No matter what our size, most of us prefer to look slim. And the key to looking svelte can be — what's in your closet! Some clothes betray us and make us look heavier than we really are. But it doesn't have to be that way — you could be dressing to enhance your figure. It just takes knowing a few clever tricks to make yourself look longer and leaner. Here are 12 different ways to look thinner just by how you dress.
Don't forget the most important one of all: Stand up straight!
More from The Stir: 6 Ways to Look Thinner Instantly
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Fitted Not Baggy
Elycia Rubin, mom and former StyleWatch contributor to People magazine, said one of the biggest mistakes women make is hiding in baggy or billowing clothes. This will backfire on you. Not only are you not hidden, but these clothes make you look larger than you are. Instead, Rubin says, "Wear something fitted in a stretchy, forgiving fabric." It shouldn't be sausage-casings tight, but snug enough to hug your waistline and curves.
Color Blocking
Rubin highly recommends color block dresses and tops, like the one shown here. The black in the center with white side panels is super slimming. (Classiques Entier Italian Ponte Colorblock Dress, $228 at Nordstrom)
Nude Heels
Any pair of heels will make your legs look longer. But you can do even better. "Nude or flesh-toned heels really elongate the legs," Rubin says. (Regola Platform Heels in Nude, $79 at Nine West)
Below-the-Knee Skirt
Skirts that hit just below the knee can make you look a bit thinner. (Eyelet Pencil Skirt, $79.88 at Ann Taylor)
Ruching at the Waist
A dress or top with ruching will hide a little stomach pooching or a muffin top, Rubin says. It's great for when you're having a bloated day. (Psst, here are some dresses you can wear that hide holiday weight gain.) (Kiyonna Betsey Ruched Dress Women's Dress, $83.99 at 6PM.com)
Avoid 'Flimsy' Fabrics
Here's a tip we picked up from Oprah magazine's Adam Glassman: "Avoid flimsy fabrics. Materials like gabardine or stretch cotton — especially in tailored form — give the body structure. Thin fabrics show every bulge." Oh Courtney Love, this is not a flattering look on you.
Accessorize With Long Scarves or Necklaces
Rubin says a long scarf or a long, chunky necklace will draw eyes down and give your torso a longer, leaner look. (Long Beaded Necklace, $9.50 at Etsy)
A Well-Fitted Bra
"Wear the right bra for you," Rubin says. "A poorly fit bra can make you look fuller and disproportionate." Sure it's fun to have cleavage pouring out of your top — but it's not flattering or slimming. Give the gals some respect and support and they'll make you look your best.
A-Line Dress With Cinched Waist
Stylists almost universally agree, an A-line dress or skirt with a cinched waist is so flattering. And it's even more so if it has a v-neckline. (NY Collection Short-Sleeve Knotted A-Line Dress, $33.99 at Macy's)
Separates That Meet Below the Waist
When you're not wearing an A-line skirt or dress, make sure your top and bottom meet together slightly below your waist for the most flattering line rather than right at the waist. (Scroll Lace Pencil Skirt, $138 at Garnet Hill)
Monochrome From Head to Toe
Going monochrome — wearing the same color from top to bottom — is a great body-skimming illusion. Even when you're wearing white! "Head-to-toe in one color creates a long, thin line," says celeb stylist Nicole Chavez.
Flattering Jeans or Pants
Long bootcut jeans or trousers that sit just below your waist and hit down to your instep will lengthen your leg. It also helps if your pants are flat-fronted, have a wide waist band, and have just a bit of stretch. (1969 Perfect Boot Jeans, $69.95 at Gap)
