I was once given an assignment to write on "How To Dress Yourself Thin." What really is "thin"? Is it a physical appearance, a state of mind, or some sort of measurement? Thin is subjective. Each person has their own opinion of what thin means. Don't dress to be thin, dress to be confident.
I am no fashion expert, I wear what I like -- granted, I'm aware of the trends -- but I also am aware that a lot of trends may not fit my curves. Here are 10 tricks to keep in mind while trying to dress yourself confidently.
- Wear what you like
Don't worry about the latest trends, confidence is always in season. "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." -Coco Chanel - Don't compare yourself to othersThigh gaps and muffin tops: we're all human. One size does NOT fit all. Do not size up yourself to someone else, pun intended. Everyone has a flaw, everyone is beautiful in their own way.
- Dress your body, not a mannequin's
Humans aren't Barbie dolls, there are curves and imperfections involved, embrace them. Wear clothes that fit your body, your skin, your curves, your imperfections. Do not try to wear something because of a number. Don't let the size on the tag detour you from getting clothes that look great on you. - Know what colors and materials you like
Not a fan of pink with your skin tone? Then don't wear it. Hues of colors help to make your facial features pop, or help draw attention to certain areas, be aware of that. Understand what materials fall well on your body, avoid materials that are too clingy and uncomfortable.
- Collect staple items
Signature pieces are a must. Denim and leather can go a long way. Every woman needs a great black dress for any occasion, but don't forget about a great pair of jeans. A good wardrobe contains an outfit suitable for a wedding, a funeral, a job interview, a casual day off, a night out-on-the-town ensemble, a great bathing suit, and a few other great pieces that will work for other various occasions . Incorporate signature items such as a great blazer with a fun top and a pair of staple jeans.
- Take chances/express yourself
Style is a form of expression, let your clothes express who you are and what you like. Don’t be afraid to take chances with your wardrobe. Remember that your clothes give off a first impression and help to convey who you are before you even speak.
- Layers can be your best friend and your worst enemy
Light layers are always favorable. But don't let your natural shape get too lost under copious amounts of fabric. Know your layering limits. It takes practice.
- Accessorize accordingly
Accessories are meant to compliment an outfit, do not let them distract from your beauty and your outfit. Less is often times more. There's a great motto about removing one accessory before leaving the house, just to make sure there's not too much going on with the look. - Highlight your assets
What's your favorite feature about yourself? Highlight that. Understand that hemlines help to accentuate areas of the body. A great high-waisted garment can help draw attention to the waist, as do cinched waistlines and high-belted items. A great pencil skirt that hits you right above or below the knees will help to accentuate the thinnest part of your legs. If you're wanting to accentuate your breasts, choose a scoop-neck or v-neck cut, the eye will be drawn to your breasts, also helping to draw the eye to your waistline, giving the illusion of an hourglass figure. - Smile
Reality television and fashion magazines tell us to be thin. But haven't you heard? You're a babe no matter what shape or size. When you feel good, you'll look even better and exude a charisma that people will swoon over. Try it! Don't squeeze into clothes that don't fit. It's tiresome and uncomfortable. Save the pain for the great shoes you'll be rocking.
It took me years to figure all of this out. I've always had my own unique style, pulling pieces from my grandma's closet and pairing them with my own modern pieces to create an interesting combination. (Yes, I had an Avril phase, you know, the whole men's tie phase? Yep, I did that. Man, middle school). I remember the days of trying to look as cute as my "thin" friends, in their Soffe shorts. I used to peruse the mall for hip clothes that would fit my body. Then, alas, I realized that my tall, curvy frame wasn't easy to shop for off the mannequins. That's when I stopped obsessing over trends.
Pay attention to what you like and what looks good on you, then the rest will fall into place! Style is what you make it. Embrace it.
