Being stylish does not mean following every fashion trend. In fact, it’s unstylish to wear fashion for the sake of it when it’s unflattering for your body type.  The skinny pant has returned and has been all the rage on catwalk runways since autumn. The item has filtered down to high fashion stores and we will continue to see this trend as long as the 80’s remain an inspiration to top international fashion houses.

The skinny pant is difficult to wear and fails to look elegant even on supermodels. The look is completely contrary to my “perfect pant length theory”, with hems tapered at the ankle and high heeled shoes or flats left completely exposed. Those of you who were teenagers or older during the ‘80’s will recognize this statement as a blast from the past – and an unsightly one at that! The difference, however, is that the skinny pant is not “mainstream” today like it was 25 years ago. It’s an ultra high fashion option for fashion slaves. Something new for straight-up-and-down lanky teenagers and girls in their twenties.

Bottom line: There is little chance of anybody being flattered by tapered jeans and pants.

Low slung slim fitting straight leg pants are fine if you have the boyish body to accompany them; but opting for boot cuts will raise your level of elegance. There are more options for different body types each season – boycott those skinny pants if they’re not for you!

For supermodels or fashion slaves: skinny pant options from Urban Outfitters and Arden B.

Summer sales have started!

• BCBG‘s sale starts today – Thursday 18th May. If it’s a wedding outfit, dressy separates, business casual or something alluring that you are after; this is a good place to shop. I particularly like to look at their dresses and trendy suiting.
• Macy’s is currently having a 25% off sale on most of their Spring lines. I’d head straight for their dress, accessory, and I.N.C. departments (in petite, regular and plus size). The Michael Kors, Nine West and Karen Kane ranges are also well worth a look. Look for “Maggie London”, “London Times” and “Jones New York” labels in the knitted dress department – they’ll fit and look just as good as the designer Diane von Furstenberg ones for a quarter of the price!
• Express is currently having their t-shirt sale – plain longer length T-shirts for $10, Tank tops – 2 for $19.50, Jewelry – buy 2 items and get the third one free. I have been impressed with their work walk shorts and casual bermudas – but they are unfortunately not on sale yet. If you’re looking for an assortment of  plain white or black collared stretch shirts, this is super place to get them for $39.

Have fun shopping, but do not be seduced by anything that does not absolutely work for you.

Skirts for skirt lovers will be few and far between this season because it’s all about shorts! Let’s have a closer look at what you should be looking for when you buy this item. 

Choose the hem length that best suits your body type. Walk shorts that hit you anywhere on or just below your knee cap are most flattering because this is the point where your legs look the longest and the slimmest. Pear shaped ladies should wear their shorts a little wider at the hem and preferably with a heel. Petites may need to hem their shorts even shorter as knee-length will definitely be best for you.

• Work walk shorts – Select these in refined materials like poly rayon pinstripe or trouser – like fabric. You’ll need to remain modest and professional by keeping them at least knee length, structured and worn with a heel.
• Casual Bermudas – These are a little more relaxed in fit and best in denim or stretch cotton. You can opt to wear them with casual wedges, espadrilles, ballet flats or gladiator thongs.
• Tailored short shorts – These thigh high short shorts are for the young and daring with fabulous legs. The point is to keep them chic and dressed up which means looking for tuxedo stripes, classic tailoring and cuff detail. They are a far more practical alternative to the ultra short mini skirt and will only look good whn matched with heels.
• Rolled-up short shorts – Are once again for those blessed with great legs. They are best in cotton and linen blends and perfect for the beach.

Match those walk shorts up with layered longer length tee’s, girly tops, knitted tops and shirt and jacket combinations for an updated Summer look.

Structured work shorts (Nordstrom), casual bermudas (Gap), chic tailored short shorts (Bebe), and casual rolled-up shorts (Macy’s).

I see this fashion faux pas every day – ladies and gents wear their pants too short. So what is the perfect pant length? Pants, jeans or trousers need to skim the surface of the ground when you stand up straight – anything shorter is bad style. Covering up your shoe, but allowing your toes to peep through will elongate your leg and make you look slimmer. This is flattering for any body type, at any age and any height. That’s why it is stylish to keep those pant lengths perfect.

What do you do when you have everything from ultra flat flip flops to 3-inch heels in your wardrobe? You need to commit to a length. You won’t be able to wear the same pair of pants with your ballet flats and your high heels. You’ll need to have an assortment of pant lengths if you have an assortment of heel heights.

Can your pant hems sweep the street while you walk? This is not a good idea for fancy slacks, but is absolutely fine for jeans. They’ll simply fray a bit at the bottom which is actually perfectly acceptable style for both men and women! You’ll therefore find jeans more versatile if you buy them long enough to start off with.

Are you worried about covering up your gorgeous shoes and feet? You might not see your shoes when your pants are at the correct length; but your pants will creep up when you walk and sit and everyone else will be able to see that you have super shoe sense too!

These are all great pants from Nordstrom. The two pairs of jeans on the left are the right length. The pants on the right are stylish, but their length isn’t – both could be slightly longer.