According to Linda Arroz, former editor-in-chief of Big Beautiful Woman magazine, selecting the appropriate wardrobe and wearing it correctly is the secret weapon to giving the illusion of looking thinner. Arroz, now a spokeswoman for the Plus Size Collection at Spiegel, summarized such fashion strategies in saying, "The body is a sculpture, and you can shape it and visually reshape it, depending on your objectives."
Assessing Body Shape or Type
Men and women should first assess their body shape unclothed in front of the mirror. Celebrity stylist, Laura Siebold, director of LiveStylist.com, suggests analyzing the proportion between one’s top and bottom half, and assessing bone structure, such as shoulder width, neck length, and width of hips.
These areas are the keys to balancing body figure or type. Achieving proportion involves choosing styles that minimize the larger or less flattering portion of one’s body while maximizing the leaner more flattering body portion. It is wise to choose clothes for body shape or body type.
Slimming Fashions for Those Who are Heavier on the Top
People with this body type should wear loose fitting tops that taper in gradually to hug the waist and hips. Clothes made of cotton, jersey or other thin fabrics are good choices because they won’t add bulk. One color choice for the entire outfit, from top to shoes, will give the illusion of leaner length. Jackets should be without shoulder pads. Skirts with pleats tend to draw the eye down to the lower half.
Fashion Strategies for Those Who are Heavier on the Bottom
People with this body type should wear tops with small shoulder pads to help balance out the frame. Fabrics with vertical lines or patterns are flattering to those who are heavier on the bottom. Prints should only be worn on the top. Long jackets and tops that go past the hips help to conceal heavier bottoms. Jackets, suits, or shirtwaist dresses in straight, classic styles and cuts are most flattering to this body shape.
Flattering Fashions for Those Who are Less Curvy
Women who lack curves can add dimension by wearing fabrics in prints, flowers and patterns. They can draw attention to their face with beautiful, colorful earrings, necklaces and scarves.
Fashion for Those with Hour-Glass Figures
Women with hour-glass shapes can wear loose, draping fabrics that accentuate the figure. Draw attention to the slim waist with a belt. Women with such figures should not fear being a little daring by showing just a little cleavage with a V- neck.
Slimming Fashions for All Body Types
Women who are under five feet four should wear dresses that hit just above or at the knee. A-line dresses are a flattering choice. Women could also opt for empire waistlines that create an elongated appearance.
Straight legged pants give an appearance of slimmer, elongated lines. Pleated pants should be avoided as they add bulk to the middle.
Turtleneck tops tend to make one’s face look wider. It is better to opt for V-necks that enhance facial features. Wearing jewelry and other flattering accessories will also draw attention to the face.
Additional Tips and Resources for Body Types Fashion
Regardless of body size, type, or shape, to look slimmer women and men should always think monochromatic in coordinating outfits and color schemes. Above all, women and men should always remember to display good posture by standing tall, squaring shoulders, and elongating the neck.
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