weekly column for style novices.
We all want to look as put together as Joy Kendi and Nancie Mwai, unfortunately not all of us were born with the skills of a Couture Africa fashion editor. So where to start?
Do you ever ask yourself the following questions?
- What cuts look good for my body?
- Is matching in style these days or should I coordinate?
- What colors go together?
- How do I pull off the latest trend?
If these questions run through your mind as you sort through racks of clothes at the mall, or browsing your favorite online store, this is the column for you!
Trying to figure out what looks good can be really overwhelming.
This column will teach you how to build a fabulous style that will make you look and feel great by following some simple style rules.
Style Rule #1
When it comes to your measurements, keep it real!
The first rule for great style is well-fitting clothes. If something is falling off or too tight in certain areas, you won't look as put together as you'd like. And, the secret to a good fit is good measurements.
Actually, the real first rule is accepting your body as it is. Whether you feel you are too tall or too short, too big or too small . . . at this very moment your body is what it is. Maybe your measurements will turn out to be bigger or smaller than you wanted, but they are your measurements! Whatever the numbers say, your body is beautifully and wonderfully made, and you still have a great canvas for great style.
"But wait", you ask, "I already know my size number so why do I need specific measurements"?
Great question! Size numbers are not always useful to gauge clothing size. Sizes vary in different countries and sometimes even in different regions. Sizing also varies based on clothing type. A formal dress may be sized differently from a casual dress. Different designers or retailers may also come up with their own size guides as well.
Ok, on to the good stuff!
How to take good measurements
Take your measurements in your bra and underwear. Trying to take measurements over regular clothes will definitely affect the accuracy of your measurements.
Maybe you usually have your measurements taken by your trusty fundi (tailor), and you may not be too comfortable letting it loose at their dress shop.
If so, get yourself a tape measure and do it yourself in the mirror! This tiny investment will make a huge difference to your style profile.
Our bodies do change, and taking good measurements regularly will ensure that you are always choosing clothes that fit you best.
For ready-made clothes the three most critical areas to measure are: the bust, the waist, and the hips.
1. To measure the bust, measure at the fullest part of the chest and wrap the tape measure around the whole circumference of the chest. If you normally wear a bra, keep it on to ensure accurate measurements. Stand straight and maintain good posture as you wrap the tape around you.
2. To measure the waist, bend to one side and take note of where your body folds. That spot will give you the most accurate waist measurement. Make sure the tape measure isn't too tight against your body. If it digs into your body, it will give you smaller measurements than you want.
3. To measure the hips, measure around the fullest part of your hips which is usually around the seat. For some people the widest part of the hips may be around the thighs. Take both measurements and use the larger one.
Another good measurement to take is the shoulders. Although this measurement is usually not included in the size guides, it's an important measurement to consider especially if you have broad shoulders.
4. To measure the shoulders, you need someone to help you so that you get the tape in the right spot. Measure across the shoulders by wrapping the tape around you like a shawl.
Use our handy infographic to take your measurements and conquer the first rule of fabulous style.
Do you want to embed this infographic on your site? Scroll to the bottom of the post for the code you need to use!
How to use the Size Guide
Once you have accurate measurements, you can look up the sizing guides for your favorite store or designer, usually posted online. It is unlikely that any designer will make clothes that fit your exact measurements, so select clothes that fit your largest measurement and then get your clothes altered to fit you perfectly.
For example, if your hips are your largest measurement (me!), choose the clothing that fits your hips well and then size the garment down on the waist and bust. It is easier for the tailor to size down an item of clothing than to expand it to a larger size.
"But my hips are 3 times bigger than the rest of my body", I hear you saying, "I don't want to get a dress three sizes bigger"! It's ok! You will get the dress altered. Remember dress sizes are just numbers, nothing more.
Got your measurements? Keep it real! And check out what's next . . .
Next we will discuss the confusing area of body types. Apple, pear, banana, hourglass, what does it all mean?
Happy Measuring Glam Girls!
P.S. If you have any burning style questions, let us know on Facebook. It may be answered in a future column.
Embed This Image On Your Site (copy code below):
<p><strong>Please include attribution to glamournotes.webnode.com with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='https://glamournotes.webnode.com/infographics-take-your-measurements-accurately/'><img src='https://glamournotes.webnode.com/_files/200000076-e2dc2e3d53/GlamourShowcaseKenya%20Infographic.png' alt='Glamour Showcase Kenya-Take Your Clothes Measurements Accurately' width='100%' border='0' /></a></p>