The all forgiving season of layers is far gone and while nothing beats a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are ways to take focus off those annoyingly stubborn problem areas and give the illusion of a leaner, taller frame using a few simple tricks whilst picking out your summer wardrobe. This is not to suggest that you shouldn’t wear what you like but you can style pieces to compliment your body type. However some items such as fitted plaid pants for instance are a clear red zone!
Saved by the Stripes:
Always remember to go vertical never horizontal. The top to bottom geometrics will stretch you out giving the appearance of length where as sideways stripes will make you appear even wider than you are. The racer stripe is especially on trend as the single full length stripe on either side serves to narrow your hips and thighs.
Butterfly Effect:
Arm fat is an unavoidable reality even for the average weight fashionista. We are utterly grateful to the party that brought large flapping kimono sleeves in style that not only cover up while exuding sophistication but are super comfortable. Just be careful when you’re reaching across the dinner table wearing this cut!
Pencil Skirt:
The pencil skirt, true to its name, does wonders to harness your curves and slim downwards. Pair it with some pointed heels and watch those pounds melt before your eyes into an hourglass figure.
Long Necklaces Equals Long Neck
Similar to long cardigans, long necklaces help to subtly but firmly elongate your neck and draw attention to the front and the centre of your structure rather than the hips and even if you are at your target weight they are a critical style supplement.
Hair Up:
Slicked back off your face hair in a high pony tail or top knot will bring out your facial bone structure as well as show off your neck. You can work this look for both casual and formal occasions; just remember to tease your crown a bit to add some extra height.
Micro Print Phenomena:
Common sense will tell you if you want to look smaller wear smaller prints and vice versa. We’re not sure why it works but it does. Perhaps micro prints send signals to your brain which perceives your frame as more petite.
Belts are your Friend:
Hips don’t lie, but your waist is the tiniest part of your torso, therefore accentuate it with a belt preferably a fat one to portray a more curvaceous rather than bulky figure. If you opt for a skinny belt instead, pop out some fabric to create a drop waist baggy effect.
Match Made in Heaven
Coordinating the top and bottom colours of your outfit depicts an uninterrupted vertical flow. Breaking it up midway puts the spotlight on the center part of your outline. Consequently, steer away from stark contrasting top and bottom. However, angular colour blocking within a single article of clothing is an excellent technique to whittle away inches.
Tailored Blazer:
A common misconception is to hide extra pounds by wearing bulky clothes. On the contrary, tailor-shaped cuts such as a sharp blazer sculpts and streamlines your silhouette. Furthermore, it’s a timeless classic wardrobe staple.
Extension Cardigan:
If your top cuts you off at the waist, adding a long cardigan, about mid-thigh, level is a great way to add inches to your torso making you appear taller and hence thinner. Long cape separates on modern Eastern wear are currently high on the trend radar too.
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Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2013.
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