For most men, the simple removal of a cuff at the bottom of a pant or tapering a
jacket lapel makes all the difference. For women who have hung onto their suit jackets, simple removal
of shoulder pads or updating the buttons generally does the trick. I have been known to have a client remove the sleeves
altogether, taper the sides closer to their body and make it a vest.
Simplifying the button color to appear monochromatic is another way of updating
a garment. Just because a garment comes with a particular button or belt, that
does not mean they have to be used. G-d knows, I have seen some buttons and
belts on garments that have left me shaking my head or giggling under my
breath!
I can't tell you the positively shocking responses I
have received from clients after having their garments tailored. I use a wonderful tailor
who works hand and hand with me to create new looks for clients. One of my
favorite examples is from this past spring with a client who is quite petite. She
has a cute shirtdress with breast pockets and a regular button down collar. The
collar was very masculine and closed off her neckline. I recommended the
tailor change the collar to a mandarine neckline, which visually was more
feminine and comfortable. I also wanted to give the client an opportunity to
wear a chunky necklace to soften the appearance of the shirtdress. Breast
pockets appear best on women that are small breasted. The detail is of the flap
and button is perfect.
What about dresses that are too short at this point in
our lives? The quick and easy solution is to make the top into a tunic! Think
in terms of what you may want to wear the tunic with - jeans or leggings?
Remember to have a pair of pants on before shortening the dress. Also keep in
mind that you do want your back end covered. Have the seamstress mark the
garment all the way around. For some of us, our back ends may have a little more padding and may cause
the fabric to creep up ever so slightly. Get my drift? Lastly, for dresses that
are too short to wear but have a fitted bottom on the thighs while being fuller
in the body, think in terms of a tunic style top again. Place the narrow fitted
bottom on your hips and have the seamstress take the excess out through the
middle out. It will change the silhouette dramatically and makes a sassy updated
look.
I can't say enough about starting in your closet by
evaluating each garment to see if it can be altered to fit and look better for
your present lifestyle! If you have a question about an item and are not ready to
part with it, bring it to your tailor and discuss the possibilities.
I'd love to see your redo's, so send me a snap!
From my closet to yours-
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