March '07 - Help my Derrière and What’s a Crop Pant Anyway?

When you say it in French, it sounds sort of dignified and chic. An oft heard plea of many a woman past childbearing years. The biggest mistake we see played out repeatedly is an attempt to make the posterior look smaller by accentuating the narrowest part of the body, namely by those who have a thinner leg. In wearing a legging or pencil leg pant, they hope to achieve a flattering perspective. In reality, they have created an inverse triangle with the widest part across the hip and the apex at the foot. Not a success relative to the goal.

One point every woman can agree on is that how pants fit can either draw attention to or away from the derrière. A good fit can add proportion, dimension and shape to the body. A little help for those who have fallen trap to misconception: a wide hip merits a wider pant leg to create balance.

Pant length also plays an important role in the overall desired appearance. This summer the Bahama short is back in. Just meeting the knee, this length can be very flattering for a shorter physique and of course for most anyone with a great leg. The Clamdigger, which sounds like a pant rolled up to just below the knee to go wading, is just that length. A flood pant arrives ¾’s of the way down the leg, but doesn’t reach the ankle. It is great for proportioning tall women, and conversely can be worn as a pant on much shorter women. The Capri is longer than a Clamdigger and shorter than a flood pant. It falls roughly mid calf and suits an average to tall woman.

New from French Dressing the Sheryl Flare jean for the tall slender woman. In stock now. Sheryl Flare: Slim fit, Mid rise, 11.5 oz Stretch Denim

The next quest is whether to wear an elastic or structured waist. Which way to go depends on your comfort level as well as your physique and your persistence. A structured fit makes a trim figure look neat and it can help a less fit figure by giving it structure. The trick with structure is to find the fit that suits your build. Easier said than done, many women give up and go for a more relaxed, forgiving fit that can be accommodated by an elastic waistband. Nothing wrong with that and a relaxed fit can look equally flattering on a trim figure. Keep an open mind and try them both.

Another way you can help your bottom look shapelier is of course to sculpt it through exercise. Pilates is excellent for reshaping, strengthening and contouring muscle to achieve a flattering feminine physique. Not that it’s going to be a cinch mind you. The buttock is the largest muscle in the body; therefore, the “end” result is going to be reflective of the effort put into it.

At Jet-Lag Travel Fashion Boutique, don’t be afraid to ask “How does this fit my back-side?” or “Can you help me find something suitable for my build?” It’s our pleasure to help you find a successful fit and we hope it will keep you coming back.

P.S. We can also sign you up for our Sunday morning Pilates with Yoga Stretch classes

Pilates with Stretch Yoga

• Sundays starting April 15th. 10 sessions $120
• 8:45 am – 10 am Prior experience required
• 10:15 am -11:30 am All levels welcome
• Drop-in $15 per class

Register by March 31st for a $10 coupon to use on regular retail items (minimum $50 purchase, not in combination with other promotions).