Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Liza:

I can sympathize with your dilemma! Most of us are different sizes on the top and on the bottom. However, there are different tricks you can do with color and style to fool the eye! The classic is to minimize your upper body and maximize your lower body by wearing darker colors on your top half and lighter colors on your lower half, such as black on top and white on the bottom. Another trick to balance out your figure is to wear prints on the bottom and a solid color, such as black or navy blue, on top. Avoid loud, bold prints on top, but go for them on the bottom.

For you, cargo pants are a good choice, since they add bulk to the thighs. Go for all the extra D-rings, zippers, and pockets you like, but only for your lower half. Avoid anything on top that is ruffled, flounced, or ruched, and avoid pockets and puffed sleeves. Rather, wear sleek or tailored, simple styles on your upper body and leave the detailing for your hips and bottom, as in special hip or back pockets or extra stitching. Skirts that gather softly or drawstring pants worn low are a good option. If you like showing off your legs, the new minis are for you! Also, call attention up to your face with a great necklace, a flattering hairstyle, and a touch of makeup.

It's kind of interesting to see that even though we're all proportioned differently, we can end up looking pretty well put together!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl