The fashion industry revolves around timeless and modern styles designed to enhance our appearance and boost our confidence. Nevertheless, even minor styling blunders can undermine our entire look, making us seem heavier than we actually are. None of us want that outcome, so keep reading to learn about these fashion mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure your outfits always shine.
The Oversized Sweater and Skirt Duo
Although oversized sweaters offer cozy warmth during the winter season, they can sometimes obscure our waistlines and create the illusion of shorter legs. Therefore, when teaming up sweaters with skirts, it’s crucial to make sure we tuck them in.
If not, we might end up looking less stylish, resembling the lady in the picture on the left. Another helpful tip to keep in mind is to match the loose long-sleeve with a snug-fitting skirt to accentuate your silhouette.
Embracing the Waistline
For most women, the waistline is the narrowest part of our bodies, and it’s essential not to conceal it. As depicted in the left image, donning loose, unflattering clothing can be deceptive and give the illusion of a larger size than we truly are.
That’s why we recommend either using a belt to accentuate your waist or having your clothing tailored for a snugger fit, just like the woman on the right did.
Say No to Unwanted Bulges
When a piece of clothing creates bulges, it gives the impression of a swollen or uneven appearance. This is a style most people want to steer clear of, so make an effort to avoid purchasing garments that have this unflattering effect on your figure.
As shown in this example, the black cocktail dress creates the illusion of stomach rolls for the woman wearing it, and the mom jeans on the right are similarly responsible for this effect.
Don’t Forget to Tuck in Your Shirt
When sporting a long-sleeve tee with a skirt, as seen in the picture here, leaving the shirt untucked can visually add some unwanted weight (as seen on the left side). This happens because it splits your figure into two parts, creating the appearance of stomach rolls.
This is not a style we want to endorse, as it’s highly unflattering and doesn’t showcase the skirt effectively. Instead, opt to tuck in your shirt and allow the skirt’s waistband to create a flattering cinched look.
Choosing the Perfect Belt for Your Figure
When aiming to enhance your figure, a helpful guideline is to select a wider belt. The breadth of a chunkier belt is more effective at defining and cinching in your waist.
Additionally, you can consider wearing belts in lighter colors, but it’s important to consider your outfit. If your coat or clothing is darker than the belt you’re wearing, it might create the illusion of a larger waistline.
Avoid Overmatching
Unless you’re still in grade school, the overmatching look is generally not flattering. It not only lacks excitement but when all your clothes feature the same pattern, it can create the illusion of a larger appearance because it’s an overwhelming amount of the same visual style.
Instead, aim to incorporate just one patterned piece into your ensemble. Alternatively, for a more playful and stylish approach, experiment with mixing different patterns within the same outfit. Clothes that artfully clash can create an incredibly chic look!
Mastering Skinny Jeans
When selecting the perfect pair of skinny jeans, keep in mind to opt for ones that are slightly relaxed and showcase your ankles. Additionally, avoid wearing shoes with jeans that have a contrasting color, as this can create the illusion of shorter legs and, in turn, make you appear heavier.
Between the two pictures taken by this lovely lady, we believe the one on the left is more flattering because she tucked in her t-shirt and paired it with stylish sneakers.
Highlight These Features
When we’re concerned about a few extra pounds, our initial instinct is often to conceal ourselves in clothing that conceals as much as we can.
While we completely understand and empathize with this fashion preference, there are certain body areas that should never be concealed. We call these the ‘slimmer’ areas, which encompass your neck, wrists, ankles, and waistline. Revealing these body parts can create the illusion of a slimmer and more delicate appearance.
The Coat-to-Skirt Balance
One major fashion faux pas that can make us appear heavier is wearing a coat or raincoat that is shorter than our skirt, especially when there’s a contrast in colors.
When we wear a coat that doesn’t extend the length of our other clothing, it gives the illusion of an extra, unflattering layer that disrupts our silhouette. The picture here serves as a clear example. So, ladies, remember this crucial tip the next time you’re shopping for a coat.
The Importance of Proper Undergarments
Selecting the right undergarments to wear beneath your clothing ensures a neatly tucked-in appearance and smooth lines. We’re fairly certain that nobody prefers the alternative, so it’s essential to invest in bras, underwear, and shapewear that are perfectly suited to the outfits you’ll be wearing on top.
The picture here clearly demonstrates the contrast between wearing the wrong undergarment and the right one. The difference, particularly in the woman’s stomach area, is highly noticeable.
The Tracksuit Triumphs
Contrary to what one might assume, it’s not always the case that short shorts are more flattering than tracksuit pants. In reality, overly short shorts can create the illusion of a larger appearance. On the other hand, well-fitted and breathable track pants can be quite flattering, as demonstrated by this woman.
Another factor contributing to our critique of her outfit on the left is the juvenile print on the tee, which draws unfavorable attention to the stomach area.
Mind the Placement of Pockets
Pockets, especially when used to carry various items, can give the impression of a wider appearance. Be mindful of where the pockets are situated—do they draw attention to your stomach or any other area you’d rather not emphasize?
The style of your pockets is equally significant. Do the pockets appear large and protruding, potentially adding width to your figure? Or are they streamlined and neatly tucked in, avoiding any extra bulk?
The Guideline for Lines
Vertical lines tend to create a sleeker and elongated appearance, while horizontal lines can have the opposite effect, particularly in the abdominal area. So, when it comes to this woman’s dress, which features a combination of both types of lines, it can be a bit challenging to determine how to accessorize it.
This is where the dress’s length becomes significant – given that it falls below her knees, we favor the blazer on the right, which cinches her at the waistline.
The Rule of the Pencil Skirt
When it comes to selecting a flattering skirt, there’s a prevalent misconception that a short, tight, black one is the go-to solution. However, this isn’t entirely accurate, as short skirts can disrupt the natural lines of our legs, especially when they’re in a dark shade.
Furthermore, such a garment tends to be uncomfortable for walking and sitting, making it impractical. Instead, opt for a pencil skirt that enhances your figure and reflects your femininity.
The Drawback of Geometric Designs
Although geometric patterns on clothing can be visually appealing, they often create a square-shaped appearance. This is evident in the image shown here, where the same woman looks significantly better and slimmer in the plain black dress compared to the geometric patterned one.
This doesn’t imply that we can’t pull off clothing with this design, but when it comes to dresses and skirts, it’s not recommended unless the garment is short and showcases your legs.
The Impact of a Tan
This next point might be unexpected for some, but having a tan is known to create the illusion of a more toned physique. If you’re still skeptical, just take a look at the before and after comparison here—the difference in her leg definition is quite significant.
This is because a darker skin tone creates the appearance of a smoother finish. Additionally, a tan can help conceal unwanted redness or bruising, which is an added benefit. So, if you’re not feeling your best, consider applying some self-tanner, and presto!
Avoid Overdoing the Oversized Trend
When embracing oversized clothing, it’s crucial to be mindful of your choice of accessories. Given the loose-fitting nature of the top garment, we recommend opting for daintier handbags and jewelry.
The pictures here beautifully illustrate how smaller accessories can truly complete an outfit, avoiding the addition of extra weight to your upper body. Lastly, don’t forget to showcase your wrists when wearing these oversized garments.
The Sweater Solution
Although many of us adore loose sweaters for their comfort, our waistlines might have a different opinion if they could speak. Loose sweaters tend to obscure our waistlines and create the impression of a shorter torso. A handy tip to keep in mind when styling your sweater next time is to incorporate a belt; it lifts it up and accentuates your figure.
The transformation from before to after is truly remarkable when you consider that a small belt was responsible for all that magic. Now, your outfit is not only stylish but also flattering, making you appear 10 pounds lighter!
Flared Shorts for the Win
Tight, straight-legged shorts can be less flattering and may give the appearance of thicker thighs. On the other hand, choosing flared shorts can make your legs look noticeably slimmer by comparison. Plus, they tend to be more comfortable due to their looser fit.
Flared shorts offer a more varied and flattering aesthetic, particularly for those aiming to highlight their curves. In contrast, straight-legged shorts can give the impression of a lack of definition in your legs.
Styling Your Vibrant Dress
When it comes to styling your outfits, a timeless fashion tip to keep in mind is that simplicity often works best. Given the bold pattern of the dress, the jacket should serve to harmonize the look and enhance the woman’s figure.
That’s why we favor the outfit on the right, as it mellows down the vibrancy and creates a slimming effect. Nevertheless, we do appreciate the burst of red on the left, although we think the shorter length accentuates the woman’s hips, making them appear larger.
The Side Tuck
We’ve all heard the adage, “Less is more,” and this philosophy certainly holds true in the world of fashion as well! Adding that extra touch of flair to a simple outfit doesn’t require much effort.
Consider the side tuck as an example. This tucking style not only imparts some shape but also injects a touch of sophistication into understated outfits, such as jeans and a sweater.
Roll It Up
When it comes to creating the most flattering outfit, you’ll discover that it’s all about the finer details. As we mentioned earlier, revealing your neck and wrists can make a noticeable difference, as demonstrated by this woman. Another handy trick is rolling up your jeans.
This styling suggestion is particularly useful when your jeans have a looser fit, as rolling them up allows your ankles to become visible. This quickly produces a slimming effect on your legs, which we believe everyone can appreciate.
The Secret Lies in the Fabrics
Clothing that is overly tight or crafted from coarse materials can give the impression of a larger size than reality. That’s why it’s often wiser to opt for garments made from smooth and forgiving fabrics to gracefully conceal any areas you’d prefer not to emphasize.
Additionally (as depicted on the left side here), it’s advisable to avoid square-shaped or rigid necklines, as they can obscure our neck area and create a boxy effect around our chest.
The Stripe Predicament
While there’s a common misconception that all vertical stripes create a slimming effect and horizontal stripes add visual weight, the key factor for a flattering look is actually the width of the stripes. For instance, narrow stripes often add dimension and can assist in concealing any extra weight, whereas wider and less frequent stripes can obscure our feminine curves and give the appearance of being shapeless.
This is evident in the picture here, where despite the woman on the left wearing the notorious horizontal stripes, their thinness and high frequency make her look fantastic.
The Right Fit for Trousers
Ladies, trouser pants can offer a classy and sophisticated appearance, particularly for work outfits. The crucial factor here is the fit. As observed on the left side in this image, the beige trousers appear too large for the woman, making her seem larger than she is.
On the other hand, the black pair on the right complements her figure because they are more tailored to her legs. Notice how the pants cinch in at the center and then flare out toward the hemline? Now, that’s a perfect fit!
The Beltloop Tuck
Do you have a top or blouse that’s slightly too long or loose on you, causing you to rarely wear it? It doesn’t matter whether you invested a lot of money in it; in either case, it would be a shame to part with it.
Fortunately, we have the perfect solution for you. All you’ll require is that oversized shirt and a pair of pants or shorts with belt loops. Just thread the excess fabric at the bottom of the shirt through one of the belt loops on the side. Afterward, take the part of the shirt that has been threaded through and tuck it into your pocket.
The Magic of Shoes
Heels possess the remarkable ability to add height to our stature, creating the illusion of a slimmer appearance. However, the choice of heel should be a carefully considered decision. In the image depicted below, although the two pictures may seem quite similar, there is a slight difference in the style of the heels.
The ones on the left are the classic peep-toe stilettos, while the ones on the right have a lower platform and feature an ankle strap. Unfortunately, this ankle strap introduces an awkward element to her ankles and creates an unflattering effect on her legs.
The Most Stylish Smart Jacket
A smart jacket can elevate any ensemble, providing a more formal look, which is why we consider them a wardrobe essential. While both jacket styles in the display appear attractive, the clear favorite for us is the plain white one, primarily because of its shorter length.
The purpose of a smart jacket is to create a square frame on our shoulders, so the most flattering option in this case would be to choose one that still highlights your lower frame.
The Kimono Principle
The kimono originates from Chinese fashion during the Wu dynasty, dating back many centuries. Although it bears a resemblance to silk robes, it has evolved to become more suitable for daytime wear over time. Today, the kimono is a cherished fashion choice for on-the-go outfits.
However, it’s important to keep in mind to choose a longer-cut kimono, as seen on the left here. Otherwise, the garment might resemble a loose cardigan that can add unnecessary bulk to your appearance. Additionally, the extended length is essential to capture the essence of a robe, which is the intended style.
Styling Your Loose-Fit Jeans
When you choose to wear looser-fitting jeans, how you pair them can significantly impact whether your outfit is flattering or not. On the left side here, there are a few styling errors that contributed to the woman’s frumpy appearance.
Firstly, she opted for a t-shirt that concealed her décolletage and then layered an oversized cardigan over it. A helpful guideline to bear in mind when wearing loose jeans is to make sure your chest is slightly revealed, as she wisely did on the right side.
The Right Sunglasses Frame
Surprisingly, even choosing sunglasses with the wrong frame shape can give the appearance of a larger size than you are. That’s why it’s crucial to select the right pair that complements your facial structure. The general fashion guideline here is to opt for a shape that provides a contrast to your face.
For instance, if you have a more rounded face shape, consider choosing square-styled sunglasses like this Gucci pair shown here. Although round sunglasses are fashionable, they may not be suitable for every face shape.
The Influence of Posture
The next fashion mistake we’ll discuss isn’t directly related to fashion, but it has a significant impact on how we appear. Learning to maintain proper posture can help elongate our bodies and create the illusion of being taller and slimmer.
While the example depicted here is quite dramatic, it effectively illustrates that poor posture can make our stomachs appear larger and our bodies shorter. So, ladies, always keep in mind to stand up straight with your shoulders back!
Winter Wardrobe Essentials
When it comes to winter dressing, our top priority is undoubtedly staying warm. However, that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style or choose items that don’t flatter our figure. While oversized sweaters might be the coziest option, they can also be the ones that make us look the least fashionable.
A great alternative is to consider a long-length oversized cardigan, just like the one displayed here. Combine this piece with a well-fitted top, and you’re all set to conquer the winter season in style.
The Taller the Heel
You’re familiar with the iconic saying, “the higher the heel, the closer you are to heaven,” right? Well, we’re strong proponents of it because high heels genuinely make us seem taller, resulting in longer-looking legs. The evidence is in the picture on the right.
While we still think the woman on the left has fabulous legs, we believe that the straps on the shorter heels also play a role in making her appear shorter. Always remember to showcase those naturally lovely ankles!
Printed Pants
Printed pants serve as an excellent alternative to plain black or grey trousers. However, the success of your choice depends on the size of the print. Keep in mind that larger prints can make the wearer appear larger, whereas smaller prints have a slimming effect.
That’s why we recommend the small flower print on the left over the bold pink pattern. While we can appreciate large and dramatic prints, it doesn’t necessarily mean they should be showcased on our pants.
Don’t Abandon “Frumpy” Pieces
If you own a clothing item that you genuinely adore, even if it’s a bit frumpy or unflattering, there’s no need to completely part with it. Most clothing pieces can be transformed into chic looks with the appropriate accessories or tailoring.
Cinching the waist with a belt can add definition to a shapeless dress and make it more flattering. Combining a vintage dress with a contemporary jacket can also give you a youthful appearance. In essence, don’t let go of the clothing you adore; with a little creativity, you can make them work beautifully.
Cardigan Length
Leaving a long cardigan untucked can give the impression of wider hips and a shorter torso. The straightforward act of tucking in your cardigan can emphasize your waist and result in a slimmer and more chic overall appearance.
Include a belt to cinch your waist and complement the ensemble with a jacket or an unbuttoned blouse, and you’re all set! Extra style points if the jacket or unbuttoned blouse has a longer length, as this will elongate your torso and create a slimming effect.
It’s All About the Details
Modifying a few minor details in your outfit can entirely transform your overall appearance. Just unbuttoning the top buttons of your blouse can elongate your neck and give you a softer, less stern look.
A belt that perfectly matches your dress, meaning it came with the dress itself, can be uninspiring, and the absence of a color break can create an unflattering appearance. Instead, opt for a different belt in a coordinating color.
Dressing Entirely in Black
Certainly, black is a slimming color. Nevertheless, going to extremes and ensuring that your entire wardrobe consists solely of black attire can convey the impression that you’re making an excessive effort.
Consider someone who applies an excessive amount of foundation — you might assume they’re trying to conceal acne or some other imperfection. If you choose to wear slimming black, that’s perfectly fine, just be cautious not to overdo it. Occasionally, introduce some other colors into your wardrobe to keep things balanced.
Fitted and Flexible Jeans
Certainly, we desire jeans that fit well and accentuate our beautiful curves. It’s also important to have jeans that offer flexibility and comfort, allowing us to move freely in them.
However, we don’t want jeans that are so tight and stretchy that our thighs appear as if they might burst out at any moment! A good guideline is to choose jeans with at least 2% elastic fiber content, while pants should have a minimum of 4% elastic fiber.
Direct the Focus Upward
If you have a larger midsection and wish to redirect attention away from it, a fashionable blazer can certainly help! This style choice draws the eye upward, shifting the focus away from the tummy area. Additionally, the clean lines of the blazer create a slimming effect by introducing vertical lines to the silhouette.
Just ensure that you tuck your inner layer shirt into your jeans or skirt to prevent it from bunching up or causing rolls under the blazer.
Avoid Turtlenecks
While turtlenecks can conceal any extra bulk around the neck, they can also give the appearance of a larger overall look. Turtlenecks add volume to the upper body, which can be a concern, particularly for individuals with broader shoulders.
This style of top will accentuate your jawline, which can be either advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on your confidence in that aspect of your body. In a similar vein, turtlenecks often create the illusion of a larger chest for women, which can be viewed as either a positive or negative attribute.
Glasses Frames Can Make a Difference
For those who regularly wear glasses, it might be worthwhile to consider getting a new pair if you’re looking to refresh your appearance. Thick-framed glasses can give the impression of a larger and more mature face.
On the other hand, a delicate frame is likely to have a less imposing presence on your face. Likewise, opting for simple and light-colored frames can be exceptionally flattering. Frames that are dark-colored with numerous embellishments can give the impression of a heavier face.
Location Matters
By this point, we’re all aware of the significance of tucking in our shirts for a slim and stylish appearance. Nevertheless, it’s not solely about tucking in your top; it’s also essential to tuck it in at the correct location.
Shirts that are tucked in too low or into pants that sag can give the impression of a fuller figure, as it seems like your belly is pushing the pants down, even if it’s not. Ensure that your pants fit at your waist and tuck your shirt in well above the hips for a more flattering look.
Dainty Jewelry for a Subtle Look
The size and boldness of your jewelry can significantly impact your overall aesthetic. Large and flashy jewelry can create a bold and extravagant look, whereas delicate and elegant pieces tend to convey a more refined and understated vibe.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with embracing a larger-than-life persona. However, if that’s not the style you’re aiming for, then chunky jewelry might not be the most suitable option. On the other hand, if you want to make a bold entrance, big jewelry could be just the choice for you!
Avoid Tent Tops
Tent tops are named ‘tent tops’ for a reason, and this label alone should serve as a deterrent from wearing them. If you prefer the appearance of a flowy, lightweight shirt, consider choosing a loose shirt with a more thoughtful cut instead.
We suggest opting for a shirt that gently skims your form, avoiding the appearance of a literal tent while also not being overly form-fitting. As with many things in life, a balanced approach with loose shirts is often the most favorable choice.
The Fit and Flare Dress
When it comes to figure-flattering dress styles, the undeniable winner is the classic fit and flare dress, as seen on the right side. This dress shape cinches at your narrower point and then flares out to elegantly conceal your wider areas.
The contrast between this well-fitting fit and flare dress (as displayed on the right side) and the ill-fitting bodycon dress (shown on the left side) is striking on this lovely model. While her beauty shines through in both pictures, the fit and flare dress truly enhances her physique.
Which Boot is More Flattering?
When it comes to selecting the most flattering boot to complete your look, a slight heel can be a good addition (unless, of course, the heel is uncomfortable, in which case, it might hurt in more ways than one).
The wonderful advantage of wearing heels is that they add height to our stature, which can create the illusion of a slimmer appearance. Additionally, the shoe on the left in this image allows the ankles to remain visible, which we’ve come to understand is a valuable fashion tip.
Same Outfit, Different Look
While it took us a moment to discern the distinction between the images here, once we did, we recognized the impact of a new haircut. The woman is wearing the exact same outfit in both images, but her shorter hairstyle in the right picture truly makes her appear more slender.
This is because more of her chest and shoulder area is now exposed, which is known to be more flattering. So ladies, the next time you’re looking for a change or want to create a slimmer appearance, consider a trip to the hairdresser as your first step.
The Maxi Dress
There’s a common fashion misconception that women with fuller mid-sections should opt for wide, tent-like dresses, as seen on the right in this image. However, this doesn’t mean that the bodycon fit is the only option. We want to encourage a more flattering style: the empire waistline.
As illustrated by the dress on the left, the fit gently cinches just above the waist before cascading downward. This silhouette is designed to flatter the female body and conceal areas that may not be as desired.
Understanding Your Shirts
If you’re trying to minimize the appearance of extra weight, opting for a shirt without buttons (as seen on the left in this image) won’t be helpful. In fact, it can have the opposite effect, making you appear frumpy.
Instead, we recommend wearing a button-down shirt that you can leave partially unbuttoned, paired with a plain tee underneath (as shown on the right side). This creates a relaxed yet elongating look that is more flattering to your figure.
