You already know that taking the time to eat right and move your body on a regular basis will give you the reward of feeling your best both mentally and physically. Have you thought about investing some of that knowledge and energy into what you put on your body and how that can make you look and feel about yourself?
By following a few simple styling tips, you can look 10 pounds lighter. Yes, 10 pounds! Gone. Poof! Let me tell you how…
Tip #1
Know Your Body Shape
Knowing your body shape is a major key to visually dropping pounds. Think about your body shape for a minute. Do you carry more on your bottom half, but have smaller shoulders? Do you have few curves, but your shoulders are broader than your hips? Do you have a larger chest and/or tummy, but leaner legs and arms? Are you curvy on top and bottom but have a defined waist? These are all important things to notice when learning to balance your unique shape! It is not possible for everyone to wear the same items and look good in them because all of our foundations are different.
Tip #2
Create Balance Using Clothing
The most “balanced” body shape is an hourglass. Bust/shoulders are equally proportionate to the hips/bum, with a defined waist. Women with a natural hourglass shape still need to think about what they wear as much as the rest of us. They need to mimic their natural shape. To help you find balance with your own body shape, think to yourself, “I want to give myself an hourglass shape. What do I need to add (create more volume) or take away (minimize) using clothing to give me that shape?”
An example for someone who carries more on their bottom half compared to their top, you would want to:
Wear solid dark colors on your bottom half (to minimize) and add bright colors and pattern on your upper half (to add focus). You can do this with the top you are wearing, or by adding fun accessories like scarves and chunky colorful necklaces.
This will create balance!
Tip #3
Don’t Be Afraid to Wear Your True Size
A lot of clients I meet with have a “tag distortion”. What I mean by that is they are either denying that they need to go up in sizes, or decide to hide in big and baggy clothing. Both are not doing you any favors and it is simply not being kind to yourself. Except your current size and embrace it! DO NOT wait until you “loose” that extra 10 or 20 pounds. Taking the steps to dressing better now can mentally propel you forward into better habits, resulting in actual physical body change. Either way it is a win/win because you feel better about what you see in the mirror and what you present to the world!
Tip #4
Wear Well Structured Clothing
Clothing that fits you well will graze your body, not pull at it. It will also hug your body in all the right places, accentuating your assets and will fit relaxed in the areas you need a little more give.
When I say well-structured clothing, I mean look for items that give you a shape. Flimsy fabrics like jersey do nothing but cling to the areas you don’t want it to cling to! Choose items with more weight and construction. Tops/dresses with a built in waist, shirred detail, wrap style…etc.
Tip #5
A Professionally Fitted Bra
This is the secret that can literally take 10 pounds off all by itself! Putting the girls where they should be in an upright contained position is an instant breast lift, body changing miracle. If you have never been professionally fitted, you should immediately! Getting fitted at Victoria’s Secret, Macy’s, or heaven forbid JCPenny does not count as a bra fitting. The employees that work at these stores are not professional bra fitters. Plus, in America we are extremely limited in our bra sizing and can’t possibly fit all the very different needs women have for a good brazier. The Europeans have gotten it down to a science and we should tap in to their wealth of knowledge on the subject.
I have two suggestions for professional bra fitters in Madison that size and sell European undergarments:
The Professional Garment Center
2710 Marshall Court
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 231-1711
Contours Lingerie
6102 Mineral Point Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 237-6407
These tips will guide you to build a good foundation for dressing and help you embrace your unique and beautiful body! The result automatically is looking like you have dropped some weight. Get ready for hearing “Have you lost weight recently?” Because it is coming…
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you grabbed on to a few nuggets of styling wisdom to help you feel great this year and every year!
Love your Body, Love your Style, Love Yourself…
Love,
Krystle
Krystle works with women ready to look and feel good about what they see in the mirror. Women who are struggling with knowing what clothes flatter their body, and are wanting to feel more confident. Learn more about Krystle.
