This High Impact Fabric will Transform your Look

Elie Tahari Dabney Pleated Silk Blouse. Saks Off 5th. Was: $248. Now: $98.

Most of us are drawn to specific fabrics. As a personal stylist for women, I see this all the time. Some women adore the way natural fabrics feel on their skin. Others, care more about the way a fabric looks. Does the print draw her eye? Does it look like a quality item? Whatever your feelings, one fabric feature has an impact on how flattering a piece is on your body. 

It's all about whether or not the fabric is shiny.

How Shiny Fabrics Can Be Assets

I recently fell in love with a new concealer. It does the job. However, after it covers up the dark circles under my eyes, I noticed that the same area of my face is still a focal point. Why? Because the concealer leaves my skin especially shiny. Solution: I use powder over it. Done! 

The same is true when it comes to clothing. Shiny fabrics will always draw the eye. When you are putting together your outfit, it's helpful to ask yourself where does the eye go? Is it somewhere you want to draw attention or not? Shiny fabrics are helpful when you want to draw the eye. Most commonly, a shiny top will draw attention to the bust as the light reflects differently there than on the rest of your top. So, if that is something that appeals to you (sometimes you want to, like on a date and sometimes you don't, like at the office), go for it.

Mes Demoiselles Festina Silk Dress. Revolve. $270.

How Shiny Fabrics Can Be Drawbacks

Knowing that shiny fabrics will draw the eye, think about where you don't want attention. It's common for me to hear from a client that she'd like to minimize her stomach, hips, backside and/or bust. To be clear, I'm not suggesting that a woman needs to minimize anything. Dressing for your body type is really about giving YOU confidence and feeling good. You dress for yourself above all else. If for whatever reason, a woman wakes up and feels like she wants to minimize her stomach, the answer is to avoid shiny fabric there. (You might also enjoy 23 Ways to Minimize Your Stomach.) 

That's it! One fabric that can be a blessing or a curse.