It’s that time of year again to shed the jackets and wraps.
It's time to take it all off for the summer.
Shudder.
Don't let the heat dampen your style.
If there's a will (to look stylish), there's a way... 8 ways, as a matter of fact, to look slimmer:
Wear Colors
The best way to welcome summer is to incorporate colors into your wardrobe. Bold hues can highlight your best feature, for example, wear a colored top to accentuate your upper body and pair it with a dark-colored bottom if you're bottom-heavy.
Stylish Necklines
To better frame your face, use stylish necklines. Cowl, v-neck or sweetheart necklines are your best friends. Stay away from scoop, boat, and off-shoulder necklines which broaden the look of the shoulders. Vertical embellishments such as small pleats (tuxedo-style shirts) to simple necklines can draw attention away from an ample chest.
Wear Sleeves
Cover up batwings with 3/4-length sleeves. Cap sleeves can make your arms look bigger. Draw attention to the wrist with a giant bangle.
Boot Cut vs. Skinny Jeans and A-line vs. Pencil cut skirts
Skinny jeans are not for everyone. They tend to expose imperfections in the legs and play up the width of the hips and a less-than-perfect bottom. Instead, go for boot-cut jeans, which accentuate the thigh and balance the width of the hips with the length of the legs.
Same goes for skirts — an A-line skirt works better if you are bottom heavy, pencil-cut skirts accentuates it.
Accessorize Big Time
Think of accessories as your "flaw amulet" — they can draw attention away from the negative.
This season, wide-brimmed hats are hot!
If you must wear black... Keep it short and sweet!
If there's anyone who understands the need to wear black (even under the scorching sun), that would be me! I wore just black, rain or shine for three years! LOL
When it comes to your LBD for summer, keep it short and look for fun details like fringes, feathers, or clustered rosettes to give your outfit a "summery" feel.
If you must wear a jacket... Keep it light and add shoulder pads!
Choose cardigans or jackets in light "airy" fabrics.
Even out your frame by adding shoulder pads to your blazer.
If you want to rock the jumpsuit trend... Cinch the waist or go monochromatic!
Create an hourglass silhouette by wearing a belt. Elastic-back belts are making a big comeback!
If you are large up top, a broad belt that cinches in the waist defines a waist. A thick (not thin) belt works because it give definition to your torso and has corset-like properties.
Embrace your curves rather than hide them with a loose baggy top.
To create the illusion of long limbs, stick to monochromatic jumpsuits with a garter waist.
Tips:
1. Choose the right size. Wearing baggy clothes will make you appear bigger than you really are.
2. Invest on a good body shaper garment. The best ones are the "All-in-one" shapers, they cover the waist down to the end of the thigh.
3. "Attitude" is the best accessory! In the end, what's important is to have fun dressing up. A smile can also "brighten" any outfit!
Photos provided by Sinéquanone, available in Rustan's
Shoppingera, it's never too late to get fit for summer... For life!
