Pat, a Rose-Tone Summer

Pat is the seventh client we (personal stylist Margo Passadore and I) took for a photo shoot at Nordstrom in April. Every client (like every person who has ever gone clothes shopping!) has some sort of “issue” that makes finding the right style, fit or color so challenging.

Pat’s issue was a significant change in her shape after menopause. If she couldn’t disguise her larger abdomen, at least she wanted to discover her most flattering colors and styles so the viewer’s attention would focus more on her face and her slim legs.

Body changes like this often happen as we get older. For example someone with an hourglass figure may end up looking more like a rectangle, or an oval or diamond (larger waist than hips or shoulders).

Pat turned out to be a Rose-Tone Summer, one of six muted Summer sub-types that’s halfway between very fair and darker dusky coloring. This type calls for softer cooler colors and more blended patterns than she had been wearing. She also needed a new pair of glasses that played up her beautiful eyes and added a little width to her face. We found a perfect pair at Fetch on NW 23^rd that matched her hair color.

Pat’s “Before-Afters”

Before, above left:

The crisp bright blue and white pattern of the dress’s fabric is too strong for Pat’s gentle coloring. The dress is wearing her.
From the hips down and the bust up, the dress has a flattering fit. However, the curving drape across her tummy and the way the pattern is more spread apart exaggerates her widest part.
Flip flops? Only around the house or at the beach, please.

After, above right:

The short cardigan is a lovely color for Pat and a good length for this outfit. Its lightweight fabric adds coverage without bulk. The gentle folds are nice soft effects for a Summer, and the open front creates that lengthening vertical line.
When the sweater is open in the front, it gives the illusion that the waist is smaller since we only see a few inches of it. Additionally, it’s slightly nipped at the waist.
The v-neck top makes her look taller and draws attention up to her face. The pattern is subtle and muted.
The pants are slim, but not tight. They have a wide elastic waist band, which helps them to lie flat (no muffin-topping).

Before, above left:

This top seemed like a good idea on the hanger— pretty colors for her, V-neckline that framed her face, slimming lighter color insert down the front.
Unfortunately it was too long (and not easily shortened), giving too much weight to the top.
The patterned mid-section curves in a way that emphasizes her mid-section.

After, above right:

The blouse is in one of Pat’s most dramatic colors, and the V-neck brings attention to her face.
The drop shoulder creates more width at the top to balance her wide mid-section and the seam down the front creates a slimming line.
Margo is tucking in the sides of the blouse because there was too much volume at the smallest part of Pat’s body right under her chest (this is true for many women). Altering it will give her more of an hourglass shape.
Same pants and shoes as above.

If you enjoyed this post, and missed the first seven, read them here:

If you have questions or are considering your own color analysis and wardrobe makeover, I’d love to hear from you: 360-903-3659 – or email me here.

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