Advice needed on dressing slim

[Kay1]

Help! I entered the holiday season a few pound overweight but planned to slam it off before my Christmas trip. It might have worked but then I broke my toe the day before the diet and exercise extravaganza was to start.
There's no chance now and I can only dress to look my best, but I'm not sure how. I'm not really overweight - just about 10 pounds or so - but it's all around my middle. I look pregnant but with big hips - like I'm wearing an inner tube!
Does anyone have any ideas on how to disguise this or know any general rules on dressing slim or have any links to web sites that could help.
I know my problems might sound petty to some, but it's important to me to look good at some of the parties we're going to next week, especially one with my m-i-l who has a habit of sizing us up and announcing " You're fat!"

 

[cinmell]

I wear black pants and I stay away from stripes! I have also learned not to wear anything a size or more too big b/c it actually makes you look a little bigger than you are. I'd love to hear tips from others if they have any. I can definitely use all the help I can get! Have fun at the parties and good luck with your mother in law!!

 

[TigH]

I did a search on "dressing for body type" and found this. Good luck! Don't let what anyone else says about you become "the truth" for you. If only there were appropriate retorts for some of the things our MILs will spew (without getting kicked out of the family for saying it!)

Pear Shape

Characterized by a slender neck, narrow shoulders, small bust, refined rib cage, shapely waist, generous lower hips, full thighs. Goldie Hawn is a good example of a slender pear shape.

Straight skirts should be tapered toward the hemline to avoid a square look.

Pants should be made of flowing fabrics and drape loosely around the hips.

Shoulder pads are your friend.

Blouses should not hit across your bottom, this will accentuate that area and the width.

Enhance your upper body with semi-fitted or tailored tops.
Handbags should be worn above the hip area to avoid drawing attention to the hip area.

Cowl necks and square necklines help broaden the shoulder area.

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Diamond Shape

Characterized by narrow shoulders, a small bust, broad hips and generous thighs.

Stay away from pants that are "bottom" heavy because they will weigh you down and visually shorten your legs.

Stick with pants that slightly taper toward the hemline.
Make sure jackets are loose enough that they don't pull across the hips/bottom area.

Tops should be fitted over the bust and flare out over the hips/thighs.

Tunics and dusters are a great way to help disguise a full hipped lower torso area.

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Round Shape

Characterized by an ample neck, generous bust, wider rib cage, round back, generous middle, narrow lower hips, often shapely slender legs. Kate Winslet is a good example of a slender round shape.

Avoid fitted tops which will accentuate a larger middle.
Steer away from bulky or gathered skirts, you should be showing off your assets (legs).
Avoid belts.
Wear handbags at hip level and lower.
V-Necklines or necklines that are elongated will help slenderize your neck.
Keep collars and lapels narrow and small so that you don’t accentuate a full top.
Longer tunics will help hide a generous middle.

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Inverted Triangle Shape

Characterized by broad shoulders, a medium to full bust, average waist, narrow hips and shapely long legs. Jamie Lee Curtis is a good example of a inverted triange shape.

High set in sleeves visually narrow wide shoulders.
Patch pockets balance wider shoulders.
Try flared skirts to balance the wide shoulders or pants flared at the hemline.
A low slung belt will hlep attract attention to the hips.

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Straight Shape

Characterized by an upper and lower torso that are equally wide, an average bust, a large rib cage, undefined waist, flat bottom, and slender legs.

Avoid belts which will accentuate your thicker waist.
Dresses that are looser in the mid-section are a great option. Try a sheath dress or shirtdress type style!
Try v-necklines which are slenderizing and elongate the neck. Any neckline that falls below the collarbone will help to elongate your neck.
Try longer jackets with a shorter skirt to help visually lengthen the upper torso.
Dropped waist skirts elongate the upper torso and will help slenderize.
Avoid very gathered or heavily pleated fabric at the waist.
Try straight long tailored skirts paired with a longer tunic top or semifitted pants/jeans witha longer top.

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Hour-Glass Shape

Characterized by a pronounced bust, small bone structure, a defined waist, curved hips, sometimes protuding buttocks, and shapely legs. Halle Berry is a good example of an hour-glass shape.
Avoid oversized and baggy styles which will disguise your delicate bone structure.
Do draw attention to your waist with waistbands, belts, or wrap tops that tie at the waist.
Avoid wearing clothing too fitted, semi-fitted is the most slimming and tasteful for your figure.
You have a dream figure, so make sure to never complain and take advantage of your curves and the clothes they allow you to wear!

 

[Kay1]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I'm definitely the round type - maybe I should go with a skirt. I'm considering special underwear, too. I wonder if there are stores that specialize in this sort of thing, though I know I've seen WW underwear at K-Mart.

 

[kasar]

Thanks, TigH. That is helpful to everyone.

I've found that I'm most comfortable in monochromatic looks (mostly black or gray). They make me "feel" that I look slimmer when it's obviously not true! LOL. Keep with solids and avoid any horizontal stripes especially around the middle. Try a scarf around your neck which is supposed to take everyone's attention to your face.

 

[kasar]

I'm considering special underwear, too. I wonder if there are stores that specialize in this sort of thing, though I know I've seen WW underwear at K-Mart.

Oh, oh! If you're round (like me) and you're thinking of getting some heavy-duty, suck-in type underwear I would reconsider. I've tried these and instead of making everything look smaller they actually pushed all the fat UP and made me look worse (and they're mighty uncomfortable, to boot). I think these are better for people who are more pear-shaped and just need a little tucking in.

But nice underwear would make you feel great. Go for some silky, special ones!

 

[sharoncity]

Be careful of tops that stop right at your hips. Use a full length mirror to look at yourself (I know that's tuff to do!) Try one of the longer sweaters they've been showing. It goes down to your thigh or so, buttons all the way, has a tie. I just tie the tie loosely in the back. That type of sweater helps to hide some of the extra curves without being too obvious. Definitely beware of too small or too big clothes. Try something a little more open on the top so you see more skin by the face. That tends to draw the eyes up instead of to your middle. If your arms and face are in good shape a nice sparkly tank that hangs gently would be great with some dark slacks. Stay away from pleats in the slacks, they tend to pull and look worse. Go for flat front pants. Try a new hairdo or manicure so people will look more at that than your size. I have found some nice, inexpensive clothes at New York & Co. in the mall. They have some fun stuff and you don't have to spend a fortune on clothes you hope to "shrink out of"!

 

[Kay1]

You guys are so supportive and sensible, I wish I could just go to a party with you! A sparkly tank may work if it's not too clingy. I've been trying on clothes most of the morning and material is an issue.
Btw, the special underwear I meant was something like a one piece bathing suit. If it shoves stuff up in the bra area, that's okay with me. Anyone ever try one of those?

 

[sharoncity]

As a friend told me, those things don't make the fat go away, they just push it elsewhere. It will push up to bra area, but make sure you turn and look at your back - is there a huge roll there too? And what about your thighs? Big panty lines in the middle of your thigh ain't so great! Also, they are somewhat uncomfortable after a period of time. Don't plan on wearing it for an all day thing - ouch! they use some sort of elastic to keep it in place that really gets to me after a few hours.

 

[nativetxn]

Karen, thanks for that information. I'm "round" and I need all the help I can get

 

[Mom-to-3]

V-necks are the way to go!!