Looking Slim - Rule 9

Continuing a series based around Leah Feldon's 10 Rules for Dressing Slim. It's good to know her Top Ten are all covered in the Personal Style Workshops, so this is just a refresher for you.

Rule 9 Don't Let Your Accessories Bring You Down (part one)

Shoes: If your legs are heavy-ish then beware of square toes and chunky heels, as well as ultra-pointy toes, stiletto heels, and ultra-delicate styles. Avoid wide dark straps across the instep or ankle eg the gladiator sandal. A slight heel gives a much longer leaner line than totally flats ones.

Ensure your shoes make sense with your outfit eg sneakers don't go with a business suit (only on 17yr old models!). Heavy shoes eg platforms add weight. High vamps (the bit that goes across the top of your foot) shorten and add weight to legs.

NB black doesn't go with everything eg when wearing light to mid-tones; opt for lighter neutrals (M: grey & pewter for Cool, bronze & copper for Warm)

Pantihose: avoid white (unless you're a nurse), patterned or novelty ones eg seamed, fishnet, striped, bright coloured). Choose nude or slightly darker than your skin. Sheer black and dark grey works well with dark skirts but ensure they fit well. Don't wear reinforced toes with sandals (sheer toes or go bare-legged). The dressier the shoe, the sheerer the stocking should be.

Belts: never wear tight belts. Avoid contrasting coloured belts (creates a horizontal line) and wide belts (unless you're tall and thin). Make sure the belt suits the outfit. If a garment comes with a belt (usually cheap and tacky) then replace it with a quality belt or simply eliminate it.