Dress to Look Slimmer: The Art of
Creating Illusions

What comes to mind when you think of 'creating illusions?' If you're like most people you probably think of magicians and tricks. Illusions are created with art, photographs and with clothing. Don't underestimate how much better you can look simply by wearing the right combination of lines. No matter what your size, choosing clothing with flattering lines will make your body look better instantly.

If you've gained a few pounds over the holidays that you'd like to hide while you are in the process of getting rid of them, I have a few ideas you can use to trick the eye and make you appear slimmer.

1. Lines: The eye naturally follows lines and all clothing has lines. The lines in clothing are necklines, pockets, sleeves, hems, etc. For example, a sweater that has v-neckline will draw the eye downward creating a long line, the look of a longer neck, longer face and slimmer upper body. By contrast a turtleneck creates a short, horizontal line that stops eye and makes the face appear fuller, the upper body bigger and the neck shorter. Using this concept alone you can create a slimmer upper body by sticking to tops with vertical lines that create the look of length; and by stashing the turtlenecks until you feel a little slimmer.

2. Color: A basic rule of color is that black recedes and white advances. In clothing this is important because it means that darker colors will make the wearer appear smaller and lighter clothing will make the wearer look larger. Wearing black to look slimmer is a trick that has sometimes been over used. Black does have a slimming effect but too much black can be dreary and create a washed out look if the proper makeup is not worn.

Sometimes women who want to look smaller try squeezing into a smaller size which defeats the purpose. Tight clothing will always make you look larger. It is much more flattering to wear clothing that fits well and glides over the body rather that sticking to it. Wear dark colors on the places you want to appear smaller but be sure not to wear them tight. For example, if you are a triangle shape with a larger lower body than upper body and you want your lower body to appear smaller, wear a light color top with dark pants or skirt. For an overall taller and slimmer look, dress in the same color (or shades of the same color) from head to toe.

3. Proportion and Scale: A simple explanation of proportion and scale is that an object seen next to other objects appears either larger or smaller depending on the size of the objects that appear next to them. The size of a handbag in relation to the woman carrying it is a good example of this. A large woman carrying a small handbag will appear larger. To avoid looking larger when wearing prints, keep them in proportion to your size.

©Copyright 2009 Sheila Dicks
Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps men and women reach their full potential and gain greater self-confidence by finding their beauty from the inside out. You can find her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com