Over my years as a dancer and seamstress, I’ve heard hundreds of questions about choosing the best colors and styles for Latin and Country dresses, ballgowns and ice skating costumes.
The truth is that it is all based on YOU – your body shape and size, your hair and skin colors.
I want to give you a few solid ways to go about finding the answers to the two questions I’ve heard the most:
“How do I decide what looks good on me?”
“How can I tell which designs elements, necklines and skirt lengths are best to have on my competition dresses?”
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KNOW WHICH STYLES LOOK BEST ON YOUR BODY SHAPE AND SIZE
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What’s the best way to discover which design elements look best for your dance and skate costumes, including ballroom shoes or ice skates?
Deep dive into discovering what helps you look and feel your best in your street clothing.
You’ll need to invest time into doing the following three projects, but they are absolutely worthwhile. You deserve to know what colors and clothes help you look and feel your best – from street clothes to dance or skate costumes.
#1) DO A PHOTO SHOOT WEARING CLOTHES YOU ALREADY OWN
A few times a year I publish a special video called “Neckline Success”. In this limited-release video, I change tops every few minutes and talk about why particular shapes are good for which body types. It’s a great way to learn why some necklines make you look heavier and older while others make you look youthful and slimmer.
(Sign up to receive email notifications so you don’t miss when this NECKLINE SUCCESS video comes available again.)
You don’t need to spend money on a fancy photographer.
First, have a friend take the photos or set the timer on your camera or smart phone. Snap a photo. Change tops or skirts or pants. Then, take another photo. Repeat the process with at least six articles of clothing. Finally, load them onto your computer and look at them objectively.
Be warned: these are not glamour shots. They’re highly educational mug shots.
As you look at the photos, ask yourself”
- What shapes and design elements accentuate the positive aspects of my body shape?
- What design lines make me look heavy?
- Which styles help me look and feel youthful, vibrant, happy?
Be open. Be Honest. Importantly, be kind with yourself.
#2) KNOW WHICH COLORS LOOK BEST WITH YOUR HAIR AND SKIN TONES
You may have heard people say “I am a winter” or “I am a spring.”
This phrase is based on Carole Jackson’s book, “Color Me Beautiful”. Her personalized color system first came out in the 1970s but is now available online world wide. There are also other companies that assist in helping you find your best colors.
Once you’ve determined which colors look best with your personal skin and hair tones – which colors help you look and feel more rested and vibrant – choosing awesome colors for your street clothes as well as your dance and skate costumes will be an easy decision!
#3) KNOW WHY CERTAIN STYLES LOOK GOOD ON YOUR BODY
These following two books do an superb job showing you (with plenty of photos) why certain design elements look good and bad on particular body parts.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine
HOW TO NEVER LOOK FAT AGAIN by Charla Krupp
FRONT ROE: HOW TO BE THE LEADING LADY IN YOUR OWN LIFE by Louise Roe (P.S. I discovered this book after I filmed the video.)
When you know why particular colors and styles accentuate your body in a positive way (and how to avoid the ones who make you look or feel frumpy), you’ll always be a wise shopper in your street clothes as well as your ballroom or country dance dress as well as figure skating dresses.
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And there you have it!
Knowing your best colors and styles is easy - though it takes some dedication to learn the details about the design lines you should wear.
Once you know what looks good on you in your street wear, you can narrow down the options for your ballroom dance dresses and ice skating costumes.
Yes, it takes time to do the homework and learn the skills you need to be the best dress, but aren't you worth it?
I LOVE working with people and hearing their comments.
Thanks for watching!
What design elements have you tried that didn’t work, or what did work?
What looks good on you and why?
Have you done your own photo shoot?
Do you have any other tips you want to share, or want me to expand on in a future post?
Leave a comment below - and share this with a friend.
From Teresa Sigmon, Founder and Designer of Seams Sensational Creator of the Sew Like A Pro™ training seriesNever Miss a Dress or Design Tip! Get the Sew Like A Pro™ newsletter.
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