Flatter Yourself #2 – Dress The Pounds Away

“Seasons Eatings” is now upon us and its easy to pick up a few pounds along the way.  By mid-December, I usually find myself skipping the gym more easily begin the feel the squeeze.  Of my clothes.  Though I try to “be good”, the holiday feasts continue and if I’m lucky, I maintain those few extra pounds until I stop overeating January 1st. So what’s a girl to do?  Hide it!  Here are some instant slimming secrets that I have picked up over the years.

 

Invest in GOOD BRA – A proper fitting bra, in the correct size can do wonders for your silhouette. Get properly fitted at a reputable department or lingerie store.  Here is a newsflash! Bras sold at stores with a bullseye or even where you can find PINK written across your butt do not sell bras that offer good support if you are a C cup or above.  Or if you’ve had children. They’re for show, not lift. Once you’ve found a great fitting bra, you won’t go back.  Ever!

Dress Monochromatically – Wearing all one color creates the illusion of longer, leaner lines. I read a few months ago that a more current trend is to vary the shade slightly, when wearing separates. Perhaps a lighter top and slightly darker pants.  

An Empire Waist – This style can be almost any girl’s best friend!  An empire waist cinches just below the bust line and flairs slightly outward (like an A-line). This outline is perfect for concealing the stomach or emphasizing the bust. See how the blouse below creates a nice waistline and balances her figure?

Peplum – A ruffle or short overskirt attached to the bottom of a top, jacket or dress.  This style creates the illusion of a slimmer waist. There are even some peplum skirts and slacks too.

Mid-Rise or Higher Waisted Jeans – First off, they need to be in your actual size. Not the size you “want” to wear, but the actual size that fits your body and give your room to breath.  The tighter the pants, the heavier one tends to look.  Go for a darker wash and wear dark shoes for a longer, leaner look.  Wear a neutral colored top or a nice flattering pattern.

Low rise, which are so popular these days are usually unflattering unless you are tall, very thin or under 25. I’d say that at least 85% of women and girls that I see wearing low rise jeans have a muffin top and love handles hanging over them.  It add at least another 5-10lbs to their appearance.  Also shop in the appropriate dept.  If you’re over 30, and are of average build, the junior dept will not likely have jeans that are flattering for you.

If you carry weight in your hips and thighs, straight leg or boot cut jeans are most flattering.  A skinny jean draws attention to your hips and thighs.  The wider leg jeans offer balance, draw your eyes downward and create a slimmer appearance.

A-Line Skirts – A-Lines are more fitted at your hip and thigh and flare outward, which keep your legs from looking thick and top heavy.  A-Line dresses are great too. A great holiday look could be a dark hued simple A-line dress with a bold, statement necklace.  Match your legs & shoes to elongate your legs. Go with nude legs & nude pumps or black hose and black pumps.

Shoes – Mid-High heels elongate your legs.  Avoid strappy sandals if you have a wide foot, they’ll look even wider. Kitten heels do the same. If you have ample calves, avoid ankle straps.  They create a line across your ankle which make your legs look shorter and heavier.  Pumps, sling backs, peep toes are all winners!  And some platforms that are not too chunky can work too.  Black and nude pumps are an essential staple in every wardrobe.  Pairing with nude or black hose creates that longer leaner leg, remember? But best of all….They go with EVERYTHING!