Have you ever been getting ready for an event, looked in the mirror and thought, "If I could just lose five pounds..." It's a relatively small amount and should be simple to do. Yet, it’s an ongoing struggle for many, especially post-menopause.
Ultimately, a number on the scale shouldn't matter. What’s more important is that you’re healthy, taking care of yourself and feeling good. If you are and still wish you could lose a few pounds, you’re not alone.
While you can't magically make the weight disappear before you head out the door, there are ways to look five pounds thinner in a matter of minutes:
Choose the right jewelry.
“Wearing a long necklace is an effortless way to give the illusion of a slimmer frame,” explains Tracy Cheng, personal stylist and founder of the fashion blog Girl Shares Tips. “A long necklace draws the eyes up and down vertically, creating an elongating effect on the body. It also helps to distract from any areas you may feel self-conscious about, such as your midsection or hips.”
Cheng suggests a necklace that hits below the bustline but above the waist. “This will help to create a flattering silhouette without adding bulk or overwhelming your outfit.”
Choosing the right earrings can also make you look thinner. "Long dangling earrings create the illusion of a more defined jawline by adding contrast between the earlobes and chin and drawing attention away from the face,” says Chen. “These statement pieces can elongate the neck, creating a slimming effect.”
Try color blocking.
For decades, we’ve been told that the most slimming color is black. But recent research notes that red can also have a slimming effect. Camila Reed, a body-positive fashion blogger, suggests wearing a combination of black and red. "Color blocking is just a fancy fashionista’s way of explaining contrasting colors,” says Reed. “Wear a bright color on whatever part of your body you feel is the slimmest in appearance, and then use the black garment on areas where you look less slim. For me, that usually means black pants and a bright top since I carry most of my weight on my lower half. That bright color will draw the eye to our best features, and black will help slim out our trouble spots.”
Consider shapewear.
"Modern shapewear is very different from what it used to be, and just about any popular brand can do wonders,” says Reed. So, if you’ve said so long to shapewear because you feel it's unbearably restricting (and wriggling it off to pee is a nightmare), give it another chance. “If you don't want to go all out and risk being uncomfortable, try just using shapewear under your lighter color garment since that's where eyes will naturally be drawn,” she adds. Also, make sure you’re wearing a supportive bra that’s the right size. If you haven’t been measured in a while, make an appointment with a professional lingerie specialist for a proper fit.
Watch your proportions.
“One important rule to follow is never wearing a piece that stops at the wide part of your body,” explains Cheng. “The idea is to draw attention away from the widest point of your frame and create a more balanced silhouette." If you have wide hips, don't wear a top that ends at your hips because it will make you look bigger. Instead, try an asymmetrical line that creates a diagonal across your body.
Choose fabrics that drape well and aren't too tight or clingy on body parts you’re self-conscious about. "Make sure the waistband fits comfortably around your natural waistline and doesn't sit too low or high on your hips,” adds Cheng.
Strike a pose!
While the camera doesn't actually add 10 pounds, it can feel that way. To look slimmer in photos, you need to pose correctly. Jen Paynter, a yoga teacher, suggests pointing “one toe to the camera and the other foot back. Pull your belly back gently by tucking your bum. Stack ribs over hips and then broaden your shoulders by turning the arms out a little (removing the slouch most of us hold).”
The final piece is to tilt your head but just slightly. “You don’t want to overdo it,” says Reed. “But a very slight upward head position will make you look a little more regal and help thin your face by avoiding the double chin look.”
Anyone trying to lose weight right now? What's worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.
Lily LK
Follow Article Topics: Health
