No matter your shape, size, height, or weight, every woman falls somewhere on the spectrum of wishing to look longer and leaner. Luckily, 1990s-super-models aren't the end goal anymore. It's in our nature to enhance the parts of our bodies that we like, and that's a good thing! Your body is smokin' no matter your shape or size.
When I shop, I'm never satisfied with my purchases. I think I look frumpy with ill-fitting clothes, which in turn makes me feel shorter and wider. I'm already very short at 5'1". How do I dress to appear taller and thinner?
-Irene, 40
Something that women tend to forget is that styling your clothes is just as important as the quality and shape of clothes themselves. Rarely are clothes going to look perfect hanging on a woman's body straight from the rack. FIT and SHAPE are the two most important things to think about when creating a shape for yourself. So let's get some street style inspiration from real women, and put those elements into action:
fit
Creating the illusion of a slimmer waistline is all about the fit of your clothes. Your waist is the smallest part of you, so that's what you need to highlight. You can do this with cinched belts, hourglass cuts in dresses and tops, and high-waisted trousers and jeans. If you're not comfortable highlighting this part of your figure, try some shapewear underneath to smooth.
PHOTO CREDIT | Mango dress | Sam Edelman heels | Topshop blazer | ASOS clutch | AJ Morgan sunglasses | Buxom lip foundation
shape & line
Creating your desired shape is probably easier than you think - it's all in the styling. To create a longer leg, try a wide-leg trouser (not a flare!) or a cigarette pant that's cropped right above the ankle. To show off your waist, tuck in a top to high waisted pants and add a belt. Throw on a loose cardigan or blazer over your shoulders, so as not to cover up your figure, but rather play peek-a-boo with it. Swimming in cardigans isn't flattering, so it's important to buy the correct fit and wear them appropriately.
The shape you create should keep the eye going from top to bottom, and then back up again. This is easiest done by playing with straight lines, like shift dresses and straight leg pants. Ruffles, peplums, embellishments, gathered sleeves, and princess skirts can definitely be fun, but just remember that they come with extra volume that may make you appear larger than you actually are.
The shape you create should keep the eye going from top to bottom, and then back up again. This is easiest done by playing with straight lines, like shift dresses and straight leg pants. Ruffles, peplums, embellishments, gathered sleeves, and princess skirts can definitely be fun, but just remember that they come with extra volume that may make you appear larger than you actually are.
PHOTO CREDIT | Genuine People top | ModCloth jeans | Mango cardigan | Mango belt | Aldo heels | Johnny Loves Rosie clutch | Forever 21 sunglasses
go-to items
- Anything black and tailored
- Belts that cinch the waist
- Stilettos and heels
- Wrap-style tops and dresses
- Micro prints as opposed to macro prints
H&M Dress, River Island printed skirt, Mango faux leather skirt, New Look boots, Aldo red heels, Ted Baker black heels, ASOS wrap belt, Ann Taylor metallic belt, Michael Kors white blazer, ChicNova green blazer, River Island body suit
By remembering these helpful hints and tips, elongating your frame has never been easier. Look at the clothes that you already have in your closet - and you may be surprised to find that you already own most of these things! Now it's just a matter of styling them together, tailoring things to fit you perfectly, and shopping for a few extra pieces.
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xo Molly