Fashion: Draw attention away from areas you don't like

It's best to avoid chunky bangles if you have wide wrists.

I have wide wrists and ankles, what sleeves, hemlines and shoes will work for me?

If you're self-conscious about your wrists and ankles, my styling advice is don't draw unnecessary attention to them, show off the rest of your fabulous figure instead.

It's hard for me to comment without actually seeing you, but sometimes what we think is a problem area, isn't in fact so.

Many of my clients focus on particular areas of their body that they're not happy with, in some cases they become obsessed by it, and yet when I look at them, I don't see what they're talking about at all.

We need to focus on what's fabulous about us, of which there are many things.

However, if you would like to downplay your wrists and ankles, consider these tips:

*Avoid bling on your wrist - bracelets, bangles, etc can draw attention to your wrist.

*Sleeve lengths - you may be better with a short or long sleeve, a 3/4 sleeve sits a little too close to the wrist and the eye is often drawn to the hemline.

*A straight sleeve that narrows at the wrist will give a slimming look, as long as it's nottight. A sleeve with a cuff is also slimming.

*Avoid shoes with ankle straps - this only accentuates your ankles. Be careful choosing ankle boots, more so if you're wearing them with skirts or dresses. Trousers are fine.

*Avoid ankle chains, not that you see many of them nowadays.

*Avoid capri pants (3/4 pants). Go for shorts that sit on or above the knee or long trousers. The same applies to skirt lengths.

Lisa Lyford is the founder of Gorgeous Me, free DIY personal styling and makeover advice.

www.gorgeousme.co.nz

Send your questions for Lisa to regionalfeatures@apn.co.nz.