Overindulged? Top tips to look as if you haven’t
So you ate the entire tub of Roses before anyone else even knew the tape had been prized off, you’re largely to blame for the Christmas cake massacre, and let’s not mention the mince pies.
Firstly – you are not alone. Secondly, if you can’t go a little crazy with the calories at Christmas, when can you? If you need help streamlining your silhouette whilst still sidestepping a wheatgerm and kale diet, we’ve got it down. Here’s how…
Shapewear
It’s no secret – serious amounts of elastane can suck you in, in all the right places. Yes, the flesh colour is vile, but we’ll put up with it thanks to those smooth sleek lines that shapewear gives our otherwise wobbly bits.
Nip in/flare out
Step 1: look in the mirror. Step 2: ask yourself what part of your torso is the smallest. Step 3: dress to emphasise this.
So, if you’ve got a tiny bust but a bigger bum, try an A-line shift dress. If you’re an hourglass, go for a fit and flare dress – tight on the top, and flared at the bottom (this works well for pear-shapes too). Whip on a belt to focus the gaze on your waist and voilà, job done.
Apple shapes, meanwhile, can try working an empire line or trapeze top or dress, layer with a waterfall cardigan that gently drapes, and you’ll be rocking a more streamlined silhouette.
Create diversions
If you’re still not confident with your body shape, trick the eye and create a diversion. We’re talking statement pieces that draw the attention away from areas you’d rather keep hidden. Funky bags, bold printed scarves, and shoes are all great tactical pieces.
Buy a bigger size
Yep, you did just read that subheading correctly. OK, no one likes buying a bigger size, but here’s the deal: try and squeeze yourself into a size 14 when your vital statistics are singing from the size 16 song sheet, and you’ll be doing yourself no favours.
Wearing clothes that are a size too small has a habit of making you look bigger. Those skinny jeans will give you a serious muffin top, and you’ll have side-boobs bulging out of that sleeveless dress. Side-boobs are categorically never a good look. So give yourself a break, if you’ve overindulged and you need a size up, buy a size up.
Once you’re back into the routine of normal everyday life, and if you eat wisely and exercise, you’ll soon be back down to your regular weight. Then you can fold those size 16 clothes away and save them for this time next year.
Have you got some of your own post-Christmas fashion and style tricks? Share them with us below!
Photo credit: Vladimir Nikulin at Stockfresh
