Clothes That Make Women Look Slimmer

Discover ways to dress that will make you look slimmer and more stylish. What not to wear is just as important as what to wear. Follow these guidelines to sort through your current wardrobe. Get rid of the garments that are unflattering to your figure because the number one way to look thinner is to wear clothes that fit your body. You will look slimmer, be more comfortable and improve your self-image.

Baggy Clothes

Baggy clothes will not make you look thinner. Wearing loose or baggy clothing is unflattering on an overweight body and actually makes you look heavier and larger. The extra material adds bulk to your silhouette, making you appear larger than you really are. You send a message that you are hiding something underneath those baggy clothes. The message you send yourself wearing baggy clothes is that you can gain more weight. Workout clothes and sweats should not be a size or two too large and should only be worn when exercising. Tent dresses are never figure flattering and should not be worn.

Tight Clothes

Squeezing into a pair of jeans is not only uncomfortable but unflattering as well. Nothing says overweight quite like a roll of fat at your waistline. Select slacks, jeans and skirts to comfortably fit your waistline. If necessary, have them professionally altered to fit your hips, thighs and inseam. You should never wear a top that is too tight--buttons tend to gap and bulges appear more pronounced. Avoid clingy fabrics. A perfectly tailored cotton shirt in a light color is the most flattering on a large figure. Avoid turtleneck tops; a v-neck is the most slimming choice for shirts and sweaters.

Color

Black, or any very dark color, rarely produces a slimming effect if you are overweight. Never wear faded dark color clothes as they will make you appear tired, lazy and larger. If you must wear black, make sure the garment fits you perfectly. As a rule of thumb, wear dark colors for pants and skirts with a complimentary light color top. This trick will draw attention upward toward your face and away from your body. The same trick applies to accessories, shoes and purses. Choose darker shoes than your belt and purse. Pearls or light- and bright-colored beaded necklaces and earrings will draw attention to your face. Scarves should not be a predominantly dark color. To make heavy legs appear thinner, never wear black or dark hosiery or tights. Choose a skin tone or a light color for all of your hosiery or tights to make heavy legs appear thinner.

Stripes/Prints

Always avoid horizontal stripes and large prints as they will make you appear larger than you are. A horizontal stripe at the chest only will make your bust appear larger. One large image on a top is flattering, otherwise, stick with solid colors and small prints to look thinner. Long thin high set back pockets with no embellishment on pants are slimming. You can create a slimming effect with vertical lines. Look for slacks with permanent creases and skirts with two closely set front seams to appear thinner. Never wear skirts or pants with stripes or prints. Solid color skirts and pants with textured fabrics, particularly textured vertical stripes, are slimming.

Undergarments

To have a slimming effect, your undergarments must fit properly. Have your measurements taken by an expert to determine your proper size before purchasing new undergarments. Bulges and creases caused by improper fitting undergarments are not flattering on anyone. Consider investing in body slimming undergarments. The new designs are lightweight and comfortable to wear, unlike the girdles of the past. Compression stockings help prevent varicose veins and swelling in legs and feet.

Resources

• Plus size fashion tips
• Dresses That Make You Look Slimmer