Over the years, I’ve consulted (literally) thousands of women on what to wear. I have never had one of those ladies ask me to help them look heavier, make their butt look big or their midsection look fat. One common thread in all women – regardless of weight or body shape – is that we all want to look thin.

Even models at fashion shows I have produced have said things like “I feel so bloated in this outfit” – this from a professional model who is at least 5’11″ and weighs maybe 120lbs! CRAZY! Yes, I told her to eat a Twinkie; it would make her feel better.

For the rest of us (those who are normal, who have our fat days and skinny days…that have let time get away from us, and somehow gained a few pounds in the process), here are some tricks to help you look thinner.

HAIR

Pulling your hair up and away from your shoulders will peel away pounds. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, and your face instantly looks slimmer. If you have shorter hair, try pulling just the sides back.

Wispy bangs make a round face seem less round.

Be careful of too much hair on the sides…if your hair-do has a poofy effect on the side, it can accentuate chubby cheeks. Also, check the length of your hair. If it is chin-length, this can bring attention to a double chin.

CLOTHING

A sheer blouse over a matching opaque tank skims the body so your entire silhouette looks slimmer. Look for lace tees, transparent tunics. Wear this look with jeans, with skirts, under suits – it is awesome!

If you worry about your waistline, try jeans or pants that sit lower on your hips, as they will slenderize your trouble spot. Pants with a mid-rise (hits just below your belly button) will make your midriff seem longer and slimmer.

Look for pants with a thick waist band, at least 2” thick. This style holds ‘stuff’ in, and smooths out bulges.

Always remember oversized clothes don’t camouflage problem areas. Excess fabric only makes you look bulkier (i.e. bigger). Don’t hide under your clothes! YOU should be wearing your clothes…clothes shouldn’t be wearing YOU! Likewise, clothes that fit tight do not make you look slimmer.

DETAILS

Not only are vertical – and pin stripes slimming, but asymmetrical stripes such as miter stripe blouses and tunics also work, they will elongate your upper body.

If you’re burdened with a belly bulge, choose relaxed fit jeans (note, this doesn’t mean the more pleats the better!). Pleat-fronted pants will balloon your middle, so they’re a definite “Don’t”. Flat front styles are a “Do”.

When fit correctly, a straight skirt (or pencil skirt) style is flattering to many figure types. The details make a big difference when finding the right fit for your body type. For example, your skirt might have a slight flair at the hem, front seaming, a wide waist band, or a high waist. Once you find a detail that works for you – seek out that same detail in other style skirts too.

Handbags – make sure that your handbag is in proportion to your stature. If you are a larger lady, then steer clear of a petite clutch – it will make you look bigger. Larger purses are better for just about everyone. Also, be conscious of where the handbag hits you when you carry it. If you carry your weight in your midsection, then don’t carry a shoulder bag that lands at your waist…at a glance, that is where people will look – right at your trouble area.

High heels will always make you look thinner. The higher the better!

When you put on a jacket or button front blouse, hold it up and look at the seaming on the back. What is the shape of that jacket? If it is square, then you are going to look boxy in it. If it has definite princess seaming, or is a peplum style – it is going to make you look slimmer. In other words, if the item you want to wear already has a nice silhouette (hourglass shape), then it will look good on you. Clothes don’t change shape on your body – the illusion of your silhouette changes depending on what you put on it.

PHOTO CREDITS: http://images.inmagine.com/img/photoalto/paa199/paa199000026.jpg

Be sure to ask your figure-specific question on Kathy Friend’s blog – www.FashionAnswers.blogspot.com.