The skinny on fashion for thin women

By Muara Bagdja

JAKARTA (JP): It is every woman's dream to have a slender, model-like figure.

You can gauge your ideal weight in kilograms by taking your height in centimeters, minus 100 and then deduct another 10 percent. Most of us are a little above that figure, but while very thin women may be the envy of their larger sisters, many of them complain of having difficulty in finding and choosing the right clothes.

For women who are below their ideal weight, there is the danger of appearing frail, particularly if they make the wrong choice of clothes.

But clothes can be their best friend if what they choose to wear gives a more "shapely" appearance. Here are some tips on dressing right when you are on the thin side.

Proper proportions: Some thin women have a tendency to "hide" themselves under layers of clothes, or they may choose big, tent- like, loose-fitting garments. Psychologically, it may do wonders for them in facing the world, but it is usually just not right for those who have to look at them.

In fact, thinner women have it easier than big women in appearing proportional. First and foremost, however, is for them to stick to the proper proportions in picking their clothes. That means not too tight, not too loose.

Something like a three-piece outfit, consisting of a jacket or blazer paired with a a blouse and skirt, will do much to help "fill out" the wearer's figure. It is also suitable to be worn to the office.

A special word of caution regarding today's trend for tight T- shirts and tank tops, which accentuate thinness and may give others the impression that you have an eating disorder. Go instead for looser sleeved garments.

Design distraction: Another trick to appear larger than you are is to wear clothes with big, lively designs. Of course, these are probably not appropriate for the office, but are for your leisure time.

During work hours, be on the safe side and go for geometric designs with repeated patterns. They are attractive but not too loud to detract from the impression you are trying to make.

Avoid flowery designs, which can be overpowering and overly cute. If you have to have them, limit them either to the blouse or skirt.

Horizontal designs are good because they optically expand and make the wearer look larger.

Play up details:Parts of a garment, more than merely being decorative, have an important function to disguise your shape. Wide or ribbon-like collars, for instance, give a fuller appearance.

They also contribute to a certain impression as well. A scarf, for example, with an attractive design, around the neck or inserted in your jacket, will enhance your whole attire at the same time as making you look larger.

Today's in-fashion wide belt is similarly flattering.

But straight tight skirts won't be a good "hiding place". Better choices are "A" shaped skirts that are wide at the bottom, or pleated skirts.

Bright is best:Just as with room interiors, white or light colors on garments have a wide, expansive effect. This should be your guide for colors, with the following suggested for office wear: light purple, pink, peach, cream and light mocha. You can still combine them with a slightly darker tone for a two-piece, but never settle for pitch-dark shades, the favorite hues of the overweight.

Crowning touch: Hair and makeup are the equally important final components in the entire package of how you look.

A shorter hairstyle will tend to make your face look rounder. To get away from sunken-looking cheeks and pale lips, dab on cosmetics with "fresher", brighter colors.

If you follow the guidelines outlined above, it will not be too difficult to silence any of your own complaints about being too skinny.

The writer is a fashion writer based in Jakarta.