I’ve long been a believer that how you dress has an impact on how you feel.
It’s not just Christmas that can be blamed if you feel that you’ve got a little extra bulge and cushioning, but lockdown too!
Clever dressing can help.
As it’s much colder here in the U.K., we tend to reach for the knitwear which add layers to our bodies to help keep us warmer.
But, if you are carrying a little extra weight, especially around your middle or you’ve lost definition in your waist, then you may need a different approach to dressing.
One of the most difficult things to get right is knitwear as ‘bulk’ might not be your best friend.
Here are some tips to bear in mind when choosing your knitwear
1) Stay away from figure hugging jumpers. Especially if you’re wearing skinny or straight-leg jeans. Your silhouette will not thank you!
2) Watch out for chunky knits. These will add bulk to your middle area – often something you don’t want to do.
3) Asymmetric hemlines are excellent at tricking the eye. They take the focus away from any troublesome bits.
4) Jumpers that are longer at the back can be very flattering. They cover ‘flat’ bums but also add a little interest. Make sure the front isn’t too short. It should be at least as long as the bottom of your hip.
5) Oversized sweaters cut straight can be great shapes for those of you with straighter bodies and little waist definition. If you carry quite a bit of weight around your tummy, look for jumpers that hang from the shoulder.6) Stripes can trick the eye. Horizontal stripes can be slimming especially if they are variegated. But generally speaking any other detail on the bust and torso should be avoided. Why? Because wearing pattern will draw the attention and the eyes. If you don’t want to draw attention to a particular area; don’t highlight it with pattern.
7) If you are busty, opt for an open neckline or a v neck. It’s much more flattering.
8) Fine to medium weight knits are your friends. Try something like Merino wool.
9) Add a long scarf. It will give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette and provide focus.
Style it out at home
If you need any help shopping for items or styling up existing ones, now is the time to experiment! Use the time in doors to try out different combinations. Take photos to refer back to as well – you’ll be surprised at how different you look in a photo compared to the mirror.
Finally, if you’d like any professional advice, why not get in touch? You can now schedule a quick chat with me here. I can help you virtually from the comfort of your own home. Both zoom and face time have worked a treat during lockdown and it might just give you the boost you need!