How Clothing Can Flatter Your Figure

Believe it or not, the way you dress can make you look five, even ten pounds thinner instantly.  I think for most of us, the goal when choosing clothing and accessories is to highlight the features we like the most while minimizing those which we do not.  Ever see someone who always looks great, no matter the occasion?  Not someone who is model gorgeous or model thin, just a regular woman who somehow knows what makes her look her best.  A true fashionista knows that clothing plays an important role in the illusion of a sleek silhouette.

Now I am not promoting how to look “skinny”.  I think all shapes and sizes should be celebrated.  What I am talking about is how to make the most out of what we’ve got.  We all need to celebrate our wonderful bodies but there are things we can do to make what we have look even more fabulous!

It’s common knowledge that the color black tends to flatter everyone.  Not only will black make you appear leaner, it also works for nearly any occasion.  Wear a “little black dress” to a cocktail party or formal event, always a safe bet and a classic look.  For daytime throw on a slimming black top with a favorite pair of jeans for a look that’s totally wearable.

If black isn’t your thing, you can always opt for alternative darks, such as gorgeous deep purples, crisp navy blues or luscious chocolate browns.  These colors will also flatter nearly any skin tone and help to create that illusion of a sleeker look.

For the print-challenged, remember that prints can create a great look, they just need to be used sparingly soas to avoid that "clown" look we all know and love, lol!

For fuller-figured women, embrace your curves – but don’t draw attention to anything you perceive as a flaw.  For example, if you want to cover up large hips, avoid wearing light colors or prints on your bottom half; also remember that horizontal stripes are a definite no if you’re going for a thinner look. 

Another good rule of thumb for minimizing hip circumference, make sure the bottom of your shirt/blouse doesn’t end at your widest point.  Your eyes are naturally drawn to where one garment ends and the other starts, the goal is to create a sleek line, not a chopped up look.  This is definitely something that I have been guilty of doing and am making a concious effort to avoid in the future.

Of course, clothing can only do so much – your jewelry, shoes, belts and even your handbag can also help create the appearance of a slimmer body.  For example, choose accessories that draw attention away from the areas you don’t want to highlight.  For starters, you can wear a large pendant or statement necklace to draw the eye upwards. 

Right now I am a huge fan of fabric flowers incorporated into necklaces, so feminine and different.

If you're trying to minimize your waist. stomache and/or hips, try wearing a medium sized belt/buckle, not a thin dainty one.

These are just a few tips and tricks that can help you look instantly sleeker, simply by wearing a few key clothing and accessory pieces.  While you won’t actually lose 10 pounds, you can at least LOOK like you have!

Please add any of your tips or advice in the comment section below, I love hearing from everyone :) 

And as always.....Remember to be Uniquely You!