How To Look Thinner

We know, we know: A healthy diet and a dedicated fitness routine are the keys to the weight-loss kingdom (sigh), but there are times when we’re all a little less diligent than we should be. Whether we’re too busy to count calories and hit the gym, or we’re just enjoying indulging for a change, we’ve definitely all slacked when it comes to keeping our bodies in tip-top shape. Which is why it’s key to know how to look thinner using nothing but your clothes.

Invest in Shapewear

By now you’re probably tired of hearing about Spanx and the other gazillion types of stretchy devices that promise to shave off of pounds, but here’s the thing: They really work. At its core, the right piece of shapewear works as a means to help distribute bulges while smoothing you out and holding you in.

To look thinner, it pays to choose a seamless pair of slenderizing briefs, boy shorts, camis or full-body pieces that have reinforced panels to suck in your stomach, slim your thighs, boost your derriere, and define your waist when wearing bodycon dresses, clingy skirts, tight pants or evening gowns.

Take a Length and Fit Lesson

If you’re trying to give off a thinner appearance, it’s key to be mindful of hemlines and unwanted volume. This means staying far away from things humorously associated with tourists: capri pants, pleated khakis, long baggy shorts or shapeless calf-length skirts.

Instead, opt for straight dark jeans that have a bit of stretch and hit exactly at your ankle or an inch or two below. This will elongate your body, especially when paired with heels, ankle boots or pointy flats (which actually make you look taller!). On top, try longer shirts, blazers, or sweaters that aren’t too oversized.  Same goes for trousers: Choose dark colors (black and navy are your best bet) without any upper pleating and have a slightly tapered leg. On top, try longer shirts, blazers, or sweaters that aren’t too oversized.

In terms of skirts, a knee-length pencil skirt is the most universally flattering silhouette, as are fitted A-line skirts that hit right above the knee. For an extra slimming boost, pair skirts with opaque black tights in the winter, which automatically make legs of all shapes and sizes appear longer and thinner.

To look leaner, it’s crucial that every item in your closet fits you properly (if you have to become BFFs with your tailor, so be it). With blazers and jackets, always make sure the seams sit perfectly at the bony tops of your shoulders, and that the sleeves hit exactly at your wrist.

Choose Heels With a Low-Cut Vamp

Here’s small trick that can change the way you shoe shop: Footwear that features a low-cut vamp instantly elongates and slenderizes your leg when you’re wearing skirts, shorts, dresses, and even cropped pants.

What’s a vamp? It’s the portion of a shoe that cuts across your foot at the front. So, a low vamp cuts across the base of the toes, while high vamp can come up the foot and possibly up to the ankle. If you’re able to find a pair that matches your skin tone, all the better to give the illusion of slim legs.

Speaking of shoes, a heel—think two and a half inches and above—lifts the body and makes clothes fall better, which gives a slimmer appearance.Look for pumps with slightly pointed toes and thin heels, as opposed to square-toes, super-chunky styles or thick ankle straps, all of which can give the appearance of a shorter, stockier leg.

Wear All Black

Using one color to enhance a slender illusion is the oldest trick in the book, and for a good reason: It helps create a long vertical line. While wearing head-to-toe black is the most effective—and eternally chicest—option, other darker hues work well too, such as navy, oxblood, and green. The trick to monochrome dressing: Keep each silhouette crisp and tailored, and stay away from pale shades like beige.

Don’t Discount Maxi Skirts

It’s a common fashion myth that curvy women simply cannot wear floor-grazing skirts and dresses, but luckily that’s been proven entirely false. In fact, a well-cut maxi skirt can actually give you the appearance of looking longer and leaner.

Choose solid versions that skim the length of your body, which will create a long vertical line (forego anything with pleats, bulky pockets, thick elastic waistbands or too many layers.) Be sure to keep your top fitted — a tucked-in T-shirt and a cropped leather jacket or a well-cut blouse in a dark color, for example—so as to not drown in fabric.

Also, make sure the skirt’s hemline is as long as you can go without tripping, and add a pair of high wedges or heels underneath. No flats!