Have you ever fallen in love with a dress on the hanger only to find that when you try it on it makes your butt look big?  Even size 8’s have this problem, truly, you are not alone!!!  We are not all perfect clothes hangers however we can ALL look great, it is just a matter enhancing our good features and hiding our flaws.  Stylist and FashioNZ contributor Julia Turnwald tells us how.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are 5 easy tips that won’t cost the earth.

Buy the right size.
Whether you are an 8 or a 28, wearing the wrong size clothes is guaranteed to make you look bigger than you actually are. If you wear clothes that are too tight you will end up looking like you are bulging at the seams and this will accentuate every little bump.  On the opposite end of the scale, if we try and hide our flaws with baggy ill-fitting clothes we can end up looking 10 sizes too big. Try things on before you buy them, be your own harshest critic, or take a friend with you that you trust.  And lastly, don’t be afraid of the size. If you don't like the size on the tag...cut it off!!

 

Disguise the areas you hate.
If you have an area that you dislike, distract away from it by accentuating the areas you love.  There are many tricks to help create a better looking body.  This winter, use layering to your advantage and hide chunky thighs under a floaty skirt, this is a great way to keep warm and hide your flaws at the same time. If you have broad shoulders, a scarf can break up your body and make you look thinner. Look at accessorising; simple accessories can make a real difference to the way we look and can distract from areas we hate. And don't be shy to show off your best bits - as the old cliché goes, if you’ve got it, flaunt it! Research ways you can make the best of your body type and what suits you - a stylist can be a great investment into getting to know how to best dress your body.  Check out this example from Silverdale by Andrea Moore - layering, layering, layering!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear the right underwear.
This is so very important!  G-strings are cute and sexy, but if you want to give the illusion of a leaner figure, take a cue from Bridget Jones and go for supportive styles (the trusty ‘nana-knickers). These help pull in all the bugling bits and although not as cute, they will make you look great (it certainly seemed to work for Bridget!) So many of us don’t wear the right sized bra - take the time to go get a bra fitting at an underwear store (most offer this service) and get a bra that is right for your shape. Putting your boobs in the right spot can take kilos off, and don't worry about what you look like underneath. By choosing the right underwear you will look great on the outside, and if need be, take a cute G with you in your handbag for hot dates!   Scala Anti-Cellulite Shapewear (pictured) do a great range of supportive styles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make sure you have the right posture.
Standing up straight not only adds inches but will also make you look leaner and more confident. Practice pulling in your stomach and pushing your shoulders back (and breasts out). This is so easy and won’t cost you anything! Practice makes perfect - it is amazing when you make an effort to hold yourself right how many compliments you get. Trust me, this is one of the most important tips I can give you.

 

And last but certainly not least.....

Wear more black!
It is not a myth that black makes you look slimmer. This season, it is so easy as there are so many shades of black available, you are sure to find the perfect black attire for your body shape. Black is slimming to almost everyone - it reduces the appearance of curves and rolls, it makes you appear leaner and is great at shadowing away all the bad bits!  You don’t have to go black all over - wear it in your problem area and accentuate your great areas with colour. For example, if you are top-heavy, wear a black top with jeans or a colourful skirt.  If you are bottom heavy, invest in a black skirt or black pants/tights and compliment this with a lighter coloured top or jacket. Don't be drab but don’t shy away from black!  Check out this example of basic black from Chocolat.

 

These are just a few of the easy ways to hide those bits we all hate - and believe me when I say this, there is not a woman I have met that doesn't have them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article by Julia Turnwald

 

 

Julia Turnwald is a stylist based in Auckland.  If you want to know more about how to make the most of your figure contact Julia at  www.juliaturnwald.com