First, here are the top 10 pieces that the Mad Men costume designer thinks every woman should own.  (See Monday’s post if you’d like a chance to win a copy of Janie Bryant’s book, The Style Files.) Notice there’s no classic white shirt on the list!  Is there anything that you think is missing? And what on the list would you remove?

  1. A great pair of jeans.
  2. Tailored blazer.
  3. Sleek pencil skirt.
  4. Designer knee-high leather boots.
  5. Fantastic coat.
  6. Modern-day dress.
  7. Sexy cocktail dress.
  8. Classic cardigan.
  9. T-shirts.
  10. A pair of chic shoes from the current season.

See her guidelines for the curvy hourglass body type after the jump. I share my reactions below them.

Objective: Show off that waist, which will become the sexy focal point of your silhouette.

Wardrobe staples:

  • A bra with amazing support!  Wrap tops and blouses that nip at the waist.
  • Flat-front, side-zip, and pocketless pants–preferably with boot-cut or flared bottoms.

Indulge:

  • High-waisted slacks.
  • Light-knit cardigans.
  • Belted jackets or coats.

Avoid:

  • Shifts or trapeze dresses that hide your shape.
  • Any styles that overemphasize the hips, like a gathered skirt.

Optimum neckline:  V-neck, portrait, sweetheart, and off-the-shoulder styles flatter.

Your best-cut dress:  One word: sheath.  Wrap dresses in jersey or light cotton and styles with princess-seamed bodices also work well.

Jeans of choice:  A higher rise will solve gaping at the waistband, and seek out jeans with flare at the leg and some stretch (Lycra) to let curves breathe.

Your ideal bathing suit:  A halter-top style or bandeau with high-waisted bottom is a great retro style that works.

I only found two surprises on this list: the high-waisted slacks and bathing suit suggestions. My jury is still out on the slacks, but I think of halter-top swimsuits the same way I think of halter-top wedding dresses: they’re fine if you want your busts to be the focal point. And has anyone found a bandeau style that actually covers their breasts?

And of course, her emphasis on the waist is great.  We all love to show our waists.  But I’d like tips on finding clothes that fit our bust and waist or any advice she’s given Christina Hendricks on how to alter clothes to fit our bust and waist.  I guess that’s what this blog is for!