Body Image and the Goldilocks Syndrome

| Monday November 17, 2008

It's easy for today's woman to feel overwhelmed by a fashion industry that deems us too fat, too skinny but rarely just right. In a media obsessed world where starvation is both raged against and publicly revered, it's hard to know which fashion dos and don't s to follow. While it is important to feel great in the skin we're given, it is often easier said than done. Here are a few ways any woman can feel great in styles taken straight off the runway without having a super model's body.

Do Accentuate the Positive
Never underestimate the power of great hands, feet and hair. Find your strengths and draw attention to that area. While you may have a handful of great features, stick to one main area to avoid overdoing it. Overdone eyes are easily upstaged by ruby red lips or a stunningly chic hair cut.

Do Wear Your Size
Wearing baggy clothes is not slimming, instead, it creates extra pounds. Likewise, tight fitting blouses will not grow breasts, rather, they minimize what you have. Interestingly, many women do not even know their size. One on line site, My Shape (www.myshape.com), actually allows customers to enter their measurements for a customized look at styles tailored to their shape.

Do Go With What's in Fashion
Pick aspects from the runway and mix them with your style. Think of designer maternity clothes which take aspects of the season's must-haves and alters them for the pregnant body. Curvy fashionistas can modify their favorite looks from Milan to fit their curves. The billowy look of Carolina Herrera can be achieved by focusing on one area instead of a full dress of ruffles. A simple ruffle on the skirt or on the front of a blouse can create her signature romantic look.

Do Stay in the Lines
The lines of your shape, that is. Whether you 're a solid hour glass or pencil, it is important to accentuate your shape by modifying your outfits to make the most of what you have. When an A-cup keeps you away from strapless tops, a simple, and even sexy, sweater or snug can pull the outfit together leaving you feeling more comfortable and confident.

Do Your Own Thing
Go big. Many of the well known plus-size models are known for doing their own thing. In plus-size model, Emme's, book "Life's Little Emergencies: Everyday Rescue for Beauty, Fashion, Relationships, and Life" she admits that confidence is the key to many body image issues. Confidence is what makes a simple pair of jeans and t-shirt look fabulous on some women regardless of their size. Wear what you love and you'll find your style is just right.

by Vivian Nelson-Melle

1 Comment

on November 20, 2008 artist 7,013 said:

Remember that the reason why the "ideal" figure in the fashion industry is what it is because there was a standard size that was created years ago. Yes we can argue that the ideal woman figure has changed -- from Marilyn Monroe to Twiggy but what still remains is that mannequin or croquois in which the designer dress was created for. It's not meant to make woman feel poorly about themselves; it's the size that the designers chose to make their clothing for.

Try to only think of the styles/trends worn by the models, instead of thinking that you have to fit into that entire outfit. There is no one size fits all, we were all created uniquely. Everyone has something that works for them that won't work for the next woman. See only the trends as inspiration.... and try to ignore the sample size. Fashion is all about confidence... anything worn by you looks better when you feel good about yourself and stay positive!