7 fashion tricks that make you look 5 pounds thinner

Here are a few simple fashion tricks that will instantly make you look five pounds thinner. They hide the bulge, create a sexy silhouette, and draw attention away from any problem areas. Just remember them when you shop for new clothes, or pair outfits, and you’ll soon have a wardrobe that makes you look great and feel great, no matter what your weight is!

1. Wear a v-necked shirt

The v-neck is the most flattering neckline. It balances a round face or heavy shoulders, and draws attention to your best asset (wink, wink).

2. Dress in one color

For example, pair a black top with black pants, or at least choose colors of similar shades (like a deep lilac with gray). This makes you look taller.

Pairing two sharply contrasting colors like white and blank will cut your body in half, making you look shorter. It will also draw attention to the waist and the butt.

3. Have it tailored

You actually look bigger in baggy clothes. It’s more flattering to wear a tailored outfit, which can enhance your silhouette. Pleats and tucks can also be adjusted to your body shape, so you don’t get extra pounds from loose sleeves or drapey waists.

Tailoring is expensive, but worth getting for classic items like a dark jacket you can pair with slacks for work, or jeans and boots for a casual date. Also consider a tailored black cocktail dress (you can change the look just by switching accessories) and a pair of slacks in a casual fabric. Read our article on altering clothes for a perfect fit for more tips.

4. Use a bold accessory

Draw attention away from problem areas, and towards your best features, with a bold accessory like a necklace or earrings. (See our article on 2011 jewelry trends for ideas on what to get.)

5. Wear heels

Heels make your legs look thinner, and the extra height can help balance your proportion. Just choose comfortable heels and treat your feet to regular pampering to prevent callouses.

6. Wear vertical stripes

This makes you look taller. For the same reason, avoid horizontal stripes which make you look wider.

7. Avoid pastels

Pastels tend to make people look bigger. Aside from black, your best choices are ‘autumn’ colors like deep maroons, dark golds, rich browns. Jewel tones also work, like a deep emerald greens and ruby reds.

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