New Day Your Way

Fashion to Suit You

Flipping through magazines, do you feel like today's trends are beyond you? Just because you're a real woman and not a walking hanger doesn't mean you can't be stylish too. Style guru and image consultant, Colleen Abrie, walks us through the big must-haves this season and how to make them suit you.

The Dress

If you think dresses are difficult to wear, just wait until you experience one-piece dressing. You'll be amazed-and

converted, because it's flattering and hassle-free for the woman on the go. You'll be surprised how many doors open for you when you're dressed this way.

How to Wear It

A-line shapes hide a multitude of sins. They camouflage full mid-sections, full bottoms and thighs, or add volume to very slender figure types. Pair with platform sandals or lady-like ballet flats.
Baby-doll shapes are great for a full tummy, hips and thighs but especially great for gals who have short waists. The Empire waistline elongates the middle of your torso and distracts the eye from your mid-section.
Wrap dresses are great for hourglass shapes-look for those without too much print, as solids are always more flattering.
The now-timeless sheath dress makes a come back. The best fit will be on the rectangle or inverted-triangle figure type. Curvy girls can wear this style if the fabric is not too stiff.
The classic sundress revives in feminine prints and colors, a perfect choice for weekends or casual work environments.

Shorts and Capris

These spring style icons return-with the greatest potential for fashion risk: they are cute and can be comfy, but watch how you wear them, as they can lead to some unflattering looks.

How to Wear It

Short-shorts are for ultra blessed women with amazing legs, as well as women who are celebrating reaching the legal drinking age. All others should get age-appropriate and bring those hemlines down. Walking shorts can be chic with platform sandals, a button blouse layered under a T-shirt, and some fun jewelry.
If you have any extra weight on your legs, you're better off skipping shorts all together. Instead, opt for the day-dress or a fun skirt. You'll stay cool during the heat waves and look hip, too.
Capris are not just for tall people. They can make you look thinner, longer and, ultimately, sleek. The trick is to match your skin to the pants so that there is minimal or no contrast.

San Francisco Bay Area style guru, Colleen Abrie, is the "go-to" image enhancer, with a sharp and experienced eye for re-imaging men and women of all shapes and sizes.

Fair skin: keep the color of the pants light or medium.
Medium skin: keep the color of the pants medium.
Dark skin: keep the color of the pants dark.

Color

A crucial aspect of your wardrobe, the color story for spring brings back staples such as black, white, navy, beige and gray. Add color to the palette with touches of vivid coral, cobalt blue and bright yellow. Metallic fabrics in silver and gold are strong for evening.

How to Wear It

White is clean and crisp but it's also unforgiving and reveals all. Check your rear view: if you have any dimpling, size up. If that doesn't work, do white in a skirt or a dress and skip the pants.
Remember, bright or light colors can make your body appear larger, so apply the rule of strategic placement.
Beige, grey and neutral tones can be elegant worn head-to-toe, but be sure to brighten your outfits with interesting jewelry or a colored handbag or shoes-it's spring, after all, so time to lighten up!
Metallic fabric clothing can be glamorous for evening, but skip it for daytime unless you work in a cocktail lounge, hair salon or other artistic environment. Remember, too, that metallics can make the body appear larger so you can always save them for accessories.

Dress Your Best, Even When You're in Between Weights

by TV style expert, Sarah Shirley

Keeping up your appearance while you are in the process of losing weight will only help you reach your goal faster. This means no wearing sweats and baggy clothes: instead, opt for pants with a true waist as a reminder that you are still working on your goal.
Once a piece of clothing is too big for you don't keep it-throw it out. Remove anything from your closet that may help make it convenient to get big again. If you really love something, decide if it's worth altering to make it fit the new you.
Dress in one color head to toe: muted tones like grey, khaki and especially black-yes, at last black is the new black this season!
Accessorize: jazz up your in-between clothes-think about getting a great accessory like funky platform shoes in patent red, black or blue; a beautiful, big hand bag; or a glamorous, long pair of earrings. As you continue to lose weight and your clothes are too big for you, your accessories will always fit, which makes them a good investment.
Make sure your clothes are comfortable and make you feel good. If something does not make you feel 100%, get rid of it-anything that's too tight, itchy, or makes you feel self-conscience should not be in your wardrobe.
Every 5-10 lbs you lose deserves a new pair of jeans-but make sure you get rid of the old pair!