I have two jobs- one is dressing women. As you can imagine, I listen to a lot of self-loathing during my work day. Women today, no matter what they look like, struggle to see any beauty in a 3-way mirror. Being a woman myself, I can relate. It’s also an issue I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching, always looking for another way to help my clients achieve the look they’re after (Barbie, in other words .). Here are a few mistakes I see on a daily basis;

• The length of your pants. For the love of all that is holy; BUY LONGER PANTS! I say it strongly because I want us all to look fabulous. Pants that end at your ankle shorten the look of your leg. This means that you will have to invest in several lengths of pants for your different heel heights. There’s no getting around it- buy different lengths (come see me at Rickis, we have them) or have them tailored. There should be no more than a bit of toe and heel showing when you walk if you are over the age of 25. This matters so much more than the low/ high rise debate.
• If you have any curves you don’t want highlited (and most of us do), don’t put a shiny fabric over top. For me, this means I will never own a pair of those plethery type pants (for which the world thanks me) unless I need to land a large aircraft using only my tush.
• Don’t be afraid of colour. I know, black matches everything, and co-ordinating =effort. Plus, what if someone notices you? It’s all very scary, but do it anyway. To paraphrase one of my fashion heroes; black should be respected, brought out at special occasions. Buy pink or orange or red for once, it’ll brighten your face. Plus, not everything has to match completely. It’s very trendy and youthful not to. Pair a print with a solid, and you’ll be fine.
• No one, I repeat, NO ONE is judging your arms. They look larger in photos because they sit in front of your body, creating the illusion of size thanks to the 2-D factor of a picture.  Steal Paris’ trick and move your head slightly forward and put your arms on your hips when someone wields a camera, you’ll see a difference. In the meantime, wear a t-shirt; they’re fun.
• If it tugs, rolls up, rides up,stretches, or pulls against the seams, it’s too small. There’s no shame in trying a larger size. Every store and style fits differently.

We all feel the same way- not perfect enough. I get it- I’ve written the book on it. It’s something we need to work on though- after all, we’re all in this fitting room together

Amber Knapton is the Assistant Manager for Ricki’s in the Burlington Mall, Burlington ON.  Her love is people and fashion.  Amber follows the teachings of What Not to Wear series, both the American and British. She is my personal favourite when I need to find a trendy outfit or just the right pants.  Amber is married to a great guy and is the stepmom to one fabulous little girl.

This article is used with permsision.