How-To: Dress Taller and Slimmer

So you’re doing everything right, eating healthy and working out hard, but when you look in the mirror you’re not quite there yet. Well, for one thing, don’t worry about it. A quick and easy fix is to dress skinnier. There are numerous ways to look slimmer and taller just by the way you dress. Interested? Well, follow these simple figure-flattering tips and see for yourself how good you can look.

• Dark Colors. This one isn’t an earth shattering revelation by any means. Everyone knows that wearing black will make you look slimmer and taller. But it’s not only black that will do the trick, other dark-hued colors such as brown, navy, gray, and even red will work.
• Long Cardigans. Cardigans that fall past your waist will elongate your body, whilst waist length or cropped cardigans will shorten your torso.
• Vertical Stripes. Vertical stripes have the opposite effect of horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes elongate the torso; horizontal stripes cut the body off, so choose vertical stripes when trying to look slimmer.
• Wide Belts. Wider belts make you look slimmer. For a good fit, pick a belt with a little nylon stretch.
• Maxi Dresses. Maxi dresses are great for creating an illusion of being taller because the dress flows without any interruptions from top to bottom.
• Match Your Separates. In the same line of maxi dresses, by dressing in one color, you’ll be creating an uninterrupted body.
• Long, Skinny Scarves. Scarves are a great way to accent accessories because it takes the focal point away from your ensemble. An extra long and skinny scarf will make you appear slimmer and taller.
• Proportions. You should always keep your proportions in check. Balance a flowy top with skinny jeans, a fitted top with a full skirt or wide leg pants. It’s also key to accentuate the smallest part of your body.
• Platforms. Platforms will ad inches to your height as well as subtract pounds from your frame.
• Jackets. Choose jackets that are hip length. Also, tapered jackets will give you a smaller waist.
• Trench Coats. Choose a thigh-length trench, but avoid anything that is longer than the knees.
• Turtlenecks. Turtleneck gives the impression of a longer neck.
• High-Waisted. Anything high-waisted, whether it be pants, skirts, or shorts, will make your torso seem longer. One caveat though, you should only wear high-waisted items if you’re stomach is flat.
• Jeans. Pick straight-leg or boot cut jeans that sit on your hips. Also, make sure that the jeans cover your instep when you’re in heels.
• Pants. Long, wide-legged pants will give the illusion of tallness. But be sure not to wear them with flats. Wear these pants only with heels, and be sure that they cover your heels. Also, pants with a flat-front style will make you appear slimmer and taller since they’re unbroken, unlike pleats. Another feature to look for in pants is a slight flare. This type of pants will make your hips seem smaller. Moreover, look for pants with a waistband between one and two inches wide, as a narrower waistband will draw unwanted attention to the stomach. And most importantly, look for pants with a bit of a stretch.
• Skirts. Choose an A-line or tailored pencil skirt to appear slimmer.