it’s no longer you—it’s the styling
For years, I’d stand in entrance of the replicate and in an instant 0 in on the whole lot I didn’t like about my frame. The self-criticism was once so rapid and automated, I didn’t even understand I used to be doing it!
However over the years—and believe me, it took time—I began moving that inside discussion. Now, I attempt to lead with compassion. I remind myself how implausible my frame is… how a lot it carries, creates, and overcomes. That mindset shift modified the whole lot.
And even if I’m no longer feeling 100% (like at the moment, post-surgery and wearing ten additional kilos), I nonetheless wish to really feel assured and glance nice. That’s the place my easy styling gear are available. To not conceal, to not repair, however to support what’s already wonderful.
I’ve used those actual methods for years—on myself, and as a stylist running with girls of all styles and sizes. Whether or not they had been a measurement 2 or 22, the transformation was once speedy. Now not as a result of their our bodies modified… however since the styling did.
So for those who’ve ever stood in entrance of the replicate and concept, “One thing simply feels off,” or “Why doesn’t anything else glance rather proper these days?”—you’re no longer by myself.
✔️ You don’t want to lose 10 kilos.
✔️ You don’t want a completely new cloth cabinet.
✔️ What you do want are a couple of intentional, confirmed styling methods—easy gear that elongate and flatter your frame.
Those aren’t laws—they’re simply gear. And the objective?
That will help you glance within the replicate and say,
“Wow… I believe like me once more.”
To learn the way you’ll be able to glance slimmer the usage of color-blocking, be certain to try this publish subsequent.
Tip #1 | Opt for a Prime Upward thrust
(Sure, It Makes That A lot of a Distinction)
If you wish to in an instant upload size and definition, high-rise denims or pants are your go-to. Sitting at or simply above the stomach button, they lend a hand outline the waist, elongate the legs, and easy the midsection—sure, even that tough decrease tummy house.
Suffering with slightly muffin best? Desire a extra sculpted form? A really perfect high-rise taste could make a massive distinction. It’s one of the most perfect techniques to create the appearance of an extended, leaner silhouette.
However right here’s the object: no longer all excessive rises are created equivalent.
Since all of us have other torso lengths and proportions, it’s necessary to search out the upward push that works for you. Most often, a excessive upward thrust is anything else 9 inches or upper. If in case you have an extended torso, you might want 11 inches or extra to hit at your herbal waist.
Considered one of my favourite pairs of slimming, but completely satisfied denims? The L’Agence Scottie wide-leg denims (pictured above). Those take a look at each and every field:
✔️ A waist-defining, tummy-smoothing excessive upward thrust
✔️ A comfortable, light-weight cloth that drapes fantastically
✔️ A large-leg silhouette that elongates your body and balances proportions
Those denims are that uncommon combo of structured and flattering, but nonetheless extremely completely satisfied—so you’re feeling supported with out feeling limited.
✨ Have compatibility Tip: Stick to your common measurement for a flattering, somewhat comfortable have compatibility that also seems polished.
Styling Word: Some high-rise denims are lower with a narrower waistband, which will exaggerate the decrease tummy house—particularly in case you have a extra instantly or spherical midsection. Don’t surrender on high-rise types if the primary few don’t paintings! It’s all about discovering the proper pair for your frame.
Discovering the very best pair of denims may also be tough. Those are the unicorn pairs I swear via—slimming, completely satisfied, and price each and every penny.
Tip #2 | Make a selection a Wider Leg That Skims the Flooring
(It’s the Final Leg-Lengthening Secret)
Need to in an instant glance taller and extra proportioned? Go for a wider-leg jean—like a instantly, bootcut, or refined flare—that drapes lengthy and just about dusts the ground.
Right here’s why it really works:
Shorter denims—like ankle-length or cropped types—visually lower you off the place the hem ends. However an extended, floor-grazing pair creates one blank, uninterrupted line out of your waist to the bottom, giving the appearance of longer legs and added top.
Considered one of my present favourite pairs of denims, and a Busbee best-seller? The AG Farrah Bootcut Denims (pictured above, proper). The darkish wash is ultra-flattering, the sophisticated flare balances the hips, and the 32-inch inseam provides simply the correct quantity of leg-lengthening affect. I’m dressed in a measurement 26, they usually have compatibility true to measurement.
✨ Professional Tip:
Search for a dismal wash and ensure your wider-leg denims nearly mud the ground, masking maximum of your footwear. This tiny tweak makes a massive distinction in how lengthy and lean your legs seem.
BTW, for extra subsequent stage slimming taste guidelines, be certain to try this publish subsequent!
Tip #3 | Pass Darkish—and Let Your Footwear Do the Paintings
If you wish to visually elongate your legs and streamline your silhouette, this is likely one of the perfect—and maximum overpassed—styling methods: Get started with darkish, solid-colored pants and fit your footwear for your pants.
Why does it paintings? As it creates one lengthy, steady line from waist to toe, which in an instant makes you glance taller, leaner, and extra proportioned. It’s a refined styling transfer that delivers main affect.
Considered one of my go-to pairs of pants that at all times simply paintings? The Spanx wide-leg pants. They’re insanely slimming, ultra-comfortable, and create a really perfect graceful silhouette because of the integrated tummy-smoothing compression. With out a wallet, zippers, or buttons, there’s 0 bulk—only a blank, polished glance.
In addition they are available Petite, Common, and Tall lengths for that made-for-you have compatibility. Those run huge, so you should definitely measurement down! Extra on those slimming black pants right here.
And don’t underestimate your footwear—they are able to make or ruin all of your glance. Matching your shoe colour for your pants assists in keeping that vertical line uninterrupted, whilst contrasting colours can create a harsh visible ruin that shortens the leg line.
✨ Professional Tip: Open-toe footwear can nonetheless glance stylish, however they received’t provide you with that very same lengthening impact. If having a look taller and slimmer is your objective, pointed closed-toe is how to pass. I like this pair of Stuart Weitzman booties however I even have this Schutz pair which gives a an identical have a look at a extra out there value level.
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A Fast Word on Have compatibility, Material, and Flattery
In relation to growing an extended, leaner glance, the main points topic greater than chances are you’ll suppose. Considerate design alternatives can fantastically streamline your silhouette—or by chance upload quantity.
🚫 Bear in mind of cumbersome pleats or stiff materials that don’t drape neatly. Even essentially the most sublime trousers can really feel off if the construction isn’t excellent.
✅ As a substitute, go for comfortable but structured materials and blank strains that skim the frame. Search for tailoring that complements your herbal form with out including bulk or distraction.
One pair value trying out? The Lululemon Daydrift Trouser (pictured best proper)—those are a sneaky-chic possibility that glance adapted, however really feel like activewear. The flat, refined pleats upload simply sufficient construction with out growing bulk, and the drapey cloth strikes fantastically together with your frame. They’re breathable, moisture-wicking, and as completely satisfied as your favourite leggings… simply a lot extra polished. Those pants are available 3-inseam lengths and are mechanically cleanable too. See how I styled those pants right here.
Professional Tip: Make a selection a darker colour like the pair via Aritzia (pictured best left) for an much more slimming, leg-lengthening impact. It’s a easy transfer that makes a large visible affect.
The Backside Line
Whether or not you’re petite like me and wish to serve 5’10” like within the photograph above, otherwise you’re simply no longer feeling 100% about your weight or form at the moment and wish slightly additional size and self belief—it’s no longer about converting your frame.
It’s about opting for items that paintings with your frame.
From excessive rises and leg-lengthening cuts to darker colours and refined design main points, those small styling shifts create a large visible affect. So the following time you’re purchasing for denim or trousers, you’ll know precisely what to search for—and why it really works.
And have in mind, essentially the most flattering factor you’ll be able to put on is self belief.
However the precise pair of denims? That by no means hurts both. 😉
