Want to go retro but not sure how you’d look? Here are a few tips on some classic design features of retro and vintage clothing and what they do to different figure types. You will feel confident if you dress to accentuate your best features and not emphasize anything that makes you feel insecure.
High waists There are many advantages of the high waist. They can balance the figure of women with longer waists or give waist definition to women whose figure is more “straight up and down”. Dresses and skirts that sit on or above the waist give the illusion of longer legs.
Pencil skirts Pencil skirts look fabulous on a prominent backside - especially those with an hourglass shape.
A-line dresses and skirts A-line dresses and skirts are great for balancing out pear shaped figures. They are also much more flattering than a fitted skirt for thicker legs.
Full Skirts (Circle and Swing) Great for short legs as long if the hem sits just below the knee. These skirts look fabulous on women whose figures are more straight up and down.
Wrap tops and dress One of the more universally flattering design features, they can give a more hourglass silhouette to women who want more waist definition. They also look great on a bona fide hourglass figure. Wrap dresses and tops are very flattering on larger busts and fuller stomachs.
Camisoles Camisoles and sleeveless are pretty flattering on pear shaped figures who usually have the advantage of pretty arms.
Necklines for tops and dresses Sweetheart necklines are a great shape for fuller busts, as are V-necks and lower necklines in general. Higher necklines, like boat neck and off the shoulder tops, can help balance a pear shaped figure and look good on small busts. Halter necks are also great for more petite busts. Deep-plunging v-necks are great for women who want their waist to look narrower. They also elongate the neck. Narrow collars compliment women with fuller busts. Broad or oversize collars or lapels can create volume for women with more petite busts.
Capri’s Get the ratio right to the length of your leg versus the length of your pant. Capri’s that cut off just under the knee are the most flattering length for shorter legs. Women with longer legs can wear longer ones that hit mid calf or above the ankle. Capri’s look fabulous on hourglass figures.
Wide Leg (Flared) Trousers The classic 1940’s look, flared trousers that graze the ground worn with heels or wedges can add inches to your legs. It helps balance shorter legs and/or long torsos. If they are flat fronted with a side or back zip then they can give a boost to the confidence of women who aren’t comfortable with a protruding stomach.
This dress is extremely cool - and it is one of the most comfortable dresses around! Made by Pinup Couture (aka Pinupgirl Clothing) the top is structured so most women do not have to wear a bra. I am a "c cup" and have jumped up and down in front of a mirror with this dress on and my chest has barely moved. It is an intense relief to get out fully supported with no underwire or bra straps moving about. The gathering across the front means that you can get away with a bit of a pot belly if you've got one and the slit is all about room to move not showing leg. Every woman should have a dress that does this much for them. Pictured here in olive, it also comes in a rich burgundy. ***TIP*** I am normally a medium in this brand but this dress runs a tad small and I prefer a large in this style (mainly for the draping across the belly to look its best)
