Dressing should not be too prescriptive. You should be able to wear whatever you want, choosing items that make you feel happy and comfortable. That said, there are also tried and trusted ways to accentuate and flatter different body parts and flatter others.
How to accentuate your hips
Your hips don’t lie, and you know it! Opt for body-con dresses or snug-fitting styles. Use slim belts to cinch in your waist and emphasise your hips better. and pair skinny stretch jeans with a bodysuit, sneakers or heels and a confident attitude for a winning combo.
How to elongate your legs
Whether you’re short or tall, elongating the look of your legs is something many aim to achieve. A pair of short shorts coupled with a pair of wedges or platform espadrilles is a great look for summer. When buying jeans, choose high-waisted or cropped to give your legs a lengthened look. Roll the ends of your long pants up once or twice to form a cuff exposing your ankles. Your ankles are generally the thinnest part of your leg and exposing them helps to slim down and elongate your look.
How to flatten your tummy
Before you get into your outfit: wear underwear that fits just right. Underwear too small or too big can create unsightly lines below your clothing and draws attention to your mid-section. Choose clothes in heavier materials that lay flat against your skin. Shapewear is also a miracle creation and creates a seamless silhouette beneath your outfit. Choose darker colours or patterns with thin vertical stripes – an optical illusion that works in your favour.
How to cover your arms
Many people have a love-hate (or hate-hate) relationship with their upper arms. It’s easy to cover up this insecurity during winter, but when the heat rises it gets a little trickier. Choose tops in lightweight fabrics that have ¾, eyelet, batwing or balloon sleeves. Choose breezy shirts that can be easily rolled up without it looking scruffy. Boleros, stoles or kimonos are suitable for summer and easy to throw over a strappy summer dress or a jeans-and-vest combo.
Words by: Lynette Botha
Photography: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Pexels