It is natural to want to look your very best in the clothing that you wear. However, before you rush out to buy the latest trends and styles, take a closer look at your own closet. You may already have many garments and pieces that are flattering and slimming! When worn together in a new way, you may find a whole new host of ensembles and outfits that make you appear at least ten pounds lighter. But if you feel the need to beef up your current wardrobe, consider investing in underpinnings and undergarments that fit well and will help make your apparel appear smoother and better, rather than buying an entirely new collection.

Want to appear slimmer? Try These Tips

#1 A Great Suit

No matter your gender, you always appear slimmer in a well-fitting suit. The key lies in the definition provided by the structured shape of the jacket, vest, or waistcoat, and typical suit-toppers for slacks, trousers, and skirts. If you have a quality suit in your closet that doesn’t fit quite right or comfortably, consider having it professionally tailored. The results will amaze you.

#2 Good Balance

While you peruse your current closet, consider balance when configuring outfits and pairings. For instance, if you are going to wear a full top, go with a form-fitting skirt. Conversely, if you wear a full skirt or wide-leg pant, go with a sleeker top or tee. Think about balance in terms of your clothing lengths, too: if you opt for a floor-length skirt, wear a shorter top, and pair mini-skirts or short-shorts with a longer tee or sweater.

#3 Longer Jackets

Check your closet for vintage jackets; find ones that are hip-length and made from structured fabric with tailored and tapered lines. These will give you a sleek, lean appearance that whittles your waistline. Try a chunky look-at-me scarf worn over your normal jacket: it has a way of streamlining everything from the chest down while also taking attention away from the mid-section. Avoid anything too baggy, long, or tight for the most slimming and forgiving jacket.

#4 Pants and Trousers

While the trend currently touts high-rise pants and trousers, mid-rise pants, trousers, and skirts will slim and lengthen your profile. Browse through your closet for bottoms that sit on your hips as opposed to resting on your waist. A mid-rise cut shortens the distance from the crotch to the waist, so your belly won’t rest in an unflattering way over your belt. This “muffin top” outfit shortens the appearance of your legs, too, so you will appear wider. However, wedges or heels are important with low and mid-rise to elongate the leg. If you want to appear less bulky, skip the pleats on trousers, too.

#5 The Right Jeans

When it comes to jeans, the rules change slightly between pants and trousers. When shopping your closet for jeans, mid- to high-rise designs are going to flatter you the most. A good rule of thumb is to search for jeans that fall an inch or two below your belly button. Take a gander at the back pockets, too, as pockets that are not too big or too small and sit parallel to the back seam look the best.

#6 Belts

Whoever said to skip the belt when trying to appear slimmer is wrong: the right belt will actually go a long way to giving you a flattering shape! Go with a belt that has some give and stretch, like a nylon design, to help pull in and control your waist. If your ribs are wide enough and you can put two hands sideways on top of each other between your bra line and your waist, you can take wider belts instead of thin, skinny ones for the most flattering silhouette. Remember that fancy buckles and bling are fun but will draw attention instantly to the center of your waist.

#7 Tops and Tees

As you go through the tops, tees, and blouses in your closet, gander at the necklines. A scoop or V-neck creates the illusion of height and a slim neckline. This subsequently makes your whole frame appear narrower and smaller. A soft cowl or V-neck is ideal for anyone with excess weight on their face, like a double chin, drawing the attention down toward your chest — so don’t forget to accessorize. Wear shirts that can be tucked in, but remember to maintain balance with your choice of bottoms.

#8 Vertical Lines

Another thing to strive for is vertical lines, as vertical lines in your clothing create the illusion of continuity and length. You will appear taller and more linear, which is a flattering silhouette for everyone. The vertical lines could come from seams, prints, or textured fabric, but avoid any vertical pattern that is too big or bold, as it can make the body seem larger. Single-breasted jackets lend a north-south line through the center of the upper body which tends to slim down the shape.

#9 Slimming Skirts

Go ahead and pull out your pencil skirts when looking for slimming apparel. With the right shapewear underneath, these form-fitting skirts are flattering to people without weight low on the thighs. if they are paired properly. Remember to maintain balance by not wearing a form-fitting top with well-fitting, straight skirts, and keep balance and proportion in mind. Try an over-blouse, ruched gently in soft folds over the tummy or a long cardigan! Worried about a muffin-top? Wear the skirt with a longer tunic or over-blouse that is shaped to the waist but not skin tight.

#10 Classic Dresses

As for dresses, divert attention away from the lower half of the body with A-line styles. Find dresses that have skirts that come in at your waist but are roomy below to the knee. Go with a fitted or figure-flattering top for balance and to create your slimmest silhouette.

#11 Heels and Shoes

If you want to appear slimmer, start wearing pumps and heels — even with jeans! They don’t have to be stilettos, and there are numerous comfortable pumps and booties on the market. For the most flattering appearance, pair your straight-leg or boot-cut jeans with neutral, metallic, blonde, skin-tone pumps or heels. These shoes are a must-have and pair well with skirts to create a monochromatic aesthetic that will make your legs appear longer and leaner.

#12 Mid-Size Handbags

If you have any handbags in your closet, try pulling out some of the mid-size purses and bags. Big bags will make you appear bulkier and tiny purses can make you look large by comparison. Go with mid-size purses in quality fabrics and structured styles, and nothing too trendy or novel.

#13 Chunky Jewelry

If you want a slimmer appearance, go with longer necklaces and pendants and choose chunky pieces that will grab attention. Statement jewelry is trending right now, so choose U-shape necklaces that will make you seem longer and leaner. Generous busted ladies, avoid long draping jewelry and wear your ropes to the mid-chest area.

#14 Face-Framing Scarves

Another great accessory that makes you appear slimmer is a scarf, but it depends on how you wear them. Go with long, flowing scarves that you can wrap and hang low. Pair a long scarf with dark, straight, slim jeans for a great foundation for any top, sweater, or jacket.

#15 Basic Black

You also want to pull out your basic black or classic dark solids from your closet, as these are always going to be the most slimming colors that you can wear. Try wearing black or darker-wash denim for something fresh. A black, monochrome outfit will always slim and flatter. Go with a pop of bold color in the top, like red, yellow, orange or turquoise to exude confidence and style.

Final Thoughts

If you want to look better no matter what you’re wearing, practice good posture to appear slimmer instantly in any of your outfits or ensembles: stand straighter and walk taller to lengthen and elongate your body’s core.

As you can see, there’s no need to break the bank and throw out your entire wardrobe for something new. Try these tips and take a closer look at the clothes that you have already spent your hard-earned money on before investing in new garments or trends that may or may not be flattering. Shop your closet for these slimming styles this season!