A we developed the 12-piece wardrobe you undoubtedly noticed that accessories were as important as the clothes to the panache of the various outfits.  So in the coming weeks we’ll focus on choosing the exact accessories that spotlight the best in YOU.

Facial proportion is key to smart choices in necklaces, earrings, scarf tires … as well as hairstyles and garment necklines.

Although women’s magazines often feature a confusing list of 8-10 possible facial shapes, the important characteristic is simply the length/width ratio.  The so-called “perfect” proportion is about 5:7.  That is about 5 inches wide to 7 inches long, or roughly 1.5 times as long as the face is wide.

•  If you naturally have those proportions, you don’t need any special balancing strategies --because you’re already balanced.
• If your face is wider compared to its length, you may want to create the illusion of more length, since that will give you an over-all slimmer appearance. (NOTE:  A shorter or thicker neck can cause a balanced face to appear wide.)  It’s worth mentioning that a wide face reallyisn’t related to weight.  It reflects the shape of your skull.  None of us gains weight in the skull.  If only …
• If your face is slightly longer compared to its width, you’ll probably want to just take advantage of the slenderizing effect and skip any balancing strategies.
• If your face is significantly longer, the effect can be severe and a bit unfriendly, so you’ll want to consider some widening illusions.

To lengthen and narrow a wide face:

• Choose lower necklines – scoop, V-shape or just un-buttoned -  to expose more skin below your chin.
• Wear necklaces that fall lower on your torso; avoid short, choker styles.
• Use scarf ties that don’t fit too snug under your chin.  Styles #2 (tied to hang lower), #4 and #7 from last week's issue are good options.
• Choose earrings that are narrower than they are long.  Whether you prefer hoops, dangles or button styles, keep the shapes rather narrow and emphasize their length.
• Wear your hair relatively close to the sides of your head, with lift and fullness at the crown.
• Keep bangs very light – if you wear them at all – so your forehead and hairline are visible.  And avoid an unflattering center part.

(TIP: If you own necklaces that are too skimpy for the elongating effect you want, try adding an extender – a 5-6” plain chain you insert between the clasp segments to add the desired length.)

To shorten and widen a long, narrow face:

• Choose higher necklines – mock or turtlenecks, mandarin collars, stand collars.
• Wear necklaces that are shorter – choker styles rather than deep V-shapes, for example.  If a favorite necklace is too long to be flattering, consider double-wrapping it, adding an extender if you need it to make enough total length for two loops.
• Use scarf ties that fill in closer around your neck.  Try styles #2 (tied higher), #3, #5 or #9 from last week's issue.
• Choose earrings that are wider than they are long; keep the shapes shorter with more side-to-side design emphasis.
• Wear your hair with soft fullness at the sides, and minimize facial length with soft bangs.
• Avoid parting your hair at the center; an asymmetrical part will be much more flattering.

Next week we’ll look at the separate – but closely related – issue of facial structure and its impact on your wardrobe selections .