1) Rule number one has to be keep it simple!
Wearing excess material, big buttons or large pockets can interfere with the clean lines which are so slimming. This doesn’t have to mean boring, you can still use colours and styles creatively, just don’t go overboard with unnecessary details which add bulk to your frame
2) Have a slimming hairstyle
Talk to a professional hairdresser but bear in mind that certain styles, like a bob, will add pounds to your face but upswept hair is usually quite flattering.
3) Use vertical lines
Vertical patterns on fabrics draw the eye up and down the body which helps to create the impression of a slimmer figure. Avoid horizontal patterns on fabrics in areas you want to slim – although they can be useful if trying to balance out a pear shape or top heavy figure. Also look out for vertical weaves in fabrics which are less obvious but can also have a slimming affect. Skinny scarves worn hanging around the neck and down the body can also help slim your frame as it draws the eye up and down the body.
4) Have good posture
This is probably the easiest way to instantly lose pounds. Stand tall, pull your shoulders back and lift your head up for an immediate result!
5) Wear structured and supportive underwear
Control pants, minimising bras, all-in-one shapers can all help create a good foundation for your clothes. The choice out there is endless – ask the advice of an underwear shop you trust or a good department store.
6) Chose the right fabrics
Very thick fabrics add bulk while fabrics which are too clingy can be unforgiving. Try to find fabrics which provide structure and skim over problem areas rather than enhancing them.
7) Wear a slight heel
Even if you’re not a fan of heels try to wear a slight kitten heel and avoid square-toe or rounded styles. If you are quite large be wary of very delicate styles as this can bring unbalance to your frame. Also make sure you choose a shoe which you easily walk in – there’s nothing worse than an ungainly and exaggerated walk (or looking like it’s taking all your concentration not to trip up!)
8) Use colour wisely
On the whole darker colours are more flattering but this doesn’t mean you have to wear black!! Dark shades of any colours will also have the same affect - take care to choose colours which suit your complexion, hair and eye colour.
9) Scale the print size
Tiny prints simply emphasise a fuller figure as do patterns of contrasting colours. Wear subtle patterns of an appropriate scale for your figure and avoid horizontal lines as well as very busy, swirly or rounded patterns.
10) Wear the right size!
Don’t be tempted to buy an item because of its size label – wearing ill-fitting clothes is a sure way to draw attention to your imperfections. Wear well fitted clothes and please please please buy the right size!!
Alice Treanor © 2010
