Chapter I: Foreword

The desire to be attractive, to feel the assurance that one is correctly if not beautifully dressed is inherent in every woman. With the advent of the “slim silhouette” the full proportioned woman or girl has had a problem. It is unfashionable to appear over large—and one cannot help feeling conspicuous when out of Fashion’s range. But, fortunately, there is a plan by which the proper selection of dress can actually aid you in overcoming the handicap of weight.

There is magic in the principles of “optical illusion” and rightly applied it is a kind of magic that one can make a permanent reality. But magic is subtle. It requires skill, watchfulness, and a close abiding to the rules if every “trick” is to be a success.

In reading this book you will find many things that you are advised not to do, but always you will find substantial instructions as to what to do. And always principles are provided which you can use and adapt to a great variety of personal needs.

One of the first essentials of teaching is to start a definite line of thinking, and if the rules in this book will arouse in you the desire to compare the points made with illustrations you see of line and color, both in pictures and on people, and to test their correctness or incorrectness for yourself, it will indeed be worth while.

You, who have started diets and failed with them, who have tried exercises and become discouraged, hold to this—read every page of this book, find the reason back of every rule and apply the principles laid down. I guarantee that it will be interesting and that the results will bring you a renewed assurance, confidence and satisfaction with your personal appearance and with yourself. Is that not enough to commend the book in its entirety?

JANE WARREN WELLS

CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I

WHY WOMEN WANT TO LOOK SLENDER 1

When Fashion Demands Slenderness and Youthfulness 5

Business and Social Life Make Slenderness and Youthfulness a
Necessity 7

Making the Most of Your Good Points 8

CHAPTER II

THE REAL SECRET OF DRESSING TO LOOK SLENDER 15

Optical Illusions—Seeing Is Believing 17

Lines That Slenderize and Lines That Don’t 21

A Simple Trick That Takes Off Twenty Pounds 28

Making Yourself Taller Than You Are 32

Lines That Slenderize Tunics 33

Apply These Rules to Every Item of Your Attire 36

Secrets That Even the Slender Woman Must Know 37

CHAPTER III

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE THE BIG DIFFERENCES 39

Watch Your Step 39

What Your Posture Can Do For You 41

Shoes and Stockings Must Be Selected With Care 43

Necklines Are Slenderized by Correct Jewelry and Collars 46

Purses, Fans, and Other Accessories 47

Neatness and Cleanliness Are Essential 48

Cosmetics Either Add or Detract 49

Think of These Little Things Beforehand 51

CHAPTER IV

FOUNDATIONS THAT SLENDERIZE 55

The Art of Selecting Your Corset 55

How to Know When Your Corset Fits Exactly 56

Which is Your Type of Corset? 60

The Best Kind of Brassiere for You 61

The Importance of Smooth, Perfect Fitting Underthings 65

CHAPTER V

CARDINAL RULES FOR DRESSES THAT CAMOUFLAGE SIZE 71

Remodeling Your Present Wardrobe 71

Selecting New Clothes That Will Slenderize You 76

The Truth About Surplice Fronts 83

Sleeves for Large Arms 85

Slenderizing Fleshy Shoulders 91

Disguising Weight From the Waistline Down 92

Necklines Make a Tremendous Difference 96

The Importance of These Slenderizing Trimmings 98

Helpful Hints from a Leading New York Designer 100

CHAPTER VI

ESSENTIAL POINTS IN CUTTING AND FITTING 103

The Helpfulness of Darts in Certain Places 103

How to Hold the Dress Up on the Shoulders 106

What the Long Underarm Does 106

The Bias Center Front 107

How to Add Fullness Without Flare 107

CHAPTER VII

FABRICS THAT SLENDERIZE 115

Facts to Know About Materials 116

Why Average “Bargains” Are Not an Economy for You 120

Choose These Slenderizing Fabrics 120

Materials You Can Wear 123

How to Look Smart at All Times 124

If You Must Practice Economy 125

CHAPTER VIII

COLORS THAT SLENDERIZE 129

What Colors Not to Wear 130

Study Color “Families” 132

Choose Subtle Shades 134

A Color Guide to Aid You in Attaining a Slenderizing Appearance 136

Rules to Remember 139

CHAPTER IX

THE LINE OF YOUTH AND GRACE 143

When Tailored Clothes Are Smart 143

Youthful Styles You Can Wear 146

Youthful Styles to Avoid 149

Trimness Is Your Goal 151

CHAPTER X

THE SMART LINE OF DIGNITY 155

Dress Smartly, No Matter How Old You Are 156

If You Are Short and Stout 159

For the Tall Stout Figure 161

Skirts for Dignity 161

Sleeves for Grace 162

Trimmings to Avoid 163

How the Mature Woman Can Appear Smart, Attractive and Charming 166

CHAPTER XI

HATS AND WRAPS THAT SLENDERIZE 171

Hat Shapes to Wear and Not to Wear 172

Hat Colors to Wear and Not to Wear 176

Wraps That Slenderize and Those That Do Not 177

CHAPTER XII

LOOKING SLENDER IS AN ART, A NECESSITY, AND A PLEASURE 179

Harmonious Proportions—The Aim of Every Woman 180

Simplicity is the First Essential 182

Here Are the 10 Chief Rules in a Nutshell 183

DRESS AND LOOK
SLENDER