QUESTION: In a recent column, you advised a woman how to select clothing, accessories and hairstyles to make her long, thin neck less obvious. But what about us women with short, thick necks and round faces? Could you please do the same for us?
ANSWER: Certainly. There are a number of styles you can choose to make you neck appear longer and your face less round.
Dresses and blouses with V necklines have an elongating effect, as do single-breasted jackets that button low in front. Mock turtlenecks, especially in dark colors, also can be flattering – provided they don’t come all the way up to your chin.
Long necklaces are a good choice, as they appear to lengthen the lines of the neck. Long earrings have the opposite effect; they drew attention to a short neck and make it seem shorter. Instead, look for flat earrings that are longer than they are wide. In other words, ovals and rectangles.
A long scarf is another handy accessory. But instead of tying it around your neck, knot it low on your chest or allow the ends to hang free down your front, creating a long line. A square scarf, folded over into a triangle and draped over one shoulder, will draw attention away from your neck – as will a large pin worn wide on the shoulder.
If you wear eyeglasses, select frames that are no wider than your face, and with narrow, plain sidebars. Fairly large frames, gently angled, with a square or elliptical shape, are more flattering than small, round frames.
In hats, look for styles with high crowns and asymmetrical brims.
Finally, a hairstyle that adds height and fullness at the top of your head is a good choice, as are upswept dos, asymmetrical cuts and styles with side parts.
Makeup ruins clothes
Q: What can be done to prevent foundation makeup causing “ring around the collar” on blouses and jackets? My makeup always rubs off and looks so unsightly – and not to mention the dry-cleaning bills.
A: It sounds as if you are wearing too much foundation, too low on your face.
Many women make the mistake of applying their foundation all the way to the jawline, and then blending it down onto the neck. Instead, lightly apply your foundation to within an inch of the jawline, then blend toward the jawline – but not beyond. Dust with powder, stroke on blusher, then buff gently with facial tissue along the jawline to remove any excess makeup.
It wouldn’t hurt to wipe your lower face gently once or twice during the day as your makeup settles, or as perspiration causes it to run.
Also, if you apply your makeup after getting dressed, protect your clothing from sprinklings of makeup by tucking a scarf or towel into the neckline of your blouse or dress. And speaking of scarves . . . One of the best ways to prevent makeup rubbing off on your collars is to wear a scarf inside your collar all day.
Prostheses comfort
Q: I had a mastectomy operation three years ago, and have been wearing a mastectomy bra and prosthesis ever since. For the past two summers, I have really suffered. The prosthesis is heavy and hot, and causes me to perspire and develop an uncomfortable rash under my bra. I was tested for allergic reactions to the prosthesis and the underwear, but my doctor says that is not the problem. The weight of the prosthesis and the damp underwear are the cause of the chafing and irritation. I dread the thought of enduring this discomfort through yet another long, hot summer. Any suggestions?
A: The manufacturers of breast prostheses and mastectomy bras are aware of the problems you mention and are working to develop more comfortable items. For example, Amoena has just come out with a line of prostheses that are significantly lighter and a line of bras lined with Coolmax fabric, which wicks perspiration away from the body.
As it has been three years since you first purchased your prosthesis and bras, I suggest you check into the new, improved products now available at better department stores and medical-supply stores.
Fashion writer Jean Patteson welcomes your questions. Mail: The Orlando Sentinel, MP-6, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, Fla. 32802-2833. Phone: (407) 420-5158.
