All the way through high school, college, and a bit into married life I was one of those “skinny girls.” I was a healthy weight. I didn’t think about food or weight. I ate what I wanted and never gained a pound.
But then, seemingly all at once, it caught up with me. I’ve shared a bit about my weight struggles on my blog, but to summarize, it’s a battle I’m currently losing, and it’s one of the things I’m most self-conscious about.
My first reaction to my weightier self was to try and hide. I wore bigger, baggier clothes so that I could hopefully hide those extra pounds. But, sometimes those bigger, baggier clothes actually make the extra pounds stand out instead of hiding them. This outfit isn’t doing me any favors!
So, I wanted to share a few strategies that I have learned to help you visually slim down, even if the scale isn’t your friend lately.
1. Fitted, not frumpy.
Obviously, you need to use some common sense here. Extra tight clothes with extra pounds isn’t a good combo.
However, sometimes baggier clothes just make you appear bigger. In the photos below I’m wearing a looser pair of jeans on the right and a pair of skinny jeans on the left. I have to admit, I’ve always been scared of skinny jeans, and I only bought these because I needed them to wear with my boots. But, once I got them, I was pleased with them. This picture actually makes them look tighter than they really are.
(Note: The tall boots add a slimming effect as well, since they kind of break things up visually)
2. Add a heel
I’m not really a heel person, but adding a couple of inches to your height can have a slimming effect. If you keep your same weight, but add a couple of inches, *bam* you look thinner.
3. Narrow the Focal Point
Vision is a funny thing. If you add something to break up a “wider” picture–a long necklace, a belt, a jacket, an extra layer, etc. you can draw the eyes inward and create a slimming effect. You can see that effect in the pictures below. Yes, I’m still the same size, the but jacket draws the eyes in for a slightly slimmer focal point.
4. Wear layers.
I started wearing a tank top under many shirts back when I was nursing and it just made things easier. It became a habit at the time, but now I do it because it can have a slimming effect. Adding a longer tank top under your shirt can serve to break up the visual (as mentioned above), but it also visually elongates the torso. And again, same width, but it appears longer and therefore slimmer.
5. Cinch it up (add a belt)
Certain loose shirts hang and pouf just right to make you look 20 lbs heavier than you are. At the same time, sometimes when you’re overweight, your waist can tend to get lost. In either of these cases, a belt can help you out. It breaks up the picture to draw the eye toward a focus (the belt and not the extra pounds). It can also serve to give you the visual of having a waistline, even if you don’t really have one.
What are your best tips for minimizing those extra pounds?
Thank you- great ideas and reminders!!! 🙂
I love this Crystal!!! Absolutely love those skinny jeans — they give you shape and I think curves are beautiful! You are so gorgeous!!
Thank you so much, Christin! You are too sweet 🙂
EXCELLENT article, Chrystal!! You look great in those skinny jeans and boots. Great suggestions for us fluffier gals! Thanks for sharing this. You look amazing, by the way!
Thanks so much, Kate!
Great tips!
Thanks, Natasha 🙂
I never thought about it before, but I think you’re right about the slimming effect of the jacket. Thanks for sharing your heart in this post!
Every little bit helps 😉
Thanks for the great tips, Crystal. Those strategies really do make a difference. You look terrific, and very pulled-together… which is not always so easily accomplished for moms with little ones at home!
Thank you so much! And, haha…I don’t always look put together! One of my goals is to get dressed in real clothes more often. Not that I have ever spent a whole day in yoga pants or anything…
Great suggestions!
I went out on a limb before Allume 2012 and bought myself a pair of skinny jeans and knee high boots, and a drape cardigan…that is still my all time favorite outfit to wear, for all the reasons that you stated here!
For myself, my hair makes a huge difference. If it’s pulled up and back it just accentuates my face, but if I leave it down, or pull back just the sides, it does a lot better.
Yes, Jess, I completely agree about the hair as well 🙂 Your outfit sounds great, I can see why it’d be one of your favorites. I’m only sad it took me this long to get with the program…lol
Well…I’m not much better lol I was almost 31 before I actually had clothes I felt good in.
I have tried on skinny jeans several times but never bought. They really seem to just make my thighs look wide…so, I’m still a boot-cut fan. Your outfits look very cute and flattering!
Crystal, you look great. Every outfit is enhanced by your beautiful hair and smile. I think we can all benefit from being a little more intentional in how we dress, regardless of our size.
Yes, Rachel, that really does make such a difference. And, thank you for the kind words!
The skinny jeans look great on you. I’ve noticed that a darker colored jean had a slimming effect as well.
Yes, that’s a great reminder, Kristy!
Great tips Crystal. You looked beautiful. I think a good tip is don’t be afraid to add some color to your wardrobe. Too many times plus size women think always wearing black is slimming. Also it’s hard not to find plus sizes that aren’t covered in a pattern, patterns are nice but all over patterns can be too much. You did a great job of combining patterns and simple pieces in your pictures.
Yes, I completely agree! Thank you for your kind words!
Thanks for the tips.
I love these tips and you are so right about the skinny jeans. I was also VERY hesitant to buy some but like you needed some to wear my boots and wow I look 10 lbs light with those babies! Woohoo. Love the jacket tip I will try that one. 🙂
Great tips! One more tip I’d like to add is to make sure your “foundation pieces” are correctly fitted. Plus size gals go to lane bryant or catherines,smaller ladies try Jcpenney, Macy’s or Victorias secret…. You have no idea just how much that one article of clothing can change how ypur clothes
Great tip, Mala!
I haven’t been able to shed those pregnancy pounds (ummm – its been 13 years since I was pregnant!) and the thought of going clothes shopping still depresses me. I felt that if I couldn’t look like I did pre-pregnancy, then why bother? I spent quite a bit of time in sweats and a T shirt. My mom bought me some new stylish clothes in my size last year, and I felt wonderful! I wish I had dressed up sooner… I also have a large friend who chooses bright cheerful colors along with pretty accessories, and they make her look so attractive! I almost always grab a colorful scarf to perk up an outfit now. Thanks for the encouragement…
I am so glad your mom did that for you! We never get too old to need their wisdom, do we? Yes, bright cheery colors can go a long way 🙂
Plus size shopping is not easy. Where do you shop to find the trendy, but tasteful clothing?
Christopher and Banks has a plus size store. They have beautifully designed clothing…
I live in a tiny town and am very limited. There nothing in my town, but the next town over (about half an hour’s drive) has a Walmart, which I have found to offer more and more plus-sized clothing. I also like to shop at Cato, which is another one we have in that town about half an hour away and they have a plus-sized section, and their clothes are classy and modest. Yes, I’m a frugal girl.
I know a lot of others who have success shopping online, but I need to be able to try things on.
Love it! You are a beautiful lady.