WELL TAILORED CLOTHING, ALONG WITH SOME SIMPLE FASHION KNOWLEDGE, CAN MAKE YOU APPEAR SLIMMER, WITHOUT THE GYM!
To look slim and trim, eat right and hit the gym. If you are carrying a bit of extra weight, don’t worry — with the right clothes, you can easily appear 5 pounds lighter.
Follow these 10 simple fashion tips to look slimmer:
Wear clothes that fit
Baggy clothes won’t hide your weight; they’ll actually make you look even bigger. Instead, wear clothes that fit. Choose form-fitting clothes that don’t bind, pinch or bunch. You should be able to fit two fingers into your waistband without holding your breath.
Pick pinstripes
A pinstripe suit is sophisticated and slimming. The thin, vertical stripes draw the eye up and down, rather than side to side, for an elongating effect. Avoid thick tweeds and chunky plaids, which will make you look bigger.
Wear small patterns
For the office wear shirts or ties with small patterns. Small prints draw the eye in and the attention away from body flaws. You can also trick the eye by wearing a dark color on the area of you body that you want to hide and a light or bright shade on the part you wish to emphasize.
Embrace flat-front pants
Flat-front pants are your friend. They can emphasis a thin waist as well as hide a thick one. Avoid pleats, which add extra bulk that you don’t need. Your pants’ hem should hit the top of the shoe (with no sock showing) but not be any longer.
Pick the right fabrics
Chunky cable knits and thick wool will add bulk to your body. In the wintertime wear layers of silk, cashmere, merino wool and thin knits instead to slim the look of your frame.
Untuck your shirt
For casual wear, it’s okay to leave your shirt untucked to hide extra pounds in your midsection. Look for slim-fitting shirts that hug your body but don’t cling. If you leave your shirt untucked, make sure that it’s one with a straight hem.
Select dark-wash jeans
Rather than light-wash jeans or those with a distressed, worn-in look, select plain, dark-wash denim to look slimmer. Classic five-pocket jeans with a straight cut are the most flattering for the majority of men.
Avoid bulky outerwear
When shopping for overcoats and jackets, many men erroneously select coats that are too big. Pick a coat in the same size as your suit jacket that falls about 3 inches above the knee. Avoid boxy jackets, puffy coats or bomber jackets that finish at the waist.
Shoes and accessories
Believe it or not, even your shoes can make you look slimmer. Pick top-quality leather shoes with a rounded toe and thin sole. Thick, chunky soles will add weight and bulk to your look. Don’t overdo it when it comes to accessories. Pick just one statement piece, whether it’s a hat, scarf or watch, to slenderize your look.
Be confident
One of the most important factors when it comes to style is confidence. Walk tall and confidently. Good posture is key, since it elongates your body, making you appear slimmer. And a big smile will help put the attention on your face and away from any figure flaws.
Other slimming tips:
- Avoid thick or flashy belt buckles if you carry a lot of your weight in your midsection.
- Go for a monochromatic look in dark colors, matching your shirt, jacket, pants and shoes in the same shade.
- Make sure you wear a hat that fits. One that is too small will make your head/face look large and wide.
- Don’t wear a tie that is too wide or too thin — both will make you appear wider than you are.
- Wear a jacket with broad shoulders and a pointed lapel to balance out thick legs.
While there’s no substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, knowing the tricks of the trade for looking slimmer can give you immediate results. Whether you are heading out on a first date or a job interview, there are times when looking your best is important. Utilize these slimming tips and remember to radiate self-assuredness as you tackle what the world has to offer!
