Walter grew up with a passion for fashion and a desire to help women feel good in the skin they're in. Growing up with frequent visits to the clothing store her mother owned, Walter fell in love with helping others find the right outfits. Next door to her mother's shop, was a plus-size boutique that just caught her eye. "I thought, 'what a great business, what great women to help.'"
Walter bought Toronto's plus-size boutique, The Answer, 15 years ago and now she shares her tips with LOULOU on how every woman can shop for fabulous summer tops and not only look good, but feel good, too.
Why is summertime such a hard season to shop for?
Sleeves are a big concern in my store. Women don't want to go bare-armed. But there's nothing you can't wear as long as it's been modified a little bit. Some styles have been modified with longer sleeves so women can cover up the areas they want covered.
Let's start with the basics. Which tops suit most body types?
Well, V-necks are great for just about everyone. They elongate the neck and are great for both larger and smaller bust sizes.
What about tunics?
Tunics hide a lot but you have to make sure you balance your bottom with your top when you wear a tunic. You need a slim or straight bottom as opposed to a wide leg bottom or A-line skirt because then you'll just look really large.
So if a woman wants to avoid looking large, what does she have to keep in mind?
You have to buy it just right. For example, there's a lot of ruched necklines this year, but you have to be careful if you're too busty. If you buy it too big, you will actually look larger. And too small is never good. If it's too big, you just have too much fabric and you can look a size or two larger. The right size makes all the difference.
What about colours and prints?
Prints can be very helpful because they do camouflage a lot. With prints and colours you can accentuate your positives and minimize your negatives. Prints should go on the area you're most comfortable with. If you have a pear-shaped body, the prints should go on the top, where you're smaller, to attract the attention there and take away from the larger bottom.
What kinds of things should women be looking for?
The wrap-over is a terrific style for plus sizes. It gives you a nice shape and it defines your waist. The faux-wrap is even better because it's sewn closed. Accessories are also great for plus-size women. Long necklaces can help elongate their figure and just finish off the look well. And of course, under summer tops, the right bra is very important. I would recommend a smooth one as opposed to a lacey one because lacey ones can show through the tops and look bumpy.
How can women not only look good, but feel good, too?
When women are wearing the right clothing, and are guided correctly into buying the right clothing, they feel great. They know they look good. They automatically project a positive attitude and their confidence level is higher. It is the worst feeling to look in your closet the day of a big meeting or big date, and have nothing you feel good in to wear, or maybe nothing that fits. If you have an outfit that you feel and look good in, it will make you look good on the outside, and feel good on the inside.
