New Year, New Stylish You!
Dressing for your Body Type
By Jules Aldaz Guerra
Part 1:
Style Tricks to Minimize a Tummy
Kicking off the new year of my style column with a “new year, new stylish you” series!
As a fashion stylist, I often hear how much women complain about their body. They tend to zone into their “problem” areas, instead of focusing on the parts of their body that they love (or at least like a little bit)! One problem area for women of all ages is the“mommy pooch” or the menopause belly. It seems like we can’t catch a break in this area!
Here are some quick tips on how to fight the battle of the tummy display!
Wear high-waisted jeans or pants
High-waisted bottoms smooth out the lower tummy area and create an illusion of a flatter stomach. One of my favorite pants is from Chico’s, FAS. One of their customer favorites is the Juliet pants, featuring a So Slimming® 360 technology that smooths and slims your shape. These are a must-have in any ladies wardrobe!
Avoid oversized clothing
Many of my clients feel that wearing an article of clothing a little larger hides the tummy area, but it tends to add bulk and give you a shapeless figure. Instead, look for pieces with ruching and texture. Look for blazers that have one button so you don’t feel too constricted while adding shape to your body. White House Black Market has done a fabulous job of making a variety of blazers to fit any shape or size.
Perfect the French tuck - a personal fave
I absolutely love the French tuck, which is a front half-tuck. This is so simple and gives you the illusion of a flatter tummy with an hourglass shape. Any body type can do this trick.
Avoid large prints and use monochromatic dressing
Wearing one color helps conceal and blend in your tummy. It creates a sleek, unbroken shape. Large prints tend to draw your eye to the area you are trying to conceal.
Make a statement somewhere else on your body
Wear a bold lip or a statement necklace or earrings. Choose a dress or blouse with a statement neckline; any statement that draws the eye up.
Choose the proper undergarments with or without tummy control
Whatever your preference is, make sure your undergarments are the correct size. Nothing is worse than pulling and tugging on your undergarments at any age. If you opt for tummy control, make sure the waist fits nicely, and not too snug where it creates a rounded tummy or an overlap.
Find clothes that have a thicker fabric or some texture to them.
Fabrics that have a heavier texture tend to conceal and not cling to your flaws. They create a smoother line and are more forgiving than a satin or silk material.
Accentuate the positive!
Show off the parts of your body that you love! Great legs? Wear shorter skirts or midi dresses, and skirts that follow your silhouette. Also try nice fitted pants that show off your legs underneath.
Lastly, the best tip to hide the problem area of your tummy is wearing your outfits with confidence! Choose styles and colors that you feel your best in. Wear what you like, and don’t worry about certain trends or style rules! I follow these tips on the daily! ■
My authentic love for style and people makes me passionate about helping ladies feel good about themselves, whether they’re dressing for a casual vacation or presenting at a business conference, and everything in between. As a professional National fashion/ wardrobe stylist with over 25 years of experience, I am privileged to help so many achieve their style goals, encouraging my clients that the most fashionable part of any outfit is the one that makes them feel strong, confident, and comfortable. My clients enjoy complete style make-overs, image consulting, assistance in creating a new wardrobe, and a complete closet “detox.” In addition, I am a Corporate Social Stylist with Chicos, FAS, representing Chicos, White House Black Market, and Soma. I enjoy showing clients a new way to wear items through my social media, and also as their exclusive stylist to these brands. I enjoy taking my clients shopping to help them find their personal style that coordinates perfectly with their lifestyle. I pride myself on considering each client’s personal taste, lifestyle, and specific needs, offering my expertise to women of all ages and sizes. I specialize in working with people who have undergone drastic life changes such as significant weight loss, and help them see themselves through “new” eyes, as well as complete image and style makeovers for clients beginning new careers or adjusting to a lifestyle change, such as retirement or leaving one career field to go into another.
I have been honored by being the recipient of a Texas Trailblazer’s Award for Social Styling and Fashion. I have been the recipient of San Antonio’s Fashion Stylist of the Year, and Texas Fashion Stylist of the Year, as well as receiving an award for excellence during a COVID year.
I love being a part of the fashion community in the great state of Texas and in the city of San Antonio as my home base. Recently, I have had the privilege of gaining clientele in the New York and East Coast regions. I style for media outlets, fashion shows, photo shoots, and red carpet productions, and I am privileged to style for many clients across the United States. Previously, I was the wardrobe fashion stylist for KENS5 Great Day SA, where I styled the show hosts and appeared for the last 9 years on their fashion segments speaking about style, trends, and all things fashion! I have also appeared on Fox Daytime @ 9, 4 WOAI SA Living, KSAT12 SA Live, and I currently appear on Good Day Texas in Dallas on WFAA Channel 8. My goal in all of these endeavors is to show my clients, viewers, and followers that although we all have our favorites, fashion and style is not about labels, but about feeling good about what you’re wearing, and in return, giving you the confidence to achieve not only your style goals, but your life goals as well. I do what I love and I love what I do!
For more fashion tips, or to book an appointment for any of my services, please message me at 214-448-7452, or follow me on Instagram @julesaldaz.
