Dress Yourself Slim

Figure flaws…Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wave a magic wand and have our pesky problem areas disappear? Fret no more, girls  - by using the right draping, color blocking, structure and proportion, we can camouflage those things that bug us most.  Read on and create some hocus pocus by saying “yes” to the right dress…

1) Flatter your shoulders and slim your neckline with a V neck and cold shoulder.
Distract the eye from trouble spots by wearing a dress that brings the focus to your face. My new “soft and chic” dress is a sure fire way to flatter your neckline, face and shoulders! The V neckline is the most slimming of all and the peek-a-boo cut out shoulder adds a touch of sass and sexiness. My off the shoulder dress on the right is another great way to draw the eye away from your midsection – Just add your favorite statement necklace and Voila – instant wow!



2) Slim down your midsection and lengthen your frame with high-waist styling.
My new Colleen Lopez Serpent dress combines soft draping for extra flattering detail for your tummy and a higher waist to accent the narrowest part of your torso.  Notice how the serpent jewel detail brings your eye to the smallest part of your waist. The stretch lining in this perfect wrap dress gives you a smooth, sleek silhouette.  The Liz Lange dress on the right features an Empire waist, soft rushing and a lovely broach that is strategically placed for extra eye catching impact.  Note that both dresses hit at or right above the knee – the most flattering length for most figures.



3) Create an hourglass silhouette with a structured shoulder and defined waist.
Peplums are having a major moment this season.  When you choose the right dress, the peplum will help you create an va va voom hour glass shape. These dresses by Annthony and Iman combine tailored styling and smart details to balance your shape and carve out an hour glass figure. If you don’t like the short sleeve or sleeveless style you can top these dresses with a fitted, cropped jacket or shrug to finish the look.



4) Narrow your frame with strategically placed color block.
Talk about curve appeal! Contrasting swaths of light and dark create an optical illusion that masks your middle. The horizontal V on the Tiana B dress on the left and the black side panels on the Serena Williams dress on the right are key to creating the look of an hourglass shape. One added tip – to make your legs look longer add pointy toe pumps – round toes are a no no for leg lengthening!  A nude pointy toe is your best bet for making your legs look long and lean!



5) Slim your arms with flattering sleeves.
Full upper arms are one of the hardest things to camouflage, but with the right sleeve you can flatter your arms and look stylish at the same time. When you have larger upper arms, sleeveless tops and tight long sleeves are not the best choice. A flared 3/4 length sleeve like I’m showing on the left by American Glamour Badgley Mishka will do for your arms what a boot cut jean will do for our legs and hips – the proportion and balance is super flattering! The sleeve length is also slimming as it stops at the narrow part of your arm and creates the illusion of your arm looking that same size all the way up. I chose another American Glamour Badgley Mischka dress on the right for it’s uber flattering sheer printed dolman sleeve – the soft, gossamer, non clingy fabric drapes beautifully and does wonders for the arm area!



By choosing a dress with the right design details you can work magic on those trouble spots – Abracadabra, what figure flaws?