Most of us have a favourite pair of trousers or a top in which we feel slimmer and more confident, but for every outfit that fits that description we all have another 10 outfits that aren’t so flattering! So what exactly should we be wearing to make ourselves look slimmer? Below we share some simple fashion tips to help you turn every outfit in to a more slimming little number ..
Fashion Tips
The right size
Rule one of looking slimmer is to not fool yourself about your dress size! This applies if you tend to buy sizes that are too big as well as sizes that are far too small. Women’s clothing needs to be well-tailored and well fitting in order to appear slimming. Tight clothes will not appear slimming – quite the opposite. The same applies to wearing loose baggy clothing that seems an easy option. Baggy clothing can also make you seem bigger than you are, as well as appearing untidy, and often ‘too casual’. Choose the dress size that is right for you and that will be your first step to looking slimmer.
Colours
Choosing the right colour may seem obvious but how many times have you just bought any colour of top from the shop without a second thought for whether it will really flatter your figure when you next get it out of the wardrobe?
We all know that black is our obvious choice as it hides a multitude of sins whatever size, shape or age you may be. Indeed, Pierre-Auguste Renoir described black as the ‘queen of all colours’. The flip side of the coin is that very often we find ourselves in a room full of women wearing black and wish that the colour that has been so loyal to us on many occasions could be replaced with something a little different.
However don’t be tempted by anything too far away from your old friend – darker colours are always a safer bet than lighter, pale colours simply because they absorb the light. Classic greys, olives, browns, burgundies – any autumnal colours – these are all safe alternatives to black.
For the most flattering use of your colours, it is always a good idea not to mix and match colours too much. Try wearing matching tops and bottoms in solid colours – the same colour flowing throughout the outfit will accentuate your height and take the attention away from problem areas such as hips, stomach and thighs.
Patterns
Steer away from horizontal stripes. Again, this will emphasise any problem areas by guiding the eyes across the body instead of from top to bottom, which will create that thinner look. As a general rule, the less pattern there is on an outfit, the better the result in terms of creating a slim look. If you really want a pattern choose something smaller and keep away from big bold patterns, as these will give rise to a more broad appearance. Alternatively just stick to patterns around the areas of your body that are your best assets.
If you simply can’t live without your stripes, then try vertical stripes instead of horizontal. The thinner the stripe the slimmer you will appear. Vertical stripes will draw attention from the top to the bottom of the body, which is your overall aim.
Fabrics
Shiny fabrics should be avoided, as should thick fabrics or stretchy fabrics such as Lycra. It may be tempting to wear such fabrics from a comfort perspective but often these are not the most forgiving as they cling to your body and often to the body parts that we don’t want exaggerated! Thinner, matt fabrics are generally more slimming.
Styles
Length is the key word when deciding upon the style of tops or bottoms. Long jackets should be single breasted as opposed to double breasted again focusing away from width.
Longer length skirts are most flattering when they are straight and not flared, as flared skirts can give a bulky feel to the outfit. Pleats should be avoided at all costs.
Dresses with high empire waistlines are often good in disguising troublesome areas such as the tummy and hip area. However your best bet is to wear suits instead of dresses. Suits will generally have more seams and detail in the tailoring than dresses and this detail will avert attention from any troublesome hot spots.
When wearing a top or blouse under a suit, remember that you may wish to take off your jacket – so spend a little time considering the cut of the top too. If your arms are wide at the top then avoid short sleeved or sleeveless tops, as these will immediately attract attention to your arms. Longer sleeves are a safer option.
Long necklines are also helpful. Necklines are rarely noticed, unless they are elegant and more interesting than normal. If this is the case, a neckline can add interest to an outfit as well as providing that all important length factor.
Accessorise
If you are still keen on that splash of bright colour for the outfit, then the accessories are where you can go to town. Accessories are a must for diverting the eye away from problem areas. Bold and beautiful necklaces, bangles, and earrings should be coordinated with matching nail varnish and lipstick. These accessories can often be relatively cheap but if coordinated correctly will be the things that people will remember most about the outfit.
Accessories such as belts and broaches should be avoided as often they draw the eye to the areas that are less flattering. In particular, be very careful when considering a belt with your outfit – a belt looks best on women who have a small waist and wish to show off this area as an asset; the converse will be true if your waist is a problem area. A belt effectively acts as a horizontal dividing line, and will take away from the overall impression of height.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a flattering pair of shoes to match your outfit. A well-coordinated pair of high heels will again give the overall impression of length and hence detract away from width.
And finally…
Remember after all your efforts in creating that perfect slimming look, walk tall, consider your posture, and beam with confidence!