f you were born on planet earth, there is likely something you’d change about your body. Killing yourself at the gym and eating nothing but chicken breasts and vegetables will cut fat and improve health, but there are some things you have to chalk up to mom and dad. Fitness demigod, Arnold Schwarzenegger, even struggled with physical appearance. The man had chicken leg syndrome so bad that he would cut off all of his pants at the knee as a constant reminder of his miniscule calf muscles.
Rather than ruining pricey jeans like the gov-uh-na, we might have a better alternative. Understanding and accepting your body is crucial to learning how to dress to accentuate. From there, it’s easy to utilize your wardrobe to create a slimming effect. Here are a few simple fashion tips to help you show off your finest assets.
1. Find the happy fit — Clothing that too tight is rarely flattering. For guys, you immediately come off as self-obsessed (or self-unaware), and girls appear...well...morally compromised. Tall tee’s went out with the Ying Yang Twins, and baggy clothing for women doesn’t allow you to utilize your body’s natural shapes. Finding a perfect fit is crucial to creating a tight, slimming effect.
GUYS
This simple, light fit is perfect for summer evenings. The long-sleeved henley look creates a modern, comfortable fit for any body style.
GIRLS
A knee-length dress, complemented with a simple thin belt is always a classy, versatile look.
2. Understanding lines — It’s common fashion knowledge that vertical lines are slimming, and horizontals create added width. The only hard part is that it’s tough to find a vertical lined shirt that doesn’t make you look like a European soccer player. Here’s a tip – if you can’t find a good vertical line, opt for flannels with bold verticals and subtle horizontals.
GUYS
Dress up or dress down, this button-up is a versatile option.
GIRLS
Using lines well can sometimes mean the best of both worlds. This diagonal line top utilizes a v-pattern to create a stretching effect.
3. Play nice with layers — Layers can be used to cover up just about anything. But start layering too much and it’ll be a dead giveaway that you’re hiding a little something. Use simple, thin layering techniques to create a powerful, fashionable look.
GUYS
For a casual, yet professional look, a thin blazer/t-shirt combo is a great option. The hard verticals in the blazer slim the body, while a solid tee keeps it light.
GIRLS
If you’re self-conscious about your arms or shoulders, adding a light cardigan can immediately boost your confidence and your style.
4. When in doubt, go dark — Black clothes are for much more than just funerals. With the weather heating up, finding good fabrics and lengths is key to making this look stick.
GUYS
Love it or hate it, the plain black shirt will always be cool. Find a good fit and rock it with style.
GIRLS
Dark jeans, especially paired with a slender heel, lengthen legs, creating a terrific slimming effect. For summer looks, avoid thick fits like selvedge denim, and try a jegging style.