How many times do you stand in the mirror and ask yourself (or your man), “Does this make me look fat?”
The harsh truth is that there are certain types of styles and silhouettes that do make us look heavier than we are. In your rush to be as trendy as possible and sport the colour/pattern/garment of the season, do not forget to pay attention to the effect that your outfit has on slimming or bulking up your body. The five cardinal mistakes that follow are ones that you should avoid like the plague, ladies!
Full Skirts On Short Women
If you are vertically challenged, shy away from full skirt silhouettes that hit below your knees – think poodle and pleated skirts. The extra volume will make you look shorter and bulkier. If you want to wear an ample skirt, opt for one that falls two to three inches above your knee.
The Wrong Kind Of Skinny Jeans
Contrary to popular belief, not all skinny jeans will actually have a slimming effect on your body. In fact, a pair that is too tight will accentuate your heavy areas. If you are struggling to pull and button those jeans up, then you can be sure that they will make you look larger than you are. Straight leg jeans are a great alternative and they are bound to flatter every body type.
Those God-Awful Puff Coats
When the winter rolls around, puff coats will be everywhere. As the name suggests, these jackets are quite bulky and tend to fatten you up, making you look like a teddy bear rather than the style queen you are meant to be. Ladies, there are more fashionable ways to stay warm and cozy during the cold weather – cable knit sweaters and leather jackets are great alternatives!
Menswear That Was Stitched For Men
Now, I love androgynous style as much as the next girl, but be careful when choosing the pieces to put your outfit together. The trick to pulling off the menswear trend is to take the style and adapt it to suit your body type. Borrowing garments from your boyfriend who is a few sizes larger than you is never a good idea. Oversized garments look shabby and unshapely. Instead, choose menswear-inspired garments that are made for a woman’s body. Think fitted white shirts and tailored blazers, which are available in most high street stores.
¾ Pants
Stay far away from pants that end awkwardly between your knee and your ankle. Whether you are short or tall, this length cuts your body at a very strange angle, making your legs look stumpy and your midriff look wider than it actually is. If you want to sport the cropped trend, look for pants that end about one inch above your ankles.
