Eat less, move more. The concept sounds so simple. But in reality shedding the extra pounds you’ve piled over the festive season is not that easy.
While we all know exercise and healthy eating is the way to lose weight, you can give the illusion of a slimmer figure just by choosing the right clothes.
Okay, so a new dress or top is not going to rid you of the bulges and bumps, but it can help to disguise them and, in turn, give you the incentive you need to stick to your diet and exercise regime.
Before you begin it’s essential to make sure that what lies beneath is right. A badly fitting bra will create unnecessary bulges, flatten your assets or make them look saggy.
And don’t skimp when it comes to your smalls. Thongs might look sexy on the hanger but once on they will do little to control your wobbly bits. Instead, try boy-style shorts and briefs that will help to contain your excess inches, holding in your buttocks, stomach and the top of your thighs. The effect will be a tighter, smoother silhouette.
Also, consider investing in some body-slimming underwear for those special occasions. The fabrics and internal supports used in these garments will take control of your jiggly areas, holding in your stomach and thighs, and shaping your body at the same time.
Whatever outfit you choose there are a few basic rules to follow:
• Always buy the right size. Don’t kid yourself by investing in a dress that’s too small just to convince yourself that you are still the size you were five years ago, it will only highlight your lumps and bumps. On the other hand, don’t get too comfy. Buying clothes that are a size too big just because they are more comfortable will do nothing for your figure
• Choose colour wisely. Black has a slimming effect and can be cleverly used to mask problem areas, while light colours can make you look larger. Bold patterns will distract the eye and disguise your outline, but again avoid light colours
• Steer clear of horizontal stripes and patterns that draw the eye sideways rather than up and down. Choosing vertical stripes and detail instead will elongate the body, making you look taller
• Think about fabric. Tight, clingy fabrics will show off every extra inch and can look unsightly while stiff fabrics in box cuts can make you look stocky
• Make the most of your best features. If you have a great pair of pins show them off by raising your skirt’s hemline a few inches. A nipped in waistline and belt will draw attention to a well-defined midriff
With this in mind, here are some pieces to look for:
• Trousers. The tapered design of skinny jeans and trousers will accentuate your hips and thighs. Instead go for straight-leg or boot-cut designs with a slight flare at the bottom to achieve a leaner look. Straight jeans that sit on the ankle or just below it will make the most of your figure
• Skirts: A-line skirts are fitted at the hip and then flare out towards the knee to achieve a balanced look. Generally, knee-length skirts are the most flattering but your height should influence your choice as a mid-calf style might be more flattering. Wear opaque black tights to flatter your legs and stay far away from calf-length skirts, capri pants, pleated khakis and long baggy shorts
• Tops: V-neck and wrap-around designs will lengthen and elongate your torso. Horizontal necklines like crew necks and boat necks may make you look wider
• Dresses: Cinch dresses and tunics teamed with a skinny belt will slim your silhouette and define your natural waistline. Avoid thick belts which can make you look stumpy and frumpy
• Shoes: A pair of heels can add to your length and improve your posture. If you have wide feet, strappy sandals and kitten heels are a no-no. Instead go for closed styles. Ankle straps cut your legs off at the heel, making them appear shorter, while ankle boots can be flattering. Low vamp shoes that cut across the base of the toes instead of further up the feet will give the illusion of longer legs
