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How to dress to make yourself appear thinner and hide flaws.

Okay, so you’ve gained a few (or more than a few) pounds and wish to appear slimmer than you actually are. I mean, we’ve all seen the fashion disasters out there, such as ladies who wear leggings and jeggings that really shouldn’t! In order to avoid becoming such a faux pas, learn to dress to minimize the extra weight you’ve gained using some slimming fashion tips:

Trying to hide a big belly?

Wear black – black is the old fail safe. Trying to hide a big bottom? Wear black. Trying to minimize some frontal flab? It’s black again. Of course, you don’t have to solely rely on black, as any dark color will do, but obviously as black is darkest, it works the best and is therefore always popular. It’s also always in style. On the other hand, light colored tops will show your bulges – I have an unfortunate photo of myself that proves this, so learn from my fashion mistake!

Now obviously you also want to avoid tight clothing, as such will prove unforgiving and won’t do you any favors in hiding what you’re trying to hide. Try for shirts that have some detail to them such as scrunched fabric which will better hide extra tummy fat. Also, there is no need to hide behind over-sized clothing, as those will actually make you look bigger. Instead, consider fitted jackets which will not show any bulges and will have you looking sharp and fashionable.

Trying to hide a big bottom?

If you have a little more junk in the trunk than you’d like, then first of all – keep away from anything high waisted as such clothing will make your butt look twice as big! You want to stick to mid or low rise pants that fit properly as to avoid a muffin top look (your love handles and belly hanging over the top of the pants).

Also, avoid skinny legged jeans and pants at all costs as this will cause your butt to look extra big. Anything tapered is out too – you want to wear something that is bootlegged or flared.

The good news (especially as summer is nearly here) is that capri pants are flattering! They should end just below the calf. Skirts can also be a good choice as long as they end right above the knee or below the calf. A side slit is great, a front or back slit will make you look bigger. Whatever you do stay away from pencil skirts – they may look great on the very skinny but they do nothing for bigger gals and can make your hips look like a house.

Other Slimming Fashion Tricks:

There is also the trick of using monochromatic colors from top to bottom. What this does is to create a fluid vertical line that slims the entire body while hiding bulges.

Additionally, use medium to large accessories to make yourself look smaller – this really works. I hate to say it, but have you ever seen a very big girl with a tiny purse? It really dwarfs the purse and draws attention to the lady’s size – so a big purse will have the effect of of slimming the same girl down a tad. It’s all about optical illusions.

If you’re going to hit the beach or the pool, be sure to choose earth toned bathing suits or colorful suites as these will help to make your body appear balanced and are the most flattering on anyone with some extra weight on their body.

An easy and inexpensive way make yourself appear instantly thinner is to use some organic self tanner (I say organic as there may be some odd chemicals in some self tanners, so read the ingredients as this is something you’re likely smearing on most of your body).  Please avoid tanning booths as there is more evidence that they are carcinogenic, and looking slim is certainly not worth the risk! Alba Sunless Tanning Lotion and Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner are both popular organic brands that are available on Amazon.com.

Keep the above tips in mind and you should have the slimmer appearance you desire.