Fashionistas call it the cringe factor. Take a perfectly good fashion trend, put it on the wrong body type, and you’ve got something that elicits either a cringe or a shudder.
Just say no, ladies. To what? To fashion dictates that don’t translate well for your shape and size, fashion experts say.
“The biggest problem in fashion is that people don’t know what works on their bodies,” says Suze Yalof Schwartz, executive fashion editor at large for Glamour magazine and one of the editors behind the recently released “Glamour’s Big Book of Dos & Don’ts” (Gotham Books).
“Women see Sienna Miller and Kate Moss in magazines wearing these very fashionable outfits. I mean, have we ever seen them look bad? No.”
But the majority of women are doing themselves a disservice if they try to copy those trendy looks without some forethought, Schwartz says.
“Women blame it on the trends, but it’s not the trends that are bad. It’s the way they’re interpreted by your average woman.”
And don’t stop there, says Saks fashion director Michael Fink. You need to find out what works not only for your shape, but also your age.
“If you’re a woman of a certain age who is trying to relive fashion trends you did the first time around — minis, leggings — my rule is if you did it once, don’t do it again,” Fink says.
This season’s looks leave plenty of room for the “oops” factor. Try to avoid the following common mistakes:
Layering. “I’m anticipating layering will go haywire,” Fink says. “Your average woman cannot wear it like the runway models do. Unless you’re 6-foot-2 and a size 0, don’t copy the runway. You’ll look like Nanook of the North and you’ll be sweating before you head out the door.” Fink advises a lightweight-gauge knit or turtleneck with an oversize tunic. Top it off with a warm coat. “Then you’re done,” he says. “Skip the arm and leg warmer — and the big hat.”
Minis. “Don’t wear a mini if you’re over 40,” Schwartz says. If you do wear one this fall, pair it only with a dark, opaque tight. Watch length also. “If it’s so short that when you bend over you’re showing everything, get rid of it,” Schwartz says.
Leggings. “Stand in front of your mirror,” Fink counsels. “Have a talk with yourself. Be honest. Are these really something your body can pull off?” If the answer is yes, wear a shirt that covers your rear, Schwartz says — even if you’re in great shape.
Skinny pants. “If your love handles are coming out … this look is not for you,” Schwartz says. “We call that the muffin top.” To help create a long, lean look, wear skinny pants with a fitted top. Wearing just one color also will help create the illusion of length, no matter your height.
Platforms. Slightly elevated platforms are the rage this season. “Don’t buy the 5-inch platform heels, thinking they’re more fashionable,” Schwartz says. “You’ll look like a throwback to the 1970s.”
Animal prints. “Stick with one animal at a time,” Schwartz says.
And when all else fails, keep it simple. “If you’re unsure, forget trends. Wear one color head to toe — cream, black, navy — and streamline,” Schwartz says. “All trends can be misinterpreted.”
With the wealth of fashion information available today, Schwartz says, there’s no excuse for big mistakes. “Hop on the Internet, talk with a knowledgeable sales associate, look at the magazines, watch the fashion shows,” Schwartz says. “Fashion has become accessible. You can always ask for help.”
