Q. Do tight clothes make you look thin or are baggy clothes better?

Alison: Avoid baggy and tight—neither is appealing. Wear clothes that fit your shape and size. Baggy looks sloppy and doesn’t define a shape of the body. Tight clothes will only show off any bulges or flaws. Every designer cuts differently. There is no universal size or cut of clothing. And with the creation of vanity sizing where designers/retailers will cut larger yet put a smaller size on the label means you have to try the clothes on whenever you shop. Shopping should not be a chore. When you have the right skills, shopping can be uplifting and confidence building and needn’t take hours to accomplish a task.

Spend time trying on clothes from a variety of designer or retailers with prices that fit your budget. When you find the right fit and a variety of choices that fit your lifestyle, make those retailer the initial go-to on your list when you need to replenish pieces in your wardrobe or need something new. Shop the inexpensive shops like Forever 21 and H &M when you want to try out a trend. These shops offer “disposable” fashion at a low price. Spend more money on the classics that should last in your closet for years and keep the trends for under $100. When you spend money on quality pieces think in terms of the cost per wear ratio—the price comes down the more often you wear and longer you have the item in your wardrobe.