By: Beth Price

When was the last time you received a compliment? Did you shrug it off and forget it quickly? You’re not alone. These days it seems we find it difficult to accept a compliment and focus on the positives. But if a partner or friend says something not so complimentary, even in jest, we take it to heart and add it to the list of things we don’t like about ourselves. A decent amount of modesty can easily escalate and become a worrying lack of self esteem.

As an image consultant, I see tall women who wish they were shorter, petit women who wish they were taller, curvy ladies who wish they could get rid of their curves and straighter girls who wish they had more! When a client comes for a style consultation, the hardest question I can ask her is, "What do you like about your body?" She will start reeling off a long list of dislikes and I usually have to put her in front of the mirror and show her the positives. If you have difficulty standing in front of the mirror and paying yourself a compliment then it's definitely time to treat yourself to a style consultation.

Some of the women I see are even contemplating surgery until they see how a style consultation can help them make the most of their bodies. An image consultant can show you how to make your body look taller, shorter, more or less curvy. At a style consultation you will find out which body shape you are and how to dress your body to its best advantage. You will learn how to focus on the positives rather than the negatives and build your body confidence.

The neat hourglasses will learn how versatile their body is. They can wear almost anything but must be careful not to swamp their perfect figure in bulky or baggy items.

The full hourglasses will learn to love their curves and show them off in soft and stretchy fabrics. Bias cut styles and low necklines work fantastically.

The triangles have a curvy lower half but will be smaller on the top half. They just need to learn how to layer the top half to balance the bottom. They need to keep all the detail to the top half whether it's accessories, patterns, frills or pockets.

The inverted triangles have broad shoulders and slim hips. Their bodies are straight and neat. They look great in halternecks, stiff fabrics and sharp tailoring. They wear pinstripes beautifully and need to keep detail to the bottom half.

The lean columns are long and lean and have very few curves. In a style consultation they will learn how to use detail across the bust and hip area and how to use texture to add interest to the body. For many people it is difficult to imagine that anyone can feel too thin, but the lean column sometimes feels long and lanky and a little masculine. A style consultation will help her appreciate her long limbs and create a more curvy shape.

The rectangle is again a straight body-line which suits tailored clothes and uncluttered looks. Trousers with pocket detail are great as are tailored waisted jackets and blouses. This woman looks fantastic in jeans. The rectangle needs to avoid soft, floppy clothes and belts around her middle.

The round woman will often feel that she is fat and her tummy will be her problem area. But she will usually have slim elegant legs. If she chooses clothes that hang from the shoulders like tunics and trapeze tops with wide-leg trousers her look will be balanced. Her detail needs to be in the top or bottom third of her body. She is often a bag and shoes girl and they will help her achieve a great look.

As women, it’s time we realised that style is not a particular shape or size. When we know how to dress well we can all be stylish and more confident with our bodies.

Beth Price is a senior image consultant with ColourMeBeautiful. To find out more about the styles that flatter your bodyshape why not book a style consultation or treat yourself to a copy of Colour Me Confident, by ColourMeBeautiful.

Article Source: www.BiGGooRoo.com

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