Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

What are the different styles?

The white shirt is not only a classic piece for your wardrobe, it is an anchor that many looks can be built around, plus it has the versatility to work with almost anything else in the closet.  The right white blouse can also be incredibly flattering to your silhouette.  It’s just a matter of finding the white shirt that is right for you.

There are many different styles out there and each one is going to work for a different body and style personality.  But nothing says style like a great White Shirt.  Be sure to watch for three upcoming chapters on “The White Shirt – a Staple.”

Crisp  Clean Classic  Chic

Theory	T Tahari
Kenneth Cole New York	Ravel Wrap
Splendid Pullover Tunic	Finely “Laurent”
XCVI Wearables	ECI Ruffle

The white shirt has become such an important garment that there are now many styles to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for you!

• There is the classic menswear-inspired shirt; which can go from something very fitted with well-placed darts and seams, to something more relaxed. This blouse is structured and collared. It suits a person with a more conventional style, but is also the most diverse type of white shirt. The range of fit and design varies greatly with this classic shirt, so you still must be selective to find the right one for you. There are some beautiful classic white shirts out there now, so well designed and constructed that they can be worn as a jacket (a welcome alternative in warmer weather).
• The tunic is longer at the hem and designed to be worn out so it flows. It can still look tailored, but is generally more casual in feel and works well for someone with a dramatic or creative style. The tunic may be constructed with a variety of fabrics, including jersey and lace, and is often used as an easy throw-over-anything piece. It is considered a comfortable and stylish garment. The tunic travels well, especially if it is made of low-maintenance material. A structured tunic also works well as a jacket alternative over a colorful tank or T.
• The wrap is another popular style of white shirt. It is body conscious and usually very flattering. Sometimes this style can be a bit too revealing, so make sure it falls across your bust line appropriately. The wrap appeals to the woman with an alluring or elegant style. The wrap style is often found in dressier materials that are appropriate for evening wear and creates a sophisticated cocktail look when paired with dress slacks or an evening skirt. The wrap blouse can also create a business impression when properly fastened or worn with a camisole underneath, and is terrific with the right suit. Another take on the wrap-style white shirt is the cinched blouse, which emphasizes the waist with a belt and is a great addition to the professional wardrobe.

Keep in mind that all three of these styles vary tremendously with different collars, sleeve lengths, cuffs, hem details, and closures.  This is a lot to think about, so if you feel overwhelmed, you may want to get a professional to help you.

Contributed by Bianca Stark-Falcone

The appearance of your clothes and how they look on you can only be as good as the foundation pieces that give them support from underneath. Remember that your underwear provides the foundations for your outerwear and so you need to think about which undergarment is appropriate for what you are wearing. This might sound a bit over the top, but it is easy to underestimate how much your figure, the way your clothes look and the way you feel about yourself can be transformed by the right undergarment.

What happens underneath the dress makes a dramatic effect on how the dress appears to others! Imagine that perfect outfit: a beautiful pair of trousers, perhaps with a gorgeous silk sweater, but lumps and bumps and bulging lines appear where they shouldn’t.

What should sit underneath your beautiful clothes are smooth beautiful curves. The wrong undergarments, even on a perfect body, can make the clothes lying over them look awkward. The right undergarments, however, even on a body that is, maybe not so perfect, can make those clothes look amazing. Let’s face it, very few of us think that we have a perfect body. We all can use a little extra help to look our best.

Always start with a good foundation

The correct bra can make you look ten years younger, producing the same effect as surgery for thousands of dollars less. The right underwear will create a smooth, often supportive surface for your rear while shape wear can smooth, flatten, tone and even reduce you a size! You will look and feel your best when your clothes fit your body right, but your clothes will only look as good as the undergarments allow them to look. A good foundation will make you feel your best. It will help you feel confident, sexy, and even more capable.

Common bra fit problems:

* Back of the bra rides up
* Shoulder straps dig in
* Breasts Bulge out of cup
* Wire Stands away at the front of the bra
* Bra moves when arms are raised

Visit my website for more tips and suggestions on improving your foundational pieces.

Standing above the rest; A Professional Image can make the difference
By Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

In these times of economic uncertainty many people have flooded the job market. Employers are interviewing more people than ever and the competition for the best positions is fierce. Are you doing everything to make sure you stand out? Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer no, or are not sure of even one of these, it is probably time to give me a call. I can quickly evaluate your image, to make sure it is professional.

• Does your style help prospective employers take you seriously and know that you will deliver high-quality results?

• Does your style help you easily establish a professional rapport with decision-makers?

• Does your style communicate assurance?

• Does your style speak professionalism and attention to detail?

• Does your image tell a prospective employer that you will do better than the other people they are interviewing?

If you answered even one “no” or if you feel you have to ask someone else’s opinion, then it’s time to invest in your style with IDMI at imagesellsyou.com