To Sheath or Not to Sheath...

... That is the question.

So what exactly is a sheath dress? Well, it's typically a dress that is fitted and worn close to the body, although some versions are more voluminous. It can be belted or unbelted, and dressed up or dressed down.

The August 2010 issue of Real Simple features some tips in choosing the right sheath dress to fit your shape:

If you have a TUMMY: avoid lightweight of slinky fabrics; choose dresses with ruching (gathered fabric) that visually flattens the stomach.

If you have an HOURGLASS FIGURE: avoid stiff or heavy fabrics like tweed; wear form-fitting dresses with waist-enhancing seams.

If you have FULL HIPS & THIGHS: avoid wrist-length sleeves; choose dresses with volume.

If you have a STRAIGHT FIGURE: avoid thin waistbands; choose dresses with a fitted bodice and darts in the seaming.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to rock the Sheath dress.

Hollywood Fashion

I don't know about you, but I get a lot of my style ideas from movies. Over the years I've been inspired by Diane Keaton's vests  in "Annie Hall"; Meg Ryan's turtlenecks in "You've Got Mail"; Jennifer Aniston's scarves in "Love Happens"; and Tina Fey's shirt dress in "Baby Mama." 

Marie Claire online features amazing photos of iconic film fashion, from classic stars of the silver screen such as Vivien Leigh, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to modern stars like Molly Ringwald, Winona Ryder and Uma Thurmond. Check it out:

http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/iconic-movie-fashion