With advanced technology creating better fits and lovelier colours, Oriental Asian women these days will find most clothing in their own country suit their skin tone and figure perfectly. Modern shops in cities offer clothing reflecting natives’ predominant complexions. Thus in hotter climates, vibrant colours like oranges and strong neutrals help offset tanned complexions. In Japan, clear and bold pastels bring out women’s porcelain complexion.
But what happens when an Oriental woman goes overseas say England, and cannot get suitable clothing, or worse still end up buying clothing in the wrong colour or cut? These fashion tips may come in useful.
Petite Dressing for Oriental Women
Most Asian women are small-boned and petite, compared to European counterparts. It is common for Asian women to look for UK size 8 or less, so a visit to the Petite section helps. But one should not restrict oneself. By layering and experimenting with shapes, a petite lady could pick a larger jumper, vest or shirt and cinch them in with a belt. Happily the children’s section can provide budget alternatives. Pyjamas can be found there: trousers for a 13-year old child may be splendid on a tiny Asian lady.
The chest area is sometimes a problem. European tops are generous in the bust and shoulders. Shopping on the UK high street, one would gravitate towards Oriental shops like Uniqlo and Muji; French labels like Kookai; and shops with figure-hugging clothes like Jane Norman. Shorter girls would avoid clothes shops that fit larger, taller women, such as Oasis.
Fashion Colours for Oriental Women Abroad
Westerners who dye their hair black may assume Oriental women wear similar colours, like blue-green. But Oriental women wear a whole spectrum of colours back home, so it is a culture shock to keep to blue-green! What is ‘hot pink’ back home may also be a different tone in Western shops and may not flatter. It can be exasperating to find that the warmer colour spectrum is missing abroad.
Sticking to trusty perennials like black, red and certain green shades is one way. If one spends more time searching, a yellow-based colour soon pops up. Strong pink, Chinese blue or warm tan would be a wonderful find. Another tip is to find shops that cater to darker-skinned people, whose colours are strong and vibrant, suitable for Oriental skin tones.
Beauty & Makeup Tips for Oriental Skin
Unless the stay is a permanent, Oriental women will find it easier to bring their beauty products abroad. With some exceptions – moisturiser for a moist climate is close to useless in dry conditions. One could get recommendations from their dermatologist or seek advice from Asian women abroad. But if buying abroad, the only way is to try and try again until something works.
Makeup colours for Oriental skin can be tricky, as colours abroad suit very fair or dark complexions. The base is the keyword. If the foundation colour is correct, one is free to try other colours. Oriental brands like Shiseido or Kanebo have suitable foundations available abroad.
Hairdressing for Oriental Asian Women
A winning hairstyle is the result of visiting a hairdresser who specialises in Oriental hair. Oriental hair is wider, thicker and more densely packed than Caucasian hair, and requires different understanding. Photos of Caucasian hairstyles may be tempting, but to avoid disaster, one would be better off visiting an Oriental hair salon for best results.
Of course the longer the stay, the better it is for the Oriental Asian woman to find what works for her, otherwise she could be stuck wearing outdated fashions!
Source:
- 5 Ways that Asian Hair is Different from Caucasian Hair. The Beauty Brains, TheBeautyBrains.com, 17 January, 2007.
Lynette S.K. Webster - Copywriter turned Freelance Writer Copywriter for 4 years in Singapore, writing radio, print, TV and recruitment ads for national radio ...
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