Waist not Want not....

Why is it that as women we are fixated on the size of our waists? Our Victorian ancestors were forced to wear corsets, our grandmothers wore girdles, we do pilates, take Crossfit classes, etc..but the reality is that the location of your waist is much more important than the circumference of your waist.

Not sure where your waist is? You're not alone...try this test: Stand up straight with your arms at your sides, palms facing back. Bend your elbows and bring your arms up to a 90 degree angle (parallel to the floor) pressing your elbows into your sides. Now, is your natural waist even with your elbows, above your elbows, or below your elbows?
If your waist is below your elbows then you are considered long-waisted, above your elbows and you are short-waisted, and even with the elbows you are conventional waisted.

Style tips:Short waisted- You want to visually elongate the space between your shoulders and your waist. Stay away from wide belts, opt for narrow belts. Wear pants that sit slightly below the waist or even lower if you dare. Also, try v-necklines and wearing long necklaces that draw the eye down and create the illusion of length.

Long-waisted- You want to create the illusion of less space between your shoulders and waist at the same time increasing your leg length. Try wearing garments with an empire waist, or wide belts. In addition, it is extremely important to visually increase your leg lenght. Your best bet is to wear long pants and the highest heel you can stand! Also, be sure your pants are falling to the bottom of that heel, creating a long sleek line.

Conventional waist- The trick is to maintain the balance between neck and waist and waist to floor. If you have a large bust, and a small waist, this balance becomes very delicate. Try to minimize your bust by wearing v-necks and slim belts.

Style Mavens, the key to dressing your best is to dress the body you have, not the body you wish you had!