Women’s fashion changes significantly from season to season. Men’s fashion does not. For women to buy “throw away fashion” that lasts for a season is perfectly acceptable. This is not the best idea for men.

Let’s look at the typical wardrobe:

Women’s wardrobe – has a high turnover of a wide, yet shallow assortment of clothing. “Wide” in the sense that women have many different types of clothing in a variety of styles. “Shallow” meaning that there is barely a style that that is duplicated in their wardrobe.

Men’s wardrobe – has a low turnover of a narrow, yet deep assortment of clothing. “Narrow” in the sense that men have fewer types of clothing to choose from. “Deep” meaning that with each type of clothing, there is lots of duplication of style. Just consider the number of near-identical collared shirts that the average man has in his wardrobe.

Since men’s fashion has a longer life, men keep items for longer. It is therefore important for them to be discerning about quality by shopping at better-end chain stores (e.g. Banana Republic) and department stores (e.g. Nordstrom) for premium products (budget permitting of course). Hence: “boys need to buy better!”

It is common to buy jeans that fit our bodies perfectly everywhere but on the waistline. This is especially true for pretty, pair shaped ladies with tiny torsos. A fashionable wide belt threaded through the belt loops of our jeans usually solves the problem. However, trendy longer length knitted tops and T’s pulled down to just over our hip bones don’t look nice with bulky belts showing through. The solution is simple: take off the belt. But when we do, we constantly find ourselves pulling our jeans up – which isn’t so stylish.

 So what are we to do? I’ve found 2 solutions:

• Belt your longer length T or top at the hip in true ‘80’s fashion. This is especially effective with elasticized belts. You won’t find yourself pulling your jeans up when you walk. You will however need to straighten the ensemble every time you get up from sitting down.
• Have the waistband on your jeans tailored. I‘ve just done this to a few pairs of jeans and it was money well spent (about $20 a pair). No pulling, bulging or straightening anymore.  The effect is especially noticeable on the day that you wear your jeans again without having popped them into the wash. Jeans tend to grow the more you wear them, which makes altering the waistband an even better idea.

Tailoring an existing pair of jeans is still going to be less expensive than buying another pair – you won’t be sorry!

Tanks tops come in all shapes and sizes – short, long, strappy, plain, printed, and with or with out lace. They are an absolute staple for all stylish ladies irrespective of age, size or lifestyle. Having an assortment of tank and camisole styles and colours increases your wardrobe versatility.

Some of the many advantages of adding this extra affordable layer:

• White knit tops look more crisp – layering a white tank top or camisole underneath a fairly thin white fitted t-shirt makes your white t-shirt look more “crisp” and therefore more flattering. You won’t need to worry about your T being see-through anymore.
• Better than spanx – wearing tank tops and camisoles underneath fitted tops and t-shirts covers a multitude of sins. Tuck shorter ones into your jeans, pants or skirts and leave longer ones hanging out. Rest assured that all is “covered” when you reach up high or bend down low.
• Re-invent what you have – adding longer length tank tops and cami’s to short and standard length tops, blouses, cardigans and shrugs that you already have, will update you instantly.
• Climate control – as the weather warms, jackets become to hot to wear. Adding an extra layer underneath your top should keep you at the perfect temperature. By the same token, this extra layer will keep you warm if the air-conditioning gets too chilly.
• The solution for small chests – small-busted women should generally stay clear of scooped and low V- necklines. Layering tank tops or cami’s with higher necklines underneath low cut tops solves the problem. 

Unless you have an absolutely perfect perky bosom, leave tanks with built in bras behind. They tend to give your chest an unflattering shape and are uncomfortable if you wear a bra as well.

Get yourself a selection of tank tops and camisoles – they are season-less and inexpensive.

Camisole from Arden B. and tank tops from Bebe and Nordstrom.

Charlize Theron, Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellwegger and Michelle Williams are amongst the most famous “inverted triangles”. You have broad shoulders, narrow hips, slender limbs, a straight waist, flat bottom and varying bust line. You are a rare breed and the least common body type found amongst women – the “pretty pear” being the most common female body type. It is interesting that it was your unique body type that was chosen to represent clothing best on the catwalk from about the 1960’s onwards. Twiggy started off this trend! Despite the fact that you are easy to dress – you’ll still want to think about how clothing affects your shape. Defining your waist and softening your shoulders is what you’ll need to think about most.

Defining your waist and softening your shoulders:

• Look for tops in soft drapey material and avoid stiff fabrics without stretch.
• Tailored shirts, V-neck wrap tops, and knitted tops with soft U-necklines will help define your waist.
• Select knitwear, tops and jackets with waist belts, ties and ribbons to give you shape.
• Layering knitwear or jackets with something soft and feminine underneath will also offer you definition where you need it.
• Keeping your cardigans unbuttoned will soften your shoulders. Tops with soft sleeve treatment like raglans, dropped shoulder points and shoulder slits will also do the trick. Soft collarless tunics are a must for your body type.
• You can wear any jacket length as long as it’s fitted to your waist. Keep the lapels small and consider collarless styles to narrow your shoulders.
• Avoid high halter necks, puffed/gathered sleeves, boat necks, epaulettes and strappy tops. They will exaggerate the width of your shoulders.
• Shift dresses, bias cuts and tunic dresses are best. Soft dresses with V-neck ruffle detail will also work.

Wearing it all at the bottom:

• Your narrow hips and slim legs give you tremendous choice when it comes to pants – you can wear it all. You look particularly good in boot cut jeans and cargo pocket pants.
• Choose skirts that add bit of shape and curve to your body. Knee length skirts with contoured waistbands, patch pockets on the front or back are good. Full circle, tiered, pleated, bias and gathered skirts are also excellent.
• Avoid pencil skirts if you are fairly busty – they will emphasize your broad shoulders make you look top heavy.

If there is anyone that can wear this season’s high fashion “skinny pant” and tailored short shorts – it’s you!