Style: Questions & Answers

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Learn to Love Your Jeans!

Sure, it's the height of summer, and the weather outside is getting HOT, but there's at least one thing you have in your closet that can be safely be worn all year long: jeans! Sexy, stylish, flirty, fun - whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, a cute pair of comfortable denims makes the perfect addition to any ensemble, because they're guaranteed to never go out of style! But how does one go about picking the perfect pair of jeans? Because, as we all know, not all jeans look great on every girl, and not all styles are attractive on every body type! Luckily, I've taken the time to compile a short list of jean style recommendations for common feminine figures - hopefully this will help you out when you're trying to decide if that pair of skinny jeans that looks so good on the rack will look just as good on you!

Apple-Shaped
Women who are apple-shaped, like Catherine Zeta-Jones, can sometimes seem disproportionate because they have large chests offset by smaller waists and thighs. High-waisted jeans, specifically skinnies, look flattering on this body type because they create a waist and help to widen and emphasize your hips, making your figure appear more balanced and even. Jeans with oversized pockets and jeans that are faded at the hips, thighs, and seat are also a good bet for women with apple-shaped bodies.

Pear-Shaped
Pear-shaped women like Beyoncé, who have wide hips, thighs, and buttocks that are usually offset by a smaller chest, tend to look best in low-rise and boot-cut jeans. These styles are very flattering on the waist, while the slightly flared pant legs add height and help to minimize excess curves. Dark wash jeans are also recommended for pear-shaped women since they create a slimming effect, while jeans with side pockets should be avoided because they tend to make your hips look even wider than they already are.

Petite
Petites into two categories: women with average frames who are under 5"4' and women between 5"4' and 5"9' who have very small frames. Those who fit into the first category look best in straight-leg jeans like the ones pictured here, but should avoid extreme flares and baggy carpenter-style pants. Jeans with cuffs are also a bad idea, since they tend to make your legs look even shorter than they already are. Women who fall into the second category, on the other hand, need to be concerned mostly about length - finding jeans that are actually long enough to fit their frames, as opposed to worrying about styles that will flatter their figures.

Soak Up That Summer Sun - In Style!

Summer is finally here, so it's time to break out those cute, sassy sundresses that have been hiding at the back of your closet since the beginning of last fall! Or maybe you're running low on warm-weather couture and are planning a start-of-the-season shopping spree to pick up some fresh, flirty pieces that will have you sizzling all summer long? Whatever the case may be, you should definitely check out these tips for finding the perfect summer sundress from McAuley's!



Small Bust - The fitted top and banded waist on this plaid dress will emphasize your chest to make you appear more curvy.
Large Chest - The halter-style neckline and banded waist on this dress will offer support without showing too much skin.
Adds Curves - Ruffles and pleats are a great way to emphasize your body shape, especially if you're skinny or slender.



Adds Height - Printed maxi dresses can create the illusion of height by appearing to elongate the body.
Creates a Waist - Belting a dress at the waist (especially a bubble dress!) is a great way to emphasize your curves.
Slims Hips - Dresses that are banded or belted just below the chest can make you appear both taller and more slender.

Items pictured in image: Plaid Strapless Tube Dress in Blue and Red, Ivory Halter Dress with Black Flowers, Envi Ruffle Dress in Aqua, Envi Multi Halter Dress, Blue Strapless Floral Dress, Envi Band Tank Dress in Coral/Multi

Style Tips for Every Shape and Size!

We all have issues with our bodies sometimes, right? It's part of being a woman - knowing that, wherever you are or wherever you go, you'll eventually wind up at that rack of glossy magazines at the check-out aisle of your local supermarket, being stared down by an airbrushed Kim Kardashian and wishing your figure was as flawless as hers. It's a fact of life that we're constantly comparing ourselves to others, searching for ways to make ourselves look skinnier or more shapely, less tall or more tan. Well, good news, ladies! With just a little bit of cleverness and a carefully planned wardrobe, you too can look as fabulous as you feel - without ever having to spend time at the gym or set foot in a salon! Check out these style tips from McAuley's:

     Horizontal Stripes
Do's: If, like Penelope Cruz, you're slender and have small to average-sized breasts and hips, horizontal stripes will enhance your body shape to make you appear more buxom and curvy. Or, if you want to offset a large chest or a large behind, horizontally striped pieces (skirts and shirts, as opposed to long dresses) can widen your smaller body parts.
Don'ts: Jessica Simpson has always been voluptuous, so she probably should have stayed away from this knee-length striped dress! You can see how it makes her chest, hips, and stomach appear larger - definitely not a flattering fit.

     Solid Colors
Do's: If you're one of those girls who (like me!) is short and constantly trying to appear taller, I have good news! A pair of killer high heels isn't the only answer to your problem. Solid color pieces, like this pink dress worn by Natalie Portman, actually serve to lengthen your body and enhance your height. Seriously, I bet no one on the red carpet that night could even tell that Natalie is only 5"3'!
Don'ts: At 5"11', Taylor Swift is one tall girl, and wearing a solid color outfit would only have made her look even taller! Taylor was smart to choose this cardigan and floral print dress combo, which makes her appear much less lengthy.

     Black
Do's: It's sexy, it's slimming, and it goes with practically everything! Black is easily the most versatile color out there, so don't hesitate to take a risk and pair it with something daring that you wouldn't normally wear!
Don'ts: Contrary to popular belief, black really isn't for everyone! When worn close to the face it can make thin, sharp features look harsh and unforgiving. It can also make pale skin tones like the Olsen's appear almost ghostly white - stylists recommend that women with fair skin go for a nice gray or charcoal color, like this dress worn by Hayden Panettiere, instead!

Well, that's all for now! Be sure to check back next week for more Style Tips for Every Shape and Size. Also, don't hesitate to leave a comment if there's anything in particular you'd like to see discussed!