Being overweight doesn't mean you can't be great! All you need is knowing how to do it, the right wardrobe and a healthy dose of confidence.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: A Complete Wardrobe
Step 1. Learn how to accentuate or hide certain parts of your body
The colors, cuts and patterns you wear can grab people's attention or distract it from your figure. Here are some basics:
- Dark colors hide, light ones highlight. So, if you like your waist size, wear a light belt over a dark shirt. If you want to hide your lower body, wear dark pants and light-colored tops.
- Large patterns will make you look stouter, while small ones will make you look slimmer.
- Avoid horizontal stripes. For "plus" sizes the stripes are good if they are diagonal or vertical.
- Don't put flounces on parts you want to make them look slimmer, only those you want to highlight. This means that anyone who looks at you will be drawn to the area you emphasize.
- Wear crinkled or gathered fabrics where you want to appear leaner. For example, you could try a one-piece swimsuit with a gathered belly part.
- Learn which colors look good on you. A well-chosen color can make your skin glow, while the wrong one can make you look yellow and unkempt.
Step 2. Wear underwear that fits you perfectly
It's true that underwear is the foundation of your look - it's hard to look good when you're wearing too thin underwear that doesn't support you enough.
- Buy a bra of the right size (women). Not only will a good bra slim your figure and make you look younger, it will also save you from back pain. If you are unsure of the size, visit a shop like Bonprix. Don't go to Tezenis or Intimissimi, you'll probably need a particular size, and they don't have a great choice of sizes.
- To lose a few points on the waistline and hips and thighs, wear thick cotton high-waisted support underwear.
- Make sure you are well covered. If the underwear is too small, it is not what you should buy. If you can't find the right size in stores, try online.
Step 3. Find clothes and fabrics that grace the bottom
If your weight is on your hips and legs (you are pear-shaped), pay special attention to these tips:
- Look for tailored skirts and pants. Avoid flared or wide-leg pants.
- Avoid shapeless clothing, such as bell skirts and one-size-fits-all dresses. Find something with a narrow waist instead.
- If you are looking for a skirt, those with an "A" cut are always perfect. Avoid pencil skirts.
- Buy at least one pair of jeans that fit you perfectly. Skinny jeans or dark blue straight-leg jeans are perfect.
- Pay close attention to leggings. For some women, a long t-shirt or dress with leggings is a streamlined and fashionable look. However, if you have too big hips, thighs or buttocks, the risk of getting the opposite result is very high indeed.
Step 4. Dress to embellish the top half
Depending on your body type, this could be the hard or easy part. If your weight is building up around your stomach and shoulders (you're the apple type), these tips can help you:
- Choose patterned shirts and dresses instead of straight shirts and dresses that aren't tailored. They should fit your life and shoulders best.
- For men, wear tailored shirts. Make sure that the neck and wrists are snug.
- For women, avoid spaghetti straps or tank tops. They must cover the bra straps and may be wide.
- Wear long cardigans and jackets - don't choose short sizes.
- If you like your forearms, wear a three-quarter sleeve. If you don't like your arms, opt for long sleeves or short ones - cutting your arms in half with one sleeve would make things worse.
- If you're wearing skinny jeans or leggings, try a soft tunic top. Wearing a top that isn't too tight is fine as long as the bottom half is well defined.
- Shirts must be the right size on the bust and stomach. This means that the buttons do not have to pull on the front. If it happens, the shirt will not fit.
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Although it is always good to be informed about the rules of fashion, understand that sometimes you may find a garment that fits you even though "in theory" it shouldn't. If it suits you, don't hesitate to go against the tide.
For example: a shirt with a huge print that is fine anyway
Step 5. Use the accessories
Beautiful and original accessories will not only make your wardrobe more versatile, but are not affected by weight gains or losses.
- Sturdy women can wear large, flashy costume jewelry that would look bad on thinner women. Conversely, tiny earrings may lose meaning on you.
- A large bag might make you look slimmer, as it doesn't look small by your side.
- Two or three large bangles can make a chubby wrist slim. Wearing drop earrings makes the neck appear longer.
- A nice pair of boots, such as riding boots, can create the illusion of a slimmer calf. A nice pair of boots makes it more beautiful to wear a skirt or a pair of pants.
- If you have heavy legs and ankles, avoid light or delicate footwear; they will give the impression that you are about to fall, or sink to the floor. A chunky heel, on the other hand, always looks good, no matter how stocky the legs are.
- Last, but not least, be proud of your appearance - you are who you are for a reason and that is one thing no one can take away from you.
Step 6. Wear clothing that is tight around the torso and wider around the stomach area, or a cute shirt that is a little larger
Step 7. Wear denim shorts during the summer
The longer they are, the more you cover your legs.
Part 2 of 3: Before You Go Shopping
Step 1. Get in the right spirit
For a robust person, going shopping can be a frustrating experience, but going there with the wrong attitude does not lead to any results. Few changes in mindset can make a difference in your appearance, and (better yet) they are free. Build your confidence in the following areas:
- Stop paying attention to size tags. The sizes of clothes can be extremely arbitrary and non-standard from model to model. Don't be fixated on keeping a certain size, only to feel bad about it if the garment that fits you is bigger. Instead, focus on finding clothes that fit you well. If it helps, cut all the labels off the clothes.
- Take some time to take care of yourself. You deserve attention and you deserve to feel your best. Plan each day so that you have a time to treat yourself and don't miss your appointment. Telling yourself it's okay to be scruffy because you're already overweight is the worst thing you can do. Pay attention to your skin, hair, nails (hands and feet), hair and make up (optional).
- Accept your body as it is today. You may have long-term goals to change that, but it won't happen overnight. Instead of obsessing over what your physique isn't, learn to appreciate it for what it is today. Remember, you have only one body: treat it well!
Step 2. Wear your clothes confidently
Whatever you wear, make sure you're wearing the clothes, not the other way around. If you have any insecurity issues, try these tips:
- Don't buy "tent" clothes. Clothes that are too large that seem to be doing you a favor by covering up are actually communicating deep insecurity. Instead, wear something that fits you well and rely on colors, patterns and embellishments that distract attention from your flaws (read on to learn more).
- Learn to correct your posture. How you wear your body can make a difference in how your clothes fit. Keep your chin up, shoulders and back straight, and hips centered on your feet. When you walk, don't drag your feet, but train in a kind of "glide walk" that every beauty queen learns, and that won't make your body move up and down that much. You can practice the old book trick on the head.
- Fashion has to make you feel good. Clothes are not made to make you feel uncomfortable. They must give you comfort, protection, modesty and aesthetic pleasure. If it doesn't, then that dress isn't trendy for you.
Step 3. Know your measurements
Measuring yourself with a tape measure might seem like your worst nightmare, but you need to know your size if you want to dress well. Try to be as detached as possible and remember that these are just arbitrary numbers, they are not measures of who you are.
- Buy a soft tape measure that you can wrap around. Or if you're low on cash, ask if they can take your measurements at a clothing store.
- Measure your neck, bust and chest (for women), waist, hips and thighs.
- Take note. Keep this information handy when you shop so you know exactly what you need.
Step 4. Look for a good seamstress or tailor
Sometimes your size may not conform to what you read on hangers. You may have large breasts but a thin waist, for example, and therefore many of the garments that fit well on the bust are too baggy at the waist. Instead of walking around in clothes that don't flatter you, take them to a professional to have them fixed. You can try to get someone to recommend you by asking the laundry.
Part 3 of 3: Shopping
Step 1. Make shopping a positive experience
If you are afraid of shopping because it forces you to deal with your size, try to reverse the situation and make it fun. Bring an enthusiastic friend with you, or go with an attitude where nothing can bring you down. You see salespeople as people who love clothes and would be happy to make you look your best. If someone annoys you, go to another salesman.
Step 2. Focus on quality over quantity
Instead of buying too many unkempt, sloppy, and unflattering garments, invest in a few well-made clothes that you like and that will last for quite a while.
Don't just go shopping during sales. Sales are fine if you've seen something you would have bought at full price anyway, but don't make it the focus of your shopping. Put it like this: a few but excellent quality garments that look great on you and will last at least 3 or 4 years have much more value than 10 or 15 items bought on sale that you will have to throw away almost immediately and do not make the most of you
Step 3. Buy clothes suitable for your age (most important for women)
There is a golden rule: if someone who is 20 years older or younger than you buys in the same department, then something is wrong. You certainly don't want to look too young and desperate, but at the same time you don't want clothes that age you.
- If you're not sure, take a look at the other customers in the shop - are they around your age?
- However, remember that this is simply a general rule. There are many shops that offer clothing appropriate for all adults, not to mention that some garments perhaps designed for young adults can also be fine for older adults and vice versa.
Step 4. Look at your potential purchase from different angles
Sit in front of the mirror in the test booth. Many overweight women don't realize that what falls fabulously when standing is a sitting disaster. Does the skirt go up and show your leg? Can you say hello to a friend across the room without your sleeve getting too tight? If there is even a chance that you feel uncomfortable, find an alternative: nothing is worse than the suspicion that any sharp, sudden movement can cause the seams to pop.
Advice
- The neckline is a weapon to use whenever you can. An exfoliated, well-hydrated torso that doesn't fall out, but peeks out from a crewneck or between a couple of loose buttons on a fitted shirt, will make most people forget about your other body flaws.
- Try a robe dress. They are not the antidote to every evil that many think, but over a nice pair of pants on you they will be perfect.
- Learn to sew! Making an "A" skirt up to the calf for the "pear" women, or a longuette for the "apple" women is very easy, and even done by hand, it will take up only one afternoon. You will have a tailored garment that no other has.
- Beware of the power of illusion. You may come across women who are enchanting with their antique necklace, a forties bag, a custom skirt and perfect makeup, and it will take you a while to realize that maybe they are a size 50. If you leave the house feeling fabulous, surely others will think so too.
- Voluminous hair is a great help. They balance your size. Sturdy women with very short masculine cuts risk the small head effect. Shoulder-length curls are the best choice, but any length and hairstyle is a great addition for prominent shoulders and a chunky bust.
- Always be taken care of. A woman in size 52 who smells discreetly from Chanel, has an impeccable manicure, sits elegantly and sports seductive and shiny hair will always be better than a skinny girl who, however, gives the impression of needing a shower.
- Don't wear clothes that are too tight. A test was done in which two women were standing and one was wearing clothes of her size, the other wearing too tight clothes. 97% of women thought that the one with the tight clothes was more robust than the other. Not only will clothes that are too tight will make parts of your body overflow unsightly, but it will be difficult to bend over, sit down and even walk!
