Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
Which Style of White Shirt Has the Most Appeal to You?

What is the right white shirt for you?

How do you find the white shirt that is most flattering and appropriate for your body and that best expresses your style?  There are many different elements to the design and style of a white shirt.  To wade through them, you must first know the kind of situations where you would be wearing the white shirt.  Next, take your body type into account to find the style that suits you best.  Finally, consider the details on the garment itself.

The Design Elements:

• The collar, in particular, should be proportionate to your body and face. Think about the size of the collar in relation to your facial features and shoulders, the width of the collar compared to your jawline and neck length. In general, a square face can wear a wider collar, and an oblong face works better with a narrow collar. In terms of style, the more angular the collar shape, the more dramatic it will be; the softer the shape, the more feminine the style will be.
• Sleeves are an important design element, especially now. A sleeve with a bit of volume at the shoulder can create added stature, but too much volume can make you look like a football player or simply cartoonish. Extra volume at the bottom of the sleeve will add width to the hips – good for someone with narrow hips, but too much, perhaps, for a fuller- hipped individual. You should also consider the length of the sleeve, as it can affect the garment’s wearability.
• The simpler the design, the more versatile the garment will be in your wardrobe. Extra “stuff” can also be distracting, so think carefully about all those ruffles, puffs, pockets, buttons, and bows. They may be cute, fun, or trendy, but how practical will they be for your wardrobe?
• Ruching, where the material is gathered together to create a rippled effect, is generally an amazing design element used to hide unflattering curves. Occasionally, however, ruching can work against you, so try the shirt on before you purchase it, or at least before wearing it to a must-look-great occasion!
• Check the seams and darts on a garment; the more there are, the more fitted it will be. If you want an easier fit, go for less construction. For a snug shape, choose a garment with more structure. Vertical seams tend to be more flattering than horizontal ones. Be careful of darts: if they fall at the correct curves on your body they are terrific, but if they fall at the wrong place they will make you appear awkward.

There are many elements to consider when choosing a white shirt.  The right one will be the most useful garment in your wardrobe; the wrong one can pull your style down.  If your wardrobe lacks a great white shirt, but you are feeling overwhelmed, think about getting professional advice – it can really help.

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
How do you care for your white shirt?

Sometimes caring for your white shirts can seem very high maintenance. If you take them to the dry cleaners, they eventually turn yellow, but they never seem to retain their crispness when washed at home!

• Use a bleach pen on any small stain that lands on your white shirts.
• Apply Scotchguard on areas that discolor such as cuffs and collars to allow a few more wears between washings. You don’t want to launder your shirts too frequently.
• Wash the shirts on a cold/gentle cycle in a lingerie bag.
• Air-dry your shirts on a hanger. DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER!
• Yes, you will have to iron them, but they will look fabulous. A steamer is another helpful tool and a great alternative to the iron.

Please don’t avoid having this essential piece in your wardrobe just because you don’t know how to care for it. It’s really not that difficult. Go on – give it a try!

The Dress is a wonderful, easy piece to add to your winter wardrobe, especially for the Holiday season.

The dress is so easy! It is the core of a pulled together look. The right dress will make a woman look great and feel terrific every time she puts the dress on.

The dress is also amazingly diverse. It can be dressed up with evening accessories, turned business under a suit Jacket and pumps and play on the weekend with boots and a boyfriend sweater. A great dress will stand alone for a great look or work with other pieces as part of an ensemble.

Use the dress in a look that suits your style best to create a great style.

• For a classic look, try a structured dress with a patent leather belt and shoes!
• Layers are a very fashion forward and great to keep the chill off. Try layering luxurious pieces over luxurious pieces like a beaded cashmere cardigan over a velvet or satin dress.

To create a festive feel with your Holiday Dress, Look for details that have a Special quality to them:

• Sparkle is a fun way to create a holiday feel to your clothing. The trick is to not over do the sparkle Rich fabrics like velvet, satin, or or even paten and metallic leather have a “special” air to them.
• A bit of lace is feminine and has a dressy look that works well with black satin or a metallic, and can be easily winterized with opaque tights and knits.
• Nothing says the winter holiday traditions more than red plaid or candy cane stripes. But beware, these are bold looks, so treat them with care and use these festive prints in moderation. For a more updated look try this year’s winter florals in red.

Trends for this Season:

Winter Florals, Purple, Brights, Black & White, metallic, velvet, brocade, Embellished Necklines, Bubble Hemlines

Please visit my website for top tips and style recommendations that will help you select the best outfits for this holiday season.