Forget foregoing another piece of pie this holiday season, hide the holiday-5 (or 10) pounds with some fashion tricks.
Compression Garments – You’ve heard of Spanx…but did you know: Spanx come in a variety of styles? You can “compress” everything from your ribcage down to past your knees? Some Hollywood elite double Spanx? Yes – they wear the Spanx pantyhose – and then the regular Spanx over the top.
Did you know that Target carries a brand of Spanx that is less expensive? It’s true! Made by the same designer – just repackaged for Target. The Target brand (Assets) doesn’t have the variety you can find on Spanx.com – but it is a great way to give a compression garment a try for a special event.
Spanx All Over compression
(PHOTO: Left- Hide & Sleek Full Bodysuit $88.00 from Spanx. Right – ASSETS by Sara Blakely Fab Footless – Black $10.00 from Target.)
Be Mindful of Cut – When we feel fat, we tend to grab something that is loose, something that might be a little too big. Remember this: extra fabric = bulk. Bulk = (an illusion of) fat. When you wear those oversized tunics or sweaters that 4 of you could fit in – you look heavy, at least 10 pounds heavier than you are…and I would put money on betting that your goal is to look slimmer!
A smarter more slimming choice is to wear something with a princess (or peplum) cut. Look for a jacket or sweater that has a nipped-in waist.
(Photo: STYLE $99.00 Jacket from Flourish Boutique)
Stilettos – My rule of thumb is for every inch you can get on your heel, you will look 5lbs. lighter. Now, that is my theory – and has never been scientifically tested – but I promise it works. The heel will add length to your leg, and gives you the appearance of a leaner silhouette. The smartest height is 2 ½ – 3”.
(PHOTO: Giuseppe Zanotti $684.95 shoe from Zappos)
Monochromatic with pop of color – We all know dressing in all one color is slimming – how many of us tend to opt for all black when we’re having a fat day? I do! But why black? Try another color, and look for styles that bring attention to the great points of your figure. Maybe a shorter skirt to show off your legs, paired with a v-neck that will bring all the attention to your face.
Bring attention away from your "situation areas" to your face with an interesting piece of jewelry. Wear a monochromatic outfit, and pop some interest with bright jewelry at your neckline. This will bring attention to your face.
(PHOTO: Dymaxion Necklace $198.00 from Anthropologie)
Oversized handbag – Proportion can play tricks on the eye. Choose a shape that flatters (square shapes complement a rounder figure) and a strap length that doesn't land in a problem area (don't let the bottom of the purse rest on full hips). Be careful of proportion here…if you are petite, don’t let your handbag get too big – it will look like a duffle bag! Keep the proportion in line with your stature.
(PHOTO: Anya Hindmark for Target $49.99 from Target)
Last, but not least, everyone has a feature they know works. Instead of always focusing on covering up what you want to disguise, focus on flaunting what you do like. For example, a sleeveless dress will make everyone notice your awesome arms; a shorter-length skirt will draw attention to a great pair of gams. A deep v-neck top will show off your beautiful long neck.
You will feel so much better about how you look if you spend as much time focusing on the positive thing about your body – as you do hiding your figure flaws!
Kathy Friend is a nationally saught after wardrobe coach. Interested in wardrobe advice specific to your shape? Visit www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com or www.KathyFriend.com.
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