Style Stop
By Linda Peavy
We celebrate all size bodies. However, women are often encouraged to ignore fashion rules and wear anything, regardless of whether it complements our bodies. Certain styles, materials, and trends will add at least 10 pounds to how you look, even without a camera!
Here are eight fashion mistakes that are guaranteed to make you look 10 pounds heavier and some course corrections, as shown in the photos below.
- Not Wearing Shapewear Under Clingy Apparel
Bar III Square-Neck Tie Rib Dress
With clothing being more fitted for casual and special-occasion wear, shapewear is a must for a smooth look and feel. Without it, your frame, no matter the size, may look exaggerated when wearing clingy knit or very fitted garments.
- Not Being Size Savvy
Ted Baker London Peplum Blouse Before reaching for that dress in “your size,” remember that sizing varies widely by brand. It is not unusual to have multiple sizes of clothing that all fit in your closet.
Try on at least two garment sizes, especially if buying from a new designer. Remember that a peplum shape is timeless and looks great on all bodies, shapes and sizes.
Also, if you love vintage clothes, sizing has changed dramatically. For example, a size 14 in the 50s is about a size 6 in today’s measurements.
3. Burying your Body in Baggy Clothes
Speaking of size, please don’t fall into the trap of draping your beautiful body in swaths of excess fabric. It’s a total myth that oversized clothes hide problem areas; they only create more problems!
Fit is far and away the most important factor to consider when choosing clothes. Everything else, including color, pattern, length, etc., is secondary to it. Choosing A-line or fit-and-flare dresses, bootcut or straight-leg jeans, and tops with wraps or ruching will convey confidence and showcase your style.
Also, shapeless dresses can add girth to a frame if the right accessories are not chosen to give it shape. Instead of a trapeze dress, consider an empire-waist dress that flatters every shape and size.
4. Forgetting that Belts are your Besties
Love that flowing maxi dress but need more structure? Even a basic belt will work wonders in seconds.
Have you finally lost those last stubborn 10 pounds, and now your favorite pants are too loose? Belts to the rescue!
Note: Keep in mind that belts of at least 2-3 inches wide or those that can be looped around your waist several times will help define your waist.
5. Wearing the wrong length garments
The length of your outfit can add pounds based on your height or body shape.
If you are petite, wearing a super long maxi dress can weigh you down and make you appear heavier than your actual size.
If you have thicker calves, crop pants make the entire body seem larger. Wearing skirts that hit mid-calf can make wider legs look more prominent.
6. Wearing too-tight clothes
Our bodies often change shape when we mature, even if our weight stays the same. A garment you could wear in your forties may simply be too small now. Trying to fit into outfits that are too small will only highlight challenge areas and make you look larger than your actual frame.
7. Following the Wrong Trends
There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by your favorite celebrities. Just remember that trends come and go faster than the speed of light! And, like light, they don’t touch everyone equally. For example, the current metallic looks won’t complement every complexion.
8. Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic refers to a color scheme based on only one single color tint. Visually, choosing the same shade for every item you wear turns your body into one big block.
Breaking up the color palette with a belt and other accessories draws attention to different body parts, highlighting your best attributes.
Have you ever seen or committed a cringe-worthy fashion mistake? Share it in the comments section below!
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