Style Your Body Shape

This is a list of things that will make you look bigger. I’ve tried to concentrate of things that we unintentionally wear not realizing the effect they will have, so I haven’t mentioned the obvious things like a downy parka or a thick knit sweater – because, well, duh! Weed these things that will make you look fat out of your closet.

1. Elastisized Waistbands The problem with elastisized waistbands, at least for everyone but those with boyish figures, is not only the way the material puffs out instantly creating more volume where most of us just don’t need it but also the instability of the garment. If you have any sort of curves the waistband will move either up or down as you go about your day. The band is going to find the slimmest place to sit and again, unless you have the boyish figure it’s going to be a lot higher than you want. Basically it just doesn’t fit properly. A tighter band that does sit where you want it doesn’t work well either. Unless you’re toned all the way around the midsection you’re going to get the ’squished bread’ look, which is very unflattering. Keep the elastisized waistbands on your gym clothes.

2. Pleats Pleats that fall from the waistband of your pants and skirts create volume. Their mission in life is to create a better fit, to follow the curves of the body more comfortably and stylishly. They highlight. Since they sit on your hips and tummy they will highlight your hips and tummy. It’s like wearing glad wrap, so unless your hips and tummy are so fabulous they deserve to be highlighted give pleats a miss.

TIP: A paneled and pleated skirt, like the one pictured, or one with inverted pleats that start below the stomach are great options for those wanting to conceal their stomach.

3. Horizontal Stripes Horizontal stripes trick the eye into thinking ‘wider’. The smaller and closer together the stripes the more pronounced the effect. A wider stripe still has the same effect, though not so pronounced. This is actually a shame because horizontal stripes are a classic – think Audrey Hepburn. Certainly wear them, BUT, keep them in proportion. If you’re a small person go for a small stripe. If you’re a large person go for a larger stripe. If you’re big busted or plus size, skip it altogether.

TIP: Horizontal stripes are an excellent way for pear-shaped people to add volume to their upper body and offset wider hips.

4. Metallic and Shiny Clothes Shiny or reflective clothes … um, well, they reflect. The effect is to make whatever they’re covering look bigger. So when you reach for those satin pants or that gold jacket be aware of what the overall effect is going to be. Actually this is a great way to get proportion back into your shape. If you’re bigger on top opt for the satin skirt matched with more subdued top or a shiny camisole matched with black pants if you’re bigger on the bottom. 5. A Small Handbag If you’re a big person and you go with a small handbag it’s not the handbag that’s going to stand out. Comparisons will be made and since your body is approximately 30 times larger than the handbag the size of your body will be emphasized, even if you’re not particularly big in the first place. Your bag should mirror your size. If you’re smaller and wear a bigger bag – same comparison, different conclusion – you will seem small.

TIP: For best effect your handbag should be the opposite of your shape. If you’re a curvy person go with a more structured handbag like the one pictures. If you’re angular go with an unstructured tote.

6. Zips, pockets, ruffles, feathers, fur Anything extra added onto clothes is going to draw the eye and make the piece of body it’s covering look bigger. So if you have big boobs then no ruffles or flounces or anything extra other than what you already have. The same if you got lots of booty – keep things calm and minimal there. Added extras are best kept as the province of the slender or used to remedy proportion issues, and then only very sparingly. Anyone who is plus sized should avoid like the plague. Color and texture are better options.

Baggy Clothes I just wanted to finish with a word about baggy clothes. You can instantly make yourself look slimmer by wearing fitting clothes. If you’re big and you wear baggy clothes rather than conceal it simply highlights how big you are. If you’re small it will highlight how small you are. Wearing fitted clothes will make you look slimmer but you will also feel more confident. Trust me, it works.

Good shopping,

LISA

It was pointed out to me just recently that a lot of women, well actually a lot of men, prefer a women’s ass to look big. They find it incredibly sexy. And we do like to please our men. So for those women who want to make your bottom the focus of an outfit here is how to do it.

NOTE: Fit is always the most important thing to keep in mind. You clothes should skim your body hugging your curves. Not tight and not loose. A figure hugging outfit is always sexier no matter what your shape.

TO PLAY UP YOUR BOTTOM HALF

• A pencil skirt hugs the hips and bottom, follows the curve of the thighs before narrowing at the knee. It will highlight hips and bottom as the widest part. This is your best weapon.
• A straight skirt is a good alternative – a similar shape but it does not narrow at the knees. It is better for someone who is extra curvy as it will contain thighs better than a pencil.
• AVOID a pencil skirt if you are a pear shape. It will highlight your thighs instead.
• Avoid an A-line skirt as it minimizes hips and bottoms.
• Mid knee length is the best hem length.
• Opt for a shorter hem and higher waist if you are petite. It will make your torso look shorter and your legs longer.
• If you have a tummy to conceal opt for a heavier fabric like denim or corduroy to offer more support and avoid bulges.
• A bias cut chiffon is a good option to cling to the curves of your thighs and bottom. Again AVOID if you are a pear shape.
• Pockets, buckles, buttons on the hips will accentuate the hips but work best on the very slender.
• Pockets on the bottom will accentuate the bottom but should be in proportion to your size. A big pocket on a small bottom will make the bottom look smaller and vice versa.
• A godet skirt (flicks out at the bottom) will balance your hips by creating volume around your knees. This is a minimizing strategy but showcases the bottom and upper thighs.
• A skinny leg jean will highlight your thighs more than your bottom.
• Pants should cup and mould your bottom and then fall from the waist in a straight or wide leg. This is a minimizing strategy but gain it looks fabulous.
• A bootleg jean highlights the thigh. A flare will give the suggestion of curves (this is actually a great way to balance out a full stomach).
• A darker color will minimize the lower half, particularly paired with a brighter top. Opt for a bright color on the lower half. The brighter the color the more the more it catches the eye. Balance with a neutral or soft color on top.
• A patterned skirt or pant will draw the eye and highlight the lower half.
• If you are narrower on your top half then wear a structured jacket to broaden your top half and maintain proportion.
• Look for dresses in jersey fabric to cling to curves. Wear with shapewear to get rid of any bulges.
• Look for dresses that echo the pencil shape.

Pencil Skirt

Godet Skirt

Glitterati Dress

Celebrate your curves. Make the most of them. They area an integral part of your signature look and if it includes a fine rear end, make the most of it.

Remember your shapewear to iron out any bulges if you go for a look like this!

Have a good day,
LISA

I just love the pattern on this dress. Patterns and detailing on the clothes you wear are a great way to add extra definition to your frame, to trick the eye into seeing what it is that you want it to see. For instance with this dress the eye is drawn first to the neckline of the dress where the v-neck cuts the body creating the illusion of slenderness (though it’s not much of an illusion on this particular model). The stripes change from being on an angle to vertical just below the breasts effectively reinforcing that slimming effect by creating an empire waist. From there the stripes look as if they flow straight down when actually the fabric is draped so the stripes on both the arms and the body of the garment are actually getting further apart as they go down giving the illusion that the model is straight up and down. Without the colored band on the skirt the effect of the stripes would be more apparent and the dress would look quite severe. The waves also add a hint of curviness in the lower part of the body to counteract the stripes. This is a cleverly designed dress, which is probably why it retailed for $1,000 (sold out now).

It’s amazing how much difference seams, patterns and just plain the way the garment is put together can work with your shape. Sometimes they flatter, make you look thinner, like the dress above, and sometimes they just work against you. So be aware of the detailing on your clothes.

Good shopping.

LISA

Ahh, summer. Time to dust off the swimwear and head to the beach. I don’t know about you but for me this can be quite a trying time. Particularly as where I live in Australia it’s summer for practically six months of the year. I’m generally pretty happy with my shape but that’s all challenged when it comes time to bare all in a swimsuit. Eeeep! Still this year, armed with a little knowledge I figure I can choose a swimsuit that’s functional, comfortable and stylish, and so can you.

I’ve broken this up into general body shapes but you should really consider it from a point of view of what do YOU personally want to reveal or conceal. You may be a pear shaped but have issues with your stomach, In which case you probably won’t be opting for a bikini, so read through the whole thing and then apply the bits that you need to.

Big Breasts – dealing with a bigger top

• You need to hoist those babies up there for best effect. Anyone over a C cup needs to look for underwired cups to give you the support you need. Yes, even in a halter neck!
  
• Try a style that will spread you breasts further apart as this will have a minimizing effect. Wide placed straps are perfect.
  
• Avoid something that just squishes you down – think of the sausage effect; it will ruin the line of your body. Most halter tops will have this effect, but there are some good ones out there.
• If you choose a bikini opt for substantial briefs. The size of the top that contains your rack needs to be offset and a little string bottom won’t do that. Look for something that supports your butt.
• To balance out a bigger top highlight your waist with banding or a change in color.

Rectangle – creating a waist

• Your aim is to create curves. A simple way to do that is to look for swimwear that has a detailing or pattern on it suggesting curves.
  
• A strapless suit will do the same thing.
  
• Avoid a bikini. You need to accent you waist which is not easy in a bikini. If you do opt for a bikini choose one with wider straps (unless you’re very small on top) and a low leg or boy leg pant to elongate your waist and make it seem curvier.
• A belted swimsuit will give you a very definite waist.
  
• Look for suits with detailing on the hips as this again creates curves where you want them.

Pear Shaped – taming the booty

• Your aim is to draw the eyes upward. The best choice for you might be a string bikini, preferable a halter top as it will broaden your shoulders, but anything that is going to draw the eyes upward is ideal.
  
• A high cut bottom will elongate the length of your leg and reduce the size of your bottom.
• Avoid a swim skirt as it will draw eyes to your thighs. Draw the eye to your top instead.
• To conceal a big butt look for a bright print or detailing that draws the eye upward instead.
  
• If your bottom is big it needs support. Look for a substantial brief or a suit with good support.
• A long sarong tied at the waist and open down the length of one leg will minimize a large thigh will remaining sexy and stylish.
  

Conceal Your Stomach

• If you have larger breasts (anything from a C cup upward) you need good support. Hoisting your boobs up is a simple way to make your stomach look smaller.
• Look for the Miraclesuit swimwear link the link below. There is a double layer of material for extra hold.
  
• Ruching on a one piece suit along the sides a good way to confuse the eye and draw it away from your stomach.
  
• One part of your body needs to be the focus. Its best to draw the eye upward.
• Avoid metalics or busy patterns as they will draw the eye. Simple is better.
• Look for vertical lines or detailing that give the illusion of curves where there are none.
• A boy leg cut will not offer as much support for your stomach as a higher cut swimsuit.

Petite and Slender

• A high cut suit will extend the length of your leg and make you look taller.
• For the very slender look for horizontal stripes – they will add volume to your upper half.
• Those cute triangles are made for the very slender and not so well endowed. The size of the suit is perfect for your small proportions.
• Any bows, ruffles, flounces will add volume to your top half will

Curvy

• Don’t just cover up – think about which body part is your most favorite and work to reveal that and conceal everything else. If you cannot decide then opt for your chest and face. Refer above for ideas on how to flatter breasts, stomach or bottom and thighs.
• Darker colors will conceal. Lighter colors will reveal.
• Ruching is great for confusing the eye – what is part of the suit and what is a little extra flesh.
  

General Tips

• As with all outfits there should be one element that is the focus be it a great rack, fabulous thighs, flat toned stomach or your beautiful face. Choose one and deal with the rest.
• Fit, as always, is important both in terms of personal comfort and style. You may need a different size for your top and bottom so don’t be afraid to go to a bikini or tankini.
• If you’re bigger on either the top or the bottom mix plain blocks of color with prints, the prints being on the smaller portion to create interest and the plains on the area to minimize.
• If you tempted to cover up in a big oversize t-shirt get yourself a wrap instead. They come in a variety of styles and fabrics and you will feel a lot more feminine and sexy.

I hope this has been helpful. I’ve certainly enjoyed writing it and researching all the different types of swimsuits and what they do. Thanks for reading.

LISA

I bought a gorgeous little top the other day – a chiffon top with an empire waist and awesome drape perfect for concealing a big stomach. I fell in love when I saw it, tried it on and it looked fabulous. Just like that a wonderful relationship began. But, sadly it was not to be. The first, and only time, I wore it, the entire day I felt really uncomfortable. By the end of the day I’d worked out that the problem was that it just revealed more than I was comfortable with, which is pretty confusing given that the neckline wasn’t particularly low cut or sheer and did in fact cover more of my chest that I would usually go for. What it did do was draw attention to my breasts, which hey, usually I’m happy with cause then it means they’re not looking at my butt or worse my stomach, but in this particular case I felt over exposed. I felt like my breasts were the only thing anyone saw of me that day and I hate when people have conversations with my breasts. They’re not overly talkative as a rule.

What parts of our body that we choose to reveal and conceal is a deeply personal issue and it rarely has anything to do with shape. For instance you might find two pear-shaped ladies of approximately the same size and one hates her butt with a passion bordering on psychotic and the other loves her generous feminine curves. Its simply a matter of personal choice.

Dressing to flatter your particular body shape is all about misdirection – directing eyes away from flaws and to parts of your body that you find more attractive. Much of what I’ve already shared with you is about creating a more even silhouette and it assumes if you have a big ass then you’re going to be comfortable showing off your breasts in order to balance things out. But, as for me, that may not be the case. Each person needs to decide for themselves what parts of their body they want to reveal and what they want to conceal.

No, concealing the whole lot is not an option! Every stylish outfit has one point of interest. If you have a beautiful top with a bright pattern, or lovely beading then it will be the focus of the outfit and it should be paired with a more understated bottom half, like fabulous jeans or a plain well-cut skirt. If you show lots of leg then your top half needs to be more conservative, or vice versa for a low cut top. It’s all about balance. One of the things I’ve been guilty of in the past is wearing clothes that are all neutral which pretty much makes me slide into the background. Instead now I pair the plain jeans and sweater with a big piece of jewellery, or fantastic shoes or handbag to bring some interest.

My lesson with my gorgeous blouse, my very expensive gorgeous blouse that I only ever wore once before gifting to my delighted daughter, is that I need to pay particular attention to what I put on top and whether it reveals more than I’m comfortable with. What works for you? . I’ll be focusing on particular clothes in the future and the way to use them to reveal or conceal particular parts of your body, so get to know what your personal preferences.

Good shopping

LISA