After the excesses of Christmas, and, for some of us, the excesses of January (the final slices of the Christmas cake, the least loved biscuits left behind in the tin, or the remainder of the Selection boxes ), your attention may be turning to your waistline and how best to disguise its expansion. Here are a few simple ways to do just that:-
1. Wear one colour head-to-toe. Opting for monochromatic outfits or wearing a single colour can create a streamlined look. It will make you appear taller and slimmer because it encourages people’s eyes to travel up and down without interruption.
2. Avoid thick belts. They are a great fashion accessory and can be used to accentuate people’s good points, for example, if you have an enviable waist, always belt it to make the most of it. However, if you are overweight, steer clear of them because they will appear to cut you in half, making you look heavier around your middle. You will get away with wearing thin belts because their effect is less pronounced.
3. Use distraction to your advantage. If you want to steer the eye away from any perceived problem area, such as your waist, hips, or legs, wear a striking necklace or earrings. Wearing a hat which matches the colour of your coat or dress will achieve the same effect. Dressing in matching dark coloured separates and shoes is another way to play down any unfavourable part.
4. Choose V-necks. They not only frame your face, they also visually elongate your neck and emphasise your collarbone. They offer a slimming effect as well. They are particularly helpful for women with broad shoulders and short necks because they expose more of your décolletage. This has the effect of bringing people’s attention to your face. This neckline also helps petite women look taller. Wide necklines are another winning choice because they elongate your upper body and create a balanced silhouette
5. Rule out anything baggy. The same advice applies to oversized T-shirts, multicoloured outfits, large prints, bold colours, and frills or flounces. These can add bulk and make you appear larger. Opt for clothes that fit well and slim the body. Any garment that overwhelms is unsuitable also, such as fussy necklines, ankle length dresses, or overly fluffy coats. High heels, whether chunky or thin heeled, will make your legs appear longer and therefore you will seem taller and slimmer.
6. Opt for vertical stripes. A win-win choice, they are a major fashion trend this year. They come in bolder, brighter, and more varied designs this season instead of the more classic styles. Key looks feature unexpected colour pairings and varied widths. While horizontal stripes can make us look wider, small vertical stripes in dark colours offer a slimming effect.
7. Wrap up to hide bulges. Outerwear offers the perfect cover-up in every sense of the word. It keeps out spring chills and rain and can also help create an illusion of a taller, slimmer figure. A long solid-coloured trench coat with a belt that you can tie at the back, can make you look longer and leaner. If you leave your coat open or cinch it at the waist, the effect will be even more flattering. Pair it with slim fitting jeans or trousers and pointed-toe (these remain a staple for 2026 - look out for moderate points with practical heels ) or boots to create a further body trimming and long, lean effect.
8. Wear bootcut jeans. Skinny jeans, in denim or any other material, will tend to draw unwelcome attention to your tummy and thighs so it is best to avoid these. On a positive note, bootcut jeans will give the appearance of added height. Choose a dark wash with a high waist, and wear these again with pointy-toed heeled shoes. Ensure the bottom of your jeans hits your shoes for maximum slimming impact. Avoid white and light-washed jeans and trousers because these have the potential to make your legs look heavier. Opt for darker colours for best results.
9. Choose your accessories wisely. Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets can make or break an outfit. They offer versatility and an opportunity to personalise your look. They also allow you to divert attention from problem areas and to accentuate your best features. Long necklaces, for example, will shift the focus from your hips while large earrings will draw attention away from the upper body and towards the face. Big bracelets are great at hiding heavy upper arms as they will bring the eye towards the wrists.
10. Simple, classic styles work well. Well-cut dresses that hang below the knee or jackets and shirts which cover your bottom are all wise options. These garments may cost more than you may usually pay but they are worth the investment because they will hang well. Walk away from trousers with a lot of hip detail, any form of pleats, or noticeably nipped in waists.
