Sometimes it is not about what your body looks like but how you dress it.
Some of us have weight loss goals that contain crazy ways of measurement. For me, it is the pair of designer jeans that I wore the night that I turned 21 that I just can’t quite purge from my closet. My ultimate goal, despite many years and three kids later, is to once again fit into those jeans. (Even if I never dare wear that style in public again.)
Did you ever notice how even when you lose weight, you may not look like it? Remember that picture of Jessica Simspon in the “Mom jeans.” She claimed to be a size four. I hope the very next thing she did after burning those photos was to fire whoever was in charge of her wardrobe that day. Poor thing. But we all have been there. Fortunately for us, most of us are not in the public eye and criticized for everything we do.
Here are five ways to dress like you have lost weight:
1. Wear a bra with a proper fit. When is the last time that you went bra shopping? You may be wearing the wrong size that could result in sagging or bulging in unflattering places. Even if you have not changed size your old bras could be “bringing you down." Go. Just do it.
2. Create a waistline. The easiest ways to do this is with a belt or visual effect in a shirt (like an empire waist). Jackets or lightweight sweaters with ties at the waist are equally helpful in accomplishing this. Be sure that the belt is not cinched too tight so your skin tries to “fold over” the top.
3. Avoid oversized or too tight clothing. Ever notice how your body looks thinner if you go one size up instead of squeezing into a tight size? Ever notice that by wearing oversized T-shirts to hide any problem areas, you are creating more bulk? Tailored clothing will always fit you better and draw attention to the best parts of your figure as it disguises the areas of concern. Most people like muffins. Muffin tops, not so much.
4. Highlight your best body parts. Decide what you like the best about your body and dress to accentuate it. Like your top half better than your bottom? Wear shirts with a “V” neckline to elongate your neck and draw the eye to your face. You can do the same thing by wearing earrings and necklaces. At the same time, figure out what you don’t like about your body and dress to “trick the eye.” Feel like you have short legs and thick thighs? Wear shoes with a heel and toe with a point to elongate your legs.
5. Don’t be afraid to stick with a classic style if it looks good on you instead of a trend. I was never a fan of skinny jeans. I don’t care if boot leg or flare cut is out, that is what looks best on my body and that is what I stick with. If a trendy item doesn’t look good, don’t wear it. I have fallen victim to buying and wearing “in” colors that have left me looking washed out and were not flattering. I am finished with making that mistake. Enlist help from the sales staff at clothing stores and boutiques. Be specific about what you are looking for or what you would like to camouflage with clothing. Feeling like you look good can build confidence. You may even walk straighter with your shoulder back and have your friends asking, “Have you lost weight?”