So are you still sticking with your New Year’s Resolutions? Assuming one of them was to lose weight, have you slipped up recently? Valentine’s Day candy is always so tempting. I know I ate my fair share this year… Perhaps you’re not as far along as you thought you’d be by now, but don’t sweat it. Usually New Year’s Resolutions start off overzealous, and then people burn out. While I’m not suggesting you give up completely, if you are having trouble losing the last few pounds (or any), here are some outfits that are sure to hide your “flaws” and make you appear slimmer while you continue to work toward your goal. If you need some extra motivation, keep in mind Spring Break and new spring clothes are just around the corner!
If you’re trying to hide a few pounds, dresses are an ideal solution, especially for problem areas on the lower half. Choose an A-Line dress (which is a dress that has an “A” shape, aka the dress progressively widens as you get to the bottom) with an empire waist (which is where the seam starts just under the bust line vs. at the waist) or some additional detail at the waist to conceal the tummy area. This red scoop neck dress is a combination of both, and a great dress to wear casually or to work with a sweater or blazer. The empire waist begins under the bust line, but then has pleated layers along the waist, helping to conceal any problem areas, and then the skirted part flows outward into an A-line shape. A dress with an empire waist will start to cut away and flow outward from the seam leaving room at the waistline and hip, like this adorable circle dress. The criss-cross V-neckline will draw the eye upward, and the assortment of hand-cut circles will also conceal problem areas. Same with this v-neck appliqué dress – the v-neck will draw the eye upward; the detail at the skirt bottom will draw the eye downward, keeping the focus away from the middle.
If you’re trying to hide the upper area more, a tunic shaped top or dress is the way to go. The webbed, longer sleeves on this gathered front tee hides the upper arm, the gathering in the center and looser fit at the waist also hides the tummy area. Prints are also good for hiding flaws. This plaid tunic blouse does just that, plus I like how the scarf cowl neck draws the eye to the neckline. I also like how it tapers in a little at the waistline, but is still loose enough overall.
Another flaw hiding trick is to incorporate a cardigan or blazer to create a lengthening and slimming effect. This drapey, twist bottom cardigan will make you look longer and leaner while hiding the waist and hip. If it’s too unfitted for you, or if you want to hide your hips but not your waist, try adding a cute belt to create a cinched-in waistline. If you feel blazers are only for work, even though you hear time and again how they are a must-have for any wardrobe; take a look at how this basic blazer is worn casually with a tank and jeans.
For some help on the bottom half try this double-layered button front skirt. The great thing about this skirt is that you get the look of a shorter skirt, but the additional layer hanging lower on the sides conceals the thigh more, giving more coverage and making them look slimmer. For denim, stick with dark colors, and a boot, straight, or flare leg vs. skinny or cigarette to draw less attention to the hip and thigh area. This dark boot cut pair is a perfect example, plus AG’s cuts tend to be more generous in the behind area, so you shouldn’t have that problem where you can’t get the jeans up past your legs. (It’s ok, we’ve all been there.)
Thu, Feb 18, 2010
Figure Flattering Advice