New Year Style: How To Buy Less And Choose Well

I can't believe that the new year is almost here, and for most of us that means it's time to set goals. Goals for life, for love, for work, for our finances and of course for fashion. One of my written goals for 2016 is to Buy Less, and Choose Well, but with trends constantly coming and going this can prove tricky. The key, I have found, is truly knowing your personal style and staying focused. So to get you started on this path of investing wisely, today's Style Guide will show you how to buy less by choosing the right pants which will best flatter your figure. 

FLARED FOR APPLE-SHAPED 

Apple-shaped ladies typically have fabulous arms and legs and carry their weight more in their mid-section and chest. This figure should focus on counterbalancing these fab features and creating volume in the lower part of the body. So, what choice could be better than flared pants, which are currently making a fashionable come-back?! 

Flared bottoms provide another advantage: they elongate the legs, which is especially flattering for shorter women with this body type. Regarding color, you can really choose anything from neutral tones to rich, saturated hues. Look to boho-inspired outfits with stand-out accessories like a fun hat and fringe bag. 

PHOTO CREDIT: GILTY AS CHARGED

INSTAGRAM: @HARRISONSAPP

 

1. VICTORIA BECKHAM Flared Jeans 2. DION LEE Shirt 3. AUGUST HAT Woven Hat 4. KATE SPADE Ring 5. LEAH ALEXANDRA Ring 6. TORY BURCH Bracelet 7. MIU MIU Sunglasses 8. JESSICA SIMPSON Platform Mule 9. MEL BOTERI Taylea Fringe Leather Handbag

 

STRAIGHT LEG FOR PEAR-SHAPED 

Pear-shaped silhouettes have a well-defined waist with bust and shoulders that are proportionately narrower than the lower half. 

The best choice for you will be masculine-inspired pants with a straight leg, or ones that slightly widen from the knee down.  This will help create a lengthening effect, and the structural shape will distract attention from the hips and thighs.

Choose dark shades and soft materials and keep the lines around the hip area as straight and clean as possible. If you want to try something a bit more trendy, opt for high-waisted slacks but always keep your prints up top. 

PHOTO CREDIT: UPPERLYNE

INSTAGRAM: @JULEYLE

1. MOTHER OF PEARL Wide Leg Trousers 2. JASON WU Sheer Shirt 3. PHASE 3 Beanie 4. TRINA TURK Cuff 5. SOLE SOIETY Pendant Necklace 6. GIANVITO ROSSI Suede Pumps 7. BOBBI BROWN Lip Color 8. MEL BOTERI Grey Saffiano Leather Tote

 

HIGH-WAISTED FOR RECTANGLES

If you're passionate about following the latest trends, then you already know that high-waisted jeans of the 90's are back, which is great news for rectangular body types!! Women with this boyish shape typically have a straight-line silhouette, and shoulders and bust that are about the same width as the hips and thighs.

These trending, high-waisted pants will therefore add dimension to your frame by highlighting (and pretty much creating) a waistline. To make these even more flattering, choose a pair that ends at the ankle line making them look and feel as if they were made just for you.

PHOTO CREDIT: A PIECE OF TOAST BLOG

INSTAGRAM: @S+MMILLER

1. MIH JEANS High-rise Jeans 2. TIBI Off-the-shoulder Top 3. SOLE SOCIETY Cuff 4. MELINDA MARIA Pendant Necklace 5. PANACEA Earrings 6. NORDSTROM Cuff 7. MELINDA MARIA Cuff 8. SOLE SOCIETY Cuffs 9. AQUAZZURA Suede Sandals 10. MEL BOTERI Red Saffiano Leather Watson Tote

 

CIGARETTES FOR PETITES

If you are petite, super-skinny styles like the cigarette pant will offer the illusion of extra length and height. Try a pair with vertical elements, such as pockets or stripes, to make you look even taller.

You are actually at an advantage over most body types here, because your delicate bone structure can support both neutral and bold shades. The only thing I advise is to stay away from ultra-flared pants, which, without the proper heels, could swallow your entire silhouette. Christina, of Christina's Style shows us how to perfectly balance out a petite frame. 

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISTINA'S STYLE

INSTAGRAM: @OH2BYCHRISTINAOH

1. CURRENT/ELLIOTT Tapered Pants 2. THEORY Shirt 3. CHINTI AND PARKER Cashmere Sweater 4. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Watch 5. BAUBLEBAR Ring 6. SHEDRAIN Umbrella 7. BP. Flats 8. MEL BOTERI Silver Snake-Effect Lola Small Shoulder Bag

 

SKINNY FOR HOURGLASS-SHAPED 

The lucky women with hourglass figures don't have to worry much about proportions, since their shape is naturally in balance. If your bust and shoulders are about the same width as your hips, and you have a well-defined waist, then you are one of the lucky ones! That being said, you do need to avoid anything that is too stiff and that will make you look boxy. 

Although skinny jeans are seeing a slight take-over by 70's inspired flared jeans and high-waisted "mom" jeans, I believe they rein supreme in flattering those of you with an hourglass figure!!

PHOTO CREDIT: THE COURTNEY KERR

INSTAGRAM: @COURTNEYKERR

1. FRAME DENIM Skinny Jeans 2. THE ROW T-shirt 3. JIMMY CHOO Sunglasses 4. CARVEN Coat 5. MICHAEL KORS Bracelet Watch 6. NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD Pumps 7. MEL BOTERI Navy Saffiano Leather Lauren Clutch

 

So which body type are you? Another goal I have for 2016 is to Always Love What You See In The Mirror. I think we all have our moments where we become our own worst critic, so remember to love your body and your unique style no matter what!

Cheers to a healthy, happy and always fashionable 2016. I look forward to keeping you stylishly inspired in the new year!!