Fashion

 

What is 'haute couture'?

The term Haute Couture (French for high or elegant sewing) is currently used to describe high fashioned women's clothing.

What fabrics do I use?

Any woven, non-stretchy fabric will work fine. For those requiring 100% authenticity, you are limited to silk, cotton, linen, and wool. These fabrics are nice, but unless you can afford the silk, they are rather drab. For those with looser regulations, there are a great many dress fabrics of questionable content that are very accurate in the overall look. This category includes brocades, jacards, failles, velvet, satin, and taffeta. And don't forget to use lace, georgette, and gauze. Light weight fabrics can be made heavier with flat lining. Drapy fabrics work better for some shapes, crisp fabrics work well for others. Choose the fabric you like. Velvet looks great, but is very difficult to work with. Beginners should stay away from it. Satin is wonderful when draped or rumpled, but it will always look rumpled when you try to make it flat, like on a bodice. This problem is caused by the shine of the fabric, and can not be avoided.

What to wear

Highlight your best points. Know the favourite parts of your body while looking for a dress and find styles that flaunt your looks.

Cocktail-length (around knee length) dresses show off legs.

A capped-sleeve dress or sophisticated wrap will cover up less-than-fab arms.

A fitted column dress will feature an hourglass shape.

A large ball gown skirt will camouflage a derrière (large or small).

Keep colour in mind: some colours, like black, work for all skin tones, but if you’re going for colour, make sure you choose the right shade. When buying a dress, make sure you pay a lot of attention to the shades of your dress: pale pinks and peaches may wash out ivory skin, but deeper pinks or apricot can be the perfect hue for light complexions.

Less is more: always remember that you can look fab without revealing much or going head-to-toe sequins.

More hints on true glamour

Sequins and embroidery are great on dresses, but only to a certain degree. If you love an adorned dress, a simple clutch and heels is the way to go.

If you go for a two-piece midriff-baring look, make sure the skirt is on the conservative side. If you are wearing a high-slit skirt, think modest top-wise.

A very intricate dress calls for sheer makeup and minimal accessories to avoid a too-busy look. A simple ensemble requires a bold makeup statement – either dramatic eyes or show-stopping lips.

Try not to stray from your personal style!

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