Let’s create new habits when we get dressed. How can we embrace our body flaws by dressing smart? Here are a few tips on how to hide the most common figure imperfections.
To hide your tummy and be comfortable, invest in a shirt dress. The shirt dress is usually in woven cotton, with small vertical stripes and worn with a belt. The combination does a good job of hiding the tummy well—especially if you have the option of tying the belt loosely at the waist or above the waist. The woven fabric helps to hide any bulges as well.
Splurge:
Queen’s Consort Striped-Cotton Shirtdress Romance Was Born, $525. (Courtesy of Matchesfashion)
Steal:
Striped Shirt Dress by Polo Ralph Lauren, $188. (Courtesy of Farfetch)
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Our arms! Don’t we love them? But they are difficult to get toned, and for some reason, we always find them too big. Give them some love; opt for 3/4-wide sleeves or simply long sleeves but not tight ones.
The tops can be in stretch cotton or woven but the key is how roomy the sleeves are. Choose fabrics like silk or sateen. These are fluid and drape over your arms, giving them a slimmer shape.
Splurge:
Floral Print Silk Blouse by Zac Posen, $950. (Courtesy of Moda Operandi)
Steal:
Stretched jersey Wrap Top by Ralph Lauren, $90. (Courtesy of Ralph Lauren)
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Because most clothes are designed to fit the waist and hips at a specific ratio, many women find this area the most difficult to deal with. An A-line skirt will save the day, and a wrap-up style with a button closure can be adjusted. The same goes for a belted A-Line skirt. For pants, try not to wear skinny pants; opt for straight fit or boot cut, as these shapes will balance the hip area with the rest of your body.
Splurge:
Diana Belted Linen Midi Skirt by Lisa Marie Fernandez, $564. (Courtesy of Matchesfashion)
Steal:
Saia Dijon Lisa by Egrey, $106. (Courtesy of Farfetch)
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To give the appearance of slimmer legs, go with nude pumps with pointy heels. Not only do they give the illusion of elongating your legs, but you will also feel taller and slimmer when you walk. But the nude color is the key. No colored shoes as the difference in color will just accentuate the flaws. Avoid flats—if high heels are too difficult to wear, try a mid-heel; as long as you are comfortable you will feel taller.
Splurge:
Marion 85 Pumps by Malone Souliers, $563. (Courtesy of Farfetch)
Steal:
Hazel Stiletto Pumps by Sam Edelman, $139. (Courtesy of Farfetch)
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And the magic scarf comes to save the day! I prefer long scarves because they help to hide my tummy. If you choose a cashmere scarf, you can easily wear it on your shoulder and it will cover your arms as well. A colorful scarf will bring attention to your neck instead of your hips or tummy. It’s a versatile accessory to invest in.
Splurge:
Belt-Print Silk-twill Scarf by Burberry, $490. (Courtesy of Matchesfashion)
Steal:
Super-fine Cashmere Scarf by Raey, $109. (Courtesy of Matchesfashion)
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Let’s not forget the most important thing is to love ourselves the way we are. A small tummy is feminine, we just have to know how to dress smart, and not to be too hard on ourselves. Let’s be proud of our femininity!
