How to Wear Flattering Colors One of the easiest ways to instantly look thinner is to wear flattering colors. Everyone knows that black is the most flattering color, which is why every woman should have the perfect little black dress. Black never fails to make you look slim and elegant. On the other hand, lighter colors, like white and khaki, can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame. Don’t wear a white blouse if you want to camouflage a large chest. Put away the khakis if you’re trying to disguise wide hips. Opt for a deep-colored blouse and dark pants with thin vertical pinstripes instead. When you wear a flattering shade like black, not only will you look thinner, you’ll also feel more at ease with your body and move with the confidence of a beauty queen. So, don’t wear a bright shirt if you’re trying to hide a big belly or large chest, and stay away from bright pants if you have a big bottom and wide hips. Another rule for wearing flattering colors is to not pair a light top with dark pants if you’re on the shorter side. Doing so will visually cut the body in half, making you appear short and squat. If you want to accentuate your height or add a couple inches to your petite frame, wear monochromatic colors from top to bottom. This helps to create a visual vertical line that lengthens out the body, as well as hides flaws. The rule of wearing monochromatic colors does not, however, apply to prints. A mistake that women occasionally make is thinking that if wearing the same color on top and bottom is good, wearing the same print on top and bottom is good, too. Avoid this fashion faux pas and remember that you should never wear one pattern from top to bottom, or else you’ll end up looking like a giant paisley or polka-dot clown. This doesn’t mean you have to give up patterned clothes. Just remember that your flower-print shirt looks best with your black skirt, not flower-print capris. Stripes can be your best friend or your worst enemy. If you’re all skin and bones and want to add 10 pounds to your frame, then by all means wear horizontal stripes. But if you’re trying to hide figure flaws or appear taller, vertical lines are just the ticket. Pinstripe pants are great for work and very flattering in black, dark brown or navy blue. To downplay a full figure, stick to solid-colored clothing. Size Matters: Flattering Accessories and Shoes When it comes to shoes and fashion accessories, remember that size matters. It’s not just your size that matters – it’s also the size of your accessory. If you’re a full-figured woman, carrying a tiny purse or wearing a thin belt will only draw attention to your size. Instead of choosing an item simply because you like it or because it’s in fashion right now, think balance and choose your accessories accordingly. Larger women should try a medium-sized purse, a wide belt, a necklace with a large pendant, or a bigger watch. The shoes you wear also play a part in balancing your size and height. Dainty shoes on a larger woman may make a passersby wonder if the heel is going to give out. So don’t buy something just because it looks good on someone else – choose according to your size. If you want to add height to your figure, start with a three-inch heel. Taller heels are OK if you are an expert at walking in skyscrapers, but you’ll look awkward if you’re stumbling in too-high heels. Try before you buy and make sure you can walk gracefully in the heel that you choose. Also, consider a pointy-toed shoe to elongate a short body – this shape will make you appear taller and slimmer. The #1 Tip for How to Look 10 Pounds Thinner What’s the best-kept secret to looking like you’ve lost 10 pounds when you really haven’t? A good tan. Your skin is your most important accessory, which means that keeping it looking great is the key to really looking your best. A bronze, even tan hides skin flaws and even camouflages mild cellulite and spider veins, which will help you feel more confident wearing sleeveless tops and shorter skirts. In short, tan fat looks better than pasty white fat. But don’t look to the sun’s harmful UV rays for a tan – buy a bottle of self-tanner and get to work on your own homemade glow. But if you really want to make some healthy changes over the long haul, get yourself involved in a fun exercise program and start replacing junk food with fresh fruits and vegetables. Taking a good look at your diet and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day can make a big difference in your body and your health. Then you can go shopping and think about what you like, instead of just what likes you.
