If you're trying to look better in your jeans or even look stunning in your wedding dress,
the best solution isn't always extra hours at the gym or a crazy diet.
It may simply be a matter of making the right decisions when it comes to which clothes best
flatter your body.
Here are some of the best expert hacks to flatter your figure, no matter what you're
wearing.
Nail your proportions
Wardrobe Consultant Diane Pollack advises knowing your proportions, saying,
"If you wear a large top, then wear skinny bottoms.
But [if you have a more] voluminous bottom, then you should wear a more form-fitting top."
And part of the rule of proportions is also knowing your body shape.
She suggests,
"Highlight your assets and camouflage your least favorite areas.
[...] If you have great legs but have a belly, wear a boxy top or dress and show those legs."
Get fit
Stylist Susan Padron says your clothes should actually fit.
But that comes down to more than just being able to button those jeans.
She says,
"You don't need to go to a bakery to get a muffin top.
Your clothes shouldn't be uncomfortable to wear.
Fashion doesn't always need to equal pain."
Wanna nail your most flattering bod?
Define your waist.
Padron says,
"This can be done simply by wearing a dress that has a seam or waistband placed perfectly.
You could also throw on a jacket or blazer to achieve a defined waist."
Know your size
Many of us make the mistake of buying the wrong size clothing.
Stylist Michelle DiMarco says,
"People seem to think that bigger clothes will make us look slimmer, swallowing us in
fabric.
But [...] everything should be body skimming.
Vertical pieces are great for this rule and build length to the body."
And designer Lindsey Bennett advises not getting hung up on squeezing into the smallest possible
size.
She says,
"Making sure your wide leg trousers drape softly over your legs is actually much more
flattering than a pair that hugs your thighs."
Panty priorities
According to celebrity stylist Ali Levine, a good outfit starts with the right undergarments.
She says,
"Though we all love our sexy, lacey thongs and pretty push-up bras, they're not necessarily
the most flattering.
It's the less exciting, more minimal foundation pieces that ultimately make you feel amazing."
Levine says one essential is the t-shirt bra, saying,
"Non-padded bras are generally the best under a t-shirt.
T-shirts already accentuate your boobs, and a bra that is too big or lumpy will just make
you look heavier."
Shape up
Got Spanx? Levine suggests easily nipping and tucking your bod with shapewear, saying,
"What's great about shapewear is that you could choose the part of your body that you
want to alter the shape of, from your thighs, to butt, to stomach."
But don't just Amazon Prime it.
Levine says,
"It's important to get the right fit, so in-store might be a better option than online since
you get to try on different styles and brands to pick the best one for your body."
Get your prints on
DiMarco thinks the best way to hack your outfit is to create illusions through prints.
She says,
"Prints and funky colors help give you a slim silhouette.
[...] The patterns actually trick the eye into focusing on our noble spots rather than
our not so good spots."
And along with a print, try a little geometry!
If you want to flatten your midsection, DiMarco suggests,
"Try an asymmetrical hem, which tricks the eye into moving in a diagonal line and instantly
makes the tummy look flat."
Putting the "fab" in fabrics
Levine says the right choice in fabrics can make all the difference.
She warns,
"Firmer fabrics naturally stay further away from your body, making you look a little bigger
or boxier.
[...] Softer fabrics like jersey, crepe, cotton, chiffon, silk, and velvet tend to stick closer
to your body, which make you look smaller."
And according to Levine, it's best to choose those fabrics in dark colors.
She says,
"Darker hues always tend to make you look slimmer."
Accessorize!
Levine says choice jewelry can help nail your look, saying,
"If you're looking to draw attention away from the lower half of your body, big statement
necklaces are great for redirecting the attention elsewhere."
She also suggests belting your waist with your unique body in mind, recommending,
"If you have an apple body shape, belt right under your bra and create a sort of a high
waist.
If you have a square body shape, wear your belts on your natural waistline because this
makes your body look curvier."
Levine also says that your bag can change your entire silhouette.
She notes,
"Smaller bags on taller women makes them look even taller, while big bags on smaller women
make them look even smaller.
If you want to draw attention away from your hips, cross-body bags are a great option.
They draw attention to the waist and away from the hips."
And don't forget your shoes!
According to Levine, the right pair can give the illusion of longer legs.
She says,
"If you are on the petite side avoid chunky, geometric platforms and fluffy boots!
Simpler styles like classic pumps, ballet flats, and leather boots without much detail
will slim you down and make you look taller."
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