Dress your best at all times

PICKING the right outfit can be a tricky thing. And it gets even more difficult as we age, as the pull of gravity causes pockets of fat to accumulate in areas like the upper arms, belly, hip, thighs and bottoms. The key to looking good in whatever we wear is to learn how to select clothing that camouflages our body flaws and flatters us best:

Buy clothing that fits well

Tight outfits accentuate every inch of flab, while baggy clothes make you appear frumpy, and bigger than you actually are. Avoid shiny and stretchy fabrics as they will highlight and cling to bulges you don’t wish to draw attention to.

Safe colour

Black is always a safe colour because it hides a multitude of flaws, but don’t end up with a drab wardrobe. Choose colours that complement your skin tone and make you look more vibrant. But be careful not to go overboard in mixing and matching colours.

Simple style Fussy fabrics tend to make plussize women look even bigger.

If you don’t want to appear even larger, keep away from big, bold prints and fussy design details like frills and horizontal stripes.

Clean designs

Stick to clean, classic designs. Wearing tops and bottoms in monochromatic shades will help create an overall impression of length, and thus make you appear taller and slimmer.

High waistlines

Dresses with high empire waistlines may help hide a flabby tummy or broad hip, but if the cut is not right, you could keep people guessing if you’re an expectant mum or not. It’s much safer to stick to smartly tailored suits instead.

Dress according to your body shape

If you’re pear-shaped, wear softly pleated or flat-front trousers that emphasise your well-defined waist. Hipster trousers and A-line skirts can create a slimmer silhouette. Avoid short, tight skirts and flared skirts with pleats as these will accentuate the tops of your thighs and divert attention to the tummy area.

Attractive necklines

Tops should have attractive necklines that draw the eye to your upper body. They should be fitted and fall just above your hips so that your waistline is emphasised. If you have thick and jiggly upper arms, avoid sleeveless tops. Having a wardrobe full of clothing won’t make you a fashionista. If you want to project a stylish image, junk ill-fitting outfits and start hitting the malls to find threads that’ll show off your figure more attractively. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network