Tip #5 Simple Dark Colors
You’ve heard women say, black is slimming. There is some truth to that statement.Lighter colors attract attention while darker shades detract. If your midsection is more prominent than your bottom half, dark clothing on top and light on the bottom half can create a more proportionate look.
Dark, solid colors hide the blemishes that your clothes cannot. The extra folds where the fabric cannot drape your body are not visible when the cloth is a darker shade. You don’t have to make it evident that you are always wearing all-black to try and hide your silhouette.
There are gradients in the same color family as black that will also do the trick for you colors like navy blue, blue-black, midnight blue, slate blue, and gunmetal will add some pop to your ensembles.
However, wearing dark-colored shirts and pants together can make you look dull. Pair a contrasting color to highlight the complexion of your face.
Wear a maroon shirt with a pair of navy blue trousers, for instance. You could also choose colors as per your skin complexion. Men with a dusky or wheatish skin tone could play with bold colors, like navy blue, dark brown, olive green, or even deep red. If you are fair-skinned, then go for muted colors, at least for your shirts and T-shirts.
Dressing To Disguise A Bit Of A Belly
Last week I asked you what your body hang-ups are and whether youd like some ideas on how to dress around them. The absolutely overwhelming number-one issue was dressing to disguise a bit of a belly. This came from various concerns: meno-waist, aka middle-age spread, pot-belly problems and post-birth belly. I know we should all be embracing our body shapes and loving ourselves as we are but, come on, everyone has a part of themselves that they are not happy with and would like to hide. I could list a lot of things Im not particularly enamoured with about my appearance, but wed be here all day so lets focus on the stomach area, as thats something I too have learnt how to deal with over the years and worked out how to dress to hide it.
I used to call it the mum tum now I call it the peri-meno muffin top. Before I hit 30 and had children, I was a big fan of a tummy-baring top. I could do bodycon until the cows came home. I wouldnt say I had washboard abs, but I had a reasonably flat stomach and, frankly, I took it for granted. Since then, Ive tried to get rid of it, and I even go to the gym now FFS , but its clear its not going to disappear anytime soon. Middle-age spread is real. So is a deep love of cheese that Im not prepared to give up.
To Finish Select The Most Flattering Fashion Brands For Your Body Type
Perhaps you have already made this selection mentally, otherwise I invite you to reflect on this aspect: even women with the most perfect and proportionate physique, as well as perfectly in shape, have brands that dress them more or less well.
This problem exists among both expensive and low cost brands. For example, H& M has always perfectly dressed a physique like mine , while Mango or Zara are less suitable for my physicality. The same goes for medium or high end brands.
So avoid frustration due not to your physical flaws, but to the fact that each brand has its own fit!
Take note of the brands that dress you well, enhancing your uniqueness with their cuts. And try to focus your shopping on them: you will save time and disappointment!
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Reasons Behind One Side Of Stomach Sticks Out More
Did you ever notice that your stomachs left side has more fat? Or the right part of the stomach looks bulgier?
Sometimes the upper stomach is bigger than the lower. The uneven lower belly fat or upper belly fat can cause insecurity in many.
Well, this is known as the asymmetrical belly. An asymmetrical belly is commonly known as an uneven belly.
A handful of reasons are there behind such issues. If you are suffering from this condition, check the enlisted reasons!
How To Identify If One Side Of The Stomach Is Bigger Than The Other
Nobody knows our bodies as we do. Before consulting a doctor, it is always us who recognize a problem. So, it is the same in this case.
We are going to get familiar with the reasons behind this issue later. But, how do we identify this problem?
It is not as hard as identifying problems that occur internally. Your eyes are the best instrument to recognize this problem.
Look out for lumps and swelling in your belly. Internal swelling can play a huge role in this condition.
Simply hold your palm on the part of your belly that you find uneven. Move your hands in a circular motion.
While doing this, try to understand if any lump touches your hands. If you feel pain upon touching the area, consult a doctor immediately.
Painful lumps do not require any identification process. It is a pain that ensures the presence of abnormality.
One side of the stomach sticking out is a rare problem. But, it is possible to occur.
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Nix Tight Fitted Clothes
If you’ve gained weight recently, it possibly also means you’ve outgrown your current size that you wear in clothes which means you should nix wearing tight fitted clothing. It’s time to get your sizes right and wear the right size that helps hide the belly. So avoid wearing those tight tees that highlight your belly or tees and that lift from the back when you sit or bend and display your handles. It’s really that simple.
Best Pants For A Full Tummy
Eliminate low-waisted pants even if you immediately like the overall look in the mirror, after an hour of wearing them, excess fat will be visible.
High-waisted pants and jeans can hide the belly. However, do not think that high-waisted jeans can be worn with short tops and T-shirts. It is better to wear long blouses and tunics, otherwise, the effect may be undesirable.
Straight stretch jeans and leggings visually lengthen the figure and take attention from your flaws.
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Buy Clothes That Fit Your Body Now
You may want to buy clothes which will fit you in two months, after the success of your current fitness goals. This self-manipulative trick to force you into sticking to your plans will draw attention to the fact that you are overweight now.
It’s easier to find clothes that fit the largest part of your body and then have them altered by a tailor. If your pants are tight at the thighs, size up and tailor the waist.
Wear your shirts untucked? Casual shirts with a curved hem gently fall over the stomach flab while pulling up on the sides. They need to be long enough to prevent exposed flesh when stretching or bending.
Only wear Long-sleeved shirts. These shirts create a more proportioned look for your body. Sleeveless or short-sleeved shirts draw more attention to your gut.
Use Pants That Tuck The Tummy In
The pants you wear can make a huge difference to how big your belly will appear.
Be mindful of not buying pants that end at the middle of your belly and create a huge bulge.
Instead you want to wear pants that have a higher rise and hat are capable of tucking your tummy in.
Find out what are the best tummy control jeans in stores now.
I already mentioned some of my favorite leggings that are strong enough to do this under #2 above, but skinny pants can do this job too.
You can also consider tummy tucking jeans. Some of these jeans have an elastic waistband, and some have a regular fastening but are made from stretchier fabric with clever control panels.
Want more ideas on how to tuck your belly with the right pants, check out thebest pants to hide your belly here.
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Now Let’s Dress The Top Half:
As for tops, steer clear from trapeze or a-line tops like you mentioned, as well as anything with an empire waistline . Those are stereotypically found in maternity fashion. Instead, you want something fitted, or that is gathered to create the effect of a waist at or below your natural waistline.
Surplice or faux wrap style tops and wrap dresses are great for this. Also, don’t be afraid of tops that have a gently elasticized waist or a self-belt at the waist. Instead of adding bulk, it will help create the effect of an hourglass shape.
An example of tops that create the effect of a waist. Shop these tops below:
bottom row: blue ruffled | ivory animal print | white
This carousel of images below showcases tops of this type currently available in stores. You can use the arrows to scroll through the images to find a top you like. Click on the photo and a separate browser window will open directing you to the site offering the top.
Shop Tops To Disguise a Midsection:
Since you say you have slim legs, I am betting you also have arms that you donât mind being seen. Showing your arms will not only keep you cool in the summer but also elongate your frame and balance your figure.
Tops that hide a midsection with optical illusions
The dress over pants look is back in style . Consider longer tops or shorter dresses in lightweight fabrics over slim but structured pants or longer shorts for a very chic and modern look.
Shop Tops that Create an Optical Illusion at the Midsection:
Why Do Some People Have Their Right Ab Bigger Than Their Left
It is normal to have one side of the stomach more toned. Asymmetrical abs can be caused due to genetics.
Also, it can happen to follow wrong workout methods. Try to imply the same pressure on both sides of the body.
Staggered abs can be fixed with proper instructions on how to train your body. But, you have to accept it in case it is genetic.
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Wear Empire Waist Carefully
I want to recommend empire waist to curvy women, but, I suggest using this one with caution.
Normally, stylists suggest you wear this to hide your belly. Its not that it doesnt do the job, but it oftentimes gives you that pregnant look if you know what I mean.
Not all empire waist dresses or tops are designed equally. There are some that are not so exaggerated as to remind someone of a maternal dress.
Try on as many as possible to find the design with a modest design that hides your belly strategically without giving that pregnant look, like this Empire Waist Midi Dress .
It Could Be Your Genetics
Genes play a major role in the shape of your body.
Research shows that belly fat is affected by genetics. In this study, researchers found that genes were linked to abdominal obesity and waist-to-hip ratio.
I may also note that people with apple-shaped bodies are more likely to have a belly even though theyre skinny.
How to fix it: You cant do much about your genetics, just make sure you eat nutrient-dense foods and exercise regularly.
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Wear Tops Over Your Skirts And Pants And Dont Tuck Them
Tucking draws attention to your so better to avoid that.
This is because if you tuck in your shirt, you will create a line across your tummy at its widest part.
Instead, leave your top outside of your skirt or pants.
However, pay attention to overall balance and donât let your top end at the widest point of your hips, as that may also be unflattering.
A short blouse that loosely falls on your tummy will work really well for many women.
Kylie @kylish_aus above shows how an empire style can be a flattering option worn over your jeans.
Check out this printed top from that you can wear with this similar jeans and sneakers.
Left: Caslon Floral Print Split Neck Shirt, Right: cropped top, white cigarette pants, Fly London sandals
Youâll notice that my cropped top ends at my waist drawing the attention there and not at my tummy area.
The asymmetrical hem and the fact that I just wear one column of color underneath further enhances that look.
Why Do The Stomach Bulges On The Left Side
A bulging stomach is an irritating thing. Occasionally you can try hiding it with your clothes. But, it can lower someones self-esteem when one side of stomach sticks out more.
The stomach can bulge on the left side because of skin conditions like abscesses and cysts. Lipoma or growth of fatty tissue can also be a culprit.
Females might face this problem in the presence of ovarian cysts. Also, check if you have a hernia to get rid of this.
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Avoid Body Con Silhouette
If you have a belly, you should avoid a body con silhouette from top to bottom. In other words, if your top is tight, avoid wearing it with a tight bottom.
If you wear a tight top with a skinny bottom, your tummy will look much more obvious.
Instead, if your top is tight, wear a looser fit skirt or pants to camouflage your belly, and vice versa.
Drink Coffee And Tea Instead Of Sugary Drinks
One of the main rules of any healthy diet is to avoid drinking sugary drinks. Carbonated drinks are high in calories, full of preservatives and colorings, and are completely incompatible with a healthy lifestyle. In order to stay hydrated, you should drink water, but if you dont like plain water, you can have a cup of tea or coffee every morning. Although the sole consumption of coffee wont burn all your excess fat, it may add to the weight loss process . But it doesnt mean that you should drink 6 cups of sweetened coffee every day. Stick to the unsweetened black coffee .
Tea is also a great low-calorie beverage, which can significantly improve your dieting results. It is rich in antioxidants, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and it is recommended by lots of dietitians. The flavonoids found in tea promote a healthy metabolism and help your body burn fat faster . And thanks to its different flavors, you are unlikely to get sick of it.
Ways To Jazz Up Your Drinks
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How To Effectively Banish Your Belly Fat
Now that you figured out the reason why your stomach sticks out and found out a little about how to get rid of it, it is time to go a bit deeper into this topic. Read on about how to make your tummy fat vanish by changing your lifestyle and implementing some of the following recommendations into your everyday life .
Perfecting The French Tuck
One of my top tips for giving the illusion of not having a meno-belly is the French tuck. You can do this with a T-shirt or shirt you just need to tuck it in at the front and pull it over a bit. It helps to define the waist area even if you dont really have much of a waist area.
Make sure you have a shirt or top with enough length to do this. A good, loose-fitting collared shirt works best. You can leave it loose at the back and just tuck a small section in at the front. This is also a good one for ladies with bigger boobs: wearing an open shirt unbuttoned at the top over a vest or bralet will be more flattering than a high-neck blouse or T-shirt.
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Skirts With Gathering Or Waist Details
Normally, I would say wrap skirts are not ideal when your stomach is bloated as they fit most snuggly around your belly. However, if the wrap skirt or silk skirt has gathering or details along the stomach area it can actually help eliminate the prominence of your bloat.
I was definitely bloated when I took this picture, but because of the volume and fabric in the hip area, you dont notice. It doesnt hug my stomach so it, therefore, doesnt highlight the bloat.
Make sure this style of skirt works with your body type, and generally avoid it if you are an apple body shape.
I Spend My Life Holding My Tummy In
Jacqui Hickey, 46, a hair stylist, is single and lives in Buckinghamshire. She says:
If I told you I was a size 10, no doubt youd tell me that my body must be perfect.
Well, just take a look under my dress and youll see the truth.
Yes, thats right. My tummy. Its the bane of my life. Whenever Im in a changing room or on a beach, I desperately try to hold it in because it makes me feel self-conscious.
Jacqui Hickey, a hair stylist, wears well-cut structured clothes, like this red dress , to hide her stomach
Ive always had a tummy, but it has nothing to do with my lifestyle, which is very healthy. I blame my genes. My 78-year-old mother and my two sisters all have a little belly, too.
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