Dress in a monochromatic scheme. Most people assume that head-to-toe black is the way to go when you’re trying to look slim – and it is – but it’s not the only way to go. Face it: if you wear all black, all the time, people will think you’re either in perpetual mourning or going through a goth phase. It’s definitely okay once in a while, but any other dark color, such as chocolate brown, navy, or deep red, can be used instead of black. A tip if you’re dressing in all one color: be sure to use accessories to break up the monotony.
Wear A-line skirts. Flowing skirts are excellent at hiding any flaws on the bottom half. If you’re large on top, choose a fluffier skirt, one with volume at the bottom such as multiple tiers or ruffles. If you’re smaller on top, choose an A-line with less volume.
Invest in a good bra that pushes your breasts together and upward, making your chest area appear narrower.
Forgo the cute panties in favor of elastic reinforcement (unless, of course, it’s a very special occasion and someone’s going to see them). Buy the control top-type underwear that reaches up to your ribcage, where there’s less flab. This way you won’t have tummy overhang. If you’ll be wearing a dress that is somewhat fitted, take the undergarments a step further and buy one of the many available body-slimming devices that reach from the ribs to the knees. Note: this is not always comfortable, so weigh the benefits against that fact before you buy.
Wear tops and dresses that are fitted just beneath your breasts – an empire waist – unless your breasts are unusually large. This is normally a woman’s narrowest part.
Wear V-neck shirts to open up the neckline and make your neck appear longer.
Wear Capri pants that end at the slimmest part of your leg, a couple inches above the ankle.
Wear vertical stripes, such as pinstripes, to elongate the body.
Wear shirts and dresses with zippers or buttons going down the front; the vertical line is slimming.
Be choosy when selecting pants with pockets. Pants without pockets are best, but if you must have a place to stash your goods, go for pants with diagonal slash pockets that look like slits. They’re best for drawing attention away from saddlebags.
Pick the right jeans. Choose a pair that sits lower on your waist; those with high waistlines can be extremely unflattering. Choose boot-cut, because the slight flare will balance out the bottoms of your legs with the tops. Buy them a little bit long, so that they break over the middle of the foot, creating the look of longer legs. And when it comes to the back pockets, find a pair with big pockets rather than small. Small pockets just make your butt look bigger.
Think three-quarter-length. This length is flattering, whether it’s shirt sleeves or jackets.
Even your choice of footwear can make a difference in how slim your legs look. A few tips for fabulous feet:
Add height. Wedges and espadrilles are great for this. Anything with a chunky heel will work to balance out the leg – if you’re heavy, always wear a heel.
If you have thick ankles, avoid small heels (kitten heels, for example) and don’t wear shoes with a strap that cuts across your foot.
Wear open-toed shoes; this visually elongates the leg.
Be careful when wearing boots. If you have chunky legs, thin them out by making sure the boot is tall enough to reach over the calf, ending just below the bend of the knee. Never wear boots that end at the thickest part of your calf.
If you’re going for a sporty look, avoid wearing tennis shoes with no socks – they make the leg and ankle look extra thick. Wear backless shoes, such as sporty mules, instead.