How to Style Your Outfit to Best Fit Your Body
There's an outdated idea that the best way to look better in your clothes is to lose weight. However, rather than taking out that arduous, sometimes unnecessary task, lengthening, streamlining, and shaping the figure is just a matter of styling. Everyone has certain areas of the body that they'd prefer to highlight, and others they'd rather subdue. The good news is that there are tricks to give your ensemble a fit more well-suited to your preferences.
Proportions
Playing with proportions is essential to getting a more elongated image. It also helps those looking to hide a larger bust. Try avoiding overly baggy pieces, especially if you're not already vertically blessed. Instead, look to a slightly oversized jacket with trousers that are not too baggy, possibly with a high waist, regular or skinny leg depending on your style.
If you want to slim your mid-section, rather than leggings or low-waisted pants, opt for high-waisted chinos or a trouser with a defined cut to cinch the waist. Those looking to show off their legs might try a chic pair of shorts or some '70s style flared pants. These pieces will make the silhouette more harmonious and re-proportion the figure.
Deep Neckline
The ultimate choice depends on the tastes of the dresser, however, a V-neckline does create an optical effect of elongation. Even a simple unbuttoned shirt or a jacket with nothing underneath (perfect for a sexy chic evening look) can seemingly lengthen your figure.
Garment Lines
When it comes to dress, here's a tip Hollywood's biggest stars: if you're looking to help your belly, for whatever reason, opt for the trapeze or empire waistlines. It's a staple move for stars looking to hide their baby bump.
However, if you're looking to show off your figure with a more tight-fitted ensemble, it's best to avoid ruffles, busy embroidery, and flared dresses. Draped dresses are also a go-to because they introduce diagonal lines that add dimension to the silhouette without excessive noise.
Skirts
If you're on the shorter side, the mini skirt is you're best friend, especially if paired with a high heel. If you're not a fan of showing off your legs, go for a skirt above the ankle or longer with the added help of medium-high heels. If you're looking to slim down your calves, avoid chunky square heels and flared shorts.
Colors
It's often said that solid dark colors and vertical stripes to provide a leaner overall look. However, no matter what color you wear, other factors can aid or hinder in your styling. Graphics and prints draw the eye in, so concentrate them on aspects you want to showcase. However, if you want to wear a printed top, for example, but also want to conceal a bigger bust, consider a dark shirt with a smaller print. This leaves you free to wear a bright jacket, cardigan, or accessories on top. Remember that prints, bright colors, and horizontal stripes enlarge, while dark or muted colors and vertical stripes detract.
For an extra trick, grab a pair of pointed toe shoes, especially if they're flesh-colored, to slim and elongated your legs.
