Perfect bodies don’t come easy and sometimes not at all, as hard as we try.
Dressing in a way to flatter ourselves, conceal the parts we don’t admire and work with our positives is something we can learn. Nothing takes the place of exercise and healthy eating but a little dressing “know how” never hurt anyone and can make all the difference.
Apart from appreciating what suits and understanding our shapes, there are a some slimming tricks that can flatter and work for us. These points may be obvious but with a trip coming up and much travel wardrobe planning going on, I need a reminder.
Most of us have this all worked out but I’m happy to share my thoughts and I am sure you have some extras pointers that would be beneficial.
We all want to be the very best versions of ourselves… xv
Tips And Tricks To looking Slimmer
1. Slim fitting clothes are more flattering than blousy, oversized numbers. Even if you are trying to cover unwanted weight, a slim fit will cover and slim not cover and enlarge. Slim legged pants and simple sleeves are far more favourable than wide legged palazzos or batwing style arms. The same can be said for dresses.
I try and reserve my “hippy, Coachella festival” look for beach or poolside.
2. Find an excellent tailor and alter items to suit. Dropping or raising a hem length can make all the difference. Work out your perfect length and tailor accordingly. For me, on the knee or just below is far better than above the knee.
3. Underwear is all important and the quickest way to streamline is to wear controlled underwear. What did we ever do before Spanx? Serious game changers.
4. Wear block colours, avoid cutting the body up with different shades. Even florals are better when worn as a dress and all over pattern. Obviously darker is more slimming. Accent with accessories that have colour or are monochrome in contrast.
A red lipstick is the perfect addition.
5. Play to your strengths. Emphasize the areas that make you feel confident and downplay the rest. Nobody is perfect, even the superstars have their flaws. Knowledge is everything.
6. Never underestimate the value of a good blazer or 3/4 coat. The most slimming piece when worn with a simple tee underneath. The blazer covers, streamlines and looks elegant. Lightweight for summer and heavier for winter; my blazers are my saviours when I have been over indulgent and need to cover up. Cropped/ Boxy style jackets, as cute as they are, are never as flattering on those who have weight to conceal.
7. The power of a heel is undeniable. A heel is so much more slimming to the leg than a flat, especially a simple pump. They don’t have to be 10cm tall to do their work. Flats are fun and we love them but if slimming is the aim, a heel is the undisputed way.
8. Think A-Line when it comes to skirts and dresses. A-Line is the most flattering shape of all and generally suits most body types. If the middle area needs slimming, add a nipped in blazer or long line style. Wear a fitted tee over the skirt in a complimentary shade, this adds length to the body. As much as the pencil skirt is an elegant option it does not work on every figure type and the same can be said for the very full skirt. A-Line is a compromise that wins everytime.
9. Keep it contained. No escapees around the middle. If a higher waist holds it all together, then a higher waist it is.
image, richard avedon 1949 paris
