3 Style Tips to Make You Look Slimmer
Between the extra treats, late nights, and missed workouts, it’s no wonder that most of us gain weight over the holidays. Before you start nodding your head vigorously, stop reading, and actually weigh yourself. Most people overestimate weight gain because their perception is colored by post-holiday guilt. If you find that your weight really has crept up, read on for tips on what to wear, while you work your way back to a slimmer you.
What Is Normal Weight?
I don’t like the term “normal” weight, as I don’t think there is any such thing. I used several online weight calculators, and my results were anywhere between 104.4 lbs and 141 lbs! Rather than aiming for a scientifically calculated number, I’ve figured out my ideal lifestyle, and the weight that comes with it i.e. “my desired weight”. That lifestyle includes a plant-based diet, 8 hours of sleep a night, and three workouts a week. When I do all of this, my weight is 118 lbs, and I feel great. I know that if I tried to drop my weight any lower, I’d feel deprived and stressed. Since, in my case, the holiday madness did tip my scale a little, I’m using the following style strategies to look slimmer until I shed those extra pounds.
Wear A Dress, But Not A Sack-Dress!
Women tend to store fat around their hips, butt, and thighs, so pants are the first items in our closets to look and feel tight. Most dress styles are more forgiving when it comes to weight gain. (The two exceptions are body-con dresses, and shapeless knit dresses, both of which can make you look bigger). This knit Ponte dress is fitted on top, and flared on the bottom, giving me a little extra room where I need it. The subtly flared shape and structured pleats are more flattering than a full skirt, which would add too much volume.
This dress is now sold out at Anthropologie, but they several options under the Dresses, Fit And Flare category on their website. These are some of my current favorites:
Wear One Color
If you’ve already reached for every black piece in your closet, put them down, and take a breath. Yes, black will make you look slimmer, but any color worn neck-to-toe (a suit), or waist-to-shoe (pants with matching shoes), or shoulder-to-calf (a coat) will have an elongating and therefore slimming, effect. Even a puffer jacket can work, if it’s in the right proportions. My favorite one is this brown puffer, with a slimmer silhouette. The fur collar draws attention to my face, not my hips.
Here are some similar current buys:
The North Face’s Metropolis II Hooded Water Resistant Down Parka
Michael Michael Kors’ Faux Fur Hooded Parka
Soia & Kyo’s Lightweight Down Coat
Wear A Little Stretch With A Lot Of Structure
You may be tempted to grab the clothes with the most stretch and squeeze into them. Unfortunately, a soft fabric that is stretched out will just draw attention where you least want it. Have you ever noticed someone wearing black leggings, so stretched out that it looks gray in certain areas? Or a someone wearing a tee with rippled fabric across her chest? Wearing clothes that are too small for you are the fashion kiss of death! You’ll look better wearing the right size (even if you don’t like the number), in a style that skims your curves, and has just a little stretch.
Gap’s Mid Rise Sculpt Boot Cut Jeans have built in shaping.
These Athleta In A Snap Commute Pants have a slightly flared hem, which gives you a straighter, slimmer look. Ponte is a rayon/nylon/spandex fabric that is heavier than most leggings (so more structure than stretch).
If you’ve read my Black Leggings, Move Over post, you know I’m a huge fan of Athleta pants, which have more tailoring (structure), but just as much comfort as yoga pants and leggings.
Of course, shapewear is always a temporary solution to weight gain. I won’t elaborate on shapewear, only because most of the pieces that I have tried on have re-distributed my weight, making me feel like an alien with lumps on random parts of my body! If I ever find shapewear that makes me look 10 lbs lighter, and in proportion, I’ll re-write this post.
In the meantime, comment below, with your favorite slimming clothing!
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