Going through the heart of summer and with temps constantly rising, inviting us to spend more time at the beach or a tropical paradise, our need to wear as little as possible is completely understandable. Although the bikini body and tips on how to get one is a much discussed topic year round, we do believe in every woman’s unique beauty and appeal that’s defined by her curves. However, nobody has ever said no to outfits that make them look 10 pounds thinner! So, here are some outfits to prove that what you only need to look great is a solid wardrobe.
1. Create a Visual Illusion of a Smaller Waist
The trick here is to create contrast at the waist. This means that besides tucking in at your waist, you can also wrap it in a sash or a statement belt. Just make sure the item you choose has bright, vivid colors so that it pops and draws the eye away from, say, wide hips (although the contrast between a small waist and wider hips gives a very feminine look, many guys admit!). You may also coordinate the color of your belt or sash with a necklace, handbag or any other accessory of your likes.
Tips:
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Another way to make your body look leaner and longer is to combine your belt or sash with a shorter hemline. It’s an old trick to elongate your legs and appear taller and slimmer. However, don’t go too short, especially if your legs is a worry zone. In this case, go for midi-length dresses or skirts. Match with a statement belt and you have a super figure-flattering look.
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You can also draw attention to the midsection of your silhouette by wearing a sheath dress or an A-line with an exposed mid-line zipper. How did you manage to lose 10 pounds so quickly?
2. Turn all Attention to the Center of the Waist
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Making your waist the focal point of your outfit makes your midsection oh-so-tiny. Throwing a boxy print on a drop-waist dress is a great idea that will give you exactly that.
Another trick to conceal some troublesome areas on the lower body while also minimizing the midsection is to tuck a screen tee (you know, the classic one) into a flouncy full skirt. Speaking of flouncy garments, it should be noted that adding fabric will NOT make you look heavier. It is a common misconception that you should definitely shed off. On the contrary, wearing a flouncy skirt and tucking a chic, oversized sweater into it will draw all eyes to the smallest parts of your physique.
3. A-Line Dresses are your Best Assets!
Speaking of A-line pieces, they are, undoubtedly, every woman’s best friends. The classic A-line dress is an incredibly forgiving silhouette. Look for a cutout waist A-line piece that will make your waist look smaller and a boxy upper to boost the minimizing effect. The flouncy skirt will also help hide what you want to keep concealed.
4. Layer a Crop Top over a Tank
Everybody knows that layering is a handy trick to help minimize the middle without exposing too much skin. In our case, try layering a crop top over a tank. The secret is to select an oversized crop top that will highlight your curves and add some at the right places!
5. Mix and Match!
You won’t believe how thinner you will look if you only mix two different prints. It is THE best optical illusion your body could benefit from. Choose one print on the bottom and an entirely different one on the top and see how it looks on you!
6. Go for High-Waist Shorts
Another myth busted here. Who says that you can’t wear shorts AND look great? It’s all about choosing the right pair of shorts that flatter your figure. For example, you can never go wrong with a well-fitting high-waist pair. Match it with a classic blouse (button-down) and watch your body transform into a leaner version of itself in seconds.
7. Crop Tops to Make you Look Slimmer
You may not believe it right now, but crop tops CAN be slimming if only you pick ones at the right size and make sure they come down to your waist. Wear a high-waist item, such as trousers or a skirt (could be black to boost the minimizing effect) and you are done.
Tip: When in doubt, always opt for a total black outfit. And, we mean…entirely black, from head to toe. A tried and tested success recipe! By the way, another summer staple, white, can also be flattening. Reach for a flirty pencil skirt that fits perfectly on you and pair it with a classic white button-up shirt. Experiment with white accessories to complement your slimming statement.
8. Don’t Ditch your Ripped Jeans Just Yet!
Many women are afraid to wear a pair of ripped jeans, although they are pretty on-trend right now. Don’t be. Ripped jeans are not only easy to wear, especially the boyfriend cut, but also help enhance your silhouette, giving you a slimming look right on the spot.
9. Play with Soft Colors
Experimenting with soft summer colors will allow you to take the overall slimming effect a step further. See how a shift dress, which hides what you don’t want to be shown anyway, will make you look if you select a more summery shade. Its playful character combines with the relaxing nature of the lazy summer months. The outcome? Your new, slimmer self!
10. Invest on the Perfect LBD
There is no woman on this planet that doesn’t love her LBD! Just find one that complements your silhouette and feel free to enjoy it all summer long. It is a highly versatile piece that deserves a place in our summer wardrobe, given that it can be instantly transformed from street-chic to beach wedding-appropriate with the right accessories!
11. Vertical Stripes! Yayyy!
Despite what some women think, vertical stripes actually work. They make our figure longer and thinner. No need to adopt a full-on stripped look, though. Just a pair of shorts or a top in the print will also do an excellent job.
Tip: if you don’t fancy stripes that much, you can alternatively pick pieces or matching sets that dazzle the eye and take it away from the body part you don’t feel very confident showing off. So, don’t be afraid to play with prints and bright colors.
12. Use Ruffles the Right Way
Yes, it’s true that ruffles tend to make people look bigger than they really are. However, using them is an art that if you manage to master, can work to your advantage. For example, place ruffles a tad above the waist to make the area appear smaller.
The same applies to geometric figures. They can make you look bigger, but they can also help minimize your body. Try on a dress with, say, an exaggerated hip or boxy shoulders and notice how your body looks, especially the small parts of your silhouette!
13. Opt for a Shirtdress
A shirtdress is without a doubt a must-have piece in every stylish woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a shirtdress, and it will never fall out of fashion. How could you resist wearing one? It flatters every body type with its crisp and flouncy vibe, which is a great asset when we want to look slimmer.
14. Conceal your Breadth with a Light Jacket
If you feel uncomfortable exposing your back area, shoulders, and upper arms, throwing a light jacket or blazer over these areas will solve the problem. It will bring more balance to your silhouette and make you look thinner instantly.
Tip: If you also want to look taller, toss on a long overcoat.
15. Shirts Out This Summer!
Instead of tucking your shirt in at the waist, wear it in a way that will distract attention from your width, meaning over your shorts or skirt. As long as the top hits at your hips (no longer or shorter, though, as it will deliver the exact opposite result) and the shorts or skirt is no shorter than knee-length, we guarantee you will look fab.
Extra Tips:
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Midi-length peasant sleeves (not short or full-length) can work wonders despite what you might have read or heard about them!
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Look a bit sleeker by combining a super-size pair of shades and slicked-back hairdos.
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Although we don’t understand why and how looking a tad undone actually makes someone look thinner. Yet, it’s true. So, don’t hesitate to muss up your hair just a bit and untuck your shirt (not all of it, though; just one side). You will slim down immediately! The key to appearing cool is to look slightly rough around the edges.
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Make a statement with a chunky piece of jewelry (i.e. a necklace). It will make your breadth look smaller and help create an inverted triangle effect. Any complaints about making your legs and waist look small?
How do you disguise your pain points and look slimmer? Which outfits do you like wearing that flatter you during summertime?
