adminThe relationship between fashion and women’s bodies is a hotly debated topic. International glossies and runways usher in the trends of the new season, informing and inspiring women, the world-over, on how to update their wardrobes. However, questions are raised as to whom this message is directed to, particularly because the representation of women in Fashion is biased to a particularly waif-like, seemingly European ideal. In 2006, the death of Brazilian teenage model Ana Carolina Reston, due to complication arising from anorexia caused an outcry, weighted by some industry heavyweights like British Vogue’s, Alexandra Shulman, who voiced her worries about models with “jutting bones and no breasts or hips.”
However, the majority of the industry shrugged and went back to business as usual. The debate continues, but little improvement is seen on the store racks, which often exclude regular and plus-sized women from their offering.
The most resounding complaint amongst local women is that they do not feel that their bodies are catered for in the retail market.
“Universal clothes sizes and concepts of body proportion fail dismally to take our very real, very normal, body shapes and sizes,” one woman said.
Another added to this exclaiming that most people still do not understand that one can be big and beautiful and that it is unrealistic to think of all women as skinny.
Unlike the models, ordinary women are not worried about carrying more weight on their bodies.
On the contrary those naturally slim ladies who are straight, and without curves, are more concerned about accentuating and enhancing their figures.
The typical figure of a Zimbabwean woman is bottom heavy with some having big tummies and large busts. So we will look at how this figure can dress up in all its variations.
If you have large hips and a small bust then you are pear shaped. So you will want to enhance your top half by wearing blouses with frills and bows or V-neck or scooped tops. In the dress department, A-line or flowing maxi dresses that skim the body, look good.
Long tops or cardigans also look great with a good pair of slim-line jeans or leggings to soften the curve of hips and bum, and wide, straight-legged trousers will hide heavy legs.
Avoid elaborate back pockets at all cost and if you want to wear fitted skirts or trousers, it’s best to get them specially tailored to your curves so that the fit is forgiving not forced.
Some women have the bottom curves, a slim waistline and a curvy bosom.
This is an hourglass figure. Hour-glass figures are a dream but can be a nightmare to dress.
Your curves are in all the right places but one wrong move in shapeless, baggy pieces, and you will end up with a tent-like effect.
Show off your curves in shapely dresses with a cinched waist or go for fitted tops paired with skinny pencil skirts and trousers.
Jersey materials, cottons or anything with a natural stretch skim your curves so they don’t look like they were squeezed into your clothing, another common mistake that women often make.
If you are straight and skinny then dressing to look like a woman can be tricky.
Create the illusion of curves by adding volume through your clothing. On the top half wear ruffles, puffed sleeves and embellishment and flirty tutus or ruffle dresses and skirts for the bottom half. Cinch the look with a wide waist belt and suddenly you have a waist!
All women must carefully consider how to dress for their shape. The key is being honest with yourself and accepting the things you cannot change about your body. Confidence and knowing what suits you are what matters when it comes to style.
Online Reporter