Are you fed up with magazines full of tips on how to get slim? Well, I would like to offer you advice on how to make the most of what you've got and feel stylish and groomed all the time.
Of course we all need to watch our diet and take regular exercise but being over your ideal weight does not mean you are not beautiful and worthy of being stylish. As one TV advert reminds us— “you're worth it”! So, how can you make the very most of yourself if you're a full-figured curvaceous woman? Here are a few golden rules:
Do:
Highlight all your positives and ignore the bits you don't like. Take pride in your appearance and make sure attention is drawn to your best features.
Wear clothes that fit — don’t try to disguise your shape under baggy, shapeless, clothes; you will only end up looking larger than you really are. Choose soft, fluid, fabrics that hang well.
Experiment with different styles — go mooching; take loads of items into a shop fitting room and have a good old try on.
Choose the right colours — don’t just go for black. It's true that darker shades are more slimming but navy, burgundy, brown, and charcoal grey also work well. Use gorgeous bright colours near your face for an instant lift.
Pick your patterns carefully — big bold patterns can accentuate bulges. Go for softer patterns with plain colours on the areas you are most concerned about.
Get a great hairstyle — make sure your crowning glory is well cut and coloured. A modern hairstyle can take years off you and will draw attention to your pretty face.
Even if you are not one for make up, you'd be amazed at what a difference a little lipstick/lip gloss, mascara and eyeliner pencil can make. It takes less than two minutes to apply in the morning.
Have great hands and feet — having well-manicured fingernails and painted toenails will give you an instantly groomed and glamorous appearance.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! Go for colourful eye catching necklaces, bracelets and rings. Choose big statement bags. Indulge in gorgeous shoes — a kitten heel is easy to wear and even a small heel will make you walk more elegantly.
Don’t:
Be too critical of yourself. You can bet that other people do not see your faults as you do. Believe that you are beautiful inside and out, just as you are now.
Wait until you've lost weight to buy nice clothes — do it now! Frumpy, baggy clothes will make you look and feel frumpy and baggy.
Be scared to show off your curves — it’s feminine to have curves so don't hide them in shapeless clothes. Fitted styles will actually make you look slimmer but avoid flimsy, clingy fabrics over your bulgy bits.
Go for anything bulky, ie, trousers with pockets and gathers, belted jackets, chunky jumpers, thick fabrics without Lycra. Avoid stripes and polo necks — V-necks are a must for the bigger-busted.
Go for slim-legged style trousers — wider legged styles will balance your body shape better. Please don't ever think you look good in bottom-revealing hipsters, leggings, or jogging bottoms (unless you are jogging or at the gym of course ).
Compare yourself to anyone else — you are who you are!
So what if you are not the size you once were? As long as you are fit and healthy, eat sensibly and take regular exercise, you are the shape you are meant to be; just have the confidence to embrace your curves and find your own style and inner confidence. www.rmibranding.com
Rita Mylett to speak in Castlebar
Rita Mylett will be speaking on defining your style in Day’s Hotel on Tuesday February 24 with Network Mayo. Tickets are €10 and all are welcome. For more details please call 087 050 6463.
