Oct
5
Is this you? Fret not. There’s hope for even the most out-there beer bellies when it comes to concealing them (though judging from the proud expression on this man’s face, he seems to want the whole world to know the size and girth and table-imitating capacity of his gut). First thing you have to bear in mind would be to shun wearing oversized clothes altogether. That is a no-no. While tight-fitting clothes are to be avoided like the plague, too-loose clothing will only make your frame look larger, and will still manage to accentuate your bulge. Go for middle-ground—not too loose, and not too tight. A good cut will skim your silhouette rather than stick to it like cling-wrap, and you’ll end up looking better-groomed, tailored, and sophisticated.
Speaking of sophisticated, jackets, suits, coats, and blazers are best custom-fit for that tailored look. Buying off the rack is always a hazard, especially if your dimensions are unique in certain areas (such as your problem tummy). Choose a design you like and tell your tailor the sort of fit you want. Make sure he gets all your measurements correctly, otherwise you might find yourself with a jacket that concaves where you convex, and vice versa.
As for pants, best choose ones that aren’t too high-waist and will cling to your pot belly like a girdle. Low-rise and those that sit on your hips are best, so you can breathe freely and not bring too much attention to your portly middle. Again, avoid anything too tight or too loose—MC Hammer-style harem pants are no-no! Also, if you feel the need to wear a belt, make sure the buckle isn’t as big as your fist. Otherwise, you might as well get a shiny neon buckle in the shape of an arrow that points to your gut!
Oct
3
So now you’ve shed some pounds, and are eager for some results. But if you look at yourself and don’t see the new you you’ve been aiming for, don’t blame the full-length mirror! Perhaps you need more time to keep with that diet or workout plan you’ve chosen, or else…and this might sound funny but…you’re still wearing your “fat clothes”!
There are a few tried-and-tested tricks of the trade to trompe l’oeil (a French term for an art technique, which means “to deceive the eye”) your body into instant sexiness, and yes, wearing black is one of them. But don’t just grab the nearest black-colored clothing on hand, because you also have to consider such things as cut, texture, and layering when it comes to slimming clothes.
For example, if you’re heavy in the hips and butt area, such as the lady in the photo above, consider getting a pair of trousers that are seamless, flare slightly at the calves, and are made of less rigid fabric that move as you move. Too-tight pants will only emphasize your heavy areas, so even if it’s all the rage today, please avoid skinny jeans!
And the best fashion tip for any body type? Good posture! Standing up and walking straight always creates a slender overall look.