The Basic Wardrobe

Fashion Finesse
Guidelines in avoiding mistakes in developing your personal style:
1. Always aim for appropriateness.
The best rule is always to dress within the bounds of classic good taste.
A sense of propriety, dictated by the occasion and the company, is necessary.
Good materials and lines embellished with elegance rather than
flamboyance or modish extremes are the unfailing guidelines that will
ensure you comfort and ease. Appropriateness is determined by a number of
factors, and can change dramatically from situation to situation. Outside or
indoors, mixed ages or peers, geography, building, event, and the weather
can affect ones mode of dressing.
2. Fashion is serious.
What you wear reveals a significant message about you and your
world. Even if you do not care about clothes per se, they communicate much
about your attitudes towards the occasion, your company, and yourself. In
the morning you make a decision about what to wear to which others respond
all day long. Think of your clothes as the most communicative factor after
your face and eyes personal style is how you send nonverbal messages.
3. Dress for others, as well as for your own image.
No one wants to fade into the woodwork; it is nice sometimes to lead
the pack, and quite naturally you want your clothing to communicate that
you belong. Your goal is a wardrobe of clothes that are right for your body,
your personality, your environment and the specific occasion.
The first step in learning who you really are is to take a good look at yourself
and what you do. Decide in which general category of style you feel most
comfortable in. Whether its sporty, tailored, romantic, or sophisticated, always
remember that your choice is not static and does not forbid crossing over for variety
and experimentation.
In creating your own personal style, ask yourself the following questions:
Has my body size, weight, height, proportion changed?
Has my lifestyle changed?
Has my attitude changed?
Have my friends, school, or workplace changed?
What amount of time do I have to devote to the upkeep of my
wardrobe?
What are my monetary limitations?
What impressions do I want to make?
Do I want to make any changes in my current style?
How can I express my adaptation of the seasons trends without
sacrificing my fashion statement?
Is there a role, or roles, I would enjoy acting out through dressing as I
seek to discover varied facets of my nature?
First Impression

the instant judgment people form when they meet you (on a subconscious
level)
on a visual level and crystallizes even before you open your mouth
ninety percent of which is composed of your clothing, and the rest is formed
when you utter your first sentence

How is your first impression formed?

The following are the factors that help the viewer form the first impression:
1. Economic level
o Is he rich or poor?
o Is he working or unemployed?
2. Educational level
o Is he a high school or college graduate?
o Is he an attorney or a doctor?
3. Social position
o Does he live in one of the villages?
o Does he belong to the upper socio-economic level or the lower level?
4. Level of sophistication
o Is he the party-hopping type, the social register type?
o Is he the provinciano type?
5. Family background
o What is his social, educational, and economic heritage?
o What is the position of the family in the community?
o Are they known by their family names or not?
6. Successfulness
o Is he successful?
o Does he have a car, a house and lot?
o Is he important in his company?
o Is he known by his business associates and peers?
7. Moral character
o Does he look honest?
o Is he the type who will put one over others?
o Will he cheat me?
ASSEMBLING A BASIC WARDROBE
1. Clean up your closet
2. Know your figure
3. Shop wisely and well
Shopping Traps to Avoid
1. Think twice before shopping with a friend. A friend is a distraction and
may keep you from focusing on what you came for.
2. A friends taste and aims may be different from yours.
3. A friend may choose clothes which he/she would choose for
himself/herself, but not appropriate for you.
4. Avoid shopping out of loneliness. Bake a cake or take up some sport
instead. Shopping for the wrong reasons bring out wrong results.

5. Dont shop for bargains. Dont judge a merchandise by its price tag.
LINES IN CLOTHES
1. The Vertical Line
o The line which runs lengthwise from head to toe
o Creates an illusion of height
o Makes a person look taller
o Ideal for the plump person
2. The Horizontal Line
o The line cutting across from side to side
o Cuts height and adds width
COLORS
The first principle in decorating yourself is understanding not only what colors are
right for you, but which shades you should wear.
Your Color Spectrum

1. Primary Colors
a. Red
b. Blue
c. Yellow
2. Secondary Colors
a. Green
b. Violet
c. Orange
3. Tertiary Colors
a. Blue-Violet
b. Violet-Red

c.
d.
e.
f.

Red-Orange
Yellow-Green
Orange-Yellow
Blue-Green

Types of Color Combinations

1. Monochromatic
This color combination results in the use of same color, but different
shades. An example of this is brown, light brown, and beige.
2. Complementary
This results in the use of two colors, opposite each other in the color
wheel. Examples are red and green, blue and yellow, etc.
3. Analogous
This combination uses two colors beside or adjacent to each other in
the color wheel. Examples are blue and green, green and blue green, etc.
4. Triadic
This combination is made up of three colors that form an equidistant
triangle on the color wheel. These are purple, green and orange; red, blue,
yellow; etc.
Your Best Colors
1. Beige
o Your best beige is the color of your skin. Match it exactly.
2. Brown
o Your best brown is your hair color.
3. Gray
o If you have reached the gray-hair stage of your life, your best gray is
the color of your gray hair. Avoid ray that looks muddy or dull when
placed next to your skin.
4. White or Off-Whites
o Your best white should not be whiter or brighter than your teeth.
People with brown-beige skin look good in brownish off-whites. Almost
everyone should avoid grayish whites.
5. Red
o Your best shade of red is your bodys natural blood color. It is the color
you turn when you blush or flush. You can see it on the palms of your
hands, and the inside of your lower lip.
6. Blue
o If blue is your eye color, match it. If it isnt in your eyes, it is a
complementary color for you.
7. Green
o Just like blue, the green of your eye color is your best green. The best
green is one with a clear tone or closest to a jade or emerald green.
Yellow-greens are harder to wear.
8. Yellow

Most people have yellow in their eyes. The best yellow to use is one
that is not too bright for your coloring. The hardest to use are lemon
yellow and mustard gold.

9. Black
o Some look good in pure black. Others, the best shade would be a
brown black or blue black. If your hair is black, black will be a very
effective color for you.
10.Navy
o Navys can be nautical blue, bright navy, or royal navy. Your best navy
color is determined by noting what it does to your skin tone. If it dulls
it, avoid it.
Meanings of the Different Colors
1. RED
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war,
danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.
Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism,
increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high
visibility, which is why stop signs, the stop light, and fir equipment are usually
painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in
many national flags. Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as
an accent color to estimate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect
color for Buy Now or Click Here buttons on internet banners and websites.
In advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails,
red light districts, Lady in Red, etc.). Red is widely used to indicate danger
(high voltage signs, traffic lights). This color is also commonly associated
with energy so you can use it when promoting energy drinks, games, cars,
items related to sports and highly physical activities.
Shades of Red:
a. Light Red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity, and love
b. Pink signifies romance, love and friendship; denotes feminine qualities
and passiveness
c. Dark Red associated with vigor, will-power, rage, anger, leadership,
courage, longing malice and wrath
d. Brown suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities
e. Reddish Brown associated with harvest and fall
2. ORANGE
Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It is
associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Range represents enthusiasm,
fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success,
encouragement, and stimulation. To the human eye, orange is a very hot
color, so it gives the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as
aggressive as red. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an
invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted
among young people. As a citrus color, orange is associated with healthy
food and stimulates appetite. Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In
heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength and endurance.

Orange has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch attention and
highlight the most important elements of your design. Orange is very
effective for promoting food products and toys.
Shades of Orange:
a. Dark Orange can mean deceit and distrust
b. Red Orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure, domination,
aggression, and thirst for action
c. Gold evokes the feeling of prestige; it means illumination, wisdom, and
wealth; often symbolizes high quality
3. YELLOW
Yellow is the color of sunshine. It is associated with joy, happiness,
intellect, and energy.
Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses
cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy.
Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention
getter, which is the reason why taxicabs are painted this color. When
overused, yellow is known to have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies
cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed
against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry,
yellow often indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was
connected with cowardice. Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings.
You can choose yellow to promote childrens products and items related to
leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight
the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as
a very lighthearted, childish color, so it is not recommended to use yellow
when selling prestigious, expensive products to men nobody will buy a
yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and
spontaneous color so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and
safety. Light yellow tends to disappear into white so it usually needs a dark
color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they
lose cheerfulness and become dull.
Yellow represents caution, decay,
sickness, and jealousy.
Shades of Yellow:
a. Light Yellow associated with intellect, freshness, and joy
4. GREEN
Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness,
and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark
green is also commonly associated with money. Green has great healing
powers. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision.
Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of
experience; for example a greenhorn is a novice. In heraldry, green
indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the
color of free passage in road traffic. Use green to indicate safety when
advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature,
so you can use it to promote green products. Dull, darker green is
associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.
Shades of Green:
a. Dark Green associated with ambition, green, and jealousy
b. Yellow Green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy
c. Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection
d. Olive Green is the traditional color of peace

5. BLUE
Blue is the color of the sky and the sea. It is associated with depth and
stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith,
truth, and heaven. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It
slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly
associated with tranquility and calmness. Blue is used to symbolize piety and
sincerity. You can use blue to promote products and services related to
cleanliness (water purification filters, cleaning liquids, vodka, etc.), air and
sky (airlines, airports, air conditioners, etc.), and water and the sea (sea
voyages, mineral water, etc.). Blue is a masculine color, and according to
studies, it is highly accepted among males. Avoid using blue when promoting
food and cooking because blue suppresses the appetite. When used together
with warm colors like yellow or red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant
designs. For example, blue-yellow-red is the perfect color scheme for a
superhero.
Shades of Blue:
a. Light Blue associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding,
and softness
b. Dark Blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness
6. PURPLE
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is
associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition.
It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom,
dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic.
According to surveys, almost 75 percent of pre-adolescent children
prefer purple to all other colors. Purple is a very rare color in nature; some
people consider it to be artificial.
Shades of Purple:
a. Light Purple evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings; good choice for a
feminine design
b. Dark Purple evokes gloom and sad feelings; can cause frustration
Investing in Your Wardrobe
1. Know yourself
What items in your wardrobe have you had the most wear out of a
perfect black blazer? A pair of black pants that make you feel thin? The
perfect skirt that you can dress up or down?
How do you spend most of your time? Staying home? Working in the
kitchen? Sitting at a desk? Meeting with clients?
Do you take your clothes to the cleaners or do you wash and iron them
yourself? Do you have your clothes altered to fit you perfectly?
How often do you go out in the evening and where do you usually go?
Pizza and a movie? A cocktail party with clients? Out all night at a club?
How much do you travel and where?
Choose three adjectives to describe yourself. Do they also describe
what you wear?
2. Know your resources
Where do you usually shop? At a mall? At a boutique in your
neighborhood? From catalogues and magazines?

Who makes your favorite suit? Pair of pants? Jeans?

3. Know your body
What is your best physical asset? Long legs? Long neck? A dark or
white complexion? What can you wear that will put the focus where you want
it? A short skirt? An off-the-shoulder top? A shirt in a gorgeous color?
What items of clothing always makes your body look its best? A wellcut suit? Have you ever bought more than one item at a time?
Do you usually wear flats or heels? This will affect the proportion and
shape of the pants and skirts you wear.
Do you want to attract attention with your clothes or look quietly wellput together? How much of your body do you usually reveal?
4. Know about the cost per wear
If price alone is making you flinch, apply the peso-per-wear concept. If
a P100.00 blazer might seem cheap, it may not be a bargain if you wear it
only three times, but a P500.00 blazer is good value if you wear it for three or
more years.
Also ask yourself whether you can really afford a big purchase how
many hours of work would it take to pay it off? If you spend more than 20
percent of your pay check on clothes, you need to think twice.
Factors Affecting Choice of Colors
1. Color of skin, eyes, and hair
The Filipinos kayumanggi complexion looks best in shades of coral,
orange-reds, browns, greenish-blues. If you have a rosy complexion, you will
look well in shades of red and orange tones. Beige with touches of brown is
flattering for you.
2. Personality
Your personality is an important factor in the choice of colors. The
colors should make you feel right. A right, red dress may disturb you if you
are shy and retiring. Ai you are a dynamic person, a delicate pastel may not
look right on you.
3. Occasion
Office clothes should not be as bright as your sports clothes. Evening
clothes should be more dramatic than daytime clothes. As a whole, office
clothes should be more conservative, more subdued than clothes for social
occasions.
Womens Fashion
SKIRTS
Skirts are a working womans chief means of multiplying her wardrobe. She
should have at least one straight style, with a split or pleat.
The A-Line Skirt

This style is small and slim at the waist and hugs perfectly around your waist
and hips and graduates to a fuller bottom, just like the letter A. The length is kneelevel or just below it. This style is perfect for women that have big hips and thighs.
The A shape of the skirt doesnt allow the fabric to cling to the part you want to
conceal.
The Pencil Skirt
This style can be used by every body type but this will look best
on women who have a curvy figure because the slightly tapered
bottom shows off the curve. Just consider the length; it should be
knee-level or above the knees. This style works for both a long
and short waist.

Tube Skirt
It is of a similar fit and style as that of a pencil skirt, but
its longer in length. The length stops at the ankle. This style
is good for women with curves and for women with a wider top
and smaller bottom.
Asymmetrical Skirt
This style has
longer on the other
drawing the angles
your legs, which is
This skirt should fit

an uneven hemline which is usually

side. It creates a line and a curve by
of the body. This style conceals part of
good for women who have heavy thighs.
you right; not too tight and not too loose.

Column Skirt
This style is good in lengthening the body line so this will look
best if you are tall and leggy. Women with a rounded figure and
narrower hips can use this style. It also conceals big ankles and
calves because the length stops at the ankle or just below it.

BLOUSES
Blouses are a great wardrobe staple to have whatever your lifestyle or line of
work. They can upgrade casual pieces, add polish to more formal attire, and can be
worn in a variety of ways. So invest in a few classic blouses. Your wardrobe will be
the better for it. Only a few basic colors are needed to have a variety of uses.

Classic Blouse
The classic v-neck blouse is the most versatile and is generally
flattering to all body types. If you have a short neck, short waist,
large bust, or broad shoulders, opt for simple lines and no
embellishments. If you have sloping shoulders, try styles with
shoulder embellishments like epaulettes and puffy sleeves. If you
have a small bust, look for styles with breast pockets, ruffles, or
shirring.
Surplice Wrap
Another popular style, the surplice wrap is figurefriendly to all but the thinnest and least-endowed. It makes
heavy torsos look thinner, large busts look smaller, short
waists look longer, and long waists look shorter. How? I don't
know - but Diane von Furstenberg has sold millions of her wrap
dresses in the last thirty years because this diagonal line is
flattering to so many bodies. Surplice wraps can look very
elegant under suits or on their own, depending on the fabric.
Ruffled Blouse
Ruffled blouses typically offer ruffles around the neck, along
the buttons, or at the sleeves. Because the ruffles add extra bulk,
they can be very flattering to the boyish or small breasted figure.
Avoid if you're heavy or fully busted, however, as they'll only call
attention to these areas.
Shell
A basic
utilitarian
dressed up or
If you have a
instead of a
make
your

SUITS

shell is a like a dressy t-shirt with its simple,

shape. It works well on most body types and can be
dressed down, depending on what you wear with it.
short neck or large bust, opt for styles with a U-neck
jewel (circular) neck to open up the neck area and
neck look longer.

The Pantsuit

The Skirted Suit

DRESSES
The Column/Sheath Dress
Form fitting dresses that are generally solid colors or one pattern with little or
no embellishments. They can be any length, but typically hit at the thigh or knee.
Body Types:
These dresses are great for hour glass figures. They highlight all the best features
of the hour glass perfectly. They can also be great for pear shaped figures. The
trick for this figure would be to balance the top with the bottom. You can do this by
adding a wrap, or short cardigan to the top. Also look for two toned column and
sheath dresses with a lighter color on the top. The ruler figure could get away with
the same rules as the pear shaped figure, but would look even better with a
different dress style.
The Wrap Dress
The Wrap dress is a dress that wraps around
the body and ties at the side. The neckline is
universally flattering as it is always a V.
Body Types:
This dress is great on ALL body types if you know
what to look for. Hour glass figures need to find
wrap dresses with a natural waist line. This accents
the small waist and curves of this figure type. Pear and Apple Shaped women
should look for wrap dresses with more of an empire waist line (right under the
bust) with a skirt that flows out from the waist to minimize the hips and rear. Ruler
figures look great when the dress has emphasizing details at the top (like flutter or
slightly puffed sleeves) and also a flowing skirt.
The Maxi Dress
The Maxi dress is a long flowing dress with an empire
waistline. These dresses have become extremely popular
lately. They are comfortable and very feminine.
Body Types:
This dress can look fairly good on all body types, but was
made for the ruler figure. This accentuates the long
willowy figure of the ruler type. Apple and pear
figures should find a dress that hits at they're smallest point and flow generously

outward. Hour glass figures can wear this dress well, but it
does little to highlight their shape and can add a few pounds if
the fabric is too flowy. Hour glasses should look for dresses in
this style that have skirts fitting closer to their silhouette.
The Baby Doll Dress
Baby doll dresses are cute, and generally less formal.
Most of these dresses have short or cap sleeves. They can be
paired with a cute short 3/4 sleeve sweater if you are self conscious of your arms.
This style is definitely younger though. Those that are 40+ should proceed with
caution!
Body Types:
Another dress that can be worn by all body types, with the right waist and hem
line. Apple figures should look for an empire waistline with a flowing skirt. The
hem should fall right below the knee. Pear figures need to look for baby doll
dresses with embellishment at the top. Ruching across the bust would be perfect.
The hem line should also fall right at or below the knee. Hour glass figures should
find waistlines that hit at the natural waist. They can get away with a shorter
hemline. Ruler figures would also look fab in this dress. Look for detail at top. The
waist and hemline aren't as strict for this figure. Going to short however will make
you seem younger in this style for any of the body types.
The Suit Dress
A suit dress is a dress with matching jacket. They are great for
the work place, but can also be beautiful at a wedding, graduation, or
luncheon.
Body Types:
Any body type can look great in suit dress. The best body for this
style is the Apple figure. Look for suit dresses that have a jacket
with at least three buttons. The jacket should be very structured and
come in at the waist. Stay away for anything too boxy. Pear figures would look
awesome when the jacket is short and fitted. This can also be great for rulers that
want to add a little bulk. Look for jackets that come in at the natural waist line and
fit close to the body. Hour glass figures should avoid suits with long or boxy
jackets. They can totally over whelm this figure. Close fitting suits with shorter
jackets are also a good choice for you.
The Empire Dress
An Empire dress has an empire waist line and then flows
close to the body and generally down to the ankles or floor.
However, there are many variations of this style with shorter
hemlines.
Body Types:
This is a good style for ruler and pear shaped figures. Both
should look for dresses with embellishment on the top. Pear
shapes need to make sure the fabric isn't too tight across the hips. Apple and

hour glass figures might look for a different style. Hour glass figures could get
away with this style if the dress stays close down the waistline.
The Shift/Trapeze Dress
A shift dress can also be called a Trapeze dress. These dresses fit
tight across the shoulder and the top of the bust and then fall
shapeless to the hem. They can also be called tent dresses. It was
made popular in the 60s.
Body Types:
This dress is another great option for the apple figure. The
flowing fabric is wonderfully forgiving. Pear shapes can also wear
this shape well. Both of these figures should try to find hems at the knee. This could
possibly be a good choice for the ruler figure if the fabric isn't too flowy and fits
right next to the body. If hour glass figures decides to give this fad a try, they will
need to find a thick belt for right at the waist. This style would be extremely
overwhelming for any figure that is petite however.
EVENING WEAR
Different styles and classifications of evening wear suit a wide range of
events, budgets and locales. A semiformal wedding requires a different type of
clothing than the Met Costume Institute Gala, while cocktail dressing encompasses
yet another set of rules. Even a trip past the Mason-Dixon line can reveal a change
in the definition of evening dress. Regardless of how the styles may change,
evening wear still feels special every time a woman slips it on.
Identification
Evening wear is usually marked by more formal fabrics, dramatic silhouettes
and higher cost per garment. Common evening wear fabrics include silk, satin,
velvet, chiffon, georgette and metallic lame. In addition, evening wear ensembles
typically include a pair of special-occasion shoes, a small clutch bag and an
elaborate hairstyle.
Formal dress is widely available, with most leading department stores
housing an evening wear department. In addition, many bridal salons and Internet
stores also carry dressy clothing. However, great evening ensembles can often be
produced from a combination of everyday fashions and fancier pieces.
Types
In the world of women's evening wear, dresses rule the field. For less-formal
occasions, such as drinks or a nice dinner out, a knee-length or shorter cocktail
dress is the best choice. Cocktail dresses also work for a night of dancing or a
semiformal wedding.
Usually, the more formal the event, the longer the dress. For a semiformal
wedding, a dress that falls at or slightly below the knee is suitable, as is a tea-length
dress. Ankle- or full-length dresses are the most formal of all lengths and usually
cost the most. A full-length dress may have a train, or it can have a very full skirt;
depending on the structure, it may require underpinnings, such as a petticoat or
slip. Long dresses are a must at white-tie events, formal weddings, balls and galas.

Cocktail Dress

Tea-Length Dress

Full-Length Dress

The Appropriateness of Evening Suits and Dress Pants

Some women prefer to wear a formal suit or pants outfit as evening wear. In
some instances, this can work; well-cut pants with an embellished top are
appropriate for business formal functions and look very respectable. However, they
may not be the best choice for the most formal of occasions.
Instead of a suit, try what fashion matriarch Carolina Herrera always wears: a
fancy white blouse, combined with a sweeping, floor-length skirt. This look is
elegant and time-tested, gaining popularity back in the 1940s and 1950s. Formal
suits and dress-pants ensembles are best left for church, the theater, dinner parties
and semiformal events.
Considerations
The very definition of evening wear, and the types of clothing appropriate for
that category, has changed drastically. Nowadays, starlets sometimes wear cocktaillike dresses to the Emmys, and maxi-length dresses are popular for the cocktail
hour. In some venues, it's fine to get creative with evening wear. In others, it's not
such a good idea.
Although designers and editors may be styling casual shirts with formal
bottoms in editorial shoots and on the runway, it can be a risky proposition in the
real world. If in doubt, it's always best to stick to an ensemble that's obviously
formal. Being overdressed is better and less embarrassing than arriving
underdressed. No matter what your personal preference is, your attire should be
something that honors the occasion and shows what respect it merits from you.
Mens Fashion
Basic Types of Suits

The American Cut

Best Suit for your Body
Body Type: Tall and Skinny

The Ivy League Suit

The Continental Suit

1. Go for heavier fabric

If youre tall and skinny, get heavier fabrics to add some proportion
and additional weight to your body. Lighter fabrics will hang on your body
like a thin layer and make you look frailer, so look for fabrics like tweed or a
heavier weight worsted wool.
2. Stick with light colors
Lighter colors always make things appear more bulky, so use this to
your advantage. Stay away from vertical stripes (that lengthen) and dark
colors (that are slimming) and choose a lighter color such as khaki or gray.
3. Choose a higher button stance
Three buttons will look more flattering on a tall guy because it has
height and length that is proportional to his body. You can even go with a two
button jacket if youd like but choose one with a button stance thats closer to
your solar plex than your navel.
4. Go for single or no vent
Because most tall and skinny men dont have much of a rear to make
room for, they can either go for no vent or a single vent. Jacket vents were
created to allow better movement and comfort for the wearer as well as
being a stylish touch, but tall and skinny guys would look like they have a
fuller rear if they stuck to the single or no vents on their suit jackets.
5. Look for regular rise pants
Tall guys have long legs, so their pants shouldnt make them seem any
taller. The best way to prevent seeming any taller than you are is to ensure
the pants have a longer rise; the rise of the pants, which is the distance from
the waistband to the crotch, help establish the proportions between the body
and the legs. A regular rise will bring balance and symmetry to your already
long legs and torso.
Body Type: The Bulky Man
1. Wear lightweight fabrics
A man with a fuller frame muscular guys included should find a
fitted suit thats slenderizing. Let soft, worsted wools be your guide when
choosing fabrics because you dont want to add heavy fabrics on top of your
bulky frame.
2. Use dark colors
Every big man has heard that dark colors are slimming. Its even more
true with suits because you automatically wear the same color on top and
bottom, creating a monochromatic outfit that makes you look visually taller
and more slender instead of cutting you in half at the waist and bringing
attention to a belly. Choose dark navy or black for your suits for the best
effect.
3. Make it solid or vertical stripes
Solids work best in creating a slender look.
Loud patterns will
definitely work against you, but if youre looking for something other than
solids then vertical stripes are the way to go. Vertical stripes elongate the
frame, and they also add some chic style to your suit mix. Big guys can also
choose tiny, innocuous patterns for a bolder look, but only if they proceed
with caution.

4. Go for two buttons if you can

The two-button jacket is now the norm and designed to work for all
body types. Added cushion on the torso can mean a disproportionate look in
the jacket. To ensure the best-looking fit in the coat, remember that two
buttons are optimal. As an industry standard, it wont draw attention to your
bulky frame, like the modish impact of a one-button jacket or the slimming
effect of a three-button piece.
5. Stick to single vent jackets
While its doubles on the buttons, bulky guys must keep the inverse in
mind on the vent; specifically, avoid double-vented jackets. Vents, which are
the slits at the back of the jacket, allow more movement. They also attract
the eye, so huskier guys may not want to accentuate their backside. Instead,
go for a single-vent jacket, which will give you the extra room you need minus
the extra attention.
Body Type: The Short Guy
1. Stick with subdued patterns
Avoid suit patterns that are too loud, because it will only draw attention
to your small frame. So avoid patterns like houndstooth, herringbone, glen
urquhart check, windowpane check, etc.
2. Embrace vertical stripes
Vertical stripes are one of the greatest way to create an illusion of
lengthening a short frame. As stripes run top to bottom, they tend to draw
the eye upward and elongate the look of the suit. Thus, it gives the illusion of
making shorter men seem taller than they are.
3. Make it one or two buttons
Choose a jacket with one or two buttons. Whichever you choose is
your choice, but just keep in mind that a lower button stance will also seem
more proportionate to your frame and give you some length.
4. Go for double vents
Double vents emphasize the outside lines of the body so they create a
longer silhouette that complements and lengthens your frame. Its also more
stylish than the single vent so theres nothing to lose here.
5. Look for low rise pants
When it comes to the pants, look for a low rise. The rise is vertical
distance from the waist to the crotch; low-rise pants stretch out the torso,
making you seem taller. They dramatize the proportions of your frame to
look sleeker and longer. In fact, the lower rise of the pants, the longer the
body looks. Also, avoid cuffs on the pants because they will shorten your
legs.
THE BUSINESS SUIT
TERMS OF DRESS
1. CASUAL
2. INFORMAL
3. SEMIFORMAL
4. FORMAL

a. BLACK TIE
b. WHITE TIE