Flatter Your Figure

  Plaid returns almost every fall. It's no exception this fall, when red is the it color. Why not pick a red plaid print then? Red plaid is more flattering than solid red in a number of ways. First, plaid divides the horizontal view and can therefore optically trim your body. Secondly, solid red may make your lips look not red enough by contrast, but red plaid won't have that undesired effect. Thirdly, plaid is preppy, and preppy equals youthful. The list can go on. I'll just stop here. Happy shopping!

  Polka dots have never really been out of fashion, and they are particularly trendy this fall. So, it's time to invest in a polka dot blouse. When it comes to polka dots, the bigger they are, the slimmer they will make you look. However, huge polka dots may look too exaggerated. Those about the size of US quarter dollar coins should be big enough, as shown in my photo. Why not choose a polka dot blouse with a blue background like mine? Then you can pair it with a blue denim midi skirt, which is currently in style and can always work easily as a transitional piece from late summer to early fall.  This year's denim skirts are generally low-rise, so it's not a good idea to tuck in your blouse. Fortunately, peplum tops are popular at the same time, providing coverage for those of us who prefer not to bare our midriffs. Even if your polka dot blouse doesn't come with a peplum, you can belt it and make it appear like a peplum top. A wide belt, especially a corset belt, will ...