Five Look-Slimmer Tips: Accentuate the Positive to Look Thinner

So often we hear about dressing for our body type, but when you’re in the store staring at that absolutely stunning outfit that costs more than you should spend but it’s so tempting âÂ?¦ how often can you remember the rules given about what kinds of fabrics and cuts you should wear based on your body type?

The trick is to keep it simple. Instead of overwhelming you with rules and vague references to fashion shows you’ve never seen (believe me, I haven’t either), what we’re going to concentrate on is five brief tips that are easy to keep in mind. When you go out shopping next time, look for a couple of specific things that will help you accentuate the positive about your body, and soon enough your wardrobe will be something you’re proud to wear.

Tip One: Flare Jeans for Pear-Shaped Bodies

Let’s face it: after having a baby or two, even the most voluptuous bodies tend to âÂ?¦ you know âÂ?¦ widen. Then there’s the simple truth that not all of us had perfect curves to begin with (even if we tried to think we did as teenagers).

The main thing to keep in mind if you have a pear-shaped body is to stay far, far away from tight-fitting jeans. Instead, opt for the trendy flared hems or the ultra-comfy boot-cut jeans that are nice and loose fitting. You want to accentuate your face, your bust (if you’re comfortable with it), and your legs – not the problem areas.

Online, you can find some great flare and loose-fit jeans at the following websites:

Lucy – http://www.lucy.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=38&path=1%2C2%2C38

Target – http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=in_se_pagelist/602-2850742-4531022?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=1162320&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=1162320&rank=%2Bpmrank&size=16&page=2

Hecht’s – http://www.hechts.com/gifts/OnlineShopping/WB?Dsp=301&PCR=14:10000:10927:10502:10508&c=1

Tip Two: Slim the Upper Body with Boat Necklines

Feel great about your tummy and legs, but not so hot about your upper body? Don’t try to hide the upper body in baggier clothing or darker colors – both of these things will actually bring more focus to a part of yourself that you’re not so comfortable with. Instead, bring attention to your legs, tummy, and face.

Look for lower-cut necklines, boat-neck necklines, and Ã?¾ length sleeve tops. If you can put some focus on the upper chest and neck areas, eyes are naturally drawn toward your pretty face and dazzling smile. With the same thought in mind, you might try spicing things up with a pretty scarf wrapped jauntily about your neck – again, this takes focus away from the areas of your body that you don’t like so well.

Online, find perfect top-slimming shirts at the following websites:

msn Shopping – http://shopping.msn.com/results/shp/?bCatId=8379

polo – http://www.polo.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2057388&cp=1760788.1766596.2045158&nav=lhn&parentPage=family

Smart Bargains – http://www.smartbargains.com/go.sb?pagename=prod&deptid=9&isrw=2&catid=98&prodid=1058283974&aid=259

Tip Three: Up-Do’s Slim the Face

Hair can do strange things to the look of your face. When your hair frames your face, or covers your shoulders, it can add the look of weight to your face that won’t make you as happy when you look in the mirror.

Pull your hair up and away from your shoulders, back from your face, and you’ll be surprised at how much this will do for the way you see yourself.

Find some really nice up-do’s online at the following sites:

1001 Hairstyles – http://www.1001-hairstyles.com/

Visual Makeover – http://www.visual-makeover.com/

iVillage – http://beauty.ivillage.com/hair/topics/0,,4t98,00.html?ivNPA=1&sky=ggl|haircare|bs|PPC38B|s

Tip Four: Lengthen Your Torso and Body with Pin-Stripes

I have always admired the look of pin-stripes. There is nothing more classic, in my humble opinion, than a pair of black slacks with thin white pinstripes to make a woman look sophisticated and professional. Topped with a white shirt, the look is just timeless.

Not only vertical or pin-stripe patterns slimming, but asymmetrical stripes and tunics work beautifully. Tunics can create a lengthening effect for your upper body that sheds the look of pounds, and generally makes you appear taller and more slender.

Find pin-stripes and tunics at the following online shops:

Nordstrom – http://store.nordstrom.com/category/cat_medium.asp?category=2376776~2374327~2378057~6002292&startNum=21&styleNum=53&boutique=&p=2&viewAll=0

Smart Bargains – http://www.smartbargains.com/search.aspx?k=Tunics&fd=True&aid=36&tid=211189&siteid=3123450036&program=11055

Target – http://www.target.com/gp/search.html/ref=sr_bx_1/602-2850742-4531022?field-keywords=pinstripe&url=index%3Dtarget&x=0&y=0

Tip Five: Slenderize Your Waistline with Dropped Waist Jeans

When we spot an area of our body that we don’t like, the first instinct is to try and cover it up and hide it. If you are able to remember nothing else of the tips I’ve shared, remember this: Excess fabric makes you look heavier. Don’t try to hide under your clothing.

The same holds true if you are worried about your waistline. Try out some jeans and pants that ride lower on your hip, with a waist that reaches to right below your belly-button. Not only is this a super-trendy style, but the lowered waistline will make your tummy and belly seem longer and more slender.

Check out some of the great styles at these websites:

American Eagle Outfitters – http://www.ae.com/web/browse/category_feature_item.jsp?rcid=womens&scid=cat90034&navroot=womens

Ben Sherman – http://www.benshermanusa.com/store/womensjeans.html

JCPenny – http://www.jcpenney.com/products/C031063.jsp

Everyone has areas of their body that they like best, that they know really “works” for them. That area might be your eyes, your chest, your legs, or even your hair. Find what works for you and accentuate that instead of trying to cover up what you don’t like. Not only will this do wonders for your wardrobe, it will make you feel so much better about yourself.