Did you stuff yourself over the holidays and now you're wondering how you can lose those extra pounds before New Years Eve? Truth is, unless you spend a week at the gym and starve yourself you probably can't lose all you need.
Really, I'm no expert on weight loss since I'm 20+ lbs overweight myself and for me it took a lot longer to put it on than just overeating during the holidays. Actually, I'm starting with Curves in January and I'm thinking I probably won't be alone. Every woman in America who gained some excess weight this year probably made a New Year's resolution to lose it just like I did and will be joining me at Curves or their gym of preference. (And this is not an ad for Curves.)
Back on subject: I scoured the web and found a lot of great ideas to make yourself look thinner while you work on shedding the extra pounds. And why not at least give the illusion of having a model's perfect body while you're working hard to get there?
The How-to-look slimmer tips that follow were written by Jennifer R. Scott for About.com:
1. If you’re pear-shaped, be sure to choose jeans that provide an easy fit. Loose-fitting styles won't be clingy. Tight jeans are the last thing we pears need!
Look for slightly flared hems or boot-cut styles. Both will detract attention away from pears’ problem areas -- the thighs, saddlebags and derriere.
2. Boat neck necklines, have a slimming effect on the upper body.
3. Pulling your hair up and away from your shoulders will peel away pounds. Try sweeping your hair into a high ponytail and you'll be surprised at how much slimmer your face looks.
The How-to-look slimmer tips that follow were written by Jennifer R. Scott for About.com:
1. If you’re pear-shaped, be sure to choose jeans that provide an easy fit. Loose-fitting styles won't be clingy. Tight jeans are the last thing we pears need!
Look for slightly flared hems or boot-cut styles. Both will detract attention away from pears’ problem areas -- the thighs, saddlebags and derriere.
2. Boat neck necklines, have a slimming effect on the upper body.
3. Pulling your hair up and away from your shoulders will peel away pounds. Try sweeping your hair into a high ponytail and you'll be surprised at how much slimmer your face looks.
Wispy bangs make a round face seem less so. Loose curls and waves can also have a slimming effect, so consider
a body wave. Chunky highlights on the sides of your face will elongate it.4. Not only are vertical-and pin-stripes slimming, but asymmetrical
stripes such as miter stripe blouses and tunics also work. They have a lengthening effect on your upper body.5. A sheer blouse over a matching opaque tank skims the body so your entire silhouette looks slimmer.
6. If you worry about your waistline, try some jeans or pants that sit low on your hips, as they will slenderize your trouble spot. Slacks that have a waist that hit
just below your navel will make your midriff seem longer and slimmer.7. If you're burdened with a belly bulge, choose relaxed fit jeans. The elasticized waist may help tame that bothersome tummy. Pleat-fronted pants will balloon your middle, so they're a definite don't. Flat front and side-zip styles are a do.
Always remember that over sized clothes don't help camouflage problem areas. Excess fabric only makes you look bulkier. Don't try to hide under your clothes!
Last, but not least, everyone has a feature they know works for them. Instead of always focusing on covering up what you don't like, learn to flaunt what you do.
For example, a sleeveless dress will make everyone notice your awesome arms; a shorter-length skirt will draw attention to a great pair of gams.
You will feel so much better about how you look if you spend as much time focusing on the positive as you do hiding your figure flaws!
If you didn't find anything in the preceding list, maybe the next list will help. The following is written by Jennifer Kwiatek, Editor for AOL:
The Art of Misdirection
Magicians use sleight of hand to manipulate an object in front of an audience. This concept of misdirection can be used to draw people's attention to a certain part of your body. For instance, if you want to draw attention away from hips or a belly, look for interesting necklines, large collars and eye-catching necklaces. Get more visual bang for your buck with a necklace or scarf that drapes in a long u-shape. This will elongate the torso and give a slimming look.
Proportions
You always want to accentuate your smallest part by pairing loose clothing with fitted pieces. So definitely choose a curve-hugging black pencil skirt, but be sure to pair it with a relaxed cardigan. Likewise, if you opt for wide-leg pants, then a fitted shirt would match beautifully.
The Art of Misdirection
Magicians use sleight of hand to manipulate an object in front of an audience. This concept of misdirection can be used to draw people's attention to a certain part of your body. For instance, if you want to draw attention away from hips or a belly, look for interesting necklines, large collars and eye-catching necklaces. Get more visual bang for your buck with a necklace or scarf that drapes in a long u-shape. This will elongate the torso and give a slimming look.
Proportions
You always want to accentuate your smallest part by pairing loose clothing with fitted pieces. So definitely choose a curve-hugging black pencil skirt, but be sure to pair it with a relaxed cardigan. Likewise, if you opt for wide-leg pants, then a fitted shirt would match beautifully.Put Your Best Foot Forward
Tyra Banks talks about modeling from H-to-T (head-to-toe) and the same logic is true for the way you dress. Shoes and other accessories can make all the
difference when you are dressing 10 pounds lighter. Heels are a sure way to elongate your body visually, but pointed-toe shoes also help to continue that line even further making you look tall and thin. Nude shoes (when paired with bare legs or skin-tone tights) make your legs look like they go for miles and miles. A low-scooped shoe will lengthen the body where ankle-strap shoes and booties cut the line of the body making you look short.
Lady in Red
We've all heard that black is slimming, so why not dress in all black? That's fine once in awhile, but who wants to dress in head-to-toe black all the time? The next best color is red. I know this sounds completely absurd, but scarlet hues
soak in light and will naturally accent you in all the right places, while giving you a huge confidence boost in the process. Just be sure to prepare yourself for all the compliments you'll be getting.
Petite Prints
Prints can be tricky since they don't camouflage as well as solids. Don't stay away from prints completely though, when paired with dark solid pieces you can create a knockout look that's sure to turn heads. If you are hesitant to dress in prints, try a scarf or handbag with a bold pattern and test the waters.
Go Monotone
Dressing within the same color family is trendy right now, not to mention incredibly slimming. Match pants, shirt, tights and shoes in the same hue and look 10 pounds lighter instantly. Try a deep plum, chocolate, or charcoal to mix up the traditional black combo that is used so often. If going to the dark side is a bit of a stretch for you, add punches of color with a bold necklace, or eye-catching pumps.
Time to Shape Up
Shapewear might be one of the most brilliant fashion inventions ever. If you are looking for a shirt to slim arms, tights to give your booty a boost, or a solution
for the ol' muffin top dilemma, there is a shapeware product. Spanx is my favorite solution for tummy slimming and lifting buns and now they have tights in all new colors and patterns. Hip-T takes care of several issues, including bum cleavage, muffin top, thong cameo appearances and creating layers without bulk. Squeezy Tees makes your arms look thin and tone, so you can do the pageant wave to your heart's content.
Whittle Your Waist
Belts are essential to showcasing your waist. Look for belts that pull you in, but still have some stretch. Opt for a thicker cinch belt that will make more of a visual impact and really define an hourglass figure.
Hips Don't Lie
Jackets and cardigans that hit at your waist will make you appear short and wide. Instead, look for jackets and cardigans that hit at the hip in order to make your torso look long and lean. This is one of my favorite visual tricks. If the cardigan is thin enough you can even accessorize with a wide cinch belt for the ultimate look.
Time to Wrap It Up
Blouses and dresses that wrap are by far the best pieces of clothing to visually looking thinner. Look for structure, like darts at the bust and seaming that will visually make all the right kind of curves. Wraps will also cinch in the waist either along the natural waist-line or just above it making you look itty bitty. And who doesn't love that? The wrap works on every single body type, so make sure you have this staple in your wardrobe. (The red dress shown above is also an example of a dress that wraps)
I hope you found something you could relate to in this information so you'll look thinner before you ever lose a pound!
Tyra Banks talks about modeling from H-to-T (head-to-toe) and the same logic is true for the way you dress. Shoes and other accessories can make all the
difference when you are dressing 10 pounds lighter. Heels are a sure way to elongate your body visually, but pointed-toe shoes also help to continue that line even further making you look tall and thin. Nude shoes (when paired with bare legs or skin-tone tights) make your legs look like they go for miles and miles. A low-scooped shoe will lengthen the body where ankle-strap shoes and booties cut the line of the body making you look short.Lady in Red
We've all heard that black is slimming, so why not dress in all black? That's fine once in awhile, but who wants to dress in head-to-toe black all the time? The next best color is red. I know this sounds completely absurd, but scarlet hues
soak in light and will naturally accent you in all the right places, while giving you a huge confidence boost in the process. Just be sure to prepare yourself for all the compliments you'll be getting.Petite Prints
Prints can be tricky since they don't camouflage as well as solids. Don't stay away from prints completely though, when paired with dark solid pieces you can create a knockout look that's sure to turn heads. If you are hesitant to dress in prints, try a scarf or handbag with a bold pattern and test the waters.
Go Monotone
Dressing within the same color family is trendy right now, not to mention incredibly slimming. Match pants, shirt, tights and shoes in the same hue and look 10 pounds lighter instantly. Try a deep plum, chocolate, or charcoal to mix up the traditional black combo that is used so often. If going to the dark side is a bit of a stretch for you, add punches of color with a bold necklace, or eye-catching pumps.
Time to Shape Up
Shapewear might be one of the most brilliant fashion inventions ever. If you are looking for a shirt to slim arms, tights to give your booty a boost, or a solution
for the ol' muffin top dilemma, there is a shapeware product. Spanx is my favorite solution for tummy slimming and lifting buns and now they have tights in all new colors and patterns. Hip-T takes care of several issues, including bum cleavage, muffin top, thong cameo appearances and creating layers without bulk. Squeezy Tees makes your arms look thin and tone, so you can do the pageant wave to your heart's content.Whittle Your Waist
Belts are essential to showcasing your waist. Look for belts that pull you in, but still have some stretch. Opt for a thicker cinch belt that will make more of a visual impact and really define an hourglass figure.
Hips Don't Lie
Jackets and cardigans that hit at your waist will make you appear short and wide. Instead, look for jackets and cardigans that hit at the hip in order to make your torso look long and lean. This is one of my favorite visual tricks. If the cardigan is thin enough you can even accessorize with a wide cinch belt for the ultimate look.
Time to Wrap It Up
Blouses and dresses that wrap are by far the best pieces of clothing to visually looking thinner. Look for structure, like darts at the bust and seaming that will visually make all the right kind of curves. Wraps will also cinch in the waist either along the natural waist-line or just above it making you look itty bitty. And who doesn't love that? The wrap works on every single body type, so make sure you have this staple in your wardrobe. (The red dress shown above is also an example of a dress that wraps)
I hope you found something you could relate to in this information so you'll look thinner before you ever lose a pound!
