by Anna Peel

Created on: January 28, 2009

Fashion is art, it is the designs, textures, shapes and colors of garments and accessories. Style is different, it is the innate ability to recognize your own personal taste and how to dress well. Anyone can accumulate fashion, but style is more important. It would not matter if you had a closet full of designer clothes if you did not know how to wear it. But know that you do not need designer clothes or accessories to dress well. Anyone can make their style better by knowing the essentials.

Know your shape. Are you tall or petite? Are you thin or curvy? Remember what you love and what you don't. Do you love your shoulders? Show them off with a glam halter blouse or dress. Do you hate your slightly round belly? Conceal with empire waist tops and dresses. If you're rather thin, then wear clothes to create the illusion of curves, such as a-line skirts and camisole blouses. Are you looking to minimize your chest? Steer clear from fitted blouses, go for looser fitting blouses and tunics. Also, you will want to steer clear from tops and blouse with crew necks as they seem to form fit around the bust and enhance what you would rather hide. V-necks are much better. Always play up your best assets and conceal what you do not like.

Here are a few universal fashion tips that everyone can use. Black, brown and navy blue are virtually slimming colors and are almost always flattering on everyone. What is the most perfect style of jeans? Bootcut or flares. Why? Because they hug slightly on your thigh and then flare out of the bottom, which creates a balance that is neither too tight or too loose. And believe it or not, you can wear vertical stripes. If you don't think that you are svelte enough, go for a loose knit with wider stripes.

And if you are wondering about pulling off certain trends, pay close attention. Leggings and skinny jeans work wonderfully for the skinny body types, but it can be a little intimidating for the rest off us. Try leggings with a long tunic blouse or a pretty dress. As for skinny jeans, you could try a short jumper and a jacket. Some trends though are best left alone: like trapeze dresses and bubble skirts, as they add unwanted pounds to everyone who wears them.

Being stylish is a skill to learn. Remember to always take note of your sizes(and it may vary store to store); styles and colors that flatter your best; and your favorite clothing brands. And remember if you have any doubts about how it will really look, then it would be better to leave it on the rack.

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