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After a holiday season full of rich and delicious food, (and maybe a few too many glasses of eggnog or mulled wine) many of us find ourselves with a few extra pounds after a busy holiday season. After all, the family-style servings and frostbitten temperatures don’t exactly work wonders for a diet and exercise regimen! I know I can’t be the only one saying that I would go out and take a walk if only it weren’t so cold outside haha. I’m not the only one, right? 😉
Many of us find ourselves trying to turn back the time once it’s all over in the form of New Year’s resolutions and record numbers of new gym memberships. Maybe you have more motivation than me, but I’ll be real, I’m not actually going to hit the gym. So in this post, we’re going to dive into the styles and colors that make you look skinny because feeling your best doesn’t have to wait until next year! Through smart color and pattern choices, you can streamline your figure and walk out with confidence, even after eating your weight in Christmas cookies and pastries.
Styles and Colors That Make You Look Skinny
Go for a Monochromatic Look
This style may seem a bit bold for someone trying to create the illusion of a slimmer figure, but few things are sleeker and more elegant than a head-to-toe monochromatic look. For the ultimate boss babe uniform, throw on a button-down, blazer, high-waist wide-leg trousers, and pumps and rock a look that will have you ready to take on the world.
Related: How to Rock a Monochromatic Look Flawlessly
You Can’t Go Wrong with Black…
Of course, I couldn’t make a list about giving the appearance of a slim figure without mentioning black. It’s been said countless times, but black is a universally slimming shade, no matter your skin color, size, or body shape. However, there are ways to get the most out of your black garments.
When shopping, don’t simply go for a shapeless black blouse or dress for the sake of covering up your gorgeous figure. Pick silhouettes that highlight your favorite features. Do you have killer long legs? Try a pair of high-waisted slim-fit trousers. Do you have a natural hourglass figure? Go for a fit and flare or a-line dress or skirt that will show off that waistline.
…Or Other Deep Hues
Is black not really your thing? Thankfully, other rich, deep hues will do the job perfectly. Deep burgundy, eggplant purple, forest green, navy blue, and chocolate brown are all great jewel tones that are perfect for slimming the figure. In fact, these alternative colors may be even better options than black, as they make it easy to incorporate more neutral pieces without such a stark contrast. Try out the monochromatic look above with a beautiful navy blue or deep green for a look that screams sophistication.
Related: How to Look Expensive + What to Avoid
Add a Pop of Color
So, one of the last things you may be expecting from a guide to looking slimmer is that drawing attention is a good idea. But flattering your figure doesn’t have to be all dark colors and no fun!
It’s all about color theory: bright or warm colors pop and neutral, cool, and dark colors recede. Adding color to your look gives the chance for your personality to shine, while also being another sneaky way to draw attention to your favorite assets and away from features you’re not so confident about.
A brightly colored necklace will draw attention to a beautiful décolletage, while a pair of vibrant pants and nude pumps will highlight your legs and give you that statuesque appearance. If you still feel more comfortable in low-key hues, adding color in the form of a handbag or pair of shoes also works beautifully.
Vertical Stripes and Textures are Your Friends
Another slimming secret you’ve probably heard about is that vertical stripes are a great choice for those looking to achieve the look of a thinner silhouette, and it’s absolutely true. The downward stripes lengthen your figure and create the illusion of narrowness.
But striped patterns aren’t the only way to create this illusion. Ribbed fabrics also create the same effect by guiding the eye up and down instead of across the figure. And while most ribbed clothing is more fitted, there are tons of more relaxed options in the form of sweaters, dresses, and even corduroy pants. Pleats work in the same way as well and, when worn fitted at the waist, a pleated skirt can create a gorgeous hourglass effect.
And there you have it; five easy ways to flatter your figure using color and patterns. I hope these tips will help you feel your best and create looks that make you feel confident in yourself. Get ready to look amazing and take on this new year in style!
Next up: 12 Posing Tips to Make You Look Thinner in Pictures (With Examples)!
