1. FORGET THE PATTERN & FUSS - KEEP IT SIMPLE

When you see a gorgeous, patterned, detailed dress or top, it jumps out at you, compelling you to buy. However, did you know that wearing patterns, ruffles, pleats, pockets, ruching, and frills can add width and bulk? A plain, simple garment will slim the body. One way to express your personality is to have fun with your hair and accessories—plain does not have to mean boring.

2. FABRICS

This is one tip that will make such a difference.  You need fabrics that easily sit comfortably around your bones when you have curves, such as jersey, silk, and stretch cotton poplin.  Fabrics with movement and stretch will work better on your body than stiff, constricting fabrics, such as denim without stretch, leather and canvas. I suggest you look at the labels when looking for clothes and look for items that contain lycra, spandex and elastane.

3. FIT

When we are unhappy with our bodies, we tend to hide and wear baggy clothes.  This is so common, especially in the summer.  This can be a huge mistake, as you look bigger by doing this.  The more fabric coming away from the body, the larger you will look. The answer is to skim over the body, not too tight and not too baggy.

4. UNDERWEAR

So important to invest in underwear that fits. You probably can't remember the last time you had a bra fitting? A professional bra fitter can determine if you are wearing a wrong-size bra, whether you have a small or large bust, as well as providing you with the correct briefs. If you have a short waist and a large bust, your waist will look even shorter.  The idea is to elongate to look taller and slimmer.  

Whatever your size, investing in good underwear is very important. It will provide you with clean, smooth lines, which will make a huge difference to the look of your clothes. Don't forget, it will also make you feel more confident.

5. COLOUR

Have fun with colour when dressing. Remember that darker colours will make you look slimmer and lighter colours larger. Depending on your body shape and proportions, you might wish to reduce or enhance areas on your body; colour will do this for you. 

The most important thing to remember is to always make sure that you are wearing the right colours that enhance your skin and hair colouring around your face. Not only will this make you look younger, but it will also make you radiant, fresh, and more engaging to others.

6.  ACCESSORIES

It’s a great secret to have.  If there are areas on your body that you wish to hide.  The answer is to wear statement jewellery.  This could be a necklace, earrings, watch, ring or bracelet.  People will be drawn to these beautiful pieces, which are a great talking distraction.

These pieces do not have to be expensive.  You can find them at antique trade shows and charity shops or even pinch them from your mum's jewellery box.

7.  ADD A COLUMN

This is a great secret rule that everyone can follow.  It is where you wear 80% of a darker colour and 20% of a pop of a stronger colour.  There are two options:

1. A darker colour on the edges of your body draws the eye up. This is very slimming and will make you look taller. It's great to have a pop of colour near your face.

2. A darker colour through the centre is slimming, hiding areas like tummies and busts.   Having a pop of colour on the outside is fun and can be a great talking point (this is what I have done with Wendy).

Remember that the darker colours need to be one of your colours.  Only winters can ideally use black!

8. ELONGATE LEGS -NUDE SHOES

An easy trick to elongate your legs is to wear nude/flesh-coloured shoes. The colour will blend into your skin tone. If you have short legs, this will make them look longer. If you have long legs, nude shoes will make them look even longer!  

Also, a nude colour shoe will go with most garments—a great investment.  

9. MATCH YOUR SHOES WITH YOUR TROUSERS

It’s a necessity for everyone. Wearing trousers and shoes of the same colour will make our legs appear longer, which results in a slimmer look! Be sure to select mid to higher-rise trousers or jeans to enhance this effect further. It doesn't matter whether you have short or long legs; this advice applies to all. Cropped trousers will only be effective if you have long legs; otherwise, they are a definite no-no!

10. SCALE

This is a wonderful secret that not many people know about. An area where so many people go wrong. The idea is to match the scale/size of a pattern, weight of a garment and accessories with your height and bone size.

For example, Kylie Minogue is small in height and scale, so she would look better with small prints, lighter-scale fabrics, and accessories that match her size. This is even true of her shoes, earrings, and handbag.

For example, Dawn French is small in height but larger in size, so she would look better with larger prints, heavier-scale fabrics, and striking large pieces of jewellery to match her size. They will also look fabulous, showing off her bubbly personality.

Have a look at Wendy’s amazing large jewellery. Your eye draws to her gorgeous, large silver necklace and her round ring. Finding large-scale, wide-fitting grey shoes in size 8 to match her cords was a major challenge, but it was so worth the hunt!

I hope you have enjoyed reading my ‘ten tips to make you look taller and slimmer’. If you feel that this is of interest to you, please follow me on social media to discover more tips and join my mailing list.