Dress Stylish

Learn dress stylish in just a few easy steps. With the right colors, proper fit and accessories, a stylish look can be created in no time.

Instructions

1. Dress appropriately. When starting the search for the perfect stylish outfit, think about the type of event that this outfit will be worn at. If it is for an interview, meeting, wedding or gala, a more conservative look would be best. For a date, small gathering or day of shopping, the look could be less conservative and reflect the person's personality.

2. Sort through your pants, shorts and for women, skirts. If you are a woman and the event requires a dress, move on to step 3. For two-piece outfits, we start with the bottoms. The bottoms are the base for your outfit. Black, jean or khaki bottoms are an easy to match and build on. The bottom should fit nicely and not be too tight or loose. For men, if it is a more formal or semi-formal occasion, the usual choice would be, black slacks.

3. The shirt, blouse or dress chosen should be in a color that reflects the color of your skin tone, eyes and hair. The color of the top should coordinate well with the color of the bottom and fit nicely over the bottom or tucked in.

4. An element that adds style to an outfit is layering. If the weather will be cool on the day of the event, if it is indoors and/or you are not prone to sweating, consider this element. Start with a solid color bottom. Layering could consist of 2 or 3 shirts together or 1 to 2 shirts with a jacket or coat. When planning to wear a jacket, dinner jacket or coat, it should fit comfortably over the shirt, dress or shirts without any bunching.

5. Accessorize and complete the look! Accessories include shoes, belts, scarves, ties, pocket squares, jewelry, hats, head bands, rubber bands and clips. Black is safe and easy to match. However, for those who want a little more color, go for shoes that match the dress, bottoms, top or other accessories may be worn. Once the shoes are selected, the other accessories can be added to complete your outfit. .

Tags: color bottom, easy match, jacket coat, other accessories, your outfit

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Make A Good Bra

Every woman knows what it is like to try to find a bra that fits perfectly. Even though there are millions of styles and designs, women still have a hard time finding the ideal bra. Many women will find a bra style they like and stick with the same bra throughout the years. But there are times when one particular style or fit will no longer be suitable. For instance, weight loss and gain and, of course, pregnancy and nursing are factors in how a bra fits. Learning make your own bras is a great answer to this age-old problem. There are many ways to make your own bra. You can make a pattern, buy a pattern, or you can even use an old bra as a pattern. Making a bra is actually easier than it sounds. Here is a very simple method.

Instructions

1. Lay the fabric on a table or other smooth surface. A flat surface provides easier cutting.

2. Place the pattern on the fabric and pin it down.

3. Cut along the outer edge of the pattern. Remove the pins and pattern pieces.

4. Fold the cut-out pieces in half and place two pins in the fabric, one near the bottom and one near the middle of the fold. Starting at the bottom, about ½ inch from the fold, sew a diagonal seam ending at the middle of the fabric. Repeat on the other piece. These are the darts.

5. Turn the fabric to the wrong side or what will be the inside of the bra. Make a narrow fold on the sides of the material. Pin the lace to the material and sew the lace to the fold. Repeat on the other piece.

6. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Make gathers in the middle bottom of the fabric cups by starting near the outer edge of one side. Make gentle, loose folds and place the needle through the folds. When you are near the other edge stop, and using your fingers, gather the fabric. Tie off the thread. Repeat on the other piece.

7. Pin the cups to the wide lace. Sew the cups to the top of the wide lace.

8. Make a loop from the wide lace. Measure the wide lace two inches bigger than your bra size. Cut the wide lace. Bring the ends together and sew together two inches from the edge. Trim the excess material. Open seam and sew along each edge to tack down.

9. Measure the straps. You can use an old bra to find that measurement. Slide the adjusters on the straps according to the instructions on the package. Sew one side to the top of the cup and the other side to the back of the wide lace. Repeat with the other strap.

Tags: wide lace, other piece, Repeat other, Repeat other piece, cups wide, cups wide lace

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Debutante Protocols

In many ways, the modern wedding borrows from debutante society.

The debutante ball, according to the Black Tie Guide website, introduces young ladies into society. Although some see the tradition as outdated, many want to incorporate debutante culture into their own, whether because of the elegance of the tradition or the history itself. And the long history of the debutante ball created several historic protocols, which according to Etiquette Society, parents must follow to properly introduce their daughter into society.

Dress Protocol

According to Black Tie Guide, traditional debutante balls saw the majority of young men in black tie only with only the father of a debutante and the escort in full attire (black tie, tuxedo jacket and cummerbund or waistcoat).

Networking Protocol

Social networking, now a major part of modern society, originated in debutante society. In some ways, social networking still remains the same. For example, a common debutante protocol involves engaging the young men at debutante balls and cotillions to increase in position, wealth and societal power. Childhood connections became adult love affairs and friendships, so networking was essential to the debutante.

Social Etiquette

One of the most important parts of being a debutante, many debutante schools teach social etiquette. Social etiquette covers poise, conversation and the curtsey. Poise grants women a literally regal standing. Conversation lessons teach women manage conversations effectively, including what topics to cover in conversation and speak to people in varying life positions. The bow and curtsey (also curtsy) show respect to people in positions of authority. For the debutante, encouraged to participate in a life of schmoozing with the well-to-do, all of these skills heighten her position in society as well as maintain her position while there.

Tags: Black Guide, debutante ball, debutante balls, debutante society, into society

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Press & Crease A Sateen Dress Shirt For Men

Sateen dress shirts can be ironed smooth using the right process.

Sateen is a cotton fabric with a special finish applied, imparting a unique sheen to the fabric. Dress shirts made with sateen often incorporate a small percentage of artificial fibers, like Spandex, in order to enhance the fit. Ironing a sateen dress shirt is a similar process to any standard cotton shirt, creating sharp creases and a crisp look.

Instructions

1. Set the iron to its "Cotton/Linen" setting. If the iron does not specify a material, set it to "High."

2. Start with the collar first. Flip the shirt over, ironing the back of the collar until flat. The press cloth is not needed here.

3. Place one half of the shirt over the ironing board. Place the press cloth over the shirt. Iron this half of the garment smooth. Make sure to work the tip of the iron between buttons or along the placket, as this area remains visible even with a jacket. Repeat the process for the other half of the front of the shirt.

4. Flip the shirt over to iron the back. Nestle one sleeve opening into the square section of the ironing board.

5. Lay the press cloth over the back and iron it smooth. Slide the shirt over, finishing the entire back. Pay special attention to any pleats on the back, ironing them flat.

6. Straighten one sleeve on the board, using the seam on the sleeve as a guide for straightness. Place the cloth on the sleeve. Iron the sleeve, paying attention to the outer section of the arm. This provides a sharp, crisp crease. Repeat for the other sleeve.

7. Unbutton the cuffs. Flip one cuff over so the open side is facing up. Iron it smooth, eliminating any creases.

Tags: shirt over, press cloth, cloth over, Flip shirt, Flip shirt over, ironing board, over ironing

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Marine Dress Blues Regulations

The Marine Corps dress blues uniforms have four classifications.

We've all seen those crisp flat hats and the perfectly ironed pants, not to mention those dress coats that are such a deep blue that they look almost black. The dress uniform of a U.S. Marine is one of the most recognizable military symbols in the world. The men and women who wear them are esteemed as members of one of the most storied and daring fighting forces in the world. But when, where and how is a marine to wear the honored uniform? What regulations dictate its uses? To answer that, one must look to the Permanent Marine Corps Uniform Board. The PMCUB is the organization tasked with choosing the Marine Corps uniform and regularly updating the regulations that dictate all Marine Corps uniforms. PMCUB's manual can be found online.

Dress Blues Classification

The Marine Corps dress blues uniforms have four classifications. They are class A, B, C, and D uniforms. Each classification of uniform is authorized for different functions, and all but class "A" uniforms may be designated as "uniform of the day" by the unit commander.

Class "A" uniforms

The class "A" uniform is also known as the evening dress uniform. According to the PMCUB, it is "prescribed for official formal evening functions at which civilians would normally wear evening clothes or "white tie" attire. Occasions for the class "A" uniform include state occasions at the White House or foreign embassies

Class "B" Uniforms

The PMCUB describes the Class B uniforms as consisting of "the same items as blue dress "A" except that ribbons are worn in lieu of medals." The dress B uniform may be prescribed for parades, informal social gatherings or as the uniform of the day.

Class "C" Uniforms.

The Marine Corps Class "C" uniform is a bit less formal than the class "B." The class "C" may also be prescribed by the commander for parades and other ceremonies. The class "C" may also be worn on leave or liberty. The class "C" consists of all the components of the Class "B" except for the blue dress coat. The class "C" is comprised of the long sleeve khaki shirt and tie for males or the neck tab for females.

Class "D" Uniforms.

Class "D" uniform is also worn without the dress coat, but it consists of a short sleeve khaki shirt and is not worn with the necktie or neck tab. It is prescribed for honors and ceremonies where the environment would preclude the comfortable wear of the dress "A" or "B" uniforms. It may be worn as the uniform of the day or on leave or liberty.

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Proper Sleeve Length Of A Dress Shirt

Proper sleeve length is an essential element of a well-fitted shirt.

Proper fit is the most important element of any article of clothing. Regardless of price, designer or style, if clothing does not fit, it's not going to look good. Conversely, if it fits, if will flatter.

Shoulder fit

In order to have a well-fitted sleeve, the shirt sleeve should start at the right place.This means the shoulder seam should be directly above your underarm. If the shoulders are too narrow, the shirt will pull when you reach forward; this is uncomfortable as well as unattractive. If the shoulders are too wide, the shirt will bulge with excess cloth.

Sleeve length

The sleeve should end at the proper place on your arm. When standing with your arms relaxed at your sides, the end of the cuff should hit just at the wrist bone. The shirt sleeves should extend just beyond the sleeves of your jacket---about a quarter of an inch.

Comfort and range of movement

When you move your arms forward, the sleeves should not pull up more than half an inch. If they pull up more than that, the shirt does not fit properly. You should be able to move comfortably in the shirt.

Tailoring

If you find a shirt that fits well in all respects except sleeve length, you can have the shirt tailored. In this case, opt for sleeves that are a bit too long rather than too short; it's easier to shorten sleeves than lengthen them.

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Know The Length Of An Inseam

The inseam is the seam that extends from the top to the bottom of the inside of a pant leg.

An accurate inseam measurement is critical if you are buying pants. The inseam is the seam that extends from between the legs to the top of the foot, along the interior side on a person's leg. The best way to gain this measurement is to measure the leg of the man who will wear the garment. A man cannot perform this method on his own. You can also measure the inseam of a pair of pants that fits well, if an assistant is unavailable.

Instructions

Taking a Live Measurement

1. Stand straight. Maintain a natural stance. Leave enough of a gap between your legs that the person taking the measurement can maneuver the tape as needed.

2. Hold the end of the measuring to the interior base of the leg. The spot should be just below the end of the torso.

3. Run the measuring tape down the inside of the leg. Imagine the portion of the legs that touch. Run the tape measure along that imagined line on the leg.

4. Stop the measurement at the large ball joint that connects the foot to the leg.

5. Note the total length, from the base of the leg to the joint.

Measuring the Inseam on Pants

6. Use a pair of pants that fits well.

7. Lay the pants flat on a bed or table.

8. Hold the end of the tape measure to the base of the pant leg.

9. Run the measuring tape down the inside of the pant leg to the bottom seam. There is likely a straight seam here that you can follow.

10. Note the total measurement, from the base of the pant leg to the bottom hem.

Tags: base pant, down inside, extends from, fits well, from base

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