AboutZ. Amanda Chen Expertise I have always been interested in fashion and actually design/redesign some of my own clothes. Since I'm a teen, I can answer questions relating to teenage fashion, what kinds of clothes make you look older or younger than what you actually are, and where you can find bargains that resemble designer clothes. However, since I'm usually focused on the new, I don't know much about vintage clothing. Additionally, although I know a lot about skirts, shorts, and shoes, outerwear fashion is beyond me.
Experience I design or redesign some of my own clothes, and I am constantly trying out new looks. Additionally, I've also learned quite a few fashion tricks on how to stand out and how to blend in.
Expert: Z. Amanda Chen Date: 2/19/2008 Subject: please help, i want to be more sophisticated
Question hi Amanda
i'm 16, 5.5 in height and i weigh 119 pounds
i don't usually pay too much attention to what i wear - i was not the girly type - but since i moved school and met new (and trendy) friends i feel that i need to be more fashion concious. i have a chinese ethnicity (dark brown eyes, straight black hair, and yellowish brown skin) and i think i might have a pear body shape - my upper torso is pretty slim and i have small busts compared to other teenagers my age, but i have a big hip and my thighs are really thick. i would like to know what styles, colors, jeans, shoes, bags and accessories that matches my body type and the fashion trends this year. thanks so much!
P.S. i don't want to look too girly, but still trendy and sophisticated
Answer Hey Jessica,
My goodness that's a big request. I'll try to help you any way I can.
This year, the styles are menswear, preppy, nautical, bright florals, pastels, tribal prints, geometric prints, and any other type of bold patterns. Since you're going for the sophisticated look, I would stay away from the tribal prints, bright florals, or other overly bold prints, but you can probably manage the geometric print. The preppy image is perfect for what you are looking for, as is the pastels, menswear, and maybe nautical styles. But in all honesty, the bright colors fashion is in, so maybe just a splash of color, like as a necklace, your shoes, belt, or purse wouldn't be too overwhelming to your overall image.
As for colors, I wouldn't worry too much. Fashion tends to contradict itself (they say pastels and brights this spring; what in the world?) Wear whatever you're comfortable with. Studies say that people are naturally attracted to the color that suits them the best, so wear your favorite color! If you're still not sure, yellow-toned people tend to look better in warm colors, like pink, red, burgundy, lime green, mocha etc. Look at these colors for example: http://www.covergirl.com/registration/images/registration_warmMatch_on.jpg
As for jeans, you say you have big hips and thick thighs, but a slim torso (which is indeed a pear shape, but nowadays we use the triangle euphemism *wink*). A style that would work for you is the wide-leg jean, which is currently in fashion. It would be able to hide your thighs and create a even slimmer image of your waist. You'll basically look like a very tall, overall slim person wearing chunky pants. If you don't want the hassle of wide-leg pants, you should look for relaxed-fit jeans. They won't wrap your legs tightly and if you buy the bootcut versions, they can give you a slimming effect as well. Just as a staple, I would recommend dark washes and vertical lines. Some jeans have horizontal stain lines that make you seem wider than you even are. Avoid those.
On to shoes. Does a girl really need advice on shoes? Come on, we're naturally addicted to them, right? just kidding (that's what my dad always complains about - me having more shoes than times to wear them). In all honesty, don't worry about them. No one really cares about what your shoes look like as long as you are satisfied with them and the shoes are in good condition (no scuff marks or broken seams, please. I have a friend whose favorite shoes are falling apart but she still wears them. Sometimes, I wish I could either strangle her or buy her some new ones). Flats are still cute. Flip-flops seem like they are going to become a staple. Just one fashion rule: crocs are bad for your (style) health. Yes, I have a pair because I gave in to the fad, but don't follow my mistake (but the ballet flat crocs are pretty cute, I admit. Those get an exception).
Bags and accessories...hmm...my god, I could go on forever. Believe me, I could write you a five-page report on bags and accessories, but I'll try not to. For bags, anything goes except for those old-ladyish mega-sized hobos. Clutches are a bit impractical for school, though. Satchels, regular-sized hobos, totes, etc are all acceptable, as long as they are practical. Get one that fits everything you need on a daily basis, but one small enough so that you can find anything in it in under 10 seconds. For accessories, belts are still in. Large ones cinch your waist and define your curves while thin one look cute. Jewelry is based on personal preference. I don't want to go on for much longer (you'll get bored of me).
Well, I hope that helped! And ps, get a cropped jacket or fitted blazer. With one of those two, you can change any outfit from a summer tank top to a flirty dress into a cute, sophisticated Spring outfit.
~Amanda
