10 Ways to Dress 10 Pounds Thinner

Dressing 10 pounds thinner is easy to do when you understand it is all about creating vertical lines and eliminating horizontal breaks. You can use your clothes to help you look taller and thinner by creating long vertical lines.

Here are ten ways you can dress at least ten pounds thinner:

1. Wear the same color head to toe. Darker colors are best, as they make you appear smaller. The way to look your absolute thinnest is to wear head to toe black.

2. Match your belt to your pants or skirt color to eliminate an additional horizontal break.

3. I'm sure you already know to avoid horizontal stripes, but also avoid prints that have a horizontal pattern. To determine the pattern of a print, squint your eyes so the print is slightly blurry and you will be able to tell if the overall pattern is vertical or horizontal. Vertical stripes are always good.

4. Wear short sleeves, three-quarter length sleeves or roll up your sleeves and use your arms to create two vertical lines. Check this one in the mirror - long sleeves can make you look heavier. Push up your sleeves and look at the difference it makes.

5. Did you ever notice how much thinner men look when they are wearing a jacket and tie? Wear an open jacket, blazer or big shirt and create two vertical lines. Roll up your sleeves and you'll really look great. One of my favorite looks is to wear the same dark color shell, pants and shoes (usually black, but it could be navy, dark gray or brown) and wear a bright colored blazer or jacket. Your jacket or top should end either above or below the biggest part of your body. If the hem ends at the largest part, you will look heavier.

6. Match your hemline, hose and shoes. If you can't do that, wear the same color neutral hose and shoes. If you wear a dark skirt, light hose and dark shoes, you are creating three horizontal breaks. Wear medium to high heel shoes to elongate your legs.

7. Wear a long chunky necklace or a long oblong scarf draped around your neck. While you are at it, go for bigger earrings (over one inch in diameter) to draw attention up to your face.

8. V-neck tops and button up blouses create vertical lines, make your neck appear longer and draw attention up to your face.

9. Skirts and dresses that are slimmer cut and even tapered at the hem will make you look thinner, even if you are plus sized.

10. Select pants that have a straight leg from the hip to the hem. Tapered pants that are smaller at the hem make most people look heavier. Boot cut and slightly flared pants can help create more balance.

About the Author

Suzanne Prochaska has a passion for fashion and beauty. She has spent her entire adult life learning how to look and feel her best and loves to share what she has learned with others. Her website Trendy Plus Size Clothes features her fashion picks of the best plus size clothes online and tips on how to dress for your body shape. Her personal site is SuzanneProchaska.com.