Hey Nikki!

I appreciate your tips and constantly look forward to them! I'm 5'0" and 130 lbs. Because I'm an athlete, I have broad shoulders and large arms. However, I also have a large bust. Overall, I have more of a vase shape than a pear shape. I tend to always try to hide my arms under cardigans or sweaters. However, the summer days are too hot for me to wear cardigans.

I'm almost done with college and want to update my slouchy undergrad look for a more put-together, stylish, and feminine look, not only for work but also for everyday wear. I'm desperate!

Chrystle M.

Thank you for the nice words, sweetie! And I must say, I admire your discipline when it comes to sports. I'm more spectator than gladiator when it comes to athleticism.

There are always trade-offs to everything. In your case, it's having broad shoulders because you're an athlete. The trick is to highlight your assets while hiding your flaws. Here are a few ground rules:

• No to cap, dolman, batwing, puff sleeves and other types of sleeves that make everything look wider.


• No to shawls, too. This may be difficult but since they wrap around your upper body, they tend to emphasize instead of camouflage your shoulders and arms.


• No shoulder pads. Okay, maybe they're no longer in use. But 80s fashion seems to be on the rise again so we can't really tell.


• No horizontal stripes. They will only make you look your shoulders wider than the freeway.


• No to ill-fitting bras and tops. Again, wrong emphasis. Yes, your bust may be an asset but in your case wide (shoulders) and big (bust) are not a winning combination. If needed, use a minimizer bra to at least maintain balance.

• T-shirt bras. This is more a "must" than a "can wear". Seamless is the way to go and I'm guessing that you wear a lot of fitted tops for your sporty activities. Find a good seamless sports bra as well as other minimizer T-shirt brassieres that will do away with unsightly bulges


• Peplum hem and empire tops balance your silhouette since these cuts are usually cinched at the waist or bust area and flare out at the hem. Choose simple necklines, not cowl or anything that drapes.


• Single colors or monotones are better than multi-colors which may chop your silhouette into unflattering blocks.


• Small prints or patterns are more flattering than huge, splashy prints.


• Wide-leg or bootcut trousers and jeans balance the span of your shoulders and give you a more leggy appearance.

Hi Nikki!

I'm 38 years old, 5 feet 4 inches, skinny and tall. I have a pair of fabulous long legs. It is time for me to change my wardrobe. Could you kindly recommend me some tips for my new wardrobe of clothes for work and weekend wear? I'm from Singapore and the weather is very hot. I'm sick of wearing jackets for work even though I am an executive in the company.

Rayna S.

My sympathies are with you, dear. Dress codes can be such a pain sometimes. Tell me, how good is the Hainanese Chicken there?

Food aside, I envy your long legs. So now is the time to show them off! Unless your company has a strict dress policy, you can work your way around the hot weather. Here are some alternatives:

• A-line skirts instead of pencil skirts. Ditch the constricting feel of pencil skirts and opt for the comfortable and flattering A-line silhouette. Not only will they make you look more feminine, but with the right length (at or slightly above the knee), they'll make your legs look even longer.


• Cotton knit cardigans and linen jackets instead of blazers and conventional jackets. Most blazers are made from heavy fabrics so go light instead. Choose a shawl collar cardigan to make it dressier and still 'corporate' enough. Linen blazers and jackets are less bulky and definitely more crisp and comfortable.


• Short sleeves instead of long sleeves. This one's a no-brainer. After all, you want to be comfortable, not encased in a straitjacket. Go for dressy tops with a roomy neckline, like a bateau or boatneck, square, V-neck or scoop. If you can't wear short sleeves, compromise and go for elbow-length instead.


• Linen trousers. Linen is a great way to stay fresh and cool. Get a selection in different colors and cuts that flatter your legs. Flat-front styles usually work best for all body types. With the right pair of shoes, you'll still look savvy.


• Natural fabrics instead of synthetics. Cotton and linen are good examples, and bamboo is now also considered as another great alternative. Dresses made from these fabrics are sure to let your skin breathe.