Style 101 Card.(clothing)

style101 card

Tricks of the Trade

OWide-leg pants are versatile and easy to wear,O Costa says. Some women need a little convincing that a bigger style wonOt make them look like a bigger size. ButNwhen worn correctlyNthese trousers can actually make you look leaner. HereOs how: [yen] Go long. OMy rule of thumb is that the pants should be as long as possible,O says tailor Lars Nord, who often works with Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. OA half inch off the ground is ideal, just enough so that they donOt drag.O Letting the pants completely cover the shoes gives the appearance of longer legs. [yen] Pick your pair. OBring the shoes youOre going to wear with the trousers to the tailor, because thereOs no switching from low to high heels once theyOre hemmed,O says tailor Bill Bull, who works with Balenciaga and Stella McCartney. OYou have to

make that decision before you get them taken up.O [yen] Choose the right fabric for your body. OCrepe drapes very nicely on a heavier leg,O Bull says. OIf youOre petite, choose a thicker fabric, such as wool. Droopy fabrics donOt work on short people.O [yen] Watch your waist. For the leanest line, look for pants that sit an inch or two below the navel, fit slightly

snug around the hips and derrire, then hang loose.

The Tops

Pairing wide-leg trousers with a lightweight top keeps the look from veering too far into menswear territory. [yen] When in doubt, a cashmere sweater with a plunging neckline is a tasteful way to sex things up. Celine silk organza cashmere sweater (1), $840, 866-600-4121. [yen] These pants are roomy by nature, so make sure an unstructured top doesnOt obscure your upper half. Tailored elements such as a nipped waist, small pleats, or a deep V-plunge in the back give an instant