- The Top Half
When dressing to look slimmer, keep this tips in mind for the top half of the outfit:
remember the fit…be comfortable, but bigger isn’t necessarily better
longer length tops, blazers, and sweaters worn on the outside work well with most outfits.
with fitted trousers, tuck in your shirt unless your middle is a problem area.
avoid large cowl necks or overly bulky turtlenecks
round necklines and V-necklines are most flattering
leave a button or two open near the neck area
don’t let the sleeves of your top/jacket/sweater hang down over your hands; it pulls the eye and attention downward. Push them up or hold them up with sleeve bands
highlight your beautiful face to minimize body fullness. Fluff the hair, add some statement earrings, brighten the makeup a little bit.
- The Bottom Half
When it comes to selecting the right pants, there are some choices we can make that will help us look slimmer:
wear long pants that reach the ankles or slightly below
neutral, darker colors are best
a little bit of stretch in the fabric is good, coupled with the appropriate size for your body
avoid pleating at the waist
for jeans, look for a slim fit with a high rise (as opposed to the jeans that sit lower on the hips)
- Dresses
When we’re choosing a dress and want to to look slimmer, there are a few things to keep in mind.
A dress that has color-blocking, as shown on the left, can do wonders for an overall slimming look. Just pay attention to the colors and make sure that the combination is indeed slimming.
In this example, the majority of fabric is black, with white on each side. A simple sleeve and length just to the knee can result in a stunning look.
The wrap dress is a look that can be very flattering and slimming for most body shapes. Look for a soft, drapey fabric in a solid or small pattern.
- Skirts
When your goal is to look slimmer in a skirt, it is pretty simple.
A knee-length pencil skirt is most universally flattering. Stay with a darker neutral color and you’ll look great.
- Finishing Touches
Any time we’re putting an outfit together it’s the finishing touches that can really make the statement. And we want our statement to be slimming, right? So, here are a few suggestions:
Jewelry: necklaces that aren’t bulky couple with small earrings are a good choice
Belts: if you wear one, make it a skinny belt, not chunky
Shoes: when pairing with a dress or skirt, shoes that are similar to your skin color can make your legs look longer and your body slimmer. Avoid ankle straps
Shoes with pants or jeans: short heels, ankle boots or pointy flats
Scarves: wear loosely around the neck, not tied tight
- Putting the Outfit Together
Here are a few final tips for you in your quest to dress to look slimmer:
Layering with separates that fit properly can give your body definition, not make you look larger
Wear a classic blazer or jacket, worn open, to create a long, slim line down the center of your body
All black can work well for most women
In general, wear lighter colors on top and darker colors on the bottom
Small patterned fabrics can also be slimming
All of these tips can be useful at one time or another, so utilize them as the occasion requires.
