Flatter your body shape with these tips
We all have parts of our bodies that we don’t like as much as others, and post-Christmas, we often have a few extra lbs to hide.
With the use of clever shapes, colours and fabrics, you can draw people‘s eyes away from the areas of your body you don’t like and move their attention to your best features.
Here fashion e-tailer, Kaleidoscope’s dressing expert and consultant, Ciara O’Grady offers her top tips on dressing to flatter and enhance your figure for 2014…
Show off- If you have a gorgeous hourglass shape and a defined waist, don’t be afraid to show it off! Wearing a figure hugging dress will highlight your curves and add a belt to really accentuate them. Avoid baggy clothes as these will just hang off you, making you look boxier and less feminine.
It’s all about the legs- Apple-shaped women usually have amazing legs. To show them off, wear brightly coloured or patterned trousers which will highlight how long and lean they are. Plus statement trousers are very fashionable this season!
The must-have- Every woman should have a tailored jacket in her wardrobe. Flattering, smart and sexy, they finish off any outfit and can be worn day or night. Opt for a short, single breasted jacket which will flatter all body shapes.
Do it big- If you have larger feet and hands (larger than a size 7 shoe), look to buy large patterns on the clothes you wear. This will balance out the scale and will look very chic. Alternatively a large bag or scarf will balance this as well.
Bust it- Do you have a small bust? If so, use it to your advantage! Layers are perfect for you and you can play on different colours and textures to really add dimension to your outfit. Try chunky knits on top and then wear something slim lined on your bottom half. This will give you a fuller look and create the illusion of curves.
Stretch! - If you have an hourglass shape (think Kirstie Allsop or Kelly Brook), wear fabrics with lycra to accommodate and flatter curves. The lycra in the material will support and hold your curves to accentuate the hourglass shape. Avoid oversized jumpers and waterfall cardigans.
Cap it- For women who have narrow or sloping shoulders you will want to create definition to be in line with your hips. This is simple and can be done using tucks and cap sleeves on dresses or tops.
Distract- Moving attention from a part of your body that you don’t like onto a part of your body you do like is easily done and is very effective in making the most of the best aspects of your shape. For all you ladies who are conscious of your tummy area try wearing a statement necklace to draw the attention upwards and away from your stomach. A scarf or dangly earrings would work just as well.
Go nude- It is a well-known fact that wearing shoes the same colour as your skin tone when wearing a dress will elongate your legs making your legs instantly look slimmer and longer. If you are wearing black tights wear black shoes to create the same effect. Try it- it works!
One or the other- When dressing, women often fall into the trap of accentuating their legs and cleavage. Don’t do it! A woman should only ever show off one or the other to add mystery to your overall look, creating an outfit that will look sultry yet sophisticated!
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