For instance, you should avoid horizontal prints and go for vertical-print dresses with deep necks. Likewise, choosing darker colors like blacks, blues, and monochromes can lend you a leaner look. High-rise jeans with flowy tops, pencil skirts, shirts, and LBDs can be your go-to outfits to look slimmer.
Choose clothing that creates vertical lines. Vertical lines can help elongate and slim your figure. Look for tops, jackets, and dresses with vertical stripes, or try adding a long necklace or scarf to create vertical lines.
Darker shades of colors like blue, purple and brown can also help to hide flaws and create a slimming illusion. On the other hand, lighter colors, like white and khaki, can add pounds and give the illusion of a larger frame.
V-necklines are one of the easiest details to look for when it comes to finding tops that can make you look slimmer. It's more of a subtle tip, but it works! Plus, V-neckline tops are abundant and pretty easy to find. V and scoop necks will definitely elongate your torso because they draw attention down your frame.
V-neck designs can give the appearance of height and trim down a larger frame, giving the appearance of a slimmer neckline.
Black is a super-power color when it comes to making anything look smaller — wear it where you want to diminish. And pair it with an eye-catching bright or print blouse or shirt.
Line up. Vertical lines draw the eye up and down, rather than side to side, giving you a taller and narrower look. Think of vertical striped shirts and pinstriped business suits, though we wouldn't recommend wearing these together. As a rule, the closer the vertical lines are, the slimmer the look.
Invest in classic and timeless pieces to dress well when you are overweight. Avoid excessive patterns like horizontal stripes at all costs as they make you seem bulkier. Wear solid colors instead to appear slimmer and add a tasteful, luxurious touch to any outfit.
Look for shirts that have darting or shape to them so they skim your body. For pants, choose a straight-leg, bootcut, or tailored look. However, avoid a relaxed fit or trouser pant. For skirts or dresses, look for pencil, a-line, or fit-and-flare options.
That said, sometimes an extremely tight fit (think a figure-hugging bandage dress) can actually make you look bigger. Unless the garment will stretch with wear, look for pieces that fit just a fraction larger than your frame, says Matthew Burton. “That will help you to look smaller.”
As far as hairstyles that make your face look thinner go, long hair is one of the easiest options. "Long hair instantly slims most face shapes. Think about getting semi-permanent hair extensions to speed up the process," says Lopez.
Think of a balanced silhouette.
Instead, choose full A-line skirts and dresses as well as wide-leg pants — always with a fitted top. If you're a top gainer, forget tight tees and slim-fit button-downs. Instead, pair puff sleeve tops, dropped-shoulder sweaters, and oversized shirts — always with a fitted bottom.
The answer is that it depends on how the shirt fits. A baggy, oversized shirt will make you look larger than you actually are. On the other hand, a well-fitting shirt that is slightly bigger than your size can help you look thinner. This is because it will skim your body without being too constricting.
One reason dark colours have this effect is that they draw the eye away from the body to the head, hands and feet, making you appear taller and slimmer. They also help hide any bumps or bulges. By contrast, lighter colours emphasise your contours, as these are more likely to produce shadows in light-coloured clothing.
Opt for a wrap bodice or layers (open jacket over a tank) to provide structure over curves. Opt for tailored pieces instead of clingy knits. Avoid ruffles, full sleeves or lots of embellishment at the bustline. Look for face-flattering details to draw the eye up: a turned-up collar, great earrings, flattering haircut.
Leggings are obviously an easy 'go-to' when feeling bloated. Even though they are tight around the stomach – they are comfortable and can hide the bloat – especially if they are dark. Pairing leggings with an oversized shirt or sweatshirt is definitely a simple and comfortable bloat-friendly look.
Look for A line tops or those that have gathers or shaping around the bust and then skim over your mid area, waist and tummy. Jackets should be draped and in softer fabrics to work with curves. If you have tried wearing a blazer and feel like you are wearing a straight jacket the fabric is probably too stiff.
Style Smarts
Keep your skirt and dress lengths to the knee or slightly above. Flowy dresses look best if they are mid-calf length. Steer clear of cropped pants — they were an unflattering fashion fad for way too long. Don't show too much skin: too-short skirts and tops that are too low don't flatter anyone.
Cotton, denim, silk, or wool gabardine are generally on the slimmer side and won't add any extra volume. Wide wale corduroy, on the other hand, along with crushed velvet, leather, suede, mohair, angora, taffeta, boucle, and flannel, tend to be a bit bulkier.
What other colors can make you look younger? Bright ones. “When choosing colors that will make you feel vibrant, I advise my clients to play with bright shades such as red, purple and pink,” says Rivera.