FashBlog.com

OK, ladies, I’ve decided to dedicate one whole article to camouflaging figure flaws with different types of styles. Most of you have probably seen such pieces in any number of magazines-or have been employing them instinctively for years-but for those who’d like a refresher, here goes:

1. If your problem is a lean figure-without a waist-gaining one is a matter of illusion. Dresses with wide middles or distinct waistbands are definitely best at providing definition, especially if the material poufs out underneath due to fabric type or pleating over the hips. Wearing a loose blouse tucked into pants or skirt and cinched with an extra wide belt also creates the look of an hourglass shape (more so if the skirt is full through the hips, like a tulip style). You can also wear jackets with vertical darts or seams, buttoned across your middle, to suddenly gain added curves.

2. If your problem is self consciousness about displaying a Marilyn Monroe-type hourglass figure at work, try wearing any V-neck top that's not deep enough to show
cleavage, or a cardigan buttoned halfway up with a tank top underneath, or any silky, draping blouse. (The first narrows the appearance of the upper torso, and the other two de-emphasize the bosom’s size.) Also, high waist skirts and dresses raise the focus higher and away from the hip area.

3. If your problem is having larger thighs than you’d like, wear unique tops that draw the eye upward, while staying away from any slacks made from any material that stretch and strain against your legs. Pants, skirts, or dresses with a high waist will appear to counterbalance any noticeable fullness in the thighs, again drawing attention higher. Any bottom, actually, that’s full and loose will provide coverage in that area, and if one’s thinner arms and legs are exposed, the effect is one of overall slimness.

4. If your problem is a large chest, you may think that it makes the rest of your body look large. Once again, a billowy blouse with loose material does wonders. When choosing necklaces, opt for those that hang almost to the waist instead of those with pendants that hit above the bust. Surprisingly, empire waists may also help in de-emphasizing the bust, but it depends upon the material or pattern-so be sure to try on in front of 3-way mirrors. You can also try interesting necklines that aren’t as low as cleavage) and various short sleeve styles to move the focus higher towards your face. Another option is ¾ length sleeves, which draw attention to a slim waistline.

5. If your problem is your shoulders, there are some pretty easy fixes. Should you think your shoulders are too narrow, try a summer top with racer-back straps, as these are closer to the neck than normal straps on tanks or sun dresses and will give the illusion of wider shoulders. Thin spaghetti straps and cap sleeves may also make the shoulder area appear wider. With wide shoulders, one way to de-emphasize them is to wear one-shouldered apparel. A halter may also help, depending on the thickness of the material that will be tied around the neck.

6. If your problem is your upper arms, one way to hide them may be with sleeves referred to as “batwings”, where the top is like a triangle, with the sleeve fabric connected to the material around the top’s hem, in the waist area. (Although it seems dramatic for normal daytime use, many elegant evening gowns utilize a similar version.) More practical ideas may be simply wear long sleeve blouses, rolled up from the cuffs, or any ¾ sleeve.

7. If your problem is your legs, there are 3 solutions. First, wear light hose, if your legs are too thin, and dark hose if your legs appear too heavy. Second, slightly shorter dresses and skirts will help thin legs appear meatier, due to the extra fleshiness of most gal’s thighs. But, knee length or slightly longer skirts may help the gal with heavier legs. Third, be careful of footwear: ankle straps or thick strapping up the instep can make the leg area above look thin, but a bare instep and lower heel tends to add weight to the legs. Finally, don’t forget the option of capris or cropped pants instead of shorts, as well as the wide array of feminine, longer skirts.